I was out for a while due to the birth of our fourth child. He is doing well as am I. We are adjusting to "baby" time but enjoying our new little guy! I am back and ready to be discussing the topics of the LDS Ensign. Please read around and leave your comments! I enjoy hearing other's inpirations from modern scripture.
Thanks for visiting!
P.S. REMEMBER, if you don't have time to sit and read, you can listen to the articles. I download the articles to my MP3 player and listen while I am doing other things!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
JULY ENSIGN
Living the gospel can be challenging at times. In this issue learn about the importance of scripture study (Scripture Stories as Patterns for Our Lives, A Scripture That Changed My Life), the wearing modest clothing (Modesty: A Timeless Principle for All), and living up to the standards of the Church (Standards: One Size Fits All).
Sugar Beets and the Worth of a Soul
Many years ago, Bishop Marvin O. Ashton (1883–1946), who served as a counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, gave an illustration I’d like to share with you. Picture with me, if you will, a farmer driving a large open-bed truck filled with sugar beets en route to the sugar refinery. As the farmer drives along a bumpy dirt road, some of the sugar beets bounce from the truck and are strewn along the roadside. When he realizes he has lost some of the beets, he instructs his helpers, “There’s just as much sugar in those which have slipped off. Let’s go back and get them!”
In my application of this illustration, the sugar beets represent the members of this Church for whom we who are called as leaders have responsibility; and those that have fallen out of the truck represent men and women, youth and children who, for whatever reason, have fallen from the path of activity. Paraphrasing the farmer’s comments concerning the sugar beets, I say of these souls, precious to our Father and our Master: “There’s just as much value in those who have slipped off. Let’s go back and get them!”
Right now, today, some of them are caught in the current of popular opinion. Others are torn by the tide of turbulent times. Yet others are drawn down and drowned in the whirlpool of sin.
This need not be. We have the doctrines of truth. We have the programs. We have the people. We have the power. Our mission is more than meetings. Our service is to save souls.
In my application of this illustration, the sugar beets represent the members of this Church for whom we who are called as leaders have responsibility; and those that have fallen out of the truck represent men and women, youth and children who, for whatever reason, have fallen from the path of activity. Paraphrasing the farmer’s comments concerning the sugar beets, I say of these souls, precious to our Father and our Master: “There’s just as much value in those who have slipped off. Let’s go back and get them!”
Right now, today, some of them are caught in the current of popular opinion. Others are torn by the tide of turbulent times. Yet others are drawn down and drowned in the whirlpool of sin.
This need not be. We have the doctrines of truth. We have the programs. We have the people. We have the power. Our mission is more than meetings. Our service is to save souls.
Am I of Worth?
Emily Thevenin, “Am I of Worth?,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 8–9
I knew where I was going with my education, career, and future family. How could I deal with a chronic illness?
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
I knew where I was going with my education, career, and future family. How could I deal with a chronic illness?
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
“If Thou Endure It Well”
As we endure our trials and afflictions with diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith, we can learn to have joy through—and despite—our suffering.
Fortifying Our Family
Marsha Johnson, “Fortifying Our Family,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 12–13
As our oldest child approached high school age, our concern for our children increased when we considered the prevalence of peer pressure and social groups pushing agendas inconsistent with Church standards. I often thought about this, wondering how we could help our children better understand Church doctrines, particularly those concerning the family.
One day I realized that the answers we sought could be found in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”1 I knew that if our children understood the proclamation, they could confidently defend the Lord’s definition of the family.
At family home evening, I presented a proposal to memorize the proclamation as a family. After some grumbling, everyone agreed.
Every Monday evening we had a lesson about a paragraph or sentence of the proclamation, followed by a memorization activity. Each morning during family scripture study we would recite all that we had memorized to that point.
It took almost a year, but we memorized the entire family proclamation together. Although this might not be possible for every family, it has proven a blessing for ours. True to our concerns, our children have been exposed to activities, debates, and friends that do not support the Lord’s view of the family. I am so grateful to know that they have the words of the Lord’s chosen servants when needed.
In addition to teaching my children, this process taught me some important lessons about developing faith in Christ as a family.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
As our oldest child approached high school age, our concern for our children increased when we considered the prevalence of peer pressure and social groups pushing agendas inconsistent with Church standards. I often thought about this, wondering how we could help our children better understand Church doctrines, particularly those concerning the family.
One day I realized that the answers we sought could be found in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”1 I knew that if our children understood the proclamation, they could confidently defend the Lord’s definition of the family.
