THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • DECEMBER 2007

COVER STORY A Season for Angels,p.10 Learning from Joseph Smith’s Journals, p. 34 Latter-day Saints in Mongolia, p. 54 Joseph Smith's Second Ohio Journal, 1835–36 While most of the Prophet’s second Kirtland journal was recorded by Warren Parrish, as noted in the accompanying article (see pp. 34–39), Warren Cowdery, brother of Oliver Cowdery, was scribe for this entry of April 3, 1836. Here, on the last pages of this journal, Warren Cowdery recorded the vision that became Doctrine and Covenants 110. During this vision on Sunday, April 3, 1836, in the Kirtland Temple, Christ appeared to the Prophet Joseph and Oliver. Then Moses, Elias, and Elijah each appeared and committed their keys to the Prophet. DECEMBER 2007 Contents VOLUME 37 • NUMBER 12

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THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • DECEMBER 2007

COVER STORY A Season for Angels,p.10 Learning from Joseph Sm th’s Journals p 34 Latter-day Saints in Mongo ia p 54 4 16 ON THE COVER MESSAGES FEATURE ARTICLES Front: The Wise Men, by William Fredericks, circa 1903, © 2007 Providencecollection.com, all rights FIRST PRESIDENCY A Season for Angels reserved, image 00466, may not be MESSAGE 10 ELDER MERRILL J. BATEMAN copied. These, Our Little Ones Why were angels so prominent at the Savior’s birth, and why Back: Madonna and Child, 4 PRESIDENT GORDON B. were they such an important part of His life and ministry? by Avard Fairbanks. HINCKLEY As we train a new genera- Questions and Answers tion, so will the world be 16 The holidays are often a difficult and lonely time for in a few years. me. How can I feel more joy and peace during this season?

VISITING TEACHING Guard Him, Joseph MESSAGE 21 SALLY DEFORD A Christmas song about Joseph caring for the infant Jesus. Exercising 60 Charity 44 52

The Truth Found Me Learning Not to Count 22 MARIANNE ROHRBOUGH 52 STEFFANI R. PACKER No one could answer my questions—until two hungry elders For years I had tried to quantify Heavenly Father’s love decided to knock on “just one more door.” for me. Then I learned that it is immeasurable.

We Let Them Learn Mongolia: Steppes of Faith 25 LAVERD AND FLORA JOHN 54 DON L. SEARLE What do you say when your children ask if they have to go The gospel is relatively new to Mongolia, but as members to church? change themselves through faith in Jesus Christ, they are changing the world around them. There Shall Be a Record Kept among You 28 Elder Marlin K. Jensen, Church historian and recorder, explains the divinely appointed responsibilities of that office.

The Joseph Smith Journals DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL? 34 MARK ASHURST-MCGEE AND ALEX SMITH The story of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s journals can inspire The Ensign invites you to share your experiences with applying us to follow his example. the scriptures. Has a story or verse in the scriptures ever changed your outlook, brought comfort, or provided an answer to a ques- A Mother and an Overflowing Heart tion or problem? How have such experiences affected the way you 40 Paintings of mothers with infants capture the joy view scripture study? Please label your submission “A Scripture of motherhood. That Changed My Life” and send it by January 18. We also welcome other submissions that show the gospel of Gospel Classics: Jesus of Nazareth, Savior and King Jesus Christ at work in your life. Ensign Magazine Writers’ 44 ELDER NEAL A. MAXWELL Guidelines are posted at http://ensign.lds.org. Jesus is the perfect example and leader, not asking us to do Send submissions to [email protected] or Ensign Editorial, 50 E. North Temple Street, Room 2420, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3220, USA. Include your what He has not done. name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, ward (or branch), and stake (or district). Because of the volume of submissions, we cannot acknowledge receipt. Authors whose work is selected for publication will be notified. If you would like your manuscript, photos, art, or other material returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

The Ensign can be found on the Internet at http://ensign.lds.org 2 DECEMBER 2007 VOLUME 37 • NUMBER 12

AN OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS The First Presidency: Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook Editor: Jay E. Jensen Advisers: Gary J. Coleman, Yoshihiko Kikuchi, Gerald N. Lund, W. Douglas Shumway Managing Director: David L. Frischknecht Editorial Director: Victor D. Cave Senior Editor: Larry Hiller Graphics Director: Allan R. Loyborg Managing Editor: Don L. Searle Assistant Managing Editor: LaRene Porter Gaunt Senior Editors: Linda Stahle Cooper, Michael R. Morris, Judith M. Paller, Joshua J. Perkey 34 48 Assistant Editor: Melissa Merrill Editorial Staff: Susan Barrett, Ryan Carr, Jenifer L. Greenwood, USING THIS ISSUE R. Val Johnson, Adam C. Olson, DEPARTMENTS GOSPEL TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE Laurel Teuscher Celebrating Christmas. Even Adversity, 48 Missionary Work, Editorial Intern: Jennifer Lynn Williams if Christmas is a difficult season LESSONS FROM Senior Secretary: Christy Banz THE NEW TESTAMENT Angels, 10 22, 54 Publications Assistant: Sally J. Odekirk for you, there are many ways Arts, 40 Mothering, 40 Marketing Manager: Larry Hiller Facing the Future to find happiness. See pages Atonement, 44 Music, 21 Managing Art Director: M. M. Kawasaki 10–21 to learn about how you 48 with Hope Charity, 60 Parenthood, 4, 25 Art Director: J. Scott Knudsen can feel the “good tidings of ELDER LOWELL M. SNOW Children, 4, 25 Peace, 16 Senior Designers: C. Kimball Bott, Christmas, 10, 52, Plan of Colleen Hinckley great joy” (Luke 2:10). The Lord promises us what Design and Production Staff: He promised Joseph Smith— 61, 62, 66 Happiness, 48 Cali R. Arroyo, Collette Nebeker Aune, Using agency to teach Church History, Prayer, 64 Thomas S. Child, Eric P. Johnsen, our perils will be for our Jane Ann Peters, Randall J. Pixton, children. Pushing children can 28, 34 Promptings, 64 good. Conversion, 22, Record Keeping, Scott Van Kampen generate feelings of resentment 54, 61, 65 28 Printing Director: Craig K. Sedgwick Distribution Director: Randy J. Benson and resistance. Find out how LATTER-DAY SAINT Example, 44 Resurrection, 44 teaching children with and Family History, 67 Scripture Study, © 2007 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. VOICES All rights reserved. The Ensign (ISSN 61 Family Home 67 about agency led to better Latter-day Saints keep the 0884-1136) is published monthly by The results for two parents (p. 25). Evening, 67 Service, 16 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spirit of Christmas alive Food Storage, 67 Smith, Joseph, 34 50 E. North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Learning about the Prophet UT 84150-3220, USA. Periodicals Postage through love, service, sacri- Gifts, 52, 62 Teaching, 4, 25 Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah. Joseph Smith. The journals Holidays, 16 Testimony, 44 fice, and missionary work. To subscribe: By phone, call 1-800-537- of the Prophet Joseph Smith Hope, 48 Visiting Teaching, 5971 to order using Visa, MasterCard, teach us much about the first Jesus Christ, 10, 60 Discover Card, or American Express. RANDOM 21, 44, 48 Worldwide Online, go to ldscatalog.com. By mail, President of the Church and 66 SAMPLER Loneliness, 16 Church, 54 send $10 U.S. check or money order to Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt early Church history (see Making food storage fun, Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA. p. 34). You can find additional celebrating heritage, and To change address: Send both old and information from this period— getting more out of new address information to Distribution Services at the above address. Please allow including the journal entries Christmas. COMING 60 days for changes to take effect. of others, quotations, photo- IN JANUARY Text and visual material in the Ensign may graphs, artwork, and maps—at INDEX FOR be copied for incidental, noncommercial Look for articles on: church or home use. Visual material may the Web site JosephSmith.net. 68 2007 not be copied if restrictions are indicated • Feeling at home in your ward. in the credit line with the artwork. Copyright questions should be addressed to Intellectual NEWS OF THE • The Prophet Joseph Smith and the Property Office, 50 E. North Temple Street, 76 CHURCH new course of study for Melchizedek Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3011; e-mail: [email protected]. Priesthood and Relief Society. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to • How the Book of Mormon can bring Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt peace to our lives. Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA. Canada Post Information: Publication Agreement #40017431

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 3 4 FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE These, Our Little Ones

BY PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY

nce when our grandchildren were the way he should go: and when he is old, small, my wife and I took some of he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Othem to the circus. I recall that I was When I was a boy, we lived on a fruit farm more interested in watching them and many in the summer. We grew great quantities of others of their kind than in watching the peaches. Our father took us to tree pruning man on the flying trapeze. I looked at them demonstrations put on by the agricultural in wonder as they alternately laughed and college. Each Saturday during January and stared wide-eyed at the exciting things be- February, we would go out to the farm and fore them. And I thought of the miracle of prune the trees. We learned that by clipping children who become the world’s constant and sawing in the right places, even when renewal of life and purpose. Observing them snow was on the ground and the wood As we train a new in the intensity of their interest, even in this appeared dead, we could shape a tree so generation, so will atmosphere, I felt my mind revert to that that the sun would touch the fruit which the world be in a few beautiful and touching scene recorded in the was to come with spring and summer. We years. If you are book of 3 Nephi when the resurrected Lord learned that in February we could pretty worried about the took little children in His arms and wept as well determine the kind of fruit we would future, then look to He blessed them and said to the people, pick in September. the upbringing of “Behold your little ones” (3 Nephi 17:23). E. T. Sullivan once wrote these interesting your children. It is so obvious that the great good and the words: “When God wants a great work done terrible evil in the world today are the sweet in the world or a great wrong righted, he goes and the bitter fruits of the rearing of yester- about it in a very unusual way. He doesn’t stir day’s children. As we train a new generation, up his earthquakes or send forth his thunder- so will the world be in a few years. If you are bolts. Instead, he has a helpless baby born, worried about the future, then look to the perhaps in a simple home and of some upbringing of your children. Wisely did the obscure mother. And then God puts the idea

LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH © GETTY IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH LEFT: writer of Proverbs declare, “Train up a child in into the mother’s heart, and she puts it into

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 5 the baby’s mind. And then God waits. The greatest forces in instrument of punishment, though on occasion they may the world are not the earthquakes and the thunderbolts. have deserved it. The greatest forces in the world are babies.”1 I have since discovered that the man I disliked was And those babies, I should like to add, will become one of that very substantial body of parents who seem forces for good or ill, depending in large measure on incapable of anything but harshness toward those for how they are reared. The Lord, without equivocation, whose coming into the world they are responsible. I has declared, “I have commanded you to bring up your have also come to realize that this man, children in light and truth” (D&C 93:40). who walks in the memories of my child- hood, is but an example of uncounted Four Imperatives thousands across the world who are known If I may be pardoned for suggesting the as child abusers. Every social worker, every obvious, I do so only because the obvious duty officer in the emergency room of a large is not observed in so many instances. hospital, every police officer and judge in a large The obvious includes four imperatives city can tell you of them. The whole tragic pic- with reference to children: (1) love ture is one of beating, kicking, slamming, and them, (2) teach them, (3) respect them, even of sexual assault on small children. And and (4) pray with them and for them. akin to these violent child abusers are those There once was a commonly seen bumper vicious men and women who exploit children sticker that asked the question, “Have you for pornographic purposes. hugged your child today?” How fortunate, how I have no disposition to dwell on this ugly blessed is the child who feels the affection of his picture. I wish to say only that no one who or her parents. That warmth, that love will is a professed follower of Christ and no one bear sweet fruit in the years that follow. In When I was a boy, we who is a professed member of this Church large measure, the harshness that character- learned that by clipping can engage in such practices without offend- izes so much of our society is an outgrowth of and sawing in the right ing God and repudiating the teachings of His harshness imposed on children years ago. places, even when snow Son. It was Jesus Himself who, while holding The neighborhood in which I grew up was was on the ground and before us the example of the purity and inno- a microcosm of the world, with many varieties the wood appeared cence of children, declared, “Whoso shall of people. They were a close-knit group, and I dead, we could shape offend one of these little ones . . . , it were think we knew them all. I think also we loved a tree so that the sun better for him that a millstone were hanged them all—that is, except for one man. I must would touch the fruit about his neck, and that he were drowned in make a confession: I detested that man. I have which was to come with the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). Could since repented of that emotion, but as I look spring and summer. there be a stronger denunciation of those back, I can sense again the intensity of my feel- who abuse children than these words spoken ing. Why this strong antipathy? Because he by the Savior of mankind? whipped his children with strap or stick or whatever came to hand as his vicious anger flared on the slightest Begin at Home provocation. Do you want a spirit of love to grow in the world? Then Perhaps it was because of the home in which I lived, begin within the walls of your own home. Behold your lit- where there was a father who, by some quiet magic, was tle ones, and see within them the wonders of God, from able to discipline his children without the use of any whose presence they have recently come.

6 President Brigham Young (1801–77) once “Reproving betimes with sharpness, when ehold your said: “A child loves the smiles of its mother, moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then little ones, but hates her frowns. I tell the mothers not to showing forth afterwards an increase of love Band teach allow the children to indulge in evils, but at toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest them. Your example the same time to treat them with mildness.”2 he esteem thee to be his enemy; will do more than He further stated, “Bring up your children “That he may know that thy faithfulness anything else in in the love and fear of the Lord; study their dis- is stronger than the cords of death” (D&C impressing upon positions and their temperaments, and deal 121:41, 43–44). their minds a with them accordingly, never allowing yourself pattern of life. to correct them in the heat of passion; teach The Endurance of Example them to love you rather than to fear you.”3 Behold your little ones, and teach them. Of course, there is need for discipline with I need not remind you that your example families. But discipline with severity, discipline will do more than anything else in impressing with cruelty, inevitably leads not to correction upon their minds a pattern of life. It is always but rather to resentment and bitterness. It interesting to meet the children of old cures nothing and only aggravates the prob- friends and to find in another generation the lem. It is self-defeating. The Lord, in setting ways of their fathers and mothers. forth the spirit of governance in His Church, The story is told that in has also set forth the spirit of governance in ancient Rome a group of the home in these great words of revelation: women were, with vanity, “No power or influence can or showing their jewels one to ought to be maintained . . . , another. Among them was only by persuasion, by long- Cornelia, the mother of two suffering, by gentleness and boys. One of the meekness, and by love women said to unfeigned; . . . her, “And PHOTOGRAPHS BY EMILY LEISHMAN, POSED BY MODELS POSED BY LEISHMAN, EMILY BY PHOTOGRAPHS

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 7 where are your jewels?” To which I recognize that there are parents who, Cornelia responded, pointing to her notwithstanding an outpouring of love and a sons, “These are my jewels.” Under diligent and faithful effort to teach them, see her tutelage and walking after the virtues their children grow in a contrary manner and of her life, they grew to become Gaius and weep while their wayward sons and daugh- he noble Tiberius Gracchus—the Gracchi, as they ters willfully pursue courses of tragic conse- Roman were called—two of the most persuasive and quence. For such I have great sympathy, and T mother effective reformers in Roman history. For as to them I am wont to quote the words of responded, pointing long as they are remembered and spoken of, Ezekiel: “The son shall not bear the iniquity to her sons, “These the mother who reared them after the man- of the father, neither shall the father bear the are my jewels.” ner of her own life will be remembered and iniquity of the son” (Ezekiel 18:20). Under her tutelage spoken of with praise also. But such is the exception rather than the they grew to become May I return again to the words of Brigham rule. Nor does the exception justify others of two of the most Young: “Let it be your constant care that the us from making every effort in showing forth persuasive and children that God has so kindly given you are love, example, and correct precept in the effective reformers taught in their early youth the importance of rearing of those for whom God has given in Roman history. the oracles of God, and the beauty of the prin- us sacred responsibility. ciples of our holy religion, that when they Nor let us ever forget the need to respect grow to the years of man and womanhood these, our little ones. Under the revealed they may always cherish a tender regard for word of the Lord, we know them and never for- they are children of God sake the truth.”4 as we are children of BY NOËL HALLÉ BY CORNÉLIE MÈRE DES GRACQUES,

8 God, deserving of that respect which comes of knowledge priesthood; and if every mother regarded her children as of that eternal principle. In fact, the Lord made it clear that the jewels of her life, as gifts from the God of heaven, who unless we develop in our own lives that purity, that lack of is their Eternal Father, and brought them up with true affec- guile, that innocence of evil, we cannot enter into His pres- tion in the wisdom and admonition of the Lord. ence. Declared He, “Except ye be converted, and become Said Isaiah of old, “All thy children shall be taught of the as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children” (Isaiah heaven” (Matthew 18:3). 54:13). To which I add, “Great also shall be the peace and Channing Pollock once wrote these interesting and the gladness of their fathers and mothers.” ■ provocative words: “Contemplating the adolescence NOTES through which we scorned the wrong, some of us must 1. In Charles L. Wallis, ed., The Treasure Chest (1965), 53. 2. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young (1997), 340. wish . . . that we could be born old, and grow younger and 3. Teachings: Brigham Young, 172. 4. Teachings: Brigham Young, 172. cleaner and ever simpler and more innocent, until at last, 5. “The World’s Slow Stain,” Reader’s Digest, June 1960, 77. with the white souls of little children, we lay us down to eternal sleep.”5

Sources of Strength IDEAS FOR HOME TEACHERS Behold your little ones. Pray with them. Pray for them After prayerfully studying this message, share it using a and bless them. The world into which they are moving is a method that encourages the participation of those you teach. complex and difficult world. They will run into heavy seas Following are some examples: of adversity. They will need all the strength and all the faith 1. Show a picture of the Savior with children. Invite the you can give them while they are yet near you. And they family to read and discuss some of the scriptures that will also need a greater strength which comes of a higher President Hinckley quotes in the article. Illustrate the scrip- power. They must do more than go along with what they tures with examples from the article. Conclude by sharing find. They must lift the world, and the only levers they will how these scriptures have guided you. have are the example of their own lives and the powers of 2. To demonstrate the ripple effect, drop a small object persuasion that will come of their testimonies and their into a bowl of water. Read portions of the “Four Imperatives” knowledge of the things of God. They will need the help section to emphasize the effect of parents’ actions on their of the Lord. While they are young, pray with them that children. Conclude by reading the last two paragraphs of the they may come to know that source of strength which article. shall then always be available in every hour of need. 3. If the family has young children, illustrate the power of I love to hear children pray. I appreciate hearing parents example by having family members mimic one person. That pray for their children. I stand reverently before a father person could clap hands, take three steps, turn around, and who, in the authority of the holy priesthood, lays his hands so on. Read the first paragraph in the section “The Endurance upon the head of a son or daughter at a time of serious of Example,” and share the story of the Roman woman and decision and in the name of the Lord and under the direc- her attitude toward her children. Discuss how her example tion of the Holy Spirit gives a father’s blessing. influenced her sons. Consider sharing one or two quotations How much more beautiful would be the world and the from that section. Testify of the power of example. society in which we live if every father looked upon his chil- dren as the most precious of his assets, if he led them by the power of his example in kindness and love, and if in times of stress he blessed them by the authority of the holy

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 9 BY ELDER MERRILL J. BATEMAN years when Herod tried to destroy the young Served as a General Authority from 1992 to 2007 Jesus (see Matthew 2:13, 19–20). Not only is the t the beginning of each Christmas story of the Savior’s birth replete with heavenly season, our thoughts turn to the birth messengers, but heavenly beings were also A of the Savior. For believers, Christ’s present at significant events throughout His life. birth and death are the two greatest events in One might ask, “Why were angels so the history of the earth or, for that matter, prominent at the Savior’s birth? And why eternity. It is almost an anomaly that in the were they such an important part of His life untold years the universe has existed, its two and ministry?” The answers are twofold. greatest events occurred within a 33-year The first pertains to the nature and mission Not only is the story span in a vassal nation on a small planet the of the personage whom they were heralding of the Savior’s birth Lord calls His “footstool” (see Isaiah 66:1). —a divine Being, the Son of God, the Only replete with heavenly Christmas carols are a special feature of the Begotten in the flesh who came to earth to messengers, but season. They bring feelings of joy to our hearts save all of God’s children. The second con- heavenly beings as they describe the events and significance of cerns the ushering in of a new dispensation,

were also present the birth of Jesus Christ. It is interesting to a period of time when the gospel would be JUDITH MEHR BY at significant events note that many Christmas hymns speak of restored in its fulness. The ministry of angels throughout His life. angels. This is because the biblical record con- is to assist in the ushering in of dispensations tains numerous accounts of heavenly beings (see Moroni 7:29–31). Let us discuss each of speaking to mortals before and at the time of these reasons to provide a clearer under- BY WALTER RANE; FAR RIGHT, ABOVE: ILLUSTRATION RIGHT, RANE; FAR WALTER BY His birth. An angel announced His pending standing of the wonderful moment repre- birth to the young woman Mary and to Joseph, sented by the “meridian of time.” her espoused husband (see Luke 1:26–33; Matthew 1:20–21). An angel accompanied by a Heralding the Savior’s Mission heavenly choir heralded the birth to the shep- For thousands of years, ancient prophets

herds in the fields (see Luke 2:8–14), and angels had looked forward to the time when the Son THOU AMONG WOMEN, BLESSED ART

kept watch over the family during the early of God would come to earth and atone for the RIGHT: NEPHI’S VISION OF THE VIRGIN MARY, BELOW: RIGHT, FAR MANN; PAUL BY

10 he angel Gabriel said T to Mary that “the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall over- shadow thee: there- fore also that holy Joseph contemplated a thing which shall private disengagement. be born of thee shall But then an angel be called the Son appeared in a dream, of God.” telling him not to fear to take Mary as his wife, “for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”

An angel showed Nephi a woman “carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time.” Nephi then saw her “bearing a child in her arms.”

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 11 An angel of the Lord announced to lowly shepherds the Savior’s birth. The angel declared: “I bring you good tidings of great joy. . . . For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

The angel Gabriel was sent to Zacharias

to “shew [him] . . . glad tidings.”

