COMING SOON... MY favorite 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.
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