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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)