Zacharias learned that he and his wife, Elisabeth, would have a son and that his name would be John.

sins of mankind. From Genesis to Malachi and from 1 Nephi the nature of His birth as God’s Only Begotten Son created to 3 Nephi, the Lord’s messengers prophesied that the God an infinite life that could only be extinguished voluntarily. of ancient Israel, the Son of the Father, would come to Jesus said: “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I earth and ransom His people. The Lord told Adam that lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh Satan would bruise the heel of their offspring, but that the it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay seed of the woman (Christ) would overcome Satan’s power it down, and I have power to take it again. This command- as He bruised Satan’s head (see Genesis 3:15). ment have I received of my Father” (John 10:17–18). Moses wrote of “a Star out of Jacob” (Numbers 24:17); The Savior’s Godly status was preserved through His the Psalmist spoke of the special relationship between the birth. His infinite and eternal nature gave Him the capacity Father and the Son, of the Father’s withdrawal during the to atone for the sins of all mankind and the power to rise Crucifixion, and of Christ’s death (see Psalms 2:7; 22:1, 16; from the grave and make possible a resurrection for every 34:20; 69:21); and Isaiah spoke of His miraculous birth, person who had or would live on the earth (see Alma 34:10, mission, and death (see Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 42:7; 53:5). The 14; John 1:1–3, 14; 11:25; Romans 8:11). As the “lamb with- Book of Mormon contains even more detail concerning out blemish and without spot,” He maintained the inheri- Christ’s birth, mission, death, and resurrection (see tance of “divine power” to bless us with “life and godliness” Topical Guide, “Jesus Christ, Prophecies about,” 252). during His earthly sojourn (1 Peter 1:19; 2 Peter 1:3). Prophets spoke often of Jesus’s birth together with His The birth of Jesus Christ was extraordinary in that it death because these two events are inextricably linked— involved the condescension of both the Father and the

12 Son—two eternal beings. When the prophet Nephi was holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the seeking to understand the meaning of the tree of life, an Son of God” (Luke 1:35). angel showed him in vision a beautiful virgin in the city of Although the name of the angel who appeared to Joseph Nazareth and asked the question “Knowest thou the conde- is not given, it may well have been Gabriel who had the scension of God?” Nephi indicated that he knew God assignment. When Joseph learned that Mary, his espoused “loveth his children” but did not “know the meaning of all wife, was with child, he contemplated a private disengage- things.” The angel then showed Nephi a woman “carried ment. But then an angel appeared in a dream, telling him away in the Spirit for the space of a time.” Nephi then saw not to fear to take Mary as his wife, “for that which is con- her “bearing a child in her arms.” The angel said to Nephi, ceived in her is of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 1:20). The “Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal angel also told Joseph that the child was to be named Jesus Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy (see Matthew 1:21). father saw?” (See 1 Nephi 11:13–21.) Nephi exclaimed that The next angelic appearance occurred in the fields near he now understood God’s great love for His children, a love Bethlehem when an angel of the Lord announced to lowly

THE BIRTH OF FROM THE BIRTH DETAIL THE SHEPHERDS , AND RIGHT, TO ANNUNCIATION so great that He would give His Only Begotten Son for the shepherds the Savior’s birth. The angel declared: “I bring salvation of men and women (see 1 Nephi 11:22; John 3:16). you good tidings of great joy. . . . For unto you is born this The Father condescended in sending His Son; the Savior day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” condescended in taking upon Himself a mortal body and (Luke 2:10–11). Other angelic hosts appeared, praising offering Himself as a sacrifice for sin. Is it any wonder that God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth angels were assigned to declare the peace, good will toward men” (Luke Savior’s birth? 2:14). The shepherds then hurried to The first such angelic declaration Bethlehem, where they “found Mary,

BOTH BY CARL HEINRICH BLOCH, USED BY PERMISSION OF THE NATIONAL HISTORIC MUSEUM AT FREDERIKSBORG IN HILLERØD, DENMARK FREDERIKSBORG IN HILLERØD, MUSEUM AT HISTORIC PERMISSION OF THE NATIONAL USED BY CARL HEINRICH BLOCH, BY BOTH was to the priest Zacharias. As he and Joseph, and the babe lying in a JESUS, FAR LEFT: ILLUSTRATIONS BY PAUL MANN; LEFT: DETAIL FROM DETAIL LEFT: MANN; PAUL BY ILLUSTRATIONS LEFT: FAR entered the Holy of Holies in the manger” (Luke 2:16). Since it was temple, he saw an angel of the Lord springtime (see D&C 20:1), it is standing on the right side of the altar. quite likely that the shepherds The angel said, “I am Gabriel, that were recently engaged in the lamb- stand in the presence of God; and am ing process. Thus, the shepherds sent to speak unto thee, and to shew who delivered and cared for the thee . . . glad tidings” (Luke 1:19). lambs became witnesses of the birth Gabriel explained to Zacharias that he of the Lamb of God to those in the and his wife, Elisabeth, would have a surrounding area (see Luke 2:15–17). child and that he was to be named The birth of Jesus Christ was extraordinary Following the appearance of the John. Gabriel also explained John’s in that it involved the condescension of both Wise Men and Herod’s decision to mission as an Elias, or forerunner for the Father and the Son—two eternal beings. kill all the male children under the Christ (see Luke 1:11–17). age of two, Joseph was warned by A short time later, this same angel, Gabriel, appeared to “the angel of the Lord” to take Mary and Jesus into Egypt Mary and announced that she would be the mother of the and “be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will Son of God. She exclaimed, “How shall this be, seeing I seek the young child to destroy him” (Matthew 2:13). know not a man?” (Luke 1:34). Gabriel then stated that When Herod died, Joseph was once more instructed by “the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Lord’s messenger to “take the young child and his the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that mother, and go into the land of Israel” (Matthew 2:20).

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 13 Ushering In a New Dispensation (Matthew 16:19), He took the three chief Apostles, Peter, The last prophet of the Old Testament was Malachi, James, and John, up into a high mountain where He, to- who lived 400 years before the birth of Christ. At that time gether with Moses and Elijah, bestowed upon them these Israel in large part had turned away from the covenants keys (see Matthew 17:1–2, 18:18; Bible Dictionary, “Transfig- WHY SEEK YE made with Jehovah. Consequently, they were in apostasy. uration, Mount of,” 786). Why did Moses and Elijah appear? Although the Aaronic Priesthood was on earth when Jesus Moses returned the “keys of the gathering of Israel” while was born, the Melchizedek Priesthood had been taken Elijah brought the sealing keys (see D&C 110:11, 14–15). CARL HEINRICH BLOCH, BY from the earth. Therefore, there was a need for the priest- In three other key events, angels appear to prepare hood and the gospel to be restored in their fulness. Jesus for the Atonement and the Resurrection. The first BY HARRY ANDERSON HARRY BY Moroni taught that angels play a special role in the early occurs in the Garden of Gethsemane when “there stages of a new dispensation. He indicated that “the office of appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening

their ministry is . . . to prepare the way among the children him” (Luke 22:43). Although the Savior was to complete THE ASCENSION, of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen ves- the Atonement on His own, instructions and support were sels [prophets] of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of given in the early stages. him. And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that The second event occurs at the tomb on the Sunday the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy morning following the Resurrection. The women came Ghost may have place in their hearts” (Moroni 7:31–32). early to the tomb with spices and ointments to care for the FROM IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE, BOTH DETAIL , AND RIGHT,

At the beginning of a new dis- body, which had been hastily encased BELOW: RIGHT, FAR BARRETT; ROBERT T. BY pensation following a period of as the Sabbath approached. To their apostasy, there is no one with surprise, they found the stone had priesthood authority to administer been rolled away from the sepulcher. the covenants in their fulness. Con- Two men in “shining garments” stood LEFT: DETAIL FROM THE TRANSFIGURATION DETAIL LEFT: THE LIVING AMONG DEAD? sequently, the Lord sends messen- before them and said: “Why seek ye ABOVE: RIGHT, DENMARK; FAR FREDERIKSBORG IN HILLERØD, MUSEUM AT HISTORIC PERMISSION OF THE NATIONAL USED BY gers from the other side of the veil the living among the dead? He is not to return priesthood keys and the here, but is risen: remember how he gospel plan to the earth. spake unto you when he was yet in It is not surprising then that an Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must angel visited Zacharias and instructed be delivered into the hands of sinful him with regard to the mission of his men, and be crucified, and the third son. Angels appeared to Jesus in the day rise again” (Luke 24:4–7). wilderness following the temptations On the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus, with Why heavenly messengers at the of Satan and administered to Him Moses and Elijah, bestowed upon Peter, James, tomb? Prior to the Savior’s resurrec- in preparation for His ministry (see and John “the keys of the kingdom.” tion, a few mortals had been raised Matthew 4:11). The Apostle Paul indi- from the dead, but no one had expe- cates that “Christ glorified not himself to be made an high rienced the change from mortality to immortality, from priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day corruption to incorruption. No one prior to the Savior had have I begotten thee.” Paul continues, indicating that been raised in glory (see 1 Corinthians 15:42–43). Two wit- Christ was “called of God an high priest after the order of nesses from the other side of the veil provided the assur- Melchisedec” (Hebrews 5:5, 10). In other words, the higher ance that Jesus had been resurrected. priesthood came to Jesus from the other side of the veil. The final event occurs at Jesus’s ascension. Again, two men After Jesus promised Peter “the keys of the kingdom” in white apparel assured the Galileans that “this same Jesus,

14 In the Garden of Gethsemane “there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”

At the tomb two men in “shining garments” declared that Jesus had risen from the dead.

At the ascension of Jesus, two men in white apparel assured the Galileans that Jesus would return. which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like changes as He provides opportunities for the members to manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). become the miracle workers. These marvelous events associated with the Savior’s Consequently, miracles during this Christmas season ministry and ascension required heavenly witnesses who require our faith and works. As we sing the hymns of left their testimonies written indelibly in the hearts of Christmas and speak of angels sent to earth to witness the Church leaders who remained behind to carry on the work. Savior’s birth in the meridian of time, may we rise to the What is the lesson for us today as we enter a new occasion and minister to those in need in our day. May we Christmas season? Who will minister to those in need? be reminded of our promises to “bear one another’s bur- Who are the angels that will prepare the way for His dens, . . . to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and com- return? I have noticed that during the early stages of a dis- fort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as pensation, angelic ministers come from the other side of witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all the veil, but as time elapses and the number of faithful places . . . and be numbered with those of the first resur- members increases, more is expected of those in mortality. rection, that [we] may have eternal life” (Mosiah 18:8–9). For example, when a new country is opened to the gospel, I bear witness that Christmas is a season for angels. As missionaries learn that many have been prepared in mirac- they ministered to the Savior and others in the “meridian ulous ways to receive the gospel, and miracles occur with of time,” may we, as angels of mercy, minister to other fam- some frequency to advance the work. Once a core of ilies and to those in need in the “fulness of times” so that members is established, however, the Lord’s assistance the Lord’s work may move forward. ■

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 15 QUESTIONS& ANSWERS

The holidays are often a be difficult. Perhaps you’ve already tried you must be home for the holidays. difficult and lonely time taking cookies to neighbors, visiting the You might feel better if you’re not sur- for me. How can I feel sick, or counting your blessings. If it rounded by constant reminders of was nice but your loneliness still lingers, what you do not have. more joy and peace try these suggestions. • Accept the kindness of others. during this season? • Inform family and friends that Sometimes it’s easy not to accept an hen you’re alone—whether you’re lonely. We often assume they invitation because you think the per- as a young adult away from know and don’t care. In reality, they son is offering “just to be nice.” If the W home for the first time, a may be surprised about your needs. person is thoughtful enough to offer, married couple living far from loved • Keep yourself busy with holiday accept and be grateful. ones, a single adult who has not mar- service you enjoy. You’ll spend less • Build new traditions. Create tradi- ried, or someone who has lost a spouse time feeling blue. tions that include reading books, prepar- to death or divorce—the holidays can • Take a trip. There’s no law stating ing foods, and attending events during holidays. Invite others to join you.

Remember, not every suggestion INSET COURTESY OF JEANETTE DICKSON works for each person. Try them and see what works. Something that is effective this time may not be in the future, so keep the list handy. If all else fails, remind yourself that “this too shall pass.” Cindy Beck, Utah Several years ago I was surprised to find myself facing a holiday season alone. My husband had passed away a few years before, and my daughters and their families, scattered across the country, found it impossible to come home. Time off from work for travel

was not available. BECK; INSET COURTESY OF CINDY RIGHT: LEFT: BRADLEY SLADE,AS NOTED; BY EXCEPT PHOTOGRAPHS

16 I realized that self-pity would not temple more frequently, change the situation and would only to take proactive steps in make me feel worse. I decided to con- my missionary efforts and centrate on what was good about this in my home teaching time when everyone around me would feeling alone, I seemed at assignments, and to strive be shopping, cooking, and welcoming times to be surrounded by these to use opportunities to be of service family members. Members of the ward ancestors who seemed so eager to be to God’s children, I have found that had been kind and extended invita- found, and I was definitely not lonely. these things have proven to be great tions, but for me, participating in some- Jeanette Dickson, Oregon sources of joy and peace. one else’s traditions was too hard. When memories generate feelings Obioma Chimauzom Madumere, Nigeria With several days of free time, of loneliness and dread, I fill each I joined the United States Marine I decided to cook a scaled-down day—including holidays, anniversaries, Corps some years ago and was be- Christmas dinner for one and finally and birthdays—with worthwhile, easy- tween training over Thanksgiving. get to my genealogy. Although I had to-reach goals, and I actively strive to Due to the short length of the holiday, dabbled with family history for years, reach them. This keeps me living in the instructors did not allow us to go other responsibilities had taken pri- the present and generates feelings of home. However, they would not allow ority, and my sporadic efforts sat in satisfaction and joy. In addition, I can us to stay on base either. I was 19 and boxes and files. I decided this would recall these experiences when difficult had never before been away from my be a wonderful uninterrupted time days arrive again in the future. family for any part of the holiday sea- to work, and I began gathering the LaVerd John, Utah son. Needless to say, I was feeling very tools I would need. When loneliness creeps in, I’ve alone. In the branch I attended were As my time off began and I often found hope and courage in wonderful senior missionaries who immersed myself in learning and prayerfully studying and applying this invited one of my fellow Marines and research, I could scarcely find time principle that King Benjamin taught: me to spend the holiday with them. to eat or sleep. I found a wonderful “When ye are in the service of your We both accepted the invitation and source for researching my German fellow beings ye are only in the service had a very memorable holiday. line and spent hours entering infor- of your God” (Mosiah 2:17). I pray to That is one of the great things mation into Personal Ancestral File Heavenly Father and plead for direc- about The Church of Jesus Christ of and learning to use online genealogi- tion to individuals I can help. Latter-day Saints. Through it we cal resources. I found that, instead of As I’ve been inspired to visit the understand that our Heavenly Father

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 17 QUESTIONS& ANSWERS

feeling of well-being. Get enough rest, public library for faith-promoting skip the overabundance of sugar, eat DVDs. Associate with happy people. healthy meals, and combine exercise CeLeste Mann, Texas with a good dose of sunshine. After much soul-searching and Second, while service is an prayer, this is what I have learned about important antidote for grief, feeling the spirit of the holiday season: choose wisely things that are • Happiness is not the result of uplifting but that do not add receiving many gifts but of righteous to the chaos. In addition, don’t be living. afraid to let others serve you. When • Service need not be a massive people ask what they can do, tell them. project but should be of real value to works through others. He knows Third, for a while, memories may the recipient. what we need, and the Holy Ghost increase your sadness, so let go of tra- • A cheerful spirit is contagious. can prompt someone else to help. ditions that get you down. Establish Surround yourself with friends and We can also find joy in acting on the new traditions or try something differ- family, as a crowd of cheerful people promptings we receive. ent each year that enriches your holi- can soften the effect of loneliness and The simple act of service that was days. Make it simple. Do something despair. shown by two senior missionaries not that you’ll enjoy without hours of • Praying with thanksgiving will help only brightened a bleak holiday for me preparation. One year my daughters remind us of the good things in life. It but also has motivated me to do all in and I had a Christmas reading with forces us to look outward instead of RACHEL HIXSON COOKIES BY INSET COURTESY OF ERIN PEER; RIGHT: BOTTOM INSET COURTESY OF SUE SAVAGE; LEFT: TOP my power to serve others. Ultimately, scriptures and hymns interspersed. hiding inside a shell of self-pity. that is how we find happiness in life, No rehearsals. No costumes. We just James R. Osborne, Iowa whatever the season. had fun and felt the Spirit. As I approach my late 20s as a Elder Adam Johnson, Taiwan Taipei Mission Fourth, create an uplifting environ- single adult, the holidays become When I was 29, my husband died ment for yourself. Check your ward or harder each year. Even though my unexpectedly, leaving me a single family lives nearby, the constant mother with five daughters, the oldest barrage of holiday cards I receive having just turned seven. I had no idea from friends with pictures of their how we would survive Christmas with- new spouses or children is enough out my husband. It took some time to to start a pity party for myself! figure out how to take the “hole” out of But Christmas isn’t a time to focus the season and make it “whole” again. on ourselves—it is a time to celebrate No matter what the circumstance, some the birth of our Savior and to cherish basic strategies can help alleviate feel- loved ones in our lives, both near and ings of loneliness. far. I have found that the following First, fatigue is a major contributor practices help me to avoid feeling to depression, and when do we have alone during the holidays. more to do than at Christmastime? • Adopting an attitude of “What Don’t overload yourself. Know when to can I do for others?” There is always say no. Physical strength is essential to a someone who can use a cheerful card,

18 PEACE THROUGH THE ATONEMENT “The greatest of all acts in all history a plate of cookies, or even a smile. Offer a was the aton- of year. A trip to the temple can truly ride to someone in your ward or neigh- ing sacrifice add a measure of the Spirit to your borhood to see Christmas lights, invite of our Savior holiday. Christ is our Savior—let us all a widow over for dinner or dessert, or and Redeemer. find comfort in the truth that He lives. donate to charity organizations. Phone “We remember that sacrifice Erin Peer, Maryland calls are more affordable than ever, so at this time of year when we Christmas is a time for children use down time to catch up with family celebrate His birth. It is only and celebrating the birth of the infant and friends. You can always find a way through the atoning sacrifice King, yet since the death of my infant to brighten the life of somebody else, of the Prince of Peace that we daughter, I have often dreaded the even if it is with a small gesture. may know the true power holiday season. One year I decided to • Creating and baking. In tackling of peace in our own lives.” act preemptively. Instead of worrying a new recipe or following the instruc- President James E. Faust (1920–2007), that the sadness would return, I made Second Counselor in the First Presidency, tions of a detailed project, your mind “The Power of Peace,” Ensign, Dec. a list of activities to do throughout 2004, 5. is distracted from lonely feelings and the season and scheduled them in focused on something worthwhile. • Remembering the purpose advance. Having things to look for- You can later give your finished proj- behind the season. Christmas can ward to filled my mind with happy ect to someone as a gift. become such a busy time, but you can thoughts and pushed sad ones away. • Re-creating favorites. find peace and meaning if you make it We planned times for visiting Remember things from your child- a goal to ponder the scriptures and Temple Square, making cookies, cut- hood that made the holidays unique pray more earnestly during this time ting our own Christmas tree, reading and special. If you can’t remember special Christmas particular traditions, decide what is stories, and partici- important to you and start your own pating in other holiday favorites. family traditions. QUESTIONS& ANSWERS

As I enjoyed my other children, my to help a family with their young chil- husband, and the season, I found the SHARE YOUR IDEAS dren or sit by someone who is lonely. sadness of past years never had the op- An upcoming Questions and • If you are able to read, share portunity to catch up with me. I wasn’t Answers feature will focus on the Christmas stories with others, such too busy to feel the emotions (both following question: as children in elementary schools or poignant and joyful), but I reclaimed I love and am grateful for my the elderly. the season as a happy time filled with young children, but I sometimes get • Invite someone to listen to a re– activity and joy and in so doing was distracted or discouraged by the cording of Handel’s Messiah with you. better prepared to cope with the tears practical details of raising a family • Telephone someone who will be and the laughter the season brings. and struggle to remember what an glad to hear from you. Rachel Hixson, Utah important work it is. How can I better • Invite a family with young children I am elderly and live in an assisted- align gospel truths about family with to bring a family home evening to you. living center. The pace of life now my day-to-day actions and attitudes? • Take time to write your memories means visitors come infrequently. If you’d like to contribute your of Christmases past and share them Still, I have thought of several ways to ideas and experiences, please label with grandchildren, other relatives, or overcome loneliness and feel joy and them “Family” and follow the submis- friends. This is a gift only you can give. peace during the holiday season: sion guidelines under “Do You Have a • Research your ancestors to learn • If you are lonely, visit someone Story to Tell?” in the contents pages about how they observed the holidays. who is lonelier. at the beginning of the magazine. Share your findings with relatives. • Attend Church meetings. If you are Please limit responses to 500 words • Attend the temple often. able to drive, offer to take someone and submit them by February 8. • Write letters to missionaries. ■ who needs a ride. While attending, offer Ruth Wilson Young, Utah

20 COPYRIGHT © 1996 BY SALLY DEFORD, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS SONG MAY BE COPIED FOR INCIDENTAL, NONCOMMERCIAL HOME AND CHURCH USE. THIS NOTICE MUST BE INCLUDED ON EACH COPY MADE. Guard Him,Joseph THETHE TRUTHTRUTH FOUNDFOUND MEME

after hearing the news. I looked up at the blue sky and said I relied on my Heavenly Father during to my Heavenly Father, “Well, God, it’s now between Thee the years our family was imprisoned and me. Thou art the only Father I have left.” during World War II. A few years later, Shortly after, we were deported from Indonesia to the when the missionaries taught me about Netherlands. Two years later my mother remarried, and we the Godhead, I recognized the Heavenly moved to Rotterdam. Father in whom I had always believed. When I was 18, my mother wanted me to attend a con- firmation class at our church. I was eager to go because I BY MARIANNE ROHRBOUGH loved to learn about God. But it quickly became the most was born in 1932 far away from the restored Church confusing time in my life. I was taught that God, Jesus, and of Jesus Christ; my family and I didn’t even know there the Holy Ghost were the same person—that Jesus was I was such a thing. My father was the manager of a rubber God in physical form. That brought up a lot of questions and coffee plantation that bordered a tropical jungle on East in my mind: Who was in heaven while God was on earth Java, one of the bigger islands of what is now known as as Christ? Was Christ praying to Himself when He prayed? Indonesia. We were Dutch. How could God forsake Himself while He was hanging I cannot remember a time in my life that I didn’t believe in on the cross? How could God stand at His own right hand God and Jesus Christ. We lived too far away from Jember, the as Stephen saw in a vision? Things just didn’t seem to add closest town, to attend the church we belonged to, but my up, and when I said that I couldn’t understand such things, father read to my younger brother, Peter, and me from a chil- I was told in a very decisive way by my teacher, “We can dren’s Bible before we went to bed each night. I loved those never comprehend God. The moment you understand Bible stories, and that homespun faith was strong in me. God, He will cease to be God to you.” World War II broke out; the Dutch East Indies, as I was too timid to say anything more, but my teacher Indonesia was then called, was conquered, and we spent could tell that I didn’t believe him. Consequently, I flunked two years in prison camps separated from my father. My the class. mother; Peter; my four-year-old sister, Barbara; and I sur- Even though I decided not to go back, I still felt the need vived the ordeal, but our world was turned upside down to belong to a church so I could draw closer to God. A friend when we found out that my father, who was in another talked me into seeing a clergyman of another faith, but when

camp, hadn’t. I remember walking out of our barracks he told me that only members of his religion would go to BURR DAN BY ILLUSTRATION

22 heaven, I asked, “What will happen to all those people all over the world who have grown up and died having never heard of your church?” He just shrugged his shoulders and said that heaven was out of their reach. That shocked me— God could not possibly be that unfair! I searched among several other denominations, but their teachings didn’t sound or feel right. Every church seemed to have its own interpretation of scripture. I felt that just coming to church on Sundays, dropping money into collection pouches, listening to a sermon, and then going home for the rest of the week was not enough. There had to be more to the life of a Christian. Walking home, I looked up at the sky, which was cloud- less and blue (a rarity in the Netherlands), and asked silently, “God, why was I created? What am I supposed to do with my life? And why don’t we have Apostles any- more? They would be able to clean up all this confusion we have in the churches.” I received no answer then, but in the middle of the sum- mer that followed, God sent to Rotterdam two missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who had the answers I sought. But first, they had to find me. It was almost noon one day as Elder Beazer and Elder Van Bibber were tracting in the eastern outskirts of Rotterdam. They were hungry. It had been a long morning, and they hadn’t received any invitations from those they spoke with to come back. “Let’s go home and have some lunch,” Elder Beazer said.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 23 “How about one more door?” Ghost. The Father and the Son have bodies of suggested Elder Van Bibber. flesh and bones, but the Holy Ghost doesn’t. “All right,” Elder Beazer replied. That is why He’s drawn in dotted lines. They “One more door.” are three separate beings.” They rang the doorbell, and a For a moment I just stared at her. “That’s slim, dark-haired woman with brown it!” I finally said. “That makes sense.” I knew it eyes opened the door. After the was true. young men introduced themselves Elder Beazer and Elder Van Bibber contin- as missionaries for The Church of ued to teach my mother, and when I came Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the woman invited them in. home from the office, she taught me what she had learned. They taught her the first lesson and made an appointment When she told me the elders had talked about apostles and to return. prophets, things clicked. It all sounded so familiar to me. When I came home from work that day, my mother Although my mother typically slept in on Sundays until greeted me with the words, “You’ll never guess who came noon, she started to get up early and take two different to the door today.” streetcars to get to the only Latter-day Saint branch build- “Who?” I asked. ing in Rotterdam, located on the other side of town. Since “Two young men from America. They wanted to talk I always had more questions than my mother could answer about God, and I let them in.” after the missionaries’ visits to our home, she finally said, “Oh,” I said, uninterested. Had I been home to open “Why don’t you just come with me to church on Sundays? the door, I wouldn’t have let them in. Then you can ask them those questions yourself.” “They explained God to me.” I did, much to the surprise of the elders, who hadn’t I froze in my tracks. “What did you say?” known I existed. I kept going. The elders were transferred, “They explained God to me,” she repeated. “Here, I’ll and two others finished teaching me. On February 4, 1955, show you.” I was baptized. I was immediately called to serve as the Curious, I followed my mother into the parlor. From Sunday School secretary, and a year later I was called on a the coffee table she picked up a small piece of paper. On full-time mission to the Netherlands. it the missionaries had drawn three stick figures. “One is I had finally come home, thanks to two elders who de- God the Father, one is the Son, and the third is the Holy cided to listen to the Spirit and knock on one more door. ■

24 WeWe LetLet ThemThem LearnLearn When pushing our children brought the wrong results, we tried an approach that respected their agency.