At family home evening, I presented a proposal to memorize the proclamation as a family. After some grumbling, everyone agreed.
Every Monday evening we had a lesson about a paragraph or sentence of the proclamation, followed by a memorization activity. Each morning during family scripture study we would recite all that we had memorized to that point.
It took almost a year, but we memorized the entire family proclamation together. Although this might not be possible for every family, it has proven a blessing for ours. True to our concerns, our children have been exposed to activities, debates, and friends that do not support the Lord’s view of the family. I am so grateful to know that they have the words of the Lord’s chosen servants when needed.
In addition to teaching my children, this process taught me some important lessons about developing faith in Christ as a family.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
Scripture Stories as Patterns for Our Lives
I have been led to a significant scripture study pattern that can help us better understand the scriptures.
A Scripture That Changed My Life
“A Scripture That Changed My Life,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 20–24
Ancient and modern prophets have taught about the power that can come into our lives as we read and study the word of God. These members of the Church share experiences about specific verses that have influenced them.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
Ancient and modern prophets have taught about the power that can come into our lives as we read and study the word of God. These members of the Church share experiences about specific verses that have influenced them.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
Standards: One Size Fits All
Debbie Twigger, “Standards: One Size Fits All,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 25–27
Adults in one stake in England are discovering for themselves the blessings that come from paying closer attention to For the Strength of Youth.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
Adults in one stake in England are discovering for themselves the blessings that come from paying closer attention to For the Strength of Youth.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
Modesty: A Timeless Principle for All
Silvia H. Allred, “Modesty: A Timeless Principle for All,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 28–32 The way we dress demonstrates our understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Daddy, Do Not Leave Me Here
Brent A. Barlow, “Daddy, Do Not Leave Me Here,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 34–36
The blessings of turning the hearts of the children to the fathers will come as we become familiar with the faith and trials, joys and sorrows of our ancestors.
Walking in Their Footsteps
Serena Kugath, “Walking in Their Footsteps,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 37–39
Could our broken-down car be an answer to prayer?
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
Could our broken-down car be an answer to prayer?
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
Pioneers in Ghana
Pioneers in Ghana,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 40–43
When GayLynn Ribeira, an art student at Brigham Young University, heard the amazing stories of the pioneer Saints in Ghana, she knew she wanted to create their portraits for her bachelor of fine arts illustration project. In the fall of 2005, she began to pursue a way to do this. The result was a grant allowing her and three other art students—Jesse Bushnell, Emmalee Glauser Powell, and Angela Nelson—to spend May and June of 2006 in Ghana. BYU faculty member Richard Hull oversaw the project. The five gathered stories and images of not only pioneer Saints but newer members also. The wealth of information found its way onto canvas in the months following the trip and onto the walls of the B. F. Larsen Gallery at BYU in October 2007. Following is some of that artwork.
When GayLynn Ribeira, an art student at Brigham Young University, heard the amazing stories of the pioneer Saints in Ghana, she knew she wanted to create their portraits for her bachelor of fine arts illustration project. In the fall of 2005, she began to pursue a way to do this. The result was a grant allowing her and three other art students—Jesse Bushnell, Emmalee Glauser Powell, and Angela Nelson—to spend May and June of 2006 in Ghana. BYU faculty member Richard Hull oversaw the project. The five gathered stories and images of not only pioneer Saints but newer members also. The wealth of information found its way onto canvas in the months following the trip and onto the walls of the B. F. Larsen Gallery at BYU in October 2007. Following is some of that artwork.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
Getting Beyond Getting through It
Melissa Merrill, “Getting Beyond Getting through It,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 44–45
I had been reluctant to get involved in my new home and ward, but that Sunday morning I realized I couldn’t put living on hold.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
I had been reluctant to get involved in my new home and ward, but that Sunday morning I realized I couldn’t put living on hold.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
The Joseph Smith Papers: The Manuscript Revelation Books
The manuscript revelation books contain many of the earliest known copies of the revelations received by Joseph Smith and provide insights into the revelatory process.
A Longing for Peace
Name Withheld, “A Longing for Peace,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 52–57
Could the Atonement really heal a heart broken by abuse and take away the bitterness I had felt for so long?
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
Could the Atonement really heal a heart broken by abuse and take away the bitterness I had felt for so long?
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
Way Beyond the Help-Wanted Ads
How LDS Employment Resource Services is helping people all over the world obtain the blessings of work.