BY LAVERD AND FLORA JOHN*

n our old age we more fully understand the joyous blessings that come through Iparenthood. During our early years as parents, we behaved as if our children had been born to us—to have, to hold, and to mold. It was so easy to tell them what to say PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTINA SMITH, POSED BY MODEL POSED BY CHRISTINA SMITH, BY PHOTOGRAPH ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 25 for us to effectively guide them. Our former push- ing approach was often a futile attempt to guide them while they were stopped. After we had estab- lished a routine, we generally withdrew and let them do the assignments on their own. In a ushing our short time, each of us was doing whatever children needed to be done without being assigned Pcan generate to do it. In this way we were able to com- feelings of resentment plete the household chores on weekdays and resistance. We

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT CASEY, POSED BY MODELS POSED BY ROBERT CASEY, BY PHOTOGRAPH and were able to enjoy a chore-free Saturday. let our children

and do, and if our directions were correct, we learn by working Why We Go to Church shared part of the credit for their successes. with them or allowing The let them learn concept helped us Eventually, we learned that pushing them— them to do their when Rose Marie, our 11-year-old, asked, “do your homework,” “clean your room,” “do assignments on “Do I have to go to church today?” the dishes,” “take out the garbage,” “mow the their own. Our first impulse was to say, “Yes, you lawn,” and so on—generated feelings of do!” But we quickly regained control and resentment and resistance. let her learn by saying, “We can’t answer that question.” “Why can’t you?” she asked. Leading Instead of Pushing “If we say you have to go, you may go, but with a nega- The day our family home evening lesson included the tive attitude toward learning. If we say you don’t have to scripture “let every man learn his duty” (D&C 107:99), our go, you may stay home, and then the responsibility is eyes were opened, and our approach changed. To let them ours. We lose either way. So you will have to decide learn, we had to acknowledge that our children had been whether or not to go.” born through us with agency and the potential to unfold. She pleaded: “Then can you tell me why you’re going? We needed to develop greater self-discipline. We had I don’t understand why it’s important to go.” already learned that the buds on our rose bushes would This question we could answer. We explained that six unfold into beautiful blossoms if we planted them in ample days each week are ours to do what we need to do or sunlight, kept them free from weeds, appropriately nour- want to do. The Lord has reserved one day each week. ished them, and carefully trimmed them. So we began On the Lord’s day we rest from our six days of labor, give arranging situations for our children where they could thanks to the Lord, and learn what He wants us to know unfold on their own. While this approach may not be and do. When we meet with others to worship the Lord, equally successful with all children or in every situation, His Spirit is present (see Matthew 18:20). In addition, dur- it proved to be effective in our family. ing sacrament meeting we have an opportunity to review We began by working with our children as we led our actions of the past week, correct any mistakes we have them into each assignment. “Do you need help with made in keeping our promises to the Lord, partake of the your homework?” “Do you have time to help us make sacrament, and renew our covenants with Him. By making the beds?” “We need some help in the yard.” This fulfilled these corrections and renewing our covenants, we lift our- their strong internal need to be needed. In addition, our selves to a higher level of righteousness. The Lord prom- leading moved them into action, which made it possible ises if we keep the Sabbath day holy, with thanksgiving and

26

HELPS FOR HOME EVENING 1. Lay a piece of string on a table and push a cheerful heart and countenance, one end with your finger. Does it go in the direc- The Blessings the fulness of the earth is ours (see tion you want it to go? Now pull the string with We savored every experience D&C 59:15–17). These are the main your fingers. Does it go where you want it to as we let our children learn the reasons we attend our meetings on go? Use this object lesson to introduce the warm feelings of satisfaction and the Lord’s day. principles taught in the “Leading Instead of the unbelievable blessings that Our explanation let her learn Pushing” section of the article. come from keeping the Sabbath the appropriate answer to her ques- 2. After reviewing the “Financial Account- day holy, paying tithing, budget- tion. Her response was, “I want to ability” section, have each family member plan ing money, cooking meals, clean- go to church with you.” an activity using a limited budget. List in detail ing the house, keeping the yard how the money is to be spent. As a family, in good shape, and belonging to Financial Accountability choose the best activity and enjoy it together. a supportive eternal family. Letting our children learn Other experiences pale when helped us cope with the never-ending challenge of pro- compared to the experiences we have shared with our viding for their financial needs. As they got older they children. The simple phrase let them learn brought needed money almost every day for one reason or incredible blessings of satisfaction, joy, peace, and love another. We studied, pondered, and prayed for help into our lives. ■ in developing a plan that would let them learn how * Author Flora John has passed away etting children since writing this article. to budget their own finances. During a family council learn and keep we were prompted to estimate the basic financial needs L the principles of each child for one year, divide that number into 12 of the gospel can equal payments, and give that amount to each child at yield marvelous the beginning of each month. We agreed they would pay blessings of peace, CHRISTINA SMITH BY PHOTOGRAPH tithing on their share of the family income; pay for school joy, and happiness. lunches, books, and other school-related needs; save enough to buy clothing; save some for special events; and allocate some for recreation. We would budget for home expenses, family events, and any help they might need with unexpected expenses. Their response was enthu- siastic. “This is a good idea! We will learn to pay our tithing, budget for our own needs, eliminate the need to ask you for every penny, and it will probably cost you less than you are spending now.” A few months into the plan, Janene, who was attending junior high school, brought her budget to our family council. She had recorded every item she had purchased, including 25 cents for an ice cream cone. Her careful accounting easily convinced us she needed an increase.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 27 There Shall Be a Record Kept among You

Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the Seventy, the current Church historian and recorder, recently talked with Church magazines about the past, present, and future of this important office.

Why are Latter-day Saints taught that it is important to recording of ordinances, and the collection of minutes. keep records and to gather and preserve Church history? The scriptures also suggest there is a responsibility to Elder Marlin K. Jensen: The scriptures, especially the ensure the records are used “for the good of the church, Book of Mormon, make clear that and for the rising generations” (D&C 69:8). “remembering” is a fundamental The roles of historian and recorder are complementary and saving principle of the gospel. We and at times almost indistinguishable. I think that’s why, in keep records to help us remember. the early days of the Church, sometimes a recorder was Remembering the past gives us needed appointed and sometimes a historian and why over time perspective as God’s children to have the roles were joined together in one calling. faith in our future destiny and thus to What is the purpose of recording and teaching Church live more faithfully in the present. history? On April 6, 1830, the day the Church Elder Jensen: The primary purpose of Church history was organized, the Lord commanded the Prophet Joseph is to help Church members build faith in Jesus Christ and Smith, “Behold, there shall be a record kept among you” keep their sacred covenants. In fulfilling this purpose, we (D&C 21:1). This is the revelation upon which the office of are guided by three main considerations: Church historian and recorder is based. First, we seek to bear witness of and defend the founda- On that day the Prophet learned how important it is to tional truths of the Restoration.

the Lord for a history of the Church to be kept, and he soon Second, we desire to help Church members remember called Oliver Cowdery to be the first Church historian and the great things God has done for His children. recorder. In the beginning Oliver recorded minutes of meet- ings, patriarchal blessings, membership information, and cer- tificates of priesthood authority. He also began what might be

called a narrative history of the Church. Record keeping began with a commandment from God and continues to the present day. What does the calling of Church historian and recorder entail? Elder Jensen: The work of the Church historian and recorder is largely one of record keeping. It includes the gathering and preserving of Church history sources, the

28 Opposite page: Oliver Cowdery served as the first Church recorder. Below: Pages of this Joseph Smith journal show the revelation that became Doctrine and Covenants 121.

Third, we have a scriptural charge to help preserve the revealed order of the kingdom of God. This includes the revela- tions, documents, procedures, processes, and patterns that provide order and continu- ity for the exercising of priesthood keys, the proper functioning of priesthood quorums, the performance of ordinances, and so on—those things that are essential to salvation. How else does the Church benefit from the office of Church historian and recorder? Elder Jensen: The Church historian and recorder can provide an authoritative voice of the Church in his- torical matters. There are always historical questions, and sometimes there are historical controversies. It is helpful

BY ROBERT T. BARRETT; PHOTOGRAPHS BY CRAIG DIMOND AND JED CLARK; BY BORDER © ARTBEATS PHOTOGRAPHS BARRETT; ROBERT T. BY to have an office to which anyone can turn for trustworthy answers. The Church historian and recorder chairs the Historic Sites Committee, which administers Church history sites and landmarks. He also serves as chairman of the Church’s Records Management Committee. This committee oversees the creation, management, and final disposition of all Church

OLIVER COWDERY WRITING WITH A FEATHER PEN, OLIVER COWDERY WRITING WITH A FEATHER records—ecclesiastical and corporate—the world over.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 29 LEARN MORE ABOUT Among the most essential and sacred records are CHURCH HISTORY those evidencing the performance of temple ordinances. The Internet makes Church history more accessible than ever. They are preserved as a part of what I feel is that book Following are some of the resources available in English on the “which shall be worthy of all acceptation” (D&C 128:24). Church history Web site at www.lds.org/churchhistory: Members can have confidence that all records, including those of their temple ordinances, are safe. • Joseph Smith Web Site, How is the Church using technology to carry forth the which reviews the life and work of the historian’s office? mission of the Prophet. It Elder Jensen: I work with the Family and Church features historical photo- History Department, which collects and preserves the graphs and documents. essential materials of Church history. We are developing a technology plan that will better enable us to collect, preserve, and make Church history available for a global • Mormon Pioneer Overland Church membership. Obviously the Internet will play Travel, 1847–1868, which is an increasingly important role in what we do. a searchable database of The books, documents, artifacts, historic sites, and pic- individuals and companies tures that we have collected through the years constitute in a sense the “crown jewels” of the Church’s history. We traveling west to Utah. feel an obligation to share these in approved and appro- priate ways with members everywhere. Viewing a page • Historic Sites, which from the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon on shows the location, pictures, the Internet or taking a virtual tour of the upper room of and brief history of major the Smith family cabin where Moroni appeared to young Joseph Smith are experiences that will connect members Church sites. to our past in faith-promoting ways. Technology will also better enable us to train and assist • Museum of Church local leaders, clerks, and others who are responsible for the History and Art, which compilation of annual histories for stakes, wards, and mis- shows art and artifacts that sions. With the help of technology, historical information will flow more easily to and from Church headquarters. document the history of the How can the history of the Church become a heritage for Church and its members. all of us, whether we are new members or have been in the Church for generations? Elder Jensen: Someone once said that a people can be no greater than its stories. The history of the Church begins with the compelling account of Joseph Smith and his search for the true Church. When we believe Joseph’s account, we become part of a great body of believers whose lives change by embracing the restored gospel.

30 This experience becomes a very important part of our the rise and progress of the Church and the impact of common Latter-day Saint heritage. It also helps explain the gospel in the lives of ordinary members in every why the history of the Church’s beginnings is so critical nation touched by the restored gospel. These need to the Church’s existence and continued growth and recording and preserving as well. vitality. The relationship between Church and family history is There are other great stories in our history that also worth considering. Usually a study of one will lead to deserve to be known and taught at church and at a study of the other. Many of the Church’s greatest stories home. The lessons of Kirtland, the trials of Missouri, are contained in personal and family histories, and these the triumphs and eventual expulsion of the Saints from are a part of our individual and family heritages. Nauvoo, and the westward trek of the pioneers are Finally, we need to remember that acquiring a heritage stories that inspire Latter-day Saints in every land and of Church history requires more than simply reading a language. But there are equally moving stories about history book. It includes visiting a historic site, visiting a

In the mountains south of Salt Lake City, the Granite Mountain Records Vault houses microfilm copies of much of our Church

PHOTOGRAPH OF GRANITE MOUNTAIN RECORDS VAULT BY ELDON K. LINSCHOTEN BY RECORDS VAULT OF GRANITE MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPH and family history. Inset: An architect’s rendering of the new Church History Library, to be completed in the summer of 2009.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 31 As today, ancient museum to view historical artifacts, attending the best example of the connection between prophets like Nephi a family reunion, or keeping a personal jour- history and doctrine. I’ve come to under- kept a record of their nal. The key is for everyone to have personal stand and appreciate the power of scripture BY DALE KILBOURN DALE BY history. Bottom: A involvement of some type with the past. and history working together. replica of the Book What do you think has been most meaning- I have gained a testimony that all things of Mormon plates. ful to you personally about serving as Church are present before God—past, present, and

historian and recorder? future. That really harmonizes with the JOSEPH SMITH WRITING, Elder Jensen: I have come to realize that scriptural definition of truth, which is the scriptures contain sacred history. When “knowledge of things as they are, as they the prophets wrote to us, they wove ser- were, and as they are to come” (D&C 93:24).

mons and teachings into their historical We live in the present. We can’t see the MANN; PAUL BY FROM NEPHI WRITING ON THE GOLD PLATES, DETAIL narratives. For example, the Book of Mormon future, but the past is available for us to begins with the story of Lehi and his family. It see—if it has been preserved. Our past can is scripture, but it is also a narrative history. give us a perspective and a foundation that The Book of Mormon represents the finest we really can’t get in any other way. Whether PHOTOGRAPH OF GOLD PLATES REPLICA BY JED CLARK; REPLICA BY OF GOLD PLATES PHOTOGRAPH type of historical writing we have. It is also it is the history of our grandfather or the

32 history of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the history of the trials of the Latter-day Saint pioneers during the early days of the Church or the history of Latter-day Saint ser- vicemen during World War II—lessons from the past help us cope with our present and give us hope for our future. I have come to appreciate the Prophet Joseph Smith more than ever before because of his monumental accom- plishments as the founding prophet of this dispensation. Of all the things I’ve come to treasure, I think the most important is the conviction that if we’re honest in heart and desire to know God, we can come to know Him and feel accountable to Him. We have the example of the Prophet Joseph Smith to thank for that. He modeled it, he taught it, and he held out the promise that we can come to know Christ also. That’s priceless to me. ■ A CURRENT PROJECT OF INTEREST

Joseph Smith Papers Elder Jensen: I think the most significant project we are working on right now is the Joseph Smith Papers Project. This is a monu- mental multiyear effort to gather the documents that the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote, caused to be written, or received, as well as the sermons he delivered, the correspondence that came to him, the legal matters in which he was involved, and revelations he received. We plan to publish those papers in a series of volumes.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 33 The Joseph Smith Journals The Prophet Joseph’s seven journals are his sermons. They are some of the most important records among the most important records that for understanding Joseph Smith and the development of help us understand him and the develop- the Church during his lifetime. ment of the Church during his life. Following is a brief description of each of the Prophet’s seven journals and information about several of the scribes BY MARK ASHURST-McGEE AND ALEX SMITH who helped him keep them. Editors of volumes in the Journals Series in the forthcoming Joseph Smith Papers, a multivolume work in progress at the Family and Church History Department. Over the next several First Ohio Journal: 1832–34

years, the department will publish all of Joseph Smith’s letters, The Prophet Joseph faithfully kept this first journal ARRETT journals, histories, revelations, and other documents. every day for nine days and then stopped for almost 10 he Prophet Joseph Smith purchased his first journal months. He resumed in October 1833, when he left on November 27, 1832—possibly in response to a home on a proselytizing mission to Upper Canada. The T revelation he received the same day concerning entries during this mission are a rich source of insight the necessity of Church record keeping (see D&C 85:1–5). into his sincerity and the spiritual and emotional dimen- It was a small pocketbook of 104 pages that he called a sions of his personality. For example, Joseph recorded for “Book for Record.” October 12: “I feel very well in my mind. The Lord is with The first words he wrote express his sincere intention us, but [I] have much anxiety about my family.” Later that “to keep a minute account of all things that [came] under day he received a revelation assuring Sidney Rigdon and [his] observation.” Joseph Smith, however, was more com- him of their families’ well-being (see D&C 100:1). On his fortable with the spoken word and expressed his frustra- return to Kirtland, Ohio, on November 4, 1833, Joseph tion with the limitations of writing.1 As a result, there were dictated a journal entry to Oliver Cowdery, the second periods of effective journal keeping, but there were also elder of the Church: “Found my family all well according gaps when months and even years went by in silence. Still, to the promise of the Lord, for which blessings I feel to he returned again and again to journal keeping, or he thank his holy name.” arranged for others to carry on in his stead. Eventually, Before long, he turned to other scribes for help. In with the help of the faithful and dependable scribe Elder addition to using Oliver Cowdery as a scribe, the Prophet Willard Richards, the Prophet succeeded in establishing a called upon Elders Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. method of steady journal keeping. Williams, his counselors in the First Presidency. In The journals produced by and for the Prophet contain March 1834, while on another mission, Joseph Smith several of the earliest existing copies of his revelations, asked his traveling companion, Elder Parley P. Pratt, to

and they provide the only detailed accounts of several of help him keep the journal. B ROBERT T. MAP BY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN; BY PHOTOGRAPHS RIGHT: AS NOTED; EXCEPT AND ALEX SMITH, MARK ASHURST-McGEE BY PHOTOGRAPHS

34 Above: The first page of Joseph Smith’s first Ohio journal. Inset: Not all of the entries appear in The front cover of this chronological order. On several journal, bearing the occasions, Joseph backtracked to Prophet’s signature. record an earlier event. He also Map: The Prophet’s used the journal to keep financial first and second records and other miscellaneous journals were written notes, which are interspersed in Kirtland, Ohio. His

Kirtland throughout the book. third and fourth were The journal’s most consistent written in Far West, Nauvoo OHIO entries are between late February and Missouri. His fifth, Far West ILLINOIS April of 1834, when the Prophet was sixth, and seventh recruiting help and raising funds for the journals were written MISSOURI expedition to relieve the Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois. who had been driven from their homes in Jackson County, Missouri.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 35 Second Ohio Journal: 1835–36 Kirtland Temple. In the solemn assembly, The Prophet’s second journal was a Church officers would be “endowed with medium-sized ledger of 220 pages called power from on high” (D&C 105:11) to preach a “Sketch Book.” It contains Joseph’s the gospel throughout the earth. Hence, the activities in and around Kirtland from priesthood officers needed to be prepared. late September 1835 to early April The journal reports the several councils and 1836. Joseph and Oliver began the private meetings held to achieve harmony record and then quickly turned it and work out personal differences among the over to Frederick G. Williams. Soon brethren. afterward, the Prophet asked Warren The Prophet spent a great amount of time Parrish to serve as a full-time scribe. Although reorganizing priesthood quorums and coun- The Prophet’s second Warren wrote most of the journal, Joseph cils so they would be properly organized for Ohio journal (above) Smith dictated much of it to him. The dictated the solemn assembly. He insisted that the contains a historical entries are generally much longer than the brethren be trained in the School of the account of Joseph entries Joseph wrote himself. And, while Elders and in the associated Hebrew school. Smith’s First Vision somewhat less personal, the dictated entries The journal tells of Joseph’s enthusiastic and (depicted below), still bear the marks of Joseph Smith’s style. The dedicated study of the Hebrew language dur- and it records entries recorded by Warren Parrish and other ing this time. It traces the Prophet’s efforts in the conferral of scribes, including Warren Cowdery, account for these endeavors and concludes by describing priesthood keys by every day of the period covered by the journal. the dedication of the temple, the solemn Moses, Elias, and This second journal contains an account of assembly, and the Sunday meeting of April 3, Elijah in the Kirtland Joseph’s First Vision, where God the Father 1836. On this Easter morning, the resur- Temple on April 3, and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph rected Christ appeared to the Prophet 1836 (opposite page). in a grove of trees near his home. It also Joseph Smith and Elder Oliver Cowdery. tells of the angel Moroni’s appearances to Moses, Elias, and Elijah then appeared and Joseph Smith in 1823. The journal records the Prophet’s early efforts to translate the book of Abraham. Of particular theological significance is the January 21, 1836, vision of the celestial kingdom of heaven and the revelation that “all who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom ON THE SET OF JOSEPH SMITH: PROPHET RESTORATION REIER TAKEN MATTHEW BY PHOTOGRAPH RIGHT: of God” (D&C 137:7)—foreshadowing the doctrine of redeeming the dead through vicarious ordinances. The focus of the journal, however, is the preparation for the special solemn assembly

held three days after the dedication of the FROM THE RESTORATION; STILL IMAGE LEFT:

36 to the First Presidency, and the journal focuses not only on the Prophet but also on his counselors—Sidney Rigdon and Hyrum Smith. Between April and June 1838, Brother Robinson regularly kept the journal and recorded the First Presidency’s efforts to plan the Latter-day Saint community of Adam-ondi- Ahman in neighboring Daviess County. Brother Robinson also recorded a number of the Prophet’s revelations, includ- ing the revelation on tithing (see D&C 119). conferred priesthood keys on the Prophet Joseph and Entries are consistent and detailed from late July to early Oliver Cowdery. This entry is now found in Doctrine and September. These entries document the beginning of vio- Covenants 110. lent persecution of the Saints in northwestern Missouri. On September 2, 1838, George Robinson described the First Missouri Journal: March–September 1838 atmosphere in the area: “This looks a little too much like Joseph Smith’s first Missouri journal is recorded on mobocracy; it foretells some evil intentions; the whole 69 pages of a large ledger. In this and the remaining jour- upper Missouri is all in an uproar and confusion.” At the nals, Joseph assigned his scribes to observe his activities close of the journal, Latter-day Saints in Far West and other and record them on their own. Although Joseph Smith’s parts of Caldwell County, Missouri, began heading north personal involvement was diminished, the perspectives to protect those in Daviess County from vigilantes. of the scribes do provide different vantage points on the Prophet’s life that we would not otherwise have. Second Missouri Journal: September–October 1838 This journal begins with a brief retrospective account, Scribe James Mulholland was one of many boarders in apparently dictated by Joseph Smith, of his arrival in the the Prophet’s home over the years. He kept the Prophet’s Latter-day Saint community of Far West in Caldwell County, second Missouri journal in three pages of a handmade Missouri. He had just fled the dangerous environment of pamphlet. The entries cover only one month—from apostasy and legal harassment in Kirtland following the early September to early October. The journal, titled financial collapse of the Kirtland Safety Society. “Memorandum Etcetera,” consists of brief notes regard- The entries that follow, however, are letters, revelations, ing Joseph Smith’s comings and goings, often tracking and other documents copied into the journal with little these movements to within the half hour. Written during or no connecting narrative. The journal was titled “The a time of increasing conflict in Missouri, the journal may Scriptory Book,” apparently to indicate that it was a reposi- have been commissioned by the Prophet to provide a tory for various “scripts,” or written texts.2 Most of the let- record that could be used in a court of law to document ters and other items recorded in April 1838 document the his daily whereabouts. events leading up to the excommunications of Church James Mulholland was not privy to the Prophet’s inten- leaders Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer. tions and activities, as was First Presidency scribe George Except for one revelation, the journal was written by the Robinson. The last entry, dated October 5, 1838, concludes Church’s general clerk and recorder, George Robinson. with “Did not see him all the afternoon; understood that When Brother Robinson’s documentary record was fin- he went from home.” In fact, Joseph Smith had gone to ished, he began writing contemporary journal entries. By De Witt, Missouri, to help the Saints who had been besieged this point Brother Robinson had been appointed a scribe by vigilantes.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 37 Below: The Prophet’s First Illinois Journal: 1839 Second Illinois Journal: 1841–42 first Illinois journal After a grueling confinement throughout In December 1841, a few months after his was a 15-page the winter in Liberty Jail, the Prophet Joseph return from missionary service in England, handmade “Minute and his fellow Latter-day Saint prisoners Elder Willard Richards began the longest and Book,” shown here were granted a change of venue for trial. most consistent journal-keeping effort of with a replica of a Apparently to spare the state from the pub- the Prophet’s life. This and the succeeding handmade quill pen. licity of a trial, the guards allowed their pris- Illinois journal contain entries for virtually oners to escape while en route to the new every day from mid-December 1841 until venue. They crossed the Mississippi River the Prophet’s death in June 1844. Elder into Illinois on April 22, 1839, where they Richards began this journal in a large ledger joined the Saints from Missouri, who had titled “The Book of the Law of the Lord.” received a sympathetic reception from the This record appears to have been created citizens of Quincy, Illinois. That same day to fulfill the injunction to “keep a history, the Prophet hired James Mulholland to and a general church record of all things again keep a journal for him. From April to that transpire in Zion, and of all those October 1839, Brother Mulholland recorded who consecrate properties” (D&C 85:1). the Prophet’s activities in 15 pages of a Transcripts of several revelations precede handmade pamphlet titled “Minute Book.” the 89 pages of journal entries, which The journal traces the Prophet’s efforts are interspersed in a record of numerous once again to gather the Saints and to donations to the Church. build the kingdom of God. He purchased This journal describes many significant land upriver at Commerce, Illinois, and events in the Prophet’s life such as the cre- instructed the Saints to move there. ation of the Relief Society and construction Though the area was plagued with of the Nauvoo Temple. The entries describe malaria-carrying mosquitoes, the Saints Joseph’s activities as President of the Church, began draining the swampy lowlands mayor of the city, storekeeper, chief justice, and transforming Commerce into a newspaper editor, commanding officer of beautiful city, which they later renamed the Nauvoo Legion, and other positions. Nauvoo. The journal entries also contain revelations, In late October 1839, Joseph Smith a record of court cases, and correspondence left Illinois for Washington, D.C., seek- with Joseph’s wife, Emma, and others. ing relief and redress from the federal In June 1842, when Willard Richards government for the deprivations departed for Massachusetts to move his fam- suffered by Latter-day Saints in ily to Nauvoo, he transferred this journal to Missouri. Two weeks before William Clayton. With periodic help from Joseph left, James Mulholland Eliza R. Snow and an unidentified scribe, stopped keeping the journal. He may Brother Clayton kept the remainder of the have stopped because he, like many journal and donation record. The events of others, had fallen ill, probably with December 20, 1842, were the last entries malaria. He died while the Prophet was away. recorded.