Jennifer Williams, “Way Beyond the Help-Wanted Ads,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 58–65
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
Jennifer Williams, “Way Beyond the Help-Wanted Ads,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 58–65
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
VT MESSAGE: Qualify for and Partake of Temple Worship
Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.
“Qualify for and Partake of Temple Worship,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 68
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
“Qualify for and Partake of Temple Worship,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 68
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
Monday, February 9, 2009
Precious Fruits of the First Vision
In my growing-up years in Germany, I attended church in many different locations and circumstances—in humble back rooms, in impressive villas, and in very functional modern chapels. All of these buildings had one important factor in common: the Spirit of God was present. The love of the Savior could be felt as we assembled as a branch or ward family.
Hearing and Heeding the Message from the Grove
Adapted from a BYU Women’s Conference address given April 28, 2005. For the full text, please visit http://womensconference.byu.edu.
A few years ago as Sister Howard and I were touring the Rochester New York Mission, the mission president asked if we would like to get up early and go to the Sacred Grove before the crowds came. We accepted his invitation.
The Functional Family
What is a functional family? One in which family members work together to improve relationships as they face challenges.
A Reflection on Gratitude
I worried I would never be satisfied with my marriage, until a reflection in the mirror changed my perspective.
Helping New Converts Stay Strong
Photograph of Sister Tanner by Busath PhotographyWe are all engaged in the process of retaining new members. It is the ongoing process of conversion—of turning and constantly returning to the Lord.
Succeeding as a New Convert
As we reach out to others in friendship, engage in service, and feast upon the scriptures, our confidence will wax strong.
A Penetrating Light
Michelle Bowden, “A Penetrating Light,” Ensign, Feb 2009, 27
Brought up in an atheist home, I was taught about God only in assemblies and religious education classes at school. Yet even at a young age, I was affected by the Bible stories I learned and the hymns I sang. I wanted to know if the things I’d learned about God were true, but I had no one to ask.
Teaching in the Nursery, Teaching at Home
Photograph by Busath Photography
Many things make the new Primary nursery manual special, including activities to help nursery-age children learn gospel truths through seeing, hearing, and doing.
Getting the Most out of Your Scripture Study
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) once encouraged us to read the scriptures by saying, “If I were a bishop or stake president today, what would I do? … I would encourage my people to read the scriptures, to read the Book of Mormon, to read the New Testament. I would urge them with all the capacity I have to read quietly and thoughtfully and introspectively.”1 Hoping that we would gain a love of the scriptures, he also said, “I hope that for you this will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that, rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God.”
Running to Him
Marcy Zabriskie, “Running to Him,” Ensign, Feb 2009, 35
Years ago my son Derek competed in a much-anticipated track meet. For three long years of his young life, he had prepared for and hoped to win the two-mile race, and now watched with the crowd gathered near the finish line, it seemed the race would last forever. Finally, Derek crossed the finish line first, and the crowd burst into cheers. He was immediately surrounded by coaches, teammates, and friends, all patting him on the back and offering congratulations. Derek seemed relieved and thrilled to have finally accomplished his goal.
The Gift of Adoption
“The Gift of Adoption,” Ensign, Feb 2009, 36–44
For more information about adoption, including resources for expectant and adoptive parents, please visit http://www.itsaboutlove.org/, or call the LDS Family Services hotline at 800-537-2229.
Joseph Smith: Campaign for President of the United States
Arnold K. Garr, “Joseph Smith: Campaign for President of the United States,” Ensign, Feb 2009, 48–52
On January 29, 1844, the Prophet Joseph Smith formally decided to run for the office of president of the United States. What did he hope to accomplish?
The Blessing of the Blackberry Bush
Donnell Allan, “The Blessing of the Blackberry Bush,” Ensign, Feb 2009, 53
One day when our son Jesse was a toddler, I was watching our children play in the yard. Suddenly I realized that he was no longer with the others. One moment he was there, and the next he was gone.
A Lesson in Atlanta
I had never been more insecure than I was as a 19-year-old working in a new city. What was keeping me from living a fuller life?
Achieving Your Full Potential
Donald L. Staheli, “Achieving Your Full Potential,” Ensign, Feb 2009, 57–61Excerpted from a Church Educational System fireside address for young adults given March 2, 2003. For the full text, please visit www.ldsces.org.