38 Above: The third Illinois journal is a four-volume set for which Elder Willard Richards acted as scribe. The desk and document box shown here are believed to have come from the Smith family home in Nauvoo. Inset: This journal entry of April 6, 1843, records the opening day of a Church conference in Nauvoo. is one thing you fail in as historian—the naming or noticing surrounding objects, weather, etc.” Joseph’s review of this Third Illinois Journal: 1842–44 journal, though infrequent, demonstrates the importance Though half of the pages were still blank in the previous he attached to providing historical context to the events of journal, a new journal, titled “President Joseph Smith’s his life and the early Church. Journal,” was started beginning on December 21, 1842, with Although the Prophet’s efforts to keep a record of his Willard Richards again acting as scribe. This effort would personal and ecclesiastical life waxed and waned, he even- eventually result in a four-volume, 1,045-page journal. It con- tually succeeded, with the help of others, in keeping a reg- tains almost daily entries until June 22, 1844—just five days ular record of his doings. His journals serve not only as the before the Prophet and his brother Hyrum were murdered. basis for early Church history but as an example to us of The journal entries bear the stamp of their scribe, Elder the importance a record of our own life can have in the Richards, but they capture the Prophet’s personality and lives of our descendants. ■ character in ways that Joseph likely would not have written Spelling and punctuation modernized in all journal quotations; the journals are in possession of the Church History Library in Salt about himself. The entries range from lighthearted anec- Lake City, Utah. dotes to detailed accounts of legal cases over which Joseph NOTES Smith presided in the courts of Nauvoo. This wide scope of 1. See, for example, letter from Joseph Smith, Greenville, Indiana, to Emma Smith, Kirtland, Ohio, June 6, 1832, Chicago Historical information helps us better understand the Prophet Joseph Society, Chicago, Illinois; letter from Joseph Smith, Kirtland, Ohio, to William W. Phelps, Independence, Missouri, Nov. 27, 1832, in Smith. Some entries even provide insight into what he Joseph Smith Letterbook 1, pages 1–4, Church History Library, Salt expected of the record keeping in his journal. For instance, Lake City, Utah. 2. See Noah Webster, ed., An American Dictionary of the English on March 4, 1843, the Prophet told Elder Richards, “There Language (1845), “scriptory,” 731.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 39 AAND AN MotherOVERFLOWING HEART

uring the Christmas season, our hearts are turned to the birth of Dthe Savior. This may be especially true for new mothers. One such mother shares her experience. “It was nearly two o’clock in the morning. My day had been filled with rocking my sick and crying baby instead of baking Christmas goodies as I had planned. Now, after bathing and dressing my son, I placed him in his crib and went to search through the last batch of wash for a clean blanket. “As I walked back to his room, a pic- ture of the nativity scene caught my eye. Something made me pause to look into the serene, innocent face of the sleeping Christ child. Suddenly I realized that this baby had grown up to know far better than I the pain of sacrifice. It was His mis- sion to perform the greatest sacrifice in all of human history—the Atonement for Savior, the baby in the manger.” Madonna and Child, the sins of all mankind. Following are paintings of mothers, by Avard Fairbanks, plaster bas relief “The Savior’s love for me filled my who often represent the spirit of these weary heart, and in turn, I was con- words from President Gordon B. sumed with love for my own little boy. Hinckley: “Giving of self; giving of Hastily I went into his room and picked substance; giving of heart and mind him up, eager to offer what small com- and strength in assisting those in fort I could. I rocked him by the light need . . . are of the very essence of the of our Christmas tree, humming soft true spirit of Christmas” (“What Shall Christmas carols. And whenever I looked I Do Then with Jesus Which Is Called into his little face, I was reminded of my Christ?” Ensign, Dec. 1983, 3).

40 Mother and Child, by Mary Teasdel, oil painting, Courtesy of the Alice Art Collection/Utah Arts Council

Evening among the Roses, by Trent Gudmundsen, oil painting, Seventh International Art Competition

Mother and Child, by Fiona Phillips, oil painting, Seventh International Art Competition

oil painting by ArdithN. Oddous, Elizabeth Teaching John, Seventh InternationalArtCompetition bronze sculpture, by BenjaminHammond, Seventh InternationalArtCompetition pastel painting, by SarahMathisSchulz, Reunion, Mother andChild, Encircling Love, by Sheri Lynn Doty, colored pencil

She Also Serves, by Julie Lochridge, pastel painting, Seventh International Art Competition

Remember, My Son, by Ann Marie Oborn, oil painting, Seventh International Art Competition ■

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 43

I testify that Jesus is the perfect example and leader, not asking us to do what He has not done, not asking us to endure what He has not endured, giving us enough, but not more than we can manage.

BY ELDER NEAL A. MAXWELL (1926–2004) Neal A. Maxwell was born on July 6, 1926, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Clarence H. and Emma Ash Maxwell. He served for two years as an Assistant to the Twelve and for five years in the Presidency of the Seventy before being sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on October 3, 1981. He died on July 21, 2004, in Salt Lake City after an eight-year battle with leukemia. Elder Maxwell deliv- ered this powerful testimony of the Savior during general conference in May 1976. JESUSJESUS OFOF NAZARETH,NAZARETH, 44 Jesus helped to prepare this planet for us and led—not pushed—us from our premortal post. I thank Him for the untold things He did, across the ages of that first estate, to prepare perfectly for His unique role.

t matters so very much how we regard and view Jesus Christ. Some seek to sub- BY WALTER RANE WALTER BY Istitute Caesars for Christ. Others are blinded because they are “looking beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14) when the mark is Christ. Many sects—without the reinforcing rods of revelation—have been badly shaken by theological tremors; the resulting ecclesi- astical erosion has been so rapid it is meas- ured in months, not centuries. Some I testify that He was crusaders without a cross have actually raised in a lowly removed the divinity of Jesus Christ from the town and thank Him center of their doctrines—only to see all the for the example of other doctrinal dominoes tumble too. rising above His Thus, foolishness, fear, and fashion have beginnings without flattened the theology of many. For them, renouncing them AND THE CHILD GREW AND WAXED STRONG IN THE SPIRIT, STRONG IN THE SPIRIT, AND THE CHILD GREW WAXED RIGHT: FAR BARRETT; ROBERT T. BY there is neither shelter nor landmark on the and for then horizon. surmounting all that There is, however, one people and one was set before Him. church bearing Jesus Christ’s name and built upon the fulness of His gospel. This people is reason and my experience—the two limited seen by the world as eccentric, because they but helping witnesses! Happily, there has are so Christocentric! been given to me the third witness of the This people strives to follow the counsel of Spirit—the unimpeachable and convincing CHRIST CREATING THE EARTH, CHRIST CREATING RIGHT: SIMON DEWEY; BY the resurrected Savior, who said, “Hold up witness! your light . . . unto the world. Behold I am My only regret is that what follows is apt the light which ye shall hold up—that which to be the verbal equivalent of a child’s enthu- THE LAST SUPPER,

LEFT: ye have seen me do” (3 Nephi 18:24). siastic finger painting—because my tongue Today I desire to hold up that light by testi- cannot tell all I know. Even so . . . fying of Jesus Christ and what He has done I testify that in our first estate Jesus was according to what I know, have seen, felt, and the incomparable individual among all our heard in my life. This testimony involves my Father’s spirit children. He helped to prepare SAVIOR AND KING ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 45 a breathtaking commitment to freedom as a condition of our genuine growth. I thank BY DEL PARSON BY I testify that in eloquent example Him for combining His long view of our needs He partook voluntarily of the bitter with a short step forward to volunteer His HE IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN, cup in the awful, but for Him services. Never has anyone offered so much avoidable, Atonement. to so many in so few words as when Jesus

I testify that Jesus was, in fact, actually proffered the kingdoms of this world by Satan. I thank Him for

declining this DENMARK; RIGHT: FREDERIKSBORG IN HILLERØD, MUSEUM AT HISTORIC PERMISSION OF THE NATIONAL USED BY CARL HEINRICH BLOCH, BY specious offer since all eternity would have been shaken, this planet for us and led—not pushed— said, “Here am I, send me” (Abraham 3:27). for Jesus’s grip on us from our premortal post. I thank Him for I testify that He assisted in the creation Himself was also the untold things He did, across the ages of and management not only of this planet but mankind’s hold that first estate, to prepare perfectly for His also other worlds. His grasp is galactic, yet He on the future. unique role—while I was doing so very much noticed the widow casting in her mite. I am less. I thank Him, further, for not deserting stunned at His perfect, unconditional love of those of us who are slow or stragglers. all. Indeed, “I stand all amazed at the love GET THEE HENCE, SATAN, LEFT: FAR ANDERSON; HARRY BY I testify that His intelligence is vastly supe- Jesus offers me” (“I Stand All Amazed,” rior in every field to the very brightest mor- Hymns, no. 193). tals in those fields and that His intellect in I testify that Jesus was, in fact, actually CHRIST IN GETHSEMANE, scope and truth far exceeds all human intel- proffered the kingdoms of this world by Satan. LEFT: lects. I thank Him for encapsulating that I thank Him for declining this specious offer exquisite mind in both perfect love and per- since all eternity would have been shaken, for fect humility. His brilliance is not the “catch- Jesus’s grip on Himself was also mankind’s me-if-you-can” kind, but a pleading and hold on the future. patient, “Come, follow me” (Luke 18:22). I testify that He is the Divine Savior and I testify that His premortal performance Redeemer of all mankind. He who did not reflected both an astonishing selflessness and need to die Himself was willing to be bound

46 by the chains of death so He could break them for all asking us to do what He has not done, not asking us to mankind. I testify that He is thereby our advocate with the endure what He has not endured, giving us enough, but flawless Father. I thank Him for letting us decide how we not more than we can manage. I thank Him who did every- will regard Him, our Rescuer. I thank Him for His discerning thing perfectly for sharing His precious work with those of way of knowing us without controlling us, for never letting us who then do it so imperfectly. the needs of now crowd out the considerations of eternity. I testify that He and the Father are serious about I testify that in eloquent example stretching our souls in this second He partook voluntarily of the bitter estate. I thank the Savior for truly cup in the awful, but for Him avoid- teaching us about our personal possi- able, Atonement; we must, therefore, bilities and for divinely demonstrat- drink from our tiny cups. I thank Him ing directions—not just pointing. for likewise not interceding on our I testify that just as He has helped behalf, even when we pray in faith to carefully construct this second and reasonable righteousness for that estate for all mankind, He also has which would not be right for us. Our helped to carefully construct each of glimpse of Gethsemane should teach our little universes of experience. I us that all prayers are petitions! thank Him for blessing me therein I testify that, though He never with a wife, children, parents, leaders, needed it, He gave to us what we des- and friends to help me. I thank Him perately needed—that program of now for the tender times, the jarring progress—repentance, which beckons times, the perplexing times, and even us to betterness. I thank Him for help- for the times when my learning is ing me, even forgiving me, when I fall so painfully public—lest in such short, when I testify of things known He who did not need to die Himself was moments to come I am too taxed to but which are beyond the border of willing to be bound by the chains of death testify or too anguished to appreciate. my behavior, and for helping me to so He could break them for all mankind. I thank Jesus for foregoing fash- advance that border, bit by bit. His ionableness and for enduring not relentless redemptiveness exceeds my recurring wrongs. only the absence of appreciation but also for speaking the I testify that He has given us, and will give us, living truth, knowing beforehand that misunderstanding and prophets. I thank Him for His superb selection of His misrepresentation would follow. I thank Him for His mar- special witnesses and for His omniscient orchestration velous management of time, for never misusing a moment, of their varied gifts in a symphony of salvation. including the moments of meditation. Even His seconds I testify that He was raised in a lowly town and thank showed His stewardship. Him for the example of rising above His beginnings with- No son ever complemented His Father so gracefully, out renouncing them and for then surmounting all that honored His Father so constantly, or trusted His Father so was set before Him. completely as did Jesus. I testify that the Jehovah introduced by thunderings Thus, I add my small voice to the anthem of apprecia- and lightnings to a gathered Israel at Sinai (see Exodus tion that has proceeded from this pulpit over the decades. 19:16–18) is the same Jesus who later lamented, “O I gladly and unashamedly acknowledge Jesus of Nazareth, Jerusalem, Jerusalem . . . how often would I have gathered Savior and King! thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chick- Last of all, I witness that He lives—with all that those ens under her wings” (Matthew 23:37). I thank Him for simple words imply. I know I will be held accountable for such repeated reachings out to mankind, whether in phe- this testimony; but, as hearers or readers, you are now nomenal power or in quiet conversation at a wellside. accountable for my witness—which I give in the very name I testify that He is the perfect example and leader, not of Jesus Christ, amen. ■

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 47 LESSONS FROM THE

NEW TESTAMENT

uturre wi the FF ith FacinHOPEg

BY ELDER LOWELL M. SNOW Of the Seventy he effects of gravity can be frightening. When we left our premortal home to As a younger man I loved flying a small come to earth, I suspect that our greatest fear T airplane, but I sometimes dreaded the was falling. Although we were glorious beings required practice flights with an instructor. To in heavenly surroundings, our Father desired test my instrument skills and give me experi- more for us. He wanted us to gain a physical ence, my instructor would put a hood over body, the experiences that go with it, and the my head to block from my view everything opportunity to progress toward eternal perfec- but the instruments while he turned the air- tion. When the great plan of the eternal God plane every way but upside down. (see Alma 34:9) presented us with an opportu- At some point he would turn the wheel nity to obtain a body and test our spirits under ANDERSON ©IRI HARRY BY My witness is that over to me and calmly request that I bring the new and extreme conditions, we no doubt the Lord promises airplane under control before we found our- looked forward to our possibilities on earth

you what He selves in the middle of the nearest wheat (see Job 38:7). But I suspect we may have had THE SECOND COMING, promised Joseph field. As the instruments spun wildly, I fully some uncertainty about the consequences Smith—that every expected the plane to stall and then literally of the required fall. Our new life would be as peril you pass fall from the sky before I could gain control. fallen people on a fallen earth. As fallen men through in this life The falling always left me feeling helpless and and women, there was the possibility we will give you certain that the effects of gravity could not be could become enemies to God if we used experience and be denied. But as I gained control and righted our agency unwisely (see Mosiah 3:19). for your good. the airplane, aerodynamic lift would cause us But our loving Father has reassured us that

to ascend into the heavens. His “great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8) was RIGHT: STEVE KROPP; BY ILLUSTRATIONS FROM DETAIL

48 founded on faith, not on fear of failure. It saying he would “show unto [us] that is a plan of mercy, a plan of redemption, a the tender mercies of the Lord are plan of restoration, a plan of salvation, and over all those whom he hath chosen, a plan of deliverance (see Alma 41:2; 42:5, because of their faith, to make them 13–15). The central figure in this plan, the mighty even unto the power of deliver- true Deliverer, is the Lord Jesus Christ. The ance” (1 Nephi 1:20). deliverance offered was not to be limited Under divine direction the earth was by time. God’s deliverance would span all organized, man was appointed a central eternity, always safeguarding the agency so role, and in time the Great Deliverer was essential to our falling and then rising “unto sent to partake of the bitter cup and fin- the measure of the stature of the fulness of ish his “preparations unto the children Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). of men” (D&C 19:19). But our memory God’s deliverance would be sure and of those primal promises has been inten- infinite, comprehending every trial or crisis tionally dimmed, and we cannot now in our fallen world—conquering evil, sin, The “great plan of happiness” recall what we learned in those glori- and death through resurrection and recon- is a plan of mercy, a plan of ous courts on high. Instead of simply ciliation. His premortal assurances of deliv- redemption, a plan of restoration, remembering, we are required to learn erance gave us cause to shout for joy (see a plan of salvation, and a plan of and develop faith in God’s promised Job 38:7), and most of the Father’s spirit of deliverance. The central figure deliverance. children elected to come to earth. Nephi in this plan, the true Deliverer, The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us later echoed the Father’s parental promises, is the Lord Jesus Christ. by personal example how deliverance

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 49 from the power of a fallen and darkened world can come. introduction of chaos into lives that long for order, and noth- In those sacred precincts of Palmyra, Joseph was seized by a ing can seem more hopeless than the tattered lives of those power that entirely overcame him and had such an astonish- we love. Can they, or we, ever be rescued? Is there any hope ing influence over him that he felt doomed to destruction. for them, or us? In moments of such despair, the priceless After he exerted all his powers to call for help, the light of promise of God’s deliverance brings hope to troubled hearts. God descended and delivered him from the enemy that Prophets have not only warned the wicked of the held him bound. (See Joseph Smith—History 1:15–17.) In calamities that await them, but they have also borne wit- like manner, our deliverance from this ness that the righteous will be deliv- fallen world requires us to cast the dark ered. No prophet has framed it more veil of unbelief from our minds and allow simply than did President Gordon B. the light of the glory of God—the mar- Hinckley in the program for Sister velous light of his goodness, the light of Marjorie Hinckley’s funeral: “It isn’t as everlasting life—to fill our souls with bad as you sometimes think it is. It all hope (see Alma 19:6). works out. Don’t worry. I say that to Images of a fallen world appear daily myself every morning. It will all work in our modern media, and they are not out. Put your trust in God, and move very flattering. A charitable description forward with faith and confidence in of mankind’s condition today might be: the future. The Lord will not forsake us. “We have fallen, and we can’t get up.” He will not forsake us. If we will put our Much of the world seems to be headed trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if in the wrong direction. Satan’s influence we will live worthy of His blessings, He has become pervasive and is also picking will hear our prayers.”2 President up speed, while prophetic warnings of After Joseph exerted all his powers Hinckley’s optimism for the future is the fate awaiting the wicked have not to call for help, the light of God rooted in his firm knowledge that the yet penetrated enough hearts or minds. descended and delivered him from Lord’s promises of deliverance are sure. Even the righteous occasionally worry the enemy that held him bound. New Testament prophets and apostles about whether they will be able to stay also gave resounding testimony of the HARRY ANDERSON ©IRI HARRY out of the crossfire in that terrible day. But the righteous Savior’s power and purpose as a deliverer. John saw the need not fear, for when the Deliverer returns, He will be Saints “coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as as the bridegroom at the wedding feast. The righteous a bride adorned for her husband. will “be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the “And [he] heard a great voice out of heaven saying, marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will herself ready” (Revelation 19:7). To find deliverance in a dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God day when “men’s hearts [are] failing them for fear” (Luke himself shall be with them, and be their God. 21:26), we must watch for that great “day of gladness”1 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and and make ourselves ready. there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, It is not just the tyranny of evil that threatens to destroy neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things BY FROM THE SECOND COMING, DETAIL RIGHT: KAPP; GARY BY our hope for the future. At times we may feel that our per- are passed away. sonal lives are unraveling from the natural consequences “And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make THE FIRST VISION,

of living in a fallen world. The agency of man allows the all things new. . . . LEFT:

50 “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will As John confirmed, “Whatsoever is born of God overcometh be his God, and he shall be my son” (Revelation 21:2–5, 7). the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, Book of Mormon writers recorded their own witnesses of even our faith” (1 John 5:4). deliverance. Nephi prophesied in detail how Israel would be In our own day the Savior bore witness of His will and gathered and saved when the wicked burn as stubble, the power to deliver us from this fallen world: “Fear not, little kingdom of the devil is destroyed, and Satan is bound (see children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, 1 Nephi 22:13–28). Alma reassured his son Shiblon: “I would and you are of them that my Father hath given me” (D&C that ye should remember, that as much as 50:41). His promises are sure, but for ye shall put your trust in God even so much our hope to be sure we must believe ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and Him, not just believe in Him. your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye My witness is that even though we shall be lifted up at the last day. live in a fallen world, we also live in the “Now, my son, I would not that ye greatest dispensation this world has ever should think that I know these things known. We are a favored people God has of myself, but it is the Spirit of God chosen just for this day. His promise of which is in me which maketh these deliverance, extended before this world things known unto me; for if I had not began and echoed throughout the ages, been born of God I should not have is sure. He proclaimed a deliverance that known these things” (Alma 38:5–6). would overcome death, bind up the In fact, Alma knew from firsthand expe- brokenhearted, liberate the captive, rience the reality of deliverance, for as a open the doors of the prison to those young man his soul had been racked with who are bound, and comfort all who inexpressible horror as a result of his iniq- God proclaimed a deliverance that mourn, while delivering “beauty for uity and rebellion against God. After he would overcome death, bind up ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the remembered the prophecy of the coming the brokenhearted, liberate the garment of praise for the spirit of heavi- of Jesus Christ to atone for the sins of the captive, open the doors of the ness” (see Isaiah 61:1–3). No unhallowed world and cried out in faith for deliverance, prison, and comfort all who mourn. hand can stop His work in our behalf; he could remember his pains no more but and when wickedness, terror, disease, was filled with joy and marvelous light (see Alma 36:12–20). disaster, and death rage among the children of men, break- He experienced divine deliverance because he had, as he ing our hearts and attempting to break our spirits, we must said, been born of God (see Alma 36:5). “fear . . . not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” The resurrected Christ explained how such a rebirth (Exodus 14:13). leads to deliverance: “My Father sent me that I might be My witness is that the Lord promises you what He prom- lifted up upon the cross; . . . that I might draw all men ised Joseph Smith—that every peril you pass through in unto me, that . . . even so should men be lifted up by the this life will give you experience and be for your good (see Father” (3 Nephi 27:14). The tender mercies of a loving D&C 122:7), that “thy days are known, and thy years shall Father and His Only Begotten feel after us, seeking to not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, lift us out of this fallen world back into the heavens. The for God shall be with you forever and ever” (D&C 122:9). ■ gospel of Christ draws us to Him so we can be perfected NOTES 1. “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus,” Children’s Songbook, 78. in Him. We are born again in order to be borne up again. 2. “Put Your Trust in God,” Ensign, Feb. 2006, 63.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 51 BY STEFFANI R. PACKER

or most children, Christmas is a time of excitement and anticipation. For me, it was also a lesson in economics and F math. As the youngest of five children, I feared that some- one, somehow, would receive more presents than I would. As the days in December passed, I made it my personal mission to count all of the presents under the tree, ensuring that I had the most gifts, or at least as many as my siblings. When I had the most, I knew that my parents loved me more than anything, and I was convinced that I was their favorite child. But most of the time, counting presents left me feel- ing unsatisfied, ungrateful, and upset. Even after Mom showed me from her store receipts that she truly had spent the same amount of money on each of the chil- dren, I still felt cheated somehow. In my young mind, the amount of money my mother spent didn’t matter— the number of presents did. To me, gift plus gift equaled love. As I grew, I began applying this equation to my relationship with my Heavenly Father by counting my presents from Him. Whenever I wondered if He loved me, I went through my blessings, keeping a running total in my mind. “Heavenly Father loves me because He has given me . . .” This worked incredibly well for many years. Because I had been LEARNINGLEARNING blessed in numerous ways, I felt sure I was one of His favorite peo- ple. When I got married NOTTONOTTO and had a baby boy, I added two more blessings to my list. My blessings were my measuring stick for Heavenly Father’s love. COUNTCOUNT

52 Then came a problem. I began praying to have another greatest events ever to unfold on this earth, the birth of baby. But after three miscarriages, I started feeling unloved. the Savior and His Atonement, I was reminded of what the I tried counting my other blessings, but that didn’t make Savior went through for me. He was the Son of God, the me feel any better. Nothing seemed as important as the Only Begotten, and yet on this earth He descended below blessing Heavenly Father was denying me. If He loved me, everything. He looked for “some to take pity, but there was as I thought my life had proven thus far, why none; and for comforters, but [He] found wouldn’t He grant me the blessing I so des- I have learned none” (Psalm 69:20). Still He followed the perately wanted? that the number of Father’s will—without indulging in self-pity. At 23, I was still figuratively counting my blessings is not I found my answer: the Savior’s sacri- presents under the tree. I began to realize a measurement of fice is the ultimate evidence of Heavenly that if Heavenly Father used blessings as His Father’s love. He sent His Son to suffer measuring stick for love, He must not love Heavenly Father’s beyond what any of us can imagine so we those whose lives were stricken with strug- love for me. can find peace in this world and then return gle and pain. Everything in me knew this to Him one day. This is love. wasn’t true, and yet it was hard to believe He loved me Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve when He wouldn’t give me what I longed for. Apostles (1926–2004) said: “When suffering and burdened I needed answers. If my blessings couldn’t be the ulti- Jesus entered Gethsemane, He ‘fell on the ground’ (Mark mate measuring stick, then what could I use to measure 14:35). He did not merely kneel down, pray intensely and Heavenly Father’s love for me? briefly, and leave. His agonies were so great that He began On a day when I felt Heavenly Father didn’t love me to bleed at every one of thousands of His pores (see D&C at all, my two-year-old son 19:18). An angel, whose identity we do not know, came to asked me to read strengthen Him (see Luke 22:43). Mark wrote that Jesus to him from our became ‘sore amazed’ and ‘very heavy’ (Mark 14:33), children’s Bible meaning in the Greek, respectively, ‘astonished and awe- storybook. As I struck’ and ‘depressed and dejected.’ None of us can tell read the simple Christ anything about depression!”1 text describing the That afternoon I stopped feeling sorry for myself and realized that it wasn’t about me but about Him. If I would turn to His Atonement every time I felt thwarted and alone, I would find love. While I recognize that my bless- ings come from His gracious hand, I knew that if I contin- ued to measure His love by the presence or absence of these blessings, I would never feel secure in “the arms of his love” (see 2 Nephi 1:15). For years I had been using a measuring stick to quantify Heavenly Father’s love for me. Now I know that Heavenly Father’s love cannot be measured. Through the gift of our Savior, I learned that the love of Heavenly Father and His Son is infinite. ■

NOTE

1. “Enduring Well,” Ensign, Apr. 1997, 10. GREGG THORKELSON BY ILLUSTRATION

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 53 Below, from left to right: Purevsuren, Church Educational System director for Mongolia; Munkhsaihan, Ulaanbaatar district Relief Society president; Bud, returned missionary. Opposite page: Young single adults gather for a lesson in the apartment of couple missionaries Dennis and Kathy Gibbons.

54 Mongolia Steppes of Faith

The gospel is relatively new to Mongolia, khan’s descendants and their influence would be dominant but as members change themselves forces in history for centuries to come. through faith in Jesus Christ, they are In July 2006, Mongolia celebrated the 800th anniversary changing the world around them. of the founding of the Mongol Empire. Today, some might call this a “developing country,” but that term should be used in a positive sense. Energetic and creative Mongolians BY DON L. SEARLE are rapidly developing both their country and themselves. Church Magazines For some, this has included developing faith in Jesus culpted on a mountainside on the outskirts of Christ. From the 1920s until 1990, no religion was officially Ulaanbaatar, Genghis Khan looks down on the capi- tolerated in Mongolia. Latter-day Saint missionaries arrived Stal of the Mongol homeland. The giant image of the in 1993. Now there are 2 districts and 20 branches in great khan is a reminder that he once conquered an empire Mongolia, with more than 6,000 members. Missionaries covering most of Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern find that many Mongolians accept the gospel readily. Europe. “In twenty-five years, the Mongol army subjugated Following are just a few of their stories. more lands and people than the Romans had conquered in four hundred years. . . . Genghis Khan conquered more Purevsuren than twice as much as any other man in history.”1 The Sh. Purevsuren was introduced to God and Bible stories while studying at a university in the Soviet Union. (Mongolians ordinarily go by their first name, with initials of the surname in front for official pur- poses.) He bought a Bible from a fellow student because the book had Russian on one page and the same text in English on the facing page. Purevsuren read surreptitiously at night to learn English; reading the Bible openly would have meant expulsion. His father had taught him Buddhist principles of honor and right, and Purevsuren had always PHOTOGRAPHS BY DON L. SEARLE BY PHOTOGRAPHS ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 55 Above: Odgerel (left), tried to live by those. His spiritual interest were baptized and confirmed. Their son Ulaanbaatar district in the Bible came only after he returned to served a mission in Idaho. president; Soyolmaa, Mongolia, married, and was a university pro- Now Purevsuren is deeply involved in one of the first fessor. In connection with his work, he visited teaching young people as coordinator of the missionaries from her India. A Christian he met there gave him a Church Educational System for Mongolia, a country; Ankhbayar, Bible and shared feelings about the divinity position he has held since 2001. also a returned of Jesus Christ. Purevsuren remembered his There are about 600 institute students in missionary. Below: A father’s teachings about a life following this Mongolia and some 700 in seminary. Those Primary leader teaches one. “I had a fundamental belief about God numbers have grown by about 300 percent children a lesson. from my father,” he says, and he began to since 2001, even though students often face Opposite page, top: wonder how God would want him to prepare opposition from family members and the cost Adiyabold and his for the next life. of attendance, in time and transportation, is family in a Mongolian As the head of a consortium of Mongolian high. tent home. Opposite educators, he was invited to visit the United What is the most rewarding part of his job? page, bottom: Odgerel States, where he first saw the Book of “The best thing, I think, is seeing so many (back row, wearing a Mormon. In Utah, a Church member who kids joining the Church through seminary” cap) and his extended hosted the tour group gave him a copy of as students bring their friends. family, with members the book. Purevsuren read in it briefly and from four generations. then put it aside. Soyolmaa In September 2000, his family came into “I was a hard kid,” U. Soyolmaa says, look- contact with LDS missionaries in Mongolia ing back on the period in high school after and listened to the missionary discussions. her parents died. She became involved in This time he read the Book of Mormon with drinking and partying while at a university new eyes and found truth he had been seek- in Russia. After returning to Mongolia, she ing. He and his wife were baptized and con- was surprised when a friend from those party firmed that November. Only a week or two days invited her to visit a church. Her friend later, he was called as branch president. seemed so changed. Their children were not interested at first Soyolmaa was not unfamiliar with teach- in this new church. Their son, then in high ings of Christianity, but at first she resisted her school, was especially resistant but obedi- friend’s invitation. When she finally said yes, ently agreed to his father’s request to listen she felt excited but did not understand why. to the missionaries. Eventually, both children At the Church meetings, she was captivated immediately by feelings of peace, of belonging, of knowing where her life should go. Soyolmaa joined her friend’s church, and in 1995 they were the first two missionaries called from Mongolia. Soyolmaa served in Utah. Currently, she is director of Materials Management for the Church in Mongolia. She is also public affairs director for the country, a counselor in the district Relief Society Odgerel had been born in Russia while his parents were presidency, and a Gospel Doctrine teacher in her branch. students there and had been educated in Soviet socialism; “It is a privilege to be a member of the Church,” she it was almost his religion. But when the Soviet Union fell says. “Because I am in the Church, my life keeps climbing apart, what he had believed in was gone. He turned to upward.” drinking and partying, thinking the only purpose in life The Church is not well-known in Mongolia, and there was to enjoy oneself before dying. He soon realized, how- is more negative information available about Latter-day ever, that this lifestyle was a dead end and he ought to Saints than positive. There must be constant efforts to abstain from things that he could see were harming him. spread truth. Like many other Mongolians, he found it easy to accept Members are the best ambassadors for the Church. the Book of Mormon when he read it. “Mongolian people They stand out, she explains, because of “that light, that may receive the gospel really quickly because they can see happiness” seen in their faces. They feel a confidence, a the good things in it easily,” Odgerel says. They “open their joy through the gospel that many others do not have. hearts to it very sincerely.” So it was with him. He had felt Like Latter-day Saints elsewhere, she says, Church mem- there was a Supreme Being. Through the gospel, he found bers in Mongolia “have the same beliefs, so in the gospel a God and a way of life he could believe in. “That was my we belong to one big family.” happiest moment,” he says. Mongolian society could benefit from the reshaping Odgerel that the gospel brings to people’s lives, he says. Drinking is When his mother invited him to visit a Christian church a problem; so too is immorality. In Mongolia, there is only in 1995, O. Odgerel did not know she was already a mem- the worldly model, now strongly reinforced via television, ber. Working at a public library, she was in charge of rent- to shape behavior. There is no strong religious tradition in ing out its assembly room. Drawn by singing she heard the country to work against it. But through the gospel of from that room one day, she was invited to join the meet- Jesus Christ, Odgerel says, people find a righteous way to ing. Later, she listened to the missionary discussions and direct their lives. was baptized and confirmed. Odgerel is president of the Ulaanbaatar Mongolia District, which has 11 branches and some 3,700 members. About 70 percent of the members are single.

Ankhbayar From 2001 to 2003, E. Ankhbayar served in the Utah Salt Lake City South Mission. Now in his mid-20s, he is the young single adult leader in the Ulaanbaatar district. He spoke no English when he received his mission call; two American missionaries read the letter to him. Now he

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 57 manages the one-room distribution center in the Church Majigsuren’s son-in-law, A. Soronzonbold, is president of offices in Ulaanbaatar, helping members obtain gospel the Darkhan district. Her son, Kh. Sergelen, is first coun- materials available in Mongolian and materials in English selor in the presidency of the Darkhan Second Branch. for those who can use them. He says that as a missionary, And Majigsuren is first counselor in the branch Relief he helped people learn about the gospel, and he is still Society presidency. doing the same. Missionaries first came to Darkhan in 1996, and she was Ankhbayar came into the Church in 1998 with the rest baptized and confirmed in 1997, one of the pioneer mem- of his family—parents and younger brother. While his fam- bers in the city. ily was attending a Church meeting, he had two dreams “I am very grateful that all of my children are members that influenced him. In both he was fleeing from certain of the Church,” she says. Majigsuren remembers the fruit destruction when a bright, shining personage saved him. of the tree of life that Lehi saw in vision (see 1 Nephi 8). “I Ankhbayar’s parents told him later that this personage was wanted to partake of that fruit and return to my Heavenly undoubtedly the Savior and invited him to pray about the Father.” She wanted her children to partake also. She is meaning of his dream. The answer he received led him to grateful that two of them have now been sealed to their listen to the gospel. spouses in the Hong Kong China Temple: her daughter, Before they joined the Church, “my family was not close,” K. Selenge, who is married to Soronzonbold, and Sergelen he says. Now “we talk to each other. I can feel my mother with his wife, T. Altantuya. and father’s love.” In the mission field, Ankhbayar felt like Members, she says, “need to come to church, they need Church members were family. He works now to share the to pray, and they need to keep the faith. The most important gospel with friends so they too can enjoy this feeling. is faith,” because without that, they will not do the others. One person with whom he has shared the gospel is his Her son, Sergelen, became interested in the Church girlfriend, who was baptized and confirmed. If they should because he could see how his mother and sister had marry, they would face the dilemma many young Mongolian changed as a result of becoming members. He had lis- couples struggle with: where to live. Housing is scarce, and tened as a senior missionary couple taught the story of the cost is too high for many young marrieds. They may end Lehi to his mother, and he had realized that she too was up living with parents in a small apartment or perhaps in the trying to lead her children in doing right. traditional ger, the circular, one-room tentlike home of the Like many Mongolian members, Sergelen says, “I love Mongol nomads. to read the Book of Mormon because each time I read I discover new things.” The story of Captain Moroni is a Majigsuren favorite. He is also moved by Jacob 6:11–12, calling on Since missionaries in Mongolia are not allowed to pros- all to “repent ye, and enter in at the strait gate.” elytize, their contacts come through inquiries or referrals. When Mongolians find the gospel, the first people they refer to the missionaries are usually loved ones, so branches often include members of extended families. Z. Majigsuren lives in a small apartment in Darkhan, Mongolia, with her husband, two teenage daughters, and several members of her extended family: Her daugh- ter and son-in-law and their young daughter also live there. So too does a son with his wife and their baby.

58 “I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to Munkhsaihan studied English for a year with Above, from left: Two serve a mission in Russia,” Sergelen says. He Latter-day Saint missionaries. Before listening Mongolian returned did not baptize many people, but he believes to the missionary discussions, she determined missionaries begin seeds were planted that will blossom in the that she would examine their faith carefully. She married life together. future. Since 1993, more than 530 young peo- found their religion was more than a faith based Majigsuren, a pioneer ple from Mongolia have served missions. on true principles—it was a way of life. She was member in Darkhan. More than 300 served in the United States, baptized and confirmed in June 2000, and the Tuvshinjargal, and a significant number served in Russia. rest of her family joined the Church a month Ulaanbaatar district Sergelen’s brother-in-law, Soronzonbold, later. Now she sees the world as a much brighter Primary president, and has been a member of the Church since he place for her, her children, and her grand- her daughter Anudari. was 18, and now, in his mid-20s, serves as children. Currently, she serves as president of Below: Likeness of president of the Darkhan district, with its five the Relief Society in the Ulaanbaatar district. Genghis Khan sculpted branches. He is a university student. “I am After the gospel changed her own life, on a mountainside. grateful for my calling in the Church because Munkhsaihan wondered what would happen Opposite page: I learn so much from it,” he says. if she applied its principles in her work as a Horsemen represent Mongolians are impressed, Soronzonbold teacher. She began trying consciously to love Mongol troops in the explains, because members serve in the all her students—and with some that was annual Naadam Church without pay. difficult. She began to pray for her students. celebration. “Before I became a member, I was very Interestingly, she found herself changing; she selfish,” he says. Now he has a goal of learn- developed a greater capacity to love them. ing as much as he can about the gospel. “Our Even though the students did not know she challenge is to learn and to share.” was praying for them, their attitudes toward her changed as well. Munkhsaihan “As we exercise faith in the gospel, we can Before she found the gospel, A. change ourselves,” she says. Munkhsaihan saw the world as a dark place And this, her experience suggests, is how with little hope. Finding faith and hope the gospel may change Mongolia. As members through the gospel changed the world for her. change themselves through faith in Jesus Christ, In the years before 1990, she taught they will change the world around them. ■ Russian. But when the political and cultural cli- mate of Mongolia changed, she found that she NOTE 1. Jack Weatherford, Genghis Khan and the Making of needed to learn English so she could teach it. the Modern World (2004), xviii. VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE

love of God ‘is the most desirable of all things . . . and the most joyous Become an Instrument in the Hands to the soul’ [1 Nephi 11:22–23], we of God by Exercising Charity want to share our joy with others. We want to serve them and bless them” (“Cultivating Divine Attributes,” Prayerfully select and “Those who are filled with the love Liahona, Jan. 1999, 31; Ensign, Nov. read from this message of Christ do not seek to force others 1998, 27). the scriptures and to do better; they inspire others to Anne C. Pingree, former second teachings that meet do better, indeed inspire them to the counselor in the Relief Society gen- the needs of the sisters you visit. pursuit of God. We need to extend eral presidency: “We can alter the Share your experiences and testi- the hand of friendship. We need to face of the earth one family and one mony. Invite those you teach to do be kinder, more gentle, more forgiv- home at a time through charity, our the same. ing, and slower to anger” (“A More small and simple acts of pure love. Excellent Way,” Ensign, May 1992, “Charity, the Savior’s pure love, is What Is Charity? 61–63). the ‘highest, noblest, strongest kind President Howard W. Hunter of love,’ which we ‘pray unto the (1907–95): “‘A new commandment I How Can Charity Help Me Be an Father with all the energy of heart’ give unto you,’ [the Savior] said, ‘That Instrument in the Hands of God? to possess. Elder Dallin H. Oaks ye love one another; . . . By this shall Ether 12:28: “Faith, hope and char- teaches us that charity ‘is not an act all men know that ye are my disciples, ity bringeth unto me—the fountain of but a condition or state of being [one if ye have love one to another.’ (John all righteousness.” becomes].’ Our day-to-day offer- 13:34–35.) This love that we should Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of ings of charity are ‘written have for our brothers and sisters in the the Quorum of the Twelve not with ink, but with human family, and that Christ has for Apostles: “Once we see the Spirit of the living every one of us, is called charity or ‘the through the eye of faith God; . . . in [the] pure love of Christ.’ (Moro. 7:47.) It is that we are children of fleshy tables of the love that prompted the suffering a loving Father who has [our] heart[s].’ and sacrifice of Christ’s atonement. It given us the gift of His Son Little by little our is the highest pinnacle the human soul to redeem us, we experience charitable acts can reach and the deepest expression a mighty change in our change our natures, of the human heart. . . . hearts. We feel ‘to sing the define our characters, “The Savior has commanded us to song of redeeming love’ [Alma and ultimately make love one another as he has loved us; 5:26], and our hearts overflow us women with the to clothe ourselves ‘with the bond of with charity. Knowing that the courage and commit- charity’ (D&C 88:125), as he so clothed ment to say to the Lord, himself. We are called upon to purify ‘Here am I; send me’ ” our inner feelings, to change our (“Charity: One Family, hearts, to make our outward One Home at a Time,” actions and appearance con- Liahona and Ensign, form to what we say we believe. . . . Nov. 2002, 108–9). ■ INSET: PHOTOGRAPH BY HENRIK ALS, POSED BY MODELS; OTHER PHOTOGRAPHS BY CRAIG DIMOND; BORDER © PHOTOSPIN BY PHOTOGRAPHS MODELS; OTHER POSED BY HENRIK ALS, BY PHOTOGRAPH INSET: 60 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

and strength, and I have discovered many important insights that I shared My Most Precious Gift in talks and lessons at the little By Consuelo Conesa Leone Tucumán Branch in Argentina, where s I thought about all the gifts needs to say a prayer to God.” I was baptized and confirmed. Two and cards we would be giving Not having any plans that rainy years later, while serving a full-time A during another Christmas sea- Saturday, I decided to read the “inter- mission, I also wrote little notes on son, suddenly a question came to my esting” book. I opened it and found pieces of paper, suggesting to investi- mind. Of all the gifts I had received the note written by the missionaries. gators that they pray before reading during Christmastime in the past, had I put the book on my bed, knelt the copy of the Book of Mormon my any of them significantly affected my down, and for the first time in my companion and I left in their hands. life? Then I remembered December life, offered up a prayer to God in So many years have passed since 1963. my own words. then. But how could I have forgotten I was home alone because my As I started to read, the story capti- the most precious Christmas gift I parents had gone out. I was a young vated me. How was young Nephi able ever received and the neighbor who teacher at the time. Classes had to exercise such unshakable faith? I gave it to me? I can hardly remember ended, I was on vacation, and wondered if I would ever be capable her face, and I struggle to remember Christmas was fast approaching. I of doing something like that. As I her name—Marina. Thank looked around for something to read, read the book of Mosiah, I drew you, neighbor. You but I had already read everything in strength from the words of King have my eternal our home library. I decided to go see Benjamin. At the time I had no gratitude. ■ a neighbor who had a good book col- idea I was reading a book that lection and had often loaned books would become my favorite for to me. This time she offered a book more than 40 years. that two young men—foreigners— During those years the had left with her. book’s pages have “I’d like to know your opinion of provided me with it,” she said. “The content seems much support, interesting.” comfort, She then added that the young men were missionaries. Missionaries? My interest in the book immediately had no idea died. At the time I was not interested I was reading in anything having to do with reli- I a book that gion, but I took the book anyway. would become my As I said good-bye, my neigh- favorite for more bor added, “Inside the book than 40 years. you’ll find a little note they wrote, suggesting that before

ILLUSTRATIONS BY DOUG FAKKEL BY ILLUSTRATIONS reading the book, a person by misshapen fingers and carefully placed it on a branch. My angel Mother’s mother has been free of her crip- Christmas pled body for several years, but her Christmas mouse reminds me of two Mouse profound truths. By Betty LeBaron Mostert The first is that my mother hon- ored me by believing that I could hen I was a child in the look past the mouse’s crooked ears 1950s and 1960s, our them out, I noticed a little bedrag- and feel the love and sacrifice that W Christmas traditions were gled mouse made of a walnut and went into its creation. The second is not elaborate—except for the stock- hazelnuts. One ear was much bigger that if I, as an imperfect mortal, am ings. Because we children enjoyed than the other, and the whiskers capable of finding beauty in a humble our Christmas stockings so much, were crooked. The tail had been cut little mouse, how much more is our we continued the tradition when we too short, and the loop to hang it on Father in Heaven capable of seeing married and had children of our own. the tree was off center. I was con- past our imperfect efforts and under- Buying surprises and assembling fused. Had someone’s kindergarten standing our pure intentions. dozens of Christmas stockings, how- project ended up in my stocking? I know that when we do our best ever, soon became too much for my I looked up and saw my mother to give to others and to Him, our aging parents, especially my mother, watching me from her wheelchair gift is not just good enough—it is who had a serious case of rheuma- across the room. With a gnarled, bent of incalculable worth. ■ toid arthritis that limited her mobility finger, she beckoned to me. and energy. “I wanted to do something for Eventually, I volunteered to the Christmas stockings,” she said. take over the project. Our annual “They made these little mice in Relief A Christmas extended family home evening, in Society, and they were so cute.” which we acted out the Christmas Her tears were close to the sur- to Remember story and opened our stockings, face, and her gentle voice shook as By Jerry O. Thompson found me exhausted from the she continued. demands of being the mother of sev- “I couldn’t get my fingers to work, y wife and I had been mar- eral small children and juggling the so I made only one. It didn’t turn out, ried less than two years; we events of an active life. As I watched but I knew you wouldn’t mind.” Mwere caring for a newborn; everyone dump treasures out of the I looked again at the little mouse and, like typical struggling student gingham Christmas stockings I had in my hand. She was right. I didn’t families, we were stretching our carefully prepared, I was feeling a mind. In fact, her little bedraggled finances trying to make ends meet. little sorry for myself. mouse became the most precious Graduation was still a few years As expected, my stocking was treasure of all that Christmas. away, and we were trying to make empty except for the standard candy For more than 20 years, I have the best of the Christmas season. I cane and Japanese orange that I had tenderly removed the tissue paper had several part-time jobs, and my placed there earlier. But as I shook from the misshapen mouse crafted wife, Lisa, was working as a secretary.