It has been said that one of the greatest tragedies of our time is that so many people live far below their potential. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has a favorite two-word statement that he uses frequently to motivate us: “Always improving.” President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) continually encouraged us to “lengthen our stride” and to “enlarge our vision.”1 Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) said it another way: “The Lord loves each of us too much to merely let us go on being what we now are, for he knows what we have the possibility to become!
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
The Great Plan of Our God
L. Tom Perry, “The Great Plan of Our God,” Ensign, Feb 2009, 62–66From a devotional address given at Brigham Young University on October 30, 2007.
In the fast pace of today’s world, too many people are leaving much of life’s experience to chance, without adequate planning and preparation. I find that when I ask some students what their major is, I often receive the answer, “I haven’t decided yet. I will make that decision later.” I have seen families and individuals fall into traps of debt because they have failed to make a sound financial plan and have lived beyond their means. Others overcommit themselves in activities, lessons, clubs, and athletics. While participation in such organizations can certainly be good, involvement in them can quickly turn frenzied when we fail to plan. In failing to plan, we lose sight of our eternal destiny.
VT MESSAGE: Understand the Divine Roles of Women
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: “I have a testimony gained from pondering and studying the scriptures of a plan of happiness given to us by our Father in Heaven. That plan has a part for His daughters. We have the female half to take care of, and if we don’t do our part, no one else is going to do it for us. The half of our Father’s plan that creates life, that nurtures souls, that promotes growth, that influences everything else was given to us. We can’t delegate it. We can’t pass it off to anyone. It’s ours. We can refuse it, we can deny it, but it’s still our part, and we’re accountable for it. There will come a day when we will all remember what we knew before we were born. We will remember that we fought in a great conflict for this privilege. How do we meet this responsibility? We daily put our energies into the work that is uniquely ours to do.”
Latter-day Saint Voices
My True Purpose as a Missionary
He Must Be Here!
Elders, Need a Lift?
Have a Cup
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin: Committed to the Kingdom
Photograph by Craig Dimond
On a memorable Christmas Eve in 1937, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, then a full-time missionary, and his companion walked from Salzburg, Austria, to the village of Oberndorf, nestled in the Bavarian Alps. While visiting the village known as the inspiration for the hymn “Silent Night,”1 they paused in a small church to listen to Christmas music sung by a choir.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
DID YOU KNOW...
That you can dowload an audio recording of the Ensign each month? So if you feel like you are too busy or you like to multi-task, follow this link and download January's Audio Edition of the Ensign to your MP3 Player!!
http://www.lds.org/mp3/display/0,18692,8474-1,00.html
http://www.lds.org/mp3/display/0,18692,8474-1,00.html
Thursday, January 1, 2009
It's a New Year!
Ensign, January 2009This month’s issue includes powerful testimonies of the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, whose teachings continue to be the course of study in Priesthood and Relief Society. Be sure to read “Witnesses of the Prophet Joseph Smith” and “Joseph Smith: An Apostle of Jesus Christ.”
Looking to enhance your knowledge of the Doctrine and Covenants? To help prepare for this year’s course of Gospel Doctrine study, see “Doctrine and Covenants Revealed,” “Enriching Your Study of the Doctrine and Covenants,” and “Treasuring the Doctrine and Covenants.”
Several articles in the January issue teach that Heavenly Father is always aware of us, even in difficult times in our lives. See “Left with a Violin and a Hymnbook,” “Gardenias in January,” and “Bipolar Disorder: My Lessons in Love, Hope, and Peace.”
Excerpt from the Ensign Home Page
Let Us Raise Our Voice of Warning
By President Henry B. Eyring First Counselor in the First Presidency Witnesses of the Prophet Joseph Smith
The prophet of the Restoration, Joseph Smith, has blessed countless lives through his teachings and his example. Here, members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles bear testimony of the prophet and share what they have gained—and what we can gain—from seeking a personal witness of him.
Joseph Smith: An Apostle of Jesus Christ
By Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander Of the SeventyAdapted from a presentation to the Seventy.
Drawn to the Temple
When Aric Finucane learned that he could enter the Washington D.C. Temple by joining the Church, he embraced the gospel with a determination to receive his endowment.
Faith to Ford the River
“He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy” (Psalm 18:16–17).
Rafael Mateo and his son, Whalincon (known as “Whally”), paused in the darkness of a stormy afternoon and eyed the rushing waters of the rain-swollen river. Rafael, first counselor in the branch presidency, and Whally, the branch elders quorum president, were returning home after a Sunday full of meetings at their chapel in San José de Ocoa in the Dominican Republic.
They were already drenched from ...
Confidence in the Presence of God
As we increase our faith and commitment, we will draw nearer to our Father in Heaven.Michael John U. Teh, “Confidence in the Presence of God,” Ensign, Jan 2009, 28–30
The story of the Prophet Joseph Smith seeking to know which church to join amid the “contests of … parties of religionists” (Joseph Smith—History 1:11) is a story of inspiration and hope for all honest seekers of truth. What a relief it must have been to Joseph—
Peaches, Pruning, and Spiritual Progress
Like pruning away the unnecessary limbs from a tree, we need to prune away those activities that might weaken our testimonies or lead us astray.
I felt heartsick as I crested the hill toward our house and saw boards and tree branches scattered everywhere across the side of our yard. We had been gone only a couple of hours, yet that was long enough for one of the infamous east winds in our area to do its damage. It was really my fault though—
My Guilt Was Swept Away
I left the family history class upset. I felt I had done enough, yet a stirring within my soul told me there was something more I could do.
A couple of years ago in a Sunday school class, the teacher encouraged us to do our family history research. He directed the message to everyone in the class, but I felt singled out. I felt I had done my duty and more. My family lines were traced back as far as possible;
Putting My Hand in the Lord’s
After my husband died suddenly, I looked at my five children and my future and asked the Lord one question: “How?”
Diane Terry Woold, “Putting My Hand in the Lord’s,” Ensign, Jan 2009, 36–39
When I was 36, my husband, Bryan, drowned in a hunting accident on Utah Lake, near Provo, Utah. He was two and a half years out of a surgical residency. I was pregnant with our fifth child. Our home teacher drowned searching for his body,
Doctrine and Covenants Revealed
Most of the sacred revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants were received through the Prophet Joseph Smith and came in answer to prayer. Following are a few of the sites where sections of the Doctrine and Covenants were revealed or where related events took place.
Kenneth R. Mays, “Doctrine and Covenants Revealed,” Ensign, Jan 2009, 40–45
Enriching Your Study of the Doctrine and Covenants
This year presents the wonderful opportunity for each of us to receive great blessings by studying the Doctrine and Covenants—a marvelous book of revelation that was written in our day and for our day.
A. Roger Merrill (center), president; Daniel K Judd (left), first counselor; and William D. Oswald, second counselor.
Treasuring the Doctrine and Covenants
This latter-day scripture is a rich source for personal revelation and inspiration. It unlocks spiritual insights for those who earnestly study and ponder its teachings.
Steven E. Snow, “Treasuring the Doctrine and Covenants,” Ensign, Jan 2009, 50–53
Steven E. Snow, “Treasuring the Doctrine and Covenants,” Ensign, Jan 2009, 50–53After moving with their mother to Independence, Missouri, in the fall of 1831, young sisters Mary Elizabeth and Caroline Rollins soon learned of the hardship and persecution the Saints faced there. One night an angry mob...
Nourishing the Soul through Institute
By helping students draw closer to Heavenly Father, make friends, and set priorities, institute strengthens testimonies and changes lives.
“Nourishing the Soul through Institute,” Ensign, Jan 2009, 54–57
Left with a Violin and a Hymnbook
When our van burst into flames, we thought we had lost everything.
Linda Rehart, “Left with a Violin and a Hymnbook,” Ensign, Jan 2009, 58–59
As night descended, our family set out on a long-awaited vacation to Utah, a trip that would include taking two of our daughters to college. Our minivan was filled with suitcases, boxes, dishes, a violin, a computer, and more—Gardenias in January
A few years ago I purchased a lovely gardenia plant. I kept it in a large pot and tended it with care, enjoying the fragrant blossoms that came once a year. Gardenias typically bloom mid-spring and lie dormant the rest of the year.
One year the plant did not produce many blossoms. I wondered what was wrong. I took...
One year the plant did not produce many blossoms. I wondered what was wrong. I took...
Stand Strong and Immovable in Faith
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.
Mosiah 5:15: “Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life.”
Bipolar Disorder: My Lessons in Love, Hope, and Peace
Receiving the diagnosis was devastating. What kind of future would I have?
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder as a college student, shortly after returning from my mission. Receiving the diagnosis of mood highs and lows was devastating. I was already in a deep depression, and the news sent me reeling. I reevaluated my sense of self-worth and wondered how I was going to reconcile my expectations for my future with this illness. As I learned more about bipolar disorder, I began to question everything in my life. Fortunately, ...
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