62 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

We didn’t have a lot of extras, but we During my home teaching visit in upon returning home and finding the were happy. December, I saw that they did not tree waiting for them. This small sacri- A few months before Christmas, I have a Christmas tree. My heart sank fice added a spirit of peace and joy to was still getting to know the families for their children. Knowing of their our holiday that I had not felt before. I was recently assigned to home physical, spiritual, and financial strug- When we arrived at our apartment, teach. One family in particular stood gles, my wife and I decided to do we had our own surprise waiting for out because of the adversity they something for them. us on the doorstep: a beautifully dec- had recently faced. Two of their chil- We had saved enough money to orated Christmas tree! My wife wept dren had died in an accident from buy a Christmas tree, so we decided as she beheld this anonymous gift of which the father was still recuperat- to go out on Christmas Eve, buy the love given to us in our financial need. ing, and the mother suffered from biggest tree we could afford, gift wrap We later found out that this gift a crippling illness that had left her it, and anonymously leave it at this was given to us by the same family to physically impaired. Despite these family’s home. Fortunately, no one whom we had given our tree. Even challenges, this family had a great was home as we dropped off the tree. in their dark hour, this family had spirit about them, and they set an As we drove home afterward, we sought to bless others. Our example by the way they followed anticipated the joy they would feel hearts were filled with the the commandments. true spirit of Christmas that year. It was a hen we Christmas we will arrived never forget. ■ W at our apartment, we had our own surprise waiting for us. Did Heavenly Father Really Love Me? By Carol C. Watts

sually I loved the music, activities, and excitement that Uaccompanied the holiday season, but this season was different because our family had moved to a new town. I knew we needed to be there at that time, but I felt uncom- fortable and out of place. I voiced my discontent to my husband, Rob. We had moved several times since our marriage, and he knew I had trouble with feelings of insecurity. Rob asked me, “Do you realize how much Heavenly Father loves you?” “Of course,” I replied. “But,” Rob persisted, “do you feel in your heart that He loves you?” Tears came as I realized that I did not. For as long as I could remember, I had felt that I was less than everyone else. Rob challenged me to pray and ask Heavenly Father to let me feel His love for me. That night I did so. A couple days later I went grocery shopping. In addition to purchasing the usual items, I had planned to buy some ground beef and a roast. I realized, however, that we did not have enough money to afford the meat. It would be another week before we had any money. We also

64 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

needed fuel for the car so we could This experience was a turning 44 new recruits—or more exactly, travel to an out-of-town family party. point for me. Heavenly Father had 43 plus 1. This one was very differ- We weren’t destitute, but I answered my prayer. He did love me, ent, and when I asked him what it prayed about our situation, telling He knew my needs, and He let me was that made him different from Heavenly Father that it would be know by showing me. Since then I the others, he said he would tell nice if we could somehow buy the have sought to improve my ability to me in the evening inside my needed items. hear the whisperings of the Spirit. I quarters. The next evening as I was prepar- often pray now that I might be an “There he told me about The ing dinner, the instrument in answering someone Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- s I was doorbell rang. else’s prayer. ■ day Saints for five evenings in a row. preparing When I opened On the sixth day, Sunday, I went to A dinner, the door, the church. And with that my new life the doorbell rang. only thing I began. When I opened found on the The New “The Church involved me com- the door, the only doorstep was pletely. Little by little I became thing I found on a large paper Recruit acquainted with the members of the the doorstep was grocery sack. I By Henny Rasmussen Church. I found out that my recruit a large paper reached down was not so much different than the grocery sack. to pick it up and picked up my husband’s mem- overall membership. saw a $20 bill sta- oirs and read, once again, his “I became convinced that the pled to the top of I account of finding the Church Church was true, that it was the the folded-down more than half a century ago: Lord’s Church—and I was baptized. sack, with “Merry “As a 20-year-old in 1951, I was A truly magnificent day.” Christmas!” writ- at the school of sergeants at the I am grateful that my husband, ten in crayon across the front. Kronborg Castle [in Denmark]. On Orla, who died in 1998, included Inside the sack were several pack- Christmas night I was on guard duty these words in his personal history. ages of frozen ground beef, as well on the embankment that surrounds That long-ago Christmas night, as a couple packages of steaks. I was the castle. At one point I stopped, when my husband first sensed that dumbfounded. I had told no one looked up to the stars, and felt that God truly did exist, and his conver- that we were out of money until our there was more between the sky and sations with the new recruit are next check, not even my husband. the earth than I had thus far thought. responsible for our meeting each How could someone be so sensitive In other words, I began to believe other, being sealed in the temple, to the Spirit that he or she gave us that there was a God, which I had and having five children—who have not only the meat we needed but never really believed before. My par- now brought grandchildren and also almost the exact amount of ents were absolutely not religious, great-grandchildren into our family. money it took to fill up our car? and they and I came to church only We have had a rich life in the Church During fast and testimony meeting, for baptisms, confirmations, wed- and many blessings. I am grateful I expressed gratitude for the gifts, dings, and funerals. for that Christmas night and for the hoping that the person responsible “When months later I became new recruit in Denmark those many was there. a sergeant, I got my own troop: years ago. ■

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 65 RANDOM SAMPLER

holiday schedule. So we decided to made a budget based on past Our Christmas try an experiment—and it has lasted Christmas spending and what we throughout the years. could afford to set aside each month. Experiment •Emphasize Christ rather than When it came time to shop, we kept Santa. To focus on the spiritual aspect a list of our purchases so we wouldn’t hen our children were still of the season, we displayed several accidentally overspend. at home, we wanted them nativity scenes and pictures of the •Simplify gift giving. Santa had a Wto enjoy all the sights and Savior. On Christmas Eve we cele- short list because he gave just one sounds of Christmas, including the brated His birth by singing carols and present to each family member. We excitement of Santa. But our focus reading scriptures. Before opening pooled the rest of our Christmas needed to shift—more to Christ and presents on Christmas morning, we funds and focused on finding mean- giving and less to Santa and getting. knelt together to thank our Father in ingful presents for each other. We also wanted to lessen financial Heaven for the greatest gift of all— •Reduce time pressures. We pressures and create a less hectic our Savior and His Atonement. tried to complete our shopping •Reduce financial pressures. before December 1 and wrapped We set up a special savings gifts the same day we bought them. fund for our Christmas ex- At the end of November, we made a penses and stuck to it. We list of our December obligations and the things we wanted to do as a family. Beginning with the most important activities, we sched- uled each event on a calen- dar. But we tried to be flexible, realizing that some things could be post- poned or canceled if needed. We also reserved a few evenings to stay home and relax. Sometimes we acci- dentally slipped back into our old holiday habits, but we didn’t keep them for long. For us, relaxing and enjoying a Christ-centered Christmas is the way we want to celebrate the season. Nanette Justus, Idaho

66 LEFT: ILLUSTRATION BY JOE FLORES; RIGHT: ILLUSTRATION BY BETH WHITTAKER sheet protector. Thestoriesrelate ina ful stories,eachpagepreserved Family Trees.” Insidearefivewonder- cover thatreads,“StoriesfromOur three-ring binderwithaslip-infront fromourdaughter.gift Shegaveusa ago myhusbandandIreceivedsucha share themwithrelatives.Afewyears the holidayseason. meaning of on Christandthetrue That ChristmasIwasabletofocus became moreprofoundtome. ing HisdeathandResurrection He taught,andtheeventssurround- thethings miracles Heperformed, andlife.Themany birth Savior’s enjoyed reviewingtheeventsof evening untilChristmas.Ithoroughly of Luke, Idecidedtoreadoneeach there are24chaptersinthebook side andmoreontheSavior. Since I and aStory a Sketch, A Photo, Stephanie Nixon,Florida A Countdown Scripture short experiencesinstead.Then short too daunting,considerwriting seems f compilingyourlifehistory on the holiday’s commercial on theholiday’s time, Idecidedtofocusless few yearsagoatChristmas- short format willbemoreinteresting format short ple sketch. We hopethattheeasy, a photo,appropriatepicture,orsim- stories. We supplementeachonewith ing mybusydaughterresearchthe favorite, mostanticipatedgift. our book.Thisquicklybecame received afewmorestoriestoadd we us. EachChristmasthereafter books,buttwowerenewto history three ofthestoriesfromourfamily grandchildren toread.We recognized ten inlanguagesimpleenoughforour atives andourancestorsarewrit- interesting eventsaboutourlivingrel- year each items. food storage purchase money to set amountof into teams)a we organized sometimes person (or We gaveeach for foodstorage. family andshop December asa storeeach cery would gotothegro- dren stilllivedathome,we day tradition.Whenourchil- T Food StorageFun I decidedtojoininthefunbyhelp- The first become afamilyholi- night activitythathas here’s oneMonday FAMILY HOMEEVENINGHELPS boys againstgirls,orparents family memberspairedoff, our teamsconsistedof favorite meals.Someyears chase ingredientsforour One yearwedecidedtopur- mustard, oreggnoodles. such aselbowmacaroni, Eric Marcuscouldbuyitems their initials.For instance, chase thingsthatbeganwith person wasaskedtopur- against children. our shoppingreceipts We thencompared Fay Rich,Utah principles andcourageouslives. focusongospel accounts thatoften accountsfromourfamilytree, ful, true great blessingitistosharemeaning- home evening,oratbedtime.Whata Church talksandlessons,atfamily experiencesin these wonderful children, andsoon. to photocopyadditionalsetsfortheir grown children.Theyareencouraged we sendasetofstoriestoeachmy my 80s,Ihaveagrowingposterity, so book. Nowin lengthy familyhistory and lessintimidatingtoreadthana We encourageourfamilytoshare to the thriftiest shopper,to thethriftiest our Though westillofferrewards with ourchildren’sfamilies. fun thatwe’vecontinuedit items awayathome. together weputallour the fastestshopper. Then items ortheonewhowas the onewhohadmost Or sometimeswerewarded budget withoutgoingover. closest amounttotheallotted to seewhohadspentthe This traditionwassuch ENSIGN biggest rewardis knowing thatatleast DECEMBER 2007 once ayear we arecon- tributing to our food storage needs— and hav- ing fun together. Shirley Oakes, Illinois 67 Named by the Lord, Adam-ondi- BOOK OF MORMON (See also Ahman, Garth Robinson Oborn, SCRIPTURES) Jan, IBC He Would Not Touch the Book, Tabitha, Arise, Sandy Freckleton Hermenegildo I. Cruz, Jun, 67 Gagon, Aug, IBC Lesson from the Book of Mormon, A, INDEX The Mormon Battalion Arrives on the Vicki F. Matsumori, May, 76 Shores of San Diego, Sam Lawlor, “Mom, Are We Christians?” Gary J. for Jul, OC Coleman, May, 92 The Wise Men, William Fredericks, My Most Precious Gift, Consuelo Dec, OC Conesa Leone, Dec, 61 View from Parley Street, Howard E. Never Too Late, Sylvia de Moscui Post, Sep, IFC Maldonado, Mar, 69 View from Quince Street, Al Rounds, Robbery, a Book, and a Testimony, A, 2007 May, IBC Mailin Espinoza Mira, Jan, 70 We Are the Clay in His Hands, Julie Scriptural Witnesses, Russell M. V OLUME 37 Rogers, Mar, IFC Nelson, Nov, 43 Why Weepest Thou? Simon Dewey, Small and Simple Things, Christoffel KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS Apr, OC Golden Jr., Nov, 78 IBC Inside Back Cover Ashton, Marvin J. Tell Me It Isn’t True, Anthony Atkins, IFC Inside Front Cover One for the Money, Sep, 36 Feb, 9 OC Outside Cover Ashurst-McGee, Mark and Alex Braithwaite, Annie and David Smith Letter to Tommy, A, Aug, 9 A Andersen, Neil L. Joseph Smith Journals, The, Dec, 34 Burton, H. David It’s True, Isn’t It? Then What Else ASSURANCE If These Old Walls Could Talk, May, 32 AARONIC PRIESTHOOD (See Matters? May, 74 God Helps the Faithful Priesthood Quiet Stirrings of the Heart, Apr, 50 PRIESTHOOD) Anderson, Sam An Holder, Henry B. Eyring, Nov, 55 ABUSE Waiting for the Bus, Jan, 53 Atkins, Anthony C Tongue of Angels, The, Jeffrey R. ANGELS Tell Me It Isn’t True, Feb, 9 CALLINGS, CHURCH Holland, May, 16 Season for Angels, A, Merrill J. ATONEMENT (See also JESUS Confirming the Call, A. Wayne Baker, ACCOUNTABILITY Bateman, Dec, 10 CHRIST) Apr, 68 Mine Errand from the Lord, Rowland E. ANGER Clean Hands and a Pure Heart, David A. Getting Back on Track, Larry W. Elvidge, Jul, 66 Peril of Hidden Wedges, The, Thomas S. Bednar, Nov, 80 Sidwell, Jan, 21 ACTIVATION (See also CONVERSION, Monson, Jul, 4 Gratitude for the Atonement, Mine Errand from the Lord, Rowland E. FRIENDSHIP, MISSIONARY WORK) Slow to Anger, Gordon B. Hinckley, Wolfgang H. Paul, Jun, 15 Elvidge, Jul, 66 Brother John’s Fast Offering, Greg Nov, 62 He Will Give You Rest, Dennis L. “My Ways Are Not Your Ways,” Burgoyne, Sep, 70 Turning the Other Cheek, H. Bryan McDaniel, Apr, 22 Clayton M. Christensen, Feb, 54 Coming into the Fold, Mar, 42 Richards, Feb, 48 Joy of Repentance, The, Craig C. Callister, Douglas L. How to Be a Great Member Missionary, ART Christensen, Apr, 19 Knowing That We Know, Nov, 100 R. Val Johnson, Aug, 50 Christ’s Ministry and Miracles, Jan, 40 “My Burden Is Light,” Paul V. Johnson, Camp, Heidi I Remembered the Pioneers, Daniel “For She Loved Much,” Jun, 40 Mar, 54 Lesson from a Clogged Sink, Apr, 65 Cisternas, Jul, 70 Good Samaritan, The: Forgotten My Son Also Lives, Brenda Hunt, Cannon, Connie D. My Last Chance, Luis Mella, Aug, 71 Symbols, John W. Welch, Feb, 40 Apr, 71 Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment Remembering, Repenting, and M. Teichert: Artist of Dramatic Vision, Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom around the World, Mar, 14 Changing, Julie B. Beck, May, 109 Oct, 38 He Hath Sent, The, Jeffrey R. Cargal, Andy Who’s on the Lord’s Side? Charles W. Mother and an Overflowing Heart, A, Holland, Nov, 40 Tours and Testimonies, Jul, 32 Dahlquist II, May, 94 Dec, 40 Point of Safe Return, Dieter F. CHARACTER ADDICTION (See REPENTANCE Parables of the Master, Jul, 40 Uchtdorf, May, 99 Living Right, Richard G. Scott, Jan, 10 ADVERSARY (See also TEMPTATION) Sealed on Earth, Sealed in Heaven, Root of Christian Doctrine, The, Truth: The Foundation of Correct Forces That Will Save Us, The, James E. Apr, 40 Thomas B. Griffith, Aug, 18 Decisions, Richard G. Scott, Nov, 90 Faust, Jan, 4 Time to Sew, A, Aug, 60 Sacrament and the Sacrifice, The, CHARITY (See also COMPASSION, Unending Conflict, a Victory Assured, ART (COVERS) David B. Haight, Apr, 14 LOVE, SERVICE) An, Gordon B. Hinckley, Jun, 4 Anna the Prophetess, Elspeth Young, ATTITUDE Become an Instrument in the Hands of ADVERSITY (See also DEATH) Jun, IFC Slow to Anger, Gordon B. Hinckley, God by Exercising Charity, Dec, 60 Enduring Together, Richard C. Edgley, Benevolence: Through Love Serve One Nov, 62 Brother John’s Fast Offering, Greg Nov, 9 Another, Avard Fairbanks, Mar, OC Gratitude: A Path to Happiness, Burgoyne, Sep, 70 Facing the Future with Hope, Lowell M. Celebration on July 4, 1847, Los Bonnie D. Parkin, May, 34 Commandment Great, The, Joseph B. Snow, Dec, 48 Angeles, California, Charles Brent AUTISM (See DISABILITIES) Wirthlin, Nov, 28 Gratitude: A Path to Happiness, Hancock, Jul, IFC That Their Burdens May Be Light, Bonnie D. Parkin, May, 34 Christ in the Home of Mary and B Sep, 44 Hailstorm, Stephen L. Knight, Mar, 34 Martha, David Lindsley, May, IFC Baker, A. Wayne Welcoming Every Single One, James E. Last-Minute Change, A, Jackie Auman, Consider the Children, Carol B. Confirming the Call, Apr, 68 Faust, Aug, 4 Feb, 68 Johnson, Apr, IFC Ballard, M. Russell CHASTITY (See MORALITY) “My Burden Is Light,” Paul V. Johnson, For She Loved Much, Jeffrey Hein, Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits, Nov, 25 CHILDREN (See also FAMILY, Mar, 54 Jun, OC Miracle of the Holy Bible, The, May, 80 MOTHERHOOD, PARENTHOOD) Not My Will, Wendy Johnston, Aug, 15 His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful, BAPTISM (See ORDINANCES, Chatting with Your Children, Stacey Parable of the Tomato Plant, The, Simon Dewey, Dec, IBC PRIESTHOOD) Taylor, Jan, 74 Cheryl Young, Mar, 20 House of the World, The, Minerva Bateman, Merrill J. Children of Two Households, Tricia Peril of Hidden Wedges, The, Thomas S. Teichert, Oct, IFC Season for Angels, A, Dec, 10 Aagard,Apr, 75 Monson, Jul, 4 Ice Skating in the Park, Eric Dowdle, Baxter, David S. Good Book, The, Perry Gravelle, Storming Back, Norman C. Hill and Feb, IFC Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy, Oct, 75 Richard M. Romney, Mar, 46 Jesus Said to Her, “Mary,” William Aug, 10 I Will Strengthen Thee; I Will Help Today Is the Time, Walter F. González, Whitaker, Jun, OC Beck, Julie B., Susan W. Tanner, Thee, Barbara Thompson, Nov, 115 Nov, 53 John the Baptist Appearing to Joseph and Elaine S. Dalton Soft Answer, A, Peggy Climer, Mar, 73 Troubled on Every Side, Yet Not Smith and Oliver Cowdery, Del For the Strength of You, Oct, 12 Sunbeam Smiles, Constance Palmer Distressed, Ulisses Soares, Sep, 50 Parson, Apr, IBC Beck, Julie B. Lewis, Apr, 48 Will I Be Able to Talk Again? Javier Jordan River Temple, Larry Winborg, Mothers Who Know, Nov, 76 Teaching Children to Worship, Joan Gamarra Villena, Jul, 73 Oct, IBC Remembering, Repenting, and Hughes and Helen Hughes, Jan, 24 AGENCY Joseph and Hyrum Leaving Nauvoo, Changing, May, 109 These, Our Little Ones, Gordon B. Having Faith in God’s Timeline, Don O. Thorpe, Jun, IBC What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Hinckley, Dec, 4 Catherine Edwards, Mar, 22 Looking at Sarah, Lee Udall Bennion, Stand Strong and Immovable, “We Love You” Days, Erica Farr, Feb, 72 My Unexpected Route, Becky Thomas, Jul, IBC Nov, 109 We Let Them Learn, LaVerd and Flora Oct, 10 Lord’s Harvest, The, Marilee Campbell, Bednar, David A. John, Dec, 25 Peril of Hidden Wedges, The, Thomas S. Mar, IBC Clean Hands and a Pure Heart, Nov, 80 “Yes?” Sue M. Carter, Mar, 72 Monson, Jul, 4 Madonna and Child, Avard Fairbanks, Seek Learning by Faith, Sep, 60 Christensen, Clayton M. Power to Change, The, James E. Faust, Dec, OC Ye Must Be Born Again, May, 19 “My Ways Are Not Your Ways,” Feb, 54 Nov. 122 Master, I Have Brought unto Thee My BIBLE (See also NEW TESTAMENT, Christensen, Craig C. Ten Axioms to Guide Your Life, Son, Walter Rane, Jan, OC SCRIPTURES) Joy of Repentance, The, Apr, 19 Robert D. Hales, Feb, 26 Peace, Emie Bishop, Aug, IFC Miracle of the Holy Bible, The, CHRISTMAS We Let Them Learn, LaVerd and Flora Photograph of Temple Square, about M. Russell Ballard, May, 80 Christmas to Remember, A, Jerry O. John, Dec, 25 1870, C. R. Savage, Sep, IBC Scriptural Witnesses, Russell M. Thompson, Dec, 62 Who’s on the Lord’s Side? Charles W. Raising of Lazarus, Jeffrey Hein, Jan, IFC Nelson, Nov, 43 Did Heavenly Father Really Love Me? Dahlquist II, May, 94 Speakers’ Corner, Hyde Park, BISHOP (See LEADERSHIP, CHURCH) Carol C. Watts, Dec, 64 Allred, Silvia H. 1934–1935, John Mason, Feb, IBC BLESSINGS (See ORDINANCES, Feeling Joy during the Holiday Season, Feed My Sheep, Nov, 113 Spring Hill, Daviess County, Missouri: PRIESTHOOD) Dec, 16

68 Holiday Tips for Military Families, Out of Small Things, Michael J. Teh, Dalton, Elaine S. Elvidge, Rowland E. Oct, 37 Nov, 35 Stay on the Path, May, 112 Mine Errand from the Lord, Jul, 66 Learning Not to Count, Steffani R. Reaching Out to Those Who Mourn, DATING (See SINGLE ADULTS) EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Packer, Dec, 52 LaRene Halling Petersen, Feb, 64 DEATH (See also ADVERSITY) (See SELF-RELIANCE) Mother’s Christmas Mouse, Betty Rewind to Relief Society, Cheryl Burr, I Know That My Redeemer Lives! ENCOURAGEMENT LeBaron Mostert, Dec, 62 Jun, 70 Thomas S. Monson, May, 22 Tongue of Angels, The, Jeffrey R. New Recruit, The, Henny Rasmussen, Signs of Friendship, Melinda Riddle Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues, Holland, May, 16 Dec, 65 Kowalski, Jun, 39 Thomas S. Monson, Nov, 21 ENDURANCE Our Christmas Experiment, Nanette Service, Steven E. Snow, Nov, 102 My Son Also Lives, Brenda Hunt, After All We Can Do, Claudio D. Zivic, Justus, Dec, 66 Two Guiding Lights, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Apr, 71 Nov, 98 Season for Angels, A, Merrill J. Aug, 64 Reaching Out to Those Mourn, LaRene Enduring Together, RIchard C. Edgley, Bateman, Dec, 10 Condie, Spencer J. Halling Petersen, Feb, 64 Nov, 9 Chung, Bo S. Jr. Claim the Exceeding Great and Time Stood Still, Joyce Hanson Wallin, Have We Not Reason to Rejoice? They Waited 2,000 Years, Sep, 27 Precious Promises, Nov, 16 Jul, 60 Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Nov, 18 CHURCH LEADERSHIP (See CONVERSION (See also DEBT (See also FINANCIAL I Remembered the Pioneers, Daniel LEADERSHIP, CHURCH) ACTIVATION, MISSIONARY WORK) MANAGEMENT, SELF-RELIANCE) Cisternas, Jul, 70 CHURCH MAGAZINES Eight Japanese Brothers, Tadashi Kina, Before You Lose It All . . . , Jerry Troubled on Every Side, Yet Not Closing Remarks, Gordon B. Hinckley, Jun, 52 Mason, Jul, 62 Distressed, Ulisses Soares, Sep, 50 May, 105; Nov, 108 Example of One, The, Bruce C. Hafen, Finances and Your Future: Tips for EQUALITY New Era Posters at Work, Dave Apr, 62 Young Single Adults, Donald N. Crossing Thresholds and Becoming Proulx, Oct, 75 Football Game That Changed My Life, Hester, Sep, 40 Equal Partners, Bruce C. Hafen and Using Church Magazines, Dedelyn The, Alexander M. Solorzano, Oct, 62 Lay Up in Store, Keith B. McMullin, Marie K. Hafen, Aug, 24 Hamilton, Sep, 75 It Started with a Pamphlet, Don L. May, 51 Weak and the Simple of the Church, Waiting for the Bus, Sam An Anderson, Searle, Aug, 45 DECISION (See also AGENCY) The, Boyd K. Packer, Nov, 6 Jan, 53 Knowing That We Know, Douglas L. To the Aaronic Priesthood: Preparing ETERNAL LIFE (See SALVATION, What’s in It for You? Shelley Nash, Callister, Nov, 100 for the Decade of Decision, Robert D. PLAN OF) Aug, 75 Never Alone, Anne Grenzebach, Feb, 60 Hales, May, 48 ETERNAL MARRIAGE (See CHURCH WELFARE Never Too Late, Sylvia de Moscui Living Right, Richard G. Scott, Jan, 10 MARRIAGE) What’s in the Cart? Alfred W. Koch, Maldonado, Mar, 69 Truth: The Foundation of Correct Evans, Loretta Feb, 24 New Religion, New Life, Gary J. Coleman Decisions, Richard G. Scott, Nov, 90 It’s All Been Done, Jul, 28 Clawson, Kevan and John M. Madsen, Jun, 60 Dickson, John B. EXAMPLE Turn Off Your Flashlight, Aug, 23 Nourishing Power of Hymns, The, Jay E. Commitment to the Lord, May, 14 Become an Instrument in the Hands Clayton, L. Whitney Jensen, May, 11 DISABILITIES of God by Standing Strong and Blessed Are All the Pure in Heart, Our Long Road to the Temple— Help for Those with Visual Immovable, Jun, 49 Nov, 51 Together, Oct, 26 Impairments, Donald Peters, Aug, 74 “Dad, I’m Proud of You!” Marcelino CLEANLINESS (See also MORALITY) Poem, The, Alice Faulkner, Apr, 70 Joshua’s Walls, Cindy Gritton, Mar, 26 Fernandez-Rebollos Suarez, Jan, 72 “I Am Clean,” Gordon B. Hinckley, Power to Change, The, James E. Faust, Letter to Tommy, A, Annie and David Eight Japanese Brothers, Tadashi Kina, May, 60 Nov. 122 Braithwaite, Aug, 9 Jun, 52 Coleman, Gary J. and John M. Repentance and Conversion, Russell M. Not My Will, Wendy Johnston, Aug, 15 Example of One, The, Bruce C. Hafen, Madsen Nelson, May, 102 Signs of Friendship, Melinda Riddle Apr, 62 New Religion, New Life, Jun, 60 Small and Simple Things, Christoffel Kowalski, Jun, 39 Examples of Great Teachers, Thomas S. Coleman, Gary J. Golden Jr., Nov, 78 That Their Burdens May Be Light, Monson, Jun, 106 “Mom, Are We Christians?” May, 92 Tell Me It Isn’t True, Anthony Atkins, Sep, 44 Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits, COMFORT (See also ADVERSITY) Feb, 9 DISCERNMENT M. Russell Ballard, Nov, 25 “I Will Not Leave You Comfortless,” They Lived What They Believed, Ariel Distinguishing between Promptings Football Game That Changed My Life, Cecil O. Samuelson Jr., Oct, 46 Aron Toraya, Apr, 32 and Personal Feelings, Mar, 58 The, Alexander M. Solorzano, Oct, 62 Last-Minute Change, A, Jackie Auman, Truth Found Me, The, Marianne Forces That Will Save Us, The, James E. For the Strength of You, Susan W. Feb, 68 Rohrbough, Dec, 22 Faust, Jan, 4 Tanner, Julie B. Beck, and Elaine S. Power of Godliness Is Manifested in Ye Must Be Born Again, David A. DIVERSITY Dalton,Oct, 12 the Temples of God, The, Octaviano Bednar, May, 19 Burbank Boulevard: A Lesson in Foundation for the Future in San Tenorio, Nov, 95 Cook, Mary N. Unimportant Differences, J. Robert Antonio, A, Erica Layne Nielsen, Reaching Out to Those Who Mourn, Strengthen Home and Family, Nov, 11 Nelson, Jul, 19 Feb, 32 LaRene Halling Petersen, Feb, 64 COOK, QUENTIN L. DIVINE NATURE President James E. Faust, Beloved COMMANDMENTS News, Nov, 125 Daughters of Heavenly Father, Susan W. Shepherd, Oct, supplement Two Guiding Lights, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Cook, Quentin L. Tanner, May, 106 Inspirational Thoughts, Gordon B. Aug, 64 Live by Faith and Not by Fear, Nov, 70 Who’s on the Lord’s Side? Charles W. Hinckley, Feb, 4 COMMITMENT Costa, Claudio R. M. Dahlquist II, May, 94 Jesus of Nazareth, Savior and King, Commitment to the Lord, John B. Don’t Leave for Tomorrow What You DIVORCE Neal A. Maxwell, Dec, 44 Dickson, May, 14 Can Do Today, Nov, 73 Dealing with My Parents’ Breakup, Spencer W. Kimball: Man of Action, Quench Not the Spirit Which Quickens COURAGE Feb, 50 Garrett H. Garff, Jan, 46 the Inner Man, Keith K. Hilbig, Nov, 37 Extraordinary Life of Parley P. Pratt, Divorce, Dallin H. Oaks, May, 70 Strengthen Home and Family, Mary N. Unending Conflict, a Victory Assured, The, Matthew J. Grow, Apr, 56 Enriching Your Marriage, James E. Cook, Nov, 11 An, Gordon B. Hinckley, Jun, 4 From Iowa to Immortality: A Tribute to Faust, Apr, 4 These, Our Little Ones, Gordon B. COMMUNICATION the Mormon Battalion, Lance B. Honored and Invited Guest, An, Naida Hinckley, Dec, 4 Helping Those Who Struggle with Wickman, Jul, 22 Stephens Tims, Jun, 50 They Lived What They Believed, Ariel Same-Gender Attraction, Jeffrey R. Priesthood, Agency, and Black Powder, Slow to Anger, Gordon B. Hinckley, Aron Toraya, Apr, 32 Holland, Oct, 42 David E. Sorensen, Sep, 56 Nov, 62 They Marked the Path to Follow, Raising the Bar, L. Tom Perry, Nov, 46 Priesthood—a Sacred Gift, The, DOCTRINE Thomas S. Monson, Oct, 4 Signs of Friendship, Melinda Riddle Thomas S. Monson, May, 57 Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits, United by Prayer, Daniel Openshaw, Kowalski, Jun, 39 This, the Greatest of All Dispensations, M. Russell Ballard, Nov, 25 Aug, 72 Soft Answer, A, Peggy Climer, Mar, 73 Jeffrey R. Holland, Jul, 52 Doty, Donald B. EYRING, HENRY B. Who Does What? Taryn Nilsen, Sep, 74 What’s in the Cart? Alfred W. Koch, Missionary Health Preparation, Mar, 62 News, Nov, 125 COMMUNITY SERVICE Feb, 24 Dunn, Shauna Bird Eyring, Henry B. How Do I Get Involved in Community COURTSHIP (See LOVE, MARRIAGE) Mother, Come Home, Apr, 9 Gifts of the Spirit for Hard Times, Service? Jun, 72 COVENANTS Durrant, George D. Jun, 18 Storming Back, Norman C. Hill and Claim the Exceeding Great and Precious Branching Out on Your Family Tree, God Helps the Faithful Priesthood Richard M. Romney, Mar, 46 Promises, Spencer J. Condie, Nov, 16 Apr, 44 Holder, Nov, 55 COMPASSION Lesson from the Book of Mormon, A, O Remember, Remember, Nov, 66 Become an Instrument in the Hands of Vicki F. Matsumori, May, 76 E This Day, May, 89 God by Caring for the Poor and Power of a Promise, The, Richard G. Edgley, Richard C. Needy, Apr, 53 Peterson, Feb, 37 Enduring Together, Nov, 9 F Commandment Great, The, Joseph B. Stay on the Path, Elaine S. Dalton, EDUCATION (See also LEARNING) FAITH Wirthlin, Nov, 28 May, 112 Let Virtue Garnish Thy THoughts Believe, Vicki F. Matsumori, Jul, 10 Easing the Pain of Miscarriage, Ye Must Be Born Again, David A. Unceasingly, Gordon B. Hinckley, Claim the Exceeding Great and Precious Summer Thorp, Jan, 54 Bednar, May, 19 May, 115 Promises, Spencer J. Condie, Nov, 16 Enduring Together, Richard C. Edgley, Crosland, Todd Message to My Grandsons, James E. Do You Know? Glenn L. Pace, May, 78 Nov, 9 Lost on the Tundra, Jan, 30 Faust, May, 54 Extraordinary Life of Parley P. Pratt, Gift of Compassion, The, Thomas S. Three Goals to Guide You, Thomas S. The, Matthew J. Grow, Apr, 56 Monson, Mar, 4 D Monson, Nov, 118 Faith and Families, Russell M. Nelson, Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, Won Dahlquist, Charles W. II Three Messages to Young Adults, Earl C. Mar, 36 Yong Ko, Mar, 11 Who’s on the Lord’s Side? May, 94 Tingey, Apr, 34 Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits, Letter I Didn’t Receive, The, Apr, 54 Dalton, Elaine S., Susan W. Tanner, Edwards, Catherine M. Russell Bald, Nov, 25 Letter to Tommy, A, Annie and David and Julie B. Beck Having Faith in God’s Timeline, Firm Foundation in a Shaky World, A, Braithwaite, Aug, 9 For the Strength of You, Oct, 12 Mar, 22 Adam C. Olson, Jun, 10

ENSIGN JANUARY 2004 69 Foundation for the Future in San Power of Godliness Is Manifested in Orange Car, The, Elwin C. Robison, Ten Axioms to Guide Your Life, Antonio, A, Erica Layne Nielsen, the Temples of God, The, Octaviano Jun, 68 Robert D. Hales, Feb, 26 Feb, 32 Tenorio, Nov, 95 Three Messages to Young Adults, Earl C. GODHEAD Gifts of the Spirit for Hard Times, Power of Laughter, The, Gary K. Tingey, Apr, 34 “Mom, Are We Christians?” Gary J. Henry B. Eyring, Jun, 18 Palmer, Sep, 32 FIRST PRESIDENCY Coleman, May, 92 Hailstorm, Stephen L. Knight, Mar, 34 Preach My Gospel—the Unifying Tool News, Nov, 125 Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom Having Faith in God’s Timeline, between Members and Missionaries, FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGES He Hath Sent, The, Jeffrey R. Catherine Edwards, Mar, 22 Erich W. Kopischke, Nov, 33 Enriching Your Marriage, James E. Holland, Nov, 40 Healing Power of Forgiveness, The, Sealed on Earth, Sealed in Heaven, Faust, Apr, 4 Things of Which I Know, The, Gordon B. James E. Faust, May, 67 Apr, 40 Forces That Will Save Us, The, James E. Hinckley, May, 83 It’s True, Isn’t It? Then What Else Strengthen Home and Family, Mary N. Faust, Jan, 4 Golden, Christoffel, Jr. Matters? Neil L. Andersen, May, 74 Cook, Nov, 11 Gift of Compassion, The, Thomas S. Small and Simple Things, Nov, 78 Joshua’s Walls, Cindy Gritton, Mar, 26 Striving for Family Unity, Donald L. Monson, Mar, 4 González, Walter F. Live by Faith and Not by Fear, Quentin L. Staheli, Sep, 9 Inspirational Thoughts, Gordon B. Today Is the Time, Nov, 53 Cook, Nov, 70 Sunday Dinner Quiz, Brad Snell, Feb, 73 Hinckley, Feb, 4; Sep, 4 GOSPEL Living Right, Richard G. Scott, Jan, 10 Talking to Youth about Pornography, Peril of Hidden Wedges, The, Thomas S. Have We Not Reason to Rejoice? Never Alone, Anne Grenzebach, Dan Gray, Jul, 48 Monson, Jul, 4 Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Nov, 18 Feb, 60 Three Tools to Build a Sacred Home, These, Our Little Ones, Gordon B. GOSPEL CLASSICS Not My Will, Wendy Johnston, Aug, 15 Shirley R. Klein, Jul, 44 Hinckley, Dec, 4 Jesus of Nazareth, Savior and King, Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy, Welcoming Every Single One, James E. They Marked the Path to Follow, Neal A. Maxwell, Dec, 44 David S. Baxter, Aug, 10 Faust, Aug, 4 Thomas S. Monson, Oct, 4 One for the Money, Marvin J. Ashton, President James E. Faust: Beloved What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Unending Conflict, a Victory Assured, Sep, 36 Shepherd, Oct, supplement Stand Strong and Immovable, Julie B. An, Gordon B. Hinckley, Jun, 4 Sacrament and the Sacrifice, The, Quiet Stirrings of the Heart, H. David Beck, Nov, 109 Welcoming Every Single One, James E. David B. Haight, Apr, 14 Burton, Apr, 50 FAMILY HISTORY Faust, Aug, 4 GRATITUDE Royal Priesthood, A, Thomas S. Acid-Free Archiving, Cris McAfee, FIRST VISION Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit, A, Monson, Nov, 59 Sep, 75 Message of the Restoration, The, L. Tom Bruce D. Porter, Nov, 31 Seek Learning by Faith, David A. Branching Out on Your Family Tree, Perry, May, 85 Gratitude for the Atonement, Bednar, Sep, 60 George D. Durrant, Apr, 44 Remember and Perish Not, Marlin K. Wolfgang H. Paul, Jun, 15 They Marked the Path to Follow, Come to the Temple, Boyd K. Packer, Jensen, May, 36 Gratitude: A Path to Happiness, Thomas S. Monson, Oct, 4 Oct, 18 FOOD STORAGE (See SELF- Bonnie D. Parkin, May, 34 This, the Greatest of All Dispensations, Family Reunion Story Time, Nita RELIANCE) Learning Not to Count, Steffani R. Jeffrey R. Holland, Jul, 52 Smart Facer, Jul, 74 FOR THE STRENGTH OF YOUTH Packer, Dec, 52 Troubled on Every Side, Yet Not FamilySearch Indexing, Constance For the Strength of You, Susan W. O Remember, Remember, Henry B. Distressed, Ulisses Soares, Sep, 50 Palmer Lewis, Aug, 34 Tanner, Julie B. Beck, and Elaine S. Eyring, Nov, 66 Turn Off Your Flashlight, Kevan Heritage Albums, Marlene Cameron Dalton, Oct, 12 Prayer of Thanks, Larry Hiller, Feb, 63 Clawson, Aug, 23 Thomas, Mar, 73 FORGIVENESS Gray, Dan Unending Conflict, a Victory Assured, It’s All Been Done, Loretta Evans, Jul, 28 Dealing with My Parents’ Breakup, Talking to Youth about Pornography, An, Gordon B. Hinckley, Jun, 4 Our Family Storybook, Judy Graham, Feb, 50 Jul, 48 Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer, Feb, 72 Forgiving Oneself, D. Chad Grenzebach, Anne Richard G. Scott, May, 8 Photo, a Sketch, and a Story, A, Fay Richardson, Mar, 30 Never Alone, Feb, 60 What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Rich, Dec, 67 Healing Power of Forgiveness, The, Griffith, Thomas B. Stand Strong and Immovable, Julie B. Relatively Speaking, Emily Cushing, James E. Faust, May, 67 Root of Christian Doctrine, The, Aug, 18 Beck, Nov, 109 Apr, 75 Peril of Hidden Wedges, The, Thomas S. Gritton, Cindy Will a Man Rob God? Yoshihiko They Waited 2,000 Years, Bo S. Chung Jr., Monson, Jul, 4 Joshua’s Walls, Mar, 26 Kikuchi, May, 97 Sep, 27 Point of Safe Return, Dieter F. Grow, C. Scott Will I Be Able to Talk Again? Javier Turning Hearts in a Land of Temples, Uchtdorf, May, 99 Thou Art the Christ, Jan, 36 Gamarra Villena, Jul, 72 Adam C. Olson, Oct, 64 FREEDOM Grow, Matthew J. Falabella, Enrique R. Uncle Gilberto’s Memory, Esther After All We Can Do, Claudio D. Zivic, Extraordinary Life of Parley P. Pratt, Why Are We Members of the Only True Labibe de Beruben, Oct, 70 Nov, 98 The, Apr, 56 Church? Nov, 14 Who Turned My Head? Hildo Rosillo FRIENDSHIP GROWTH, CHURCH FAMILY (See also CHILDREN, Flores, Oct, 72 Become an Instrument in the Hands All Charged Up, Paul VanDenBerghe, MOTHERHOOD, PARENTHOOD FAMILY HOME EVENING of God by Caring for the Poor and Jul, 16 Coming into the Fold, Mar, 42 It Made Us a Family, Raquel M. Garcia- Needy, Apr, 53 Firm Foundation in a Shaky World, Crossing Thresholds and Becoming Rebutar, Jun, 64 Feed My Sheep, Silvia H. Allred, Nov, Adam C. Olson, Jun, 10 Equal Partners, Bruce C. Hafen and Family Home Evening Helps, Brooke 113 Foundation for the Future in San Marie K. Hafen, Aug, 24 Bergin, Jan, 75; Samantha Licurse, Football Game That Changed My Life, Antonio, The, Erica Layne Nielsen, Dealing with My Parents’ Breakup, Feb, 73; Jennifer Graham, Mar, 73; Alexander M. Solorzano, Oct, 62 Feb, 32 Feb, 50 Emily Cushing, Apr, 75; Heather Lee Letter I Didn’t Receive, The, Apr, 54 How to Be a Great Member Missionary, Developing Better Relationships with Lyman, Jun, 71; Stephanie Weight, Letter to Tommy, A, Annie and David R. Val Johnson, Aug, 50 In-laws, Oct, 52 Jul, 75; Alberta Frey, Aug, 75; Lea Braithwaite, Aug, 9 “I Am Clean,” Gordon B. Hinckley, Don’t Leave for Tomorrow What You Taylor, Sep, 75; Kathleen Woffinden, New Religion, New Life, Gary J. Coleman May, 60 Can Do Today, Claudio R. M. Costa, Oct, 75; Shirley Oakes, Dec, 67 and John M. Madsen, Jun, 60 Mongolia: Steppes of Faith, Don L. Nov, 73 FAST OFFERINGS On Your Own but Not Alone, Kimberly Searle, Dec, 54 Earrings, The, Viktor Makarov, Jan, 28 Brother John’s Fast Offering, Greg Webb, Jun, 25 Stone Cut Out of the Mountain, The, Faith and Families, Russell M. Nelson, Burgoyne, Sep, 70 Ride to Church, A, Stephen Baer, Oct, 71 Gordon B. Hinckley, Nov, 83 Mar, 36 FAUST, JAMES E. Signs of Friendship, Melinda Riddle Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits, President James E. Faust: Beloved Kowalski, Jun, 39 H M. Russell Ballard, Nov, 25 Shepherd, Oct, supplement They Lived What They Believed, Ariel Hafen, Bruce C. Gift I Can’t Remember, The, Gary R. Faust, James E. Aron Toraya, Apr, 32 Example of One, The, Apr, 62 Wangsgard, Sep, 73 Enriching Your Marriage, Apr, 4 Welcoming Every Single One, James E. Hafen, Bruce C. and Marie K. Good, Better, Best, Dallin H. Oaks, Forces That Will Save Us, The, Jan, 4 Faust, Aug, 4 Crossing Thresholds and Becoming Nov, 104 Healing Power of Forgiveness, The, Equal Partners, Aug, 24 Holiday Tips for Military Families, May, 67 G Haight, David B. Oct, 37 Message to My Grandsons, May, 54 Garcia-Rebutar, Raquel M. Sacrament and the Sacrifice, The, I Will Strengthen Thee; I Will Help Power to Change, The, Nov, 122 It Made Us a Family, Jun, 64 Apr, 14 Thee, Barbara Thompson, Nov, 115 Salt Lake Tabernacle Rededication, Garff, Garrett H. Hales, Robert D. It Made Us a Family, Raquel M. Garcia- May, 39 Spencer W. Kimball: Man of Action, Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Rebutar, Jun, 64 Welcoming Every Single One, Aug, 4 Jan, 46 Examples of the Prophets, Nov, 86 It Started with a Pamphlet, Don L. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (See also Garn, Daryl H. Ten Axioms to Guide Your Life, Feb, 26 Searle, Aug, 45 SELF-RELIANCE) Worthy to Enter, Oct, 23 To the Aaronic Priesthood: Preparing Last-Minute Change, A, Jackie Auman, Before You Lose It All . . . , Jerry GENERAL AUTHORITIES (See for the Decade of Decision, May, 48 Feb, 68 Mason, Jul, 62 LEADERSHIP, CHURCH) Hallstrom, Donald L. Learning from Conference, Oct, 30 Budgeting on an Irregular Income, GENERAL CONFERENCE Do It Now, Nov, 49 Mongolia: Steppes of Faith, Don L. Katie Stone, Mar, 72 Closing Remarks, Gordon B. Hinckley, Halverson, Ronald T. Searle, Dec, 54 Church Auditing Department Report, May, 105; Nov, 108 Obeying the Whisperings of the Holy Message to My Grandsons, James E. 2006, Robert W. Cantwell, May, 6 Conference Fun, Kristin W. Belcher, Ghost, Aug, 56 Faust, May, 54 Finances and Your Future: Tips for Apr, 74 HAPPINESS Mothers Who Know, Julie B. Beck, Young Single Adults, Donald N. Learning from Conference, Oct, 30 Welcoming Every Single One, James E. Nov, 76 Hester, Sep, 40 Tabernacle Memories, Thomas S. Faust, Aug, 4 Never Alone, Anne Grenzebach, Needs or Wants, Rebecca Swegle, Monson, May, 41 HEALING (See also COMFORT) Feb, 60 Aug, 75 GOALS Dealing with My Parents’ Breakup, Our Long Road to the Temple— One for the Money, Marvin J. Ashton, Life’s Lessons Learned, Joseph B. Feb, 50 Together, Oct, 26 Sep, 36 Wirthlin, May, 45 Divorce, Dallin H. Oaks, May, 70

70 Healing Power of Forgiveness, The, “I Will Not Leave You Comfortless,” Principles of Teaching and Learning, Thou Art the Christ, C. Scott Grow, James E. Faust, May, 67 Cecil O. Samuelson Jr., Oct, 46 Boyd K. Packer and L. Tom Perry, Jan, 36 Will I Be Able to Talk Again? Javier Joy of Repentance, Thee, Craig C. Jun, 82 Tours and Testimonies, Andy Cargal, Gamarra Villena, Jul, 72 Christensen, Apr, 19 Savoring the Scriptures, Terie Jul, 32 HEALTH Nourished by the Good Word of God, Wiederhold, Aug, 42 Troubled on Every Side, Yet Not Missionary Health Preparation, Daniel K Judd, Nov, 93 Suit, The, Lori Ries, Jan, 71 Distresses, Ulisses Soares, Sep, 50 Donald B. Doty, Mar, 62 Lay Hold upon the Word of God, Gary L. Teaching and Learning in the Church, Turning the Other Cheek, H. Bryan Hester, Donald N. Pocock, Jul, 12 Jeffrey R. Holland, Jun, 88 Richards, Feb, 48 Finances and Your Future: Tips for O Remember, Remember, Henry B. Turn Off Your Flashlight, Kevan Unending Conflict, a Victory Assured, Young Single Adults, Sep, 40 Eyring, Nov, 66 Clawson, Aug, 23 An, Gordon B. Hinckley, Jun, 4 Hilbig, Keith K. Quench Not the Spirit Which Quickens Unexplainable Call, The, Claudio John, LaVerd and Flora Quench Not the Spirit Which Quickens the Inner Man, Keith K. Hilbig, Nov, 37 Zivic, Apr, 73 We Let Them Learn, Dec, 25 the Inner Man, Nov, 37 Quest for Spiritual Knowledge, The, Who Turned My Head? Hildo Rosillo Johnson, Paul V. Hill, Norman C. and Richard M. Robert S. Wood, Jun, 30 Flores, Oct, 72 “My Burden Is Light,” Mar, 54 Romney Speaking the Language of the Spirit, You’ll Take Good Care of Me, Elaine Johnson, R. Val Storming Back, Mar, 46 Sergio Adrían López, Mar, 70 Pearson, Sep, 72 How to Be a Great Member Missionary, Hiller, Larry Spirit of the Tabernacle, The, Boyd K. INTEGRITY Aug, 50 Prayer of Thanks, Feb, 63 Packer, May, 26 “I Am Clean,” Gordon B. Hinckley, Johnston, Wendy HINCKLEY, GORDON B. To Be Edified and Rejoice Together, May, 60 Not My Will, Aug, 15 Prophets—Pioneer and Modern Day, A. Roger Merrill, Jan, 64 Lesson from the Book of Mormon, A, Jones, Donna Pike Earl C. Tingey, May, 29 Why Was the Spirit Telling Me? Roger B. Vicki F. Matsumori, May, 76 Too Busy to Share the Gospel? Jul, 38 Hinckley, Gordon B. Woolstenhulme, Apr, 72 Life’s Lessons Learned, Joseph B. JOURNALS (See also FAMILY Closing Remarks, May, 105; Nov, 108 HOME Wirthlin, May, 45 HISTORY) “I Am Clean,” May, 60 Three Tools to Build a Sacred Home, One for the Money, Marvin J. Ashton, O Remember, Remember, Henry B. Inspirational Thoughts, Feb, 4; Sep, 4 Shirley R. Klein, Jul, 44 Sep, 36 Eyring, Nov, 66 Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts HOME, FAMILY, AND PERSONAL EN- Joseph Smith Journals, The, Mark Unceasingly, May, 115 RICHMENT (See RELIEF SOCIETY) J Ashurst-McGee and Alex Smith, Dec, 34 Slow to Anger, Nov, 62 HOME TEACHING Jensen, Jay E. JOY Stone Cut Out of the Mountain, The, Christmas to Remember, A, Jerry O. Nourishing Power of Hymns, The, Feeling Joy during the Holiday Season, Nov, 83 Thompson, Dec, 62 May, 11 Dec, 16 Tabernacle in the Wilderness, A, May, 43 Home Teaching the Single Sister, Salli Jensen, Marlin K. Have We Not Reason to Rejoice? These, Our Little Ones, Dec, 4 Hollenzer, Jan, 33 Remember and Perish Not, May, 36 Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Nov, 18 Things of Which I Know, The, May, 83 Prayer with My Home Teacher, A, Judy There Shall Be a Record Kept among Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy, Unending Conflict, a Victory Assured, Stone, Oct, 73 You, Dec, 28 David S. Baxter, Aug, 10 An, Jun, 4 HONESTY (See INTEGRITY) JESUS CHRIST (See also Judd, Daniel K HISTORY, CHURCH HOPE ATONEMENT, RESURRECTION) Nourished by the Good Word of God, Extraordinary Life of Parley P. Pratt, Believe, Vicki F. Matsumori, Jul, 10 All Things Bear Record of Him, Adam C. Nov, 93 The, Matthew J. Grow, Apr, 56 Facing the Future with Hope, Lowell M. Olson, Jan, 16 From Iowa to Immortality: A Tribute to Snow, Dec, 48 Become an Instrument in the Hands of K the Mormon Battalion, Lance B. Have We Not Reason to Rejoice? God by Strengthening Your Personal Kikuchi, Yoshihiko Wickman, Jul, 22 Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Nov, 18 Testimony of Jesus Christ, Feb, 67 Will a Man Rob God? May, 97 Great Tabernacle, The: A Building of Never Alone, Anne Grenzebach, Feb, 60 Believe, Vicki F. Matsumori, Jul, 10 KIMBALL, SPENCER W. Purpose and Spirit, Apr, 24 Parable of the Tomato Plant, The, Christ’s Ministry and Miracles, Jan, 40 Spencer W. Kimball: Man of Action, If These Old Walls Could Talk, Cheryl Young, Mar, 20 Facing the Future with Hope, Lowell M. Garrett H. Garff, Jan, 46 H. David Burton, May, 32 Repentance and Conversion, Russell M. Snow, Dec, 48 Kina, Tadashi Joseph Smith Journals, The, Mark Nelson, May, 102 Firm Foundation in a Shaky World, A, Eight Japanese Brothers, Jun, 52 Ashurst McGee and Alex Smith, Dec, 34 Hughes, Joan and Helen Adam C. Olson, Jun, 10 KINDNESS (See also CHARITY, LOVE) Living in a Chapter of History, Teaching Children to Worship, Jan, 24 Forgiving Oneself, D. Chad Closing Remarks, Gordon B. Hinckley, Marjorie H. Rice, Oct, 56 HUMILITY Richardson, Mar, 30 May, 105 Mountain Meadows Massacre, The, Heading for Tokyo on the Wrong Side Gift of Compassion, The, Thomas S. Klein, Shirley R. Richard E. Turley Jr., Sep, 14 of the Road, Richard Ostergaard, Monson, Mar, 4 Three Tools to Build a Sacred Home, Prophets—Pioneer and Modern Day, Sep, 53 Gifts of the Spirit for Hard Times, Jul, 44 Earl C. Tingey, May, 29 Healing Power of Repentance, James E. Henry B. Eyring, Jun, 18 Knight, Stephen L. Remember and Perish Not, Marlin K. Faust, May, 67 Good Samaritan: Forgotten Symbols, Hailstorm, Mar, 34 Jensen, May, 36 My Conversion to Eternal Marriage, The, John W. Welch, Feb, 40 KNOWLEDGE (See LEARNING) Renovating the Tabernacle, Sep, 22 James Welch, Sep, 28 Helping Those Who Struggle with Ko, Won Yong Salt Lake Tabernacle Rededication, HUMOR Same-Gender Attraction, Jeffrey R. Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, Mar, 11 James E. Faust, May, 39 Power of Laughter, The, Gary K. Holland, Oct, 42 Koch, Alfred W. Tabernacle in the Wilderness, A, Palmer, Sep, 32 I Know That My Redeemer Lives! What’s in the Cart? Feb, 24 Gordon B. Hinckley, May, 43 Hunter, Kendal Brian Thomas S. Monson, May, 22 Kopischke, Erich W. There Shall Be a Record Kept among Keeping the Sabbath and Keeping My I Will Strengthen Thee; I Will Help Preach My Gospel—the Unifying Tool You, Marlin K. Jensen, Dec, 28 Job, Jan, 58 Thee, Barbara Thompson, Nov, 115 between Members and Missionaries, HOLINESS HYMNS “I Will Not Leave You Comfortless,” Nov, 33 Become an Instrument in the Hands of Nourishing Power of Hymns, The, Jay E. Cecil O. Samuelson Jr., Oct, 46 Kowalski, Melinda Riddle God by Practicing Holiness, Jul, 59 Jensen, May, 11 Inspirational Thoughts, Gordon B. Signs of Friendship, Jun, 39 Holland, Jeffrey R. Poem, The, Alice Faulkner, Apr, 70 Hinckley, Feb, 4; Sep, 4 Helping Those Who Struggle with Taking Courage in the Hymns, Jan, 60 Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, L Same-Gender Attraction, Oct, 42 Won Yong Ko, Mar, 11 LATTER-DAY PROPHETS SPEAK Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom I Jesus of Nazareth, Savior and King, Service, Sep, 49 He Hath Sent, The, Nov, 40 INDEPENDENCE Neal A. Maxwell, Dec, 44 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES Teaching and Learning in the Church, On Your Own but Not Alone, Kimberly Joy of Repentance, The, Craig C. Brother John’s Fast Offering, Greg Jun, 88 Webb, Jun, 25 Christensen, Apr, 19 Burgoyne, Sep, 70 This, the Greatest of All Dispensations, INDIVIDUAL WORTH Miracle of the Holy Bible, The, Christmas to Remember, A, Jerry O. Jul, 52 Daughters of Heavenly Father, Susan W. M. Russell Ballard, May, 80 Thompson, Dec, 62 Tongue of Angels, The, May, 16 Tanner, May, 106 Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues, “Dad, I’m Proud of You!” Marcelino Hollenzer, Salli Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy, Thomas S. Monson, Nov, 21 Fernandez-Rebollos Suarez, Jan, 72 Home Teaching the Single Sister, Jan, 33 David S. Baxter, Aug, 10 Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom Did Heavenly Father Really Love Me? HOLY GHOST Parable of the Tomato Plant, The, He Hath Sent, The, Jeffrey R. Carol C. Watts, Dec, 64 Become an Instrument in the Hands of Cheryl Young, Mar, 20 Holland, Nov, 40 First of a Thousand Souls, The, Norie God by Listening to and Following INSPIRATION Parables of the Master, Jul, 40 Tsubaki Murae, Mar, 71 the Promptings of the Spirit, Mar, 57 Become an Instrument in the Hands of Power of a Promise, The, Richard G. Get the Children Out of the Water! Confirming the Call, A. Wayne Baker, God by Listening to and Following Peterson, Feb, 37 Janell Johnson, Jul, 71 Apr, 68 the Promptings of the Spirit, Mar, 57 Remembering, Repenting, and Gift I Can’t Remember, The, Gary R. Distinguishing between Promptings Confirming the Call, A. Wayne Baker, Changing, Julie B. Beck, May, 109 Wangsgard, Sep, 73 and Personal Feelings, Mar, 58 Apr, 68 Root of Christian Doctrine, The, He Would Not Touch the Book, Do You Know? Glenn L. Pace, May, 78 Get the Children Out of the Water! Thomas B. Griffith, Aug, 18 Hermenegildo I. Cruz, Jun, 67 Gifts of the Spirit for Hard Times, Janell Johnson, Jul, 71 Sacrament—and the Sacrifice, The, I Remembered the Crickets, Dennis Henry B. Eyring, Jun, 18 Last-Minute Change, A, Jackie Auman, David B. Haight, Apr, 14 Birks, Feb, 69 God Helps the Faithful Priesthood Feb, 68 Season of Angels, A, Merrill A. I Remembered the Pioneers, Daniel Holder, Henry B. Eyring, Nov, 55 Mother, Come Home, Shauna Bird Bateman, Dec, 10 Cisternas, Jul, 70 Honored and Invited Guest, An, Naida Dunn, Apr, 9 They Marked the Path to Follow, Last-Minute Change, A, Jackie Auman, Stephens Tims, Jun, 50 Not My Will, Wendy Johnston, Aug, 15 Thomas S. Monson, Oct, 4 Feb, 68 How to Be a Great Member Missionary, Obeying the Whisperings of the Holy This, the Greatest of All Dispensations, Lemonade and a Loaf of Bread, R. Val Johnson, Aug, 50 Ghost, Ronald T. Halverson, Aug, 56 Jeffrey R. Holland, Jul, 52 Anabela De Leon, Sep, 71

ENSIGN JANUARY 2004 71 Mother’s Christmas Mouse, Betty Gratitude for the Atonement, My Conversion to Eternal Marriage, Speaking the Language of the Spirit, LeBaron Mostert, Dec, 62 Wolfgang H. Paul, Jun, 15 James Welch, Sep, 28 Sergio Adrian Lopez, Mar, 70 My Last Chance, Luis Mella, Aug, 71 “I Will Not Leave You Comfortless,” Our Long Road to the Temple— Tell Me It Isn’t True, Anthony Atkins, My Most Precious Gift, Consuelo Cecil O. Samuelson Jr., Oct, 46 Together, Oct, 26 Feb, 9 Conesa Leone, Dec, 61 Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, Our Temple Marriage Was Worth Any Too Busy to Share the Gospel? Donna My Son Also Lives, Brenda Hunt, Apr, 71 Won Yong Ko, Mar, 11 Price, Geovanny Medina, Aug, 70 Pike Jones, Jul, 38 Never Too Late, Sylvia de Moscui Joy of Repentance, The, Craig C. Slow to Anger, Gordon B. Hinckley, Tours and Testimonies, Andy Cargal, Maldonado, Mar, 69 Christensen, Apr, 19 Nov, 62 Jul, 32 New Recruit, The, Henny Rasmussen, Mine Errand from the Lord, Rowland E. Three Messages to Young Adults, Earl C. Truth Found Me, The, Marianne Dec, 65 Elvidge, Jul, 66 Tingey, Apr, 34 Rohrbough, Dec, 22 One Person, One Bucket, James W. “My Burden Is Light,” Paul V. Johnson, Tongue of Angels, The, Jeffrey R. MODESTY Ritchie, Feb, 70 Mar, 54 Holland, May, 22 Stay on the Path, Elaine S. Dalton, Orange Car, The, Elwin C. Robison, Obeying the Whisperings of the Holy Mason, Jerry May, 112 Jun, 68 Ghost, Ronald T. Halverson, Aug, 56 Before You Lose It All . . . , Jul, 62 MONGOLIA Our Temple Marriage Was Worth Any Oil in Our Lamps, Lynn G. Robbins, Matsumori, Vicki F. Mongolia: Steppes of Faith, Don L. Price, Geovanny Medina, Aug, 70 Jun, 44 Believe, Jul, 10 Searle, Dec, 54 Pen Pals and Referrals, Brittany Jones Quiet Stirrings of the Heart, H. David Lesson from the Book of Mormon, A, Monson, Thomas S. Beahm, Mar, 68 Burton, Apr, 50 May, 76 Examples of Great Teachers, Jun, 106 Poem, The, Alice Faulkner, Apr, 70 Striving for Family Unity, Donald L. Maxwell, Neal A. Gift of Compassion, The, Mar, 4 Prayer with My Home Teacher, A, Judy Staheli, Sep, 9 Jesus of Nazareth, Savior and King, I Know That My Redeemer Lives! May, 22 Stone, Oct, 73 Thou Art the Christ, C. Scott Grow, Dec, 44 Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues, Ride to Church, A, Stephen Baer, Jan, 36 McDaniel, Dennis L. Nov, 21 Oct, 71 Troubled on Every Side, Yet Not He Will Give You Rest, Apr, 22 Peril of Hidden Wedges, The, Jul, 4 Robbery, a Book, and a Testimony, A, Distressed, Ulisses Soares, Sep, 50 McMullin, Keith B. Priesthood—a Sacred Gift, The, May, 57 Mailin Espinoza Mira, Jan, 70 Turning the Other Cheek, H. Bryan Lay Up in Store, May, 51 Royal Priesthood, A, Nov, 59 Speaking the Language of the Spirit, Richards, Feb, 48 MEMBERSHIP Sustaining of Church Officers, The, Sergio Adrian Lopez, Mar, 70 Lewis, Constance Palmer Have We Not Reason to Rejoice? May, 4 Suit, The, Lori Ries, Jan, 71 FamilySearch Indexing, Aug, 34 Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Nov, 18 Tabernacle Memories, May, 41 Uncle Gilberto’s Memory, Esther Sunbeam Smiles, Apr, 48 Three Messages to Young Adults, Earl C. They Marked the Path to Follow, Oct, 4 Labibe de Beruben, Oct, 70 LIGHT Tingey, Apr, 34 Three Goals to Guide You, Nov, 118 Unexplainable Call, The, Claudio Two Guiding Lights, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Why Are We Members of the Only True Moore, Richard G. Zivic, Apr, 73 Aug, 64 Church? Enrique R. Falabella, Nov, 14 Teaching and Being Taught, Jun, 36 United by Prayer, Daniel Openshaw, LITERACY (See LEARNING) MILITARY MORALITY (See also CLEANLINESS, Aug, 72 LONELINESS (See also PEACE) Holiday Tips for Military Families, PURITY, STANDARDS) Who Turned My Head? Hildo Rosillo Feeling Joy during the Holiday Season, Oct, 37 He Will Give You Rest, Dennis L. Flores, Oct, 72 Dec, 16 I Remembered the Pioneers, Daniel McDaniel, Apr, 22 Why Was the Spirit Telling Me? Roger B. LOVE (See also CHARITY, Cisternas, Jul, 70 Helping Those Who Struggle with Woolstenhulme, Apr, 72 COMPASSION, SERVICE) United by Prayer, Daniel Openshaw, Same-Gender Attraction, Jeffrey R. Will I Be Able to Talk Again? Javier Become an Instrument in the Hands of Aug, 72 Holland, Oct, 42 Gamarra Villena, Jul, 72 God, Jan, 63 MIRACLES MORMON BATTALION You’ll Take Good Care of Me, Elaine Commandment Great, The, Joseph B. Gift of Compassion, The, Thomas S. From Iowa to Immortality: A Tribute to Pearson, Sep, 72 Wirthlin, Nov, 28 Monson, Mar, 4 the Mormon Battalion, Lance B. LAUGHTER Crossing Thresholds and Becoming MISCARRIAGE Wickman, Jul, 22 Power of Laughter, The, Gary K. Equal Partners, Bruce C. and Marie K. Easing the Pain of Miscarriage, MOTHERHOOD (See also Palmer, Sep, 32 Hafen, Aug, 24 Summer Thorp, Jan, 54 CHILDREN, FAMILY, PARENTHOOD) LEADERSHIP, CHURCH Daughters of Heavenly Father, Susan W. MISSIONARY WORK (See also Mother and an Overflowing Heart, A, Examples of Great Teachers, Thomas S. Tanner, May, 106 ACTIVATION, CONVERSION) Dec, 40 Monson, Jun, 106 Did Heavenly Father Really Love Me? All Charged Up, Paul VanDenBerghe, Mother, Come Home, Shauna Bird General Authorities of The Church Carol C. Watts, Dec, 64 Jul, 16 Dunn, Apr, 9 of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Don’t Leave for Tomorrow What You Eight Japanese Brothers, Tadashi Kina, Mothers Who Know, Julie B. Beck, May, 64; Nov, 64 Can Do Today, Claudio R. M. Costa, Jun, 50 Nov, 76 General Auxiliary Presidencies, Nov, 73 Example of One, The, Bruce C. Hafen, MOUNTAIN MEADOWS May, 122; Nov, 128 Enduring Together, Richard C. Edgley, Apr, 62 Mountain Meadows Massacre, The, God Helps the Faithful Priesthood Nov, 9 Family NIght—MTC Style, Heather Lee Richard E. Turley Jr., Sep, 14 Holder, Henry B. Eyring, Nov, 55 Forgiving Oneself, D. Chad Lyman, Jun, 71 MUSIC (See also HYMNS) President James E. Faust, Beloved Richardson, Mar, 30 First of a Thousand Souls, The, Norie Guard Him, Joseph, Sally DeFord, Shepherd, Oct, supplement Learning Not to Count, Steffani R. Tsubaki Murae, Mar, 71 Dec, 21 “My Ways Are Not Your Ways,” Packer, Dec, 52 Foundation for the Future in San Our Family’s Song Bag, Janele Clayton M. Christensen, Feb, 54 Live by Faith and Not by Fear, Quentin L. Antonio, Erica Layne Nielsen, Feb, 32 Williams, Aug, 74 Principles of Teaching and Learning, Cook, Nov, 70 He Will Give You Rest, Dennis L. Nourishing Power of Hymns, The, Jay E. Boyd K. Packer and L. Tom Perry, Peril of Hidden Wedges, The, Thomas S. McDaniel, Apr, 22 Jensen, May, 11 Jun, 82 Monson, Jul, 4 He Would Not Touch the Book, Poem, The, Alice Faulkner, Apr, 70 Supporting Your Bishop, Joseph Striving for Family Unity, Donald L. Hermenegildo I. Cruz, Jun, 67 Ready-Made Music Lessons, Kerry Staples, Jun, 56 Staheli, Sep, 9 Heading for Tokyo on the Wrong Side Griffin Smith, Mar, 72 Teaching and Learning in the Church, Three Tools to Build a Sacred Home, of the Road, Richard Ostergaard, Spirit of the Tabernacle, The, Boyd K. Jeffrey R. Holland, Jun, 88 Shirley R. Klein, Jul, 44 Sep, 53 Packer, May, 26 Weak and the Simple of the Church, Two Guiding Lights, Joseph B. Wirthlin, How to Be a Great Member Missionary, The, Boyd K. Packer, Nov, 6 Aug, 64 R. Val Johnson, Aug, 50 N LEARNING (See also EDUCATION) “We Love You Days,” Erica Farr, Feb, 72 I Remembered the Crickets, Dennis Nelson, J. Robert For Beginning Learners, Alberta Frey, Birks, Feb, 69 Burbank Boulevard: A Lesson in Aug, 75 M It Started with a Pamphlet, Don L. Unimportant Differences, Jul, 19 Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment Mackelprang, Sherrie Searle, Aug, 45 Nelson, Russell M. around the World, Connie D. Robbery, The, Jun, 28 Lemonade and a Loaf of Bread, Faith and Families, Mar, 36 Cannon, Mar, 14 Madsen, John M. Anabela De Leon, Sep, 71 Repentance and Conversion, May, 102 Learning from Conference, Oct, 30 and Gary J. Coleman Live by Faith and Not by Fear, Quentin L. Scriptural Witnesses, Nov, 43 Literacy Improves Lives, Oct, 34 New Religion, New Life, Jun, 60 Cook, Nov, 70 NEW ERA (see also CHURCH Principles of Teaching and Learning, Makarov, Viktor Missionary Health Preparation, MAGAZINES) Boyd K. Packer and L. Tom Perry, Earrings, The, Jan, 28 Donald B. Doty, Mar, 62 New Era Posters at Work, Dave Jun, 82 MARRIAGE Mongolia: Steppes of Faith, Don L. Proulx, Oct, 75 Quest for Spiritual Knowledge, The, Crossing Thresholds and Becoming Searle, Dec, 54 What’s in It for You? Shelley Nash, Robert S. Wood, Jun, 30 Equal Partners, Bruce C. Hafen and My Most Precious Gift, Consuelo Aug, 75 Seek Learning by Faith, David A. Marie K. Hafen, Aug, 24 Conesa Leone, Dec, 61 NEW TESTAMENT (See also BIBLE, Bednar, Sep, 60 Developing Better Relationships with Never Too Late, Sylvia de Moscui LESSONS FROM THE NEW Teaching and Being Taught, Richard G. In-laws, Oct, 52 Maldonado, Mar, 69 TESTAMENT) Moore, Jun, 36 Divorce, Dallin H. Oaks, May, 70 New Recruit, The, Henny Rasmussen, “For She Loved Much,” Jun, 40 Teaching and Learning in the Church, Earrings, The, Viktor Makarov, Jan, 28 Dec, 65 Good Samaritan: Forgotten Symbols, Jeffrey R. Holland, Jun, 88 Enriching Your Marriage, James E. Out of Small Things, Michael J. Teh, The, John W. Welch, Feb, 40 Three Goals to Guide You, Thomas S. Faust, Apr, 4 Nov, 35 Parables of the Master, Jul, 40 Monson, Nov, 118 Faith and Families, Russell M. Nelson, Pen Pals and Referrals, Brittany Jones Thou Art the Christ, C. Scott Grow, LESSONS FROM THE NEW Mar, 36 Beahm, Mar, 68 Jan, 36 TESTAMENT Having Faith in God’s Timeline, Preach My Gospel—the Unifying Tool NEWS OF THE CHURCH Believe, Vicki F. Matsumori, Jul, 10 Catherine Edwards, Mar, 22 between Members and Missionaries, Jan, 76; Feb, 74; Mar, 74; Apr, 76; May, Facing the Future with Hope, Lowell M. Honored and Invited Guest, An, Naida Erich W. Kopischke, Nov, 33 122; Jun, 75; Jul, 76; Aug, 76; Sep, 76; Snow, Dec, 48 Stephens Tims, Jun, 50 Raising the Bar, L. Tom Perry, Nov, 46 Oct, 76; Nov, 125; Dec, 76

72 Nielsen, Erica Layne PARENTHOOD (See CHILDREN, Joshua’s Walls, Cindy Gritton, Mar, 26 PRIMARY Foundation for the Future in San FAMILY, MOTHERHOOD) Lay Hold upon the Word of God, Gary L. Getting Back on Track, Larry W. Antonio, A, Feb, 32 Teaching and Being Taught, Richard G. Pocock, Jul, 12 Sidwell, Jan, 21 NOURISHMENT Moore, Jun, 36 Lesson from the Book of Mormon, A, Primary Focus: Reverence, F. Arthella Nourished by the Good Word of God, These, Our Little Ones, Gordon B. Vicki F. Matsumori, May, 76 Stark, Jul, 75 Daniel K Judd, Nov, 93 Hinckley, Dec, 4 Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts Sunbeam Smiles, Constance Palmer We Let Them Learn, LaVerd and Flora Unceasingly, Gordon B. Hinckley, Lewis, Apr, 48 O John, Dec, 25 May, 115 PRIORITIES Oaks, Dallin H. Parkin, Bonnie D. Lost on the Tundra, Todd Crosland, Good, Better, Best, Dallin H. Oaks, Divorce, May, 70 Gratitude: A Path to Happiness, May, 34 Jan, 30 Nov, 104 Good, Better, Best, Nov, 104 PATIENCE Not My Will, Wendy Johnston, Aug, 15 It’s True, Isn’t It? Then What Else OBEDIENCE Our Long Road to the Temple— Personal Revelation: The Teachings Matters? Neil L. Andersen, May, 74 Claim the Exceeding Great and Together, Oct, 26 and Examples of the Prophets, Mother, Come Home, Shauna Bird Precious Promises, Spencer J. Paul, Wolfgang H. Robert D. Hales, Nov, 86 Dunn, Apr, 9 Condie, Nov, 16 Gratitude for the Atonement, Jun, 15 Prayer of Thanks, Larry Hiller, Feb, 63 PROCRASTINATION Commitment to the Lord, John B. PEACE Prayer with My Home Teacher, Judy Do It Now, Donald L. Hallstrom, Nov, 49 Dickson, May, 14 “My Burden Is Light,” Paul V. Johnson, Stone, Oct, 73 This Day, Henry B. Eyring, May, 89 Confirming the Call, A. Wayne Baker, Mar, 54 Principles of Teaching and Learning, PROPHETS Apr, 68 Sweet Is the Peace the Temple Brings, Boyd K. Packer and L. Tom Perry, If These Old Walls Could Talk, For the Strength of You, Susan W. Feb, 18 Jun, 82 H. David Burton, May, 32 Tanner, Julie B. Beck, and Elaine S. Time Stood Still, Joyce Hanson Wallin, Robbery, The, Sherrie Mackelprang, Prophets—Pioneer and Modern Day, Dalton, Oct, 12 Jul, 60 Jun, 28 Earl C. Tingey, May, 29 From Iowa to Immortality: A Tribute to Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer, Royal Priesthood, A, Thomas S. Quiet Stirrings of the Heart, H. David the Mormon Battalion, Lance B. Richard G. Scott, May, 8 Monson, Nov, 59 Burton, Apr, 50 Wickman, Jul, 22 PERPETUAL EDUCATION FUND Savoring the Scriptures, Terie Salt Lake Tabernacle Rededication, Helping Those Who Struggle with My Last Chance, Luis Mella, Aug, 71 Wiederhold, Aug, 42 James E. Faust, May, 39 Same-Gender Attraction, Jeffrey R. Perry, L. Tom and Boyd K. Packer Teaching and Learning in the Church, PROTECTION Holland, Oct, 42 Principles of Teaching and Learning, Jeffrey R. Holland, Jun, 88 Forces That Will Save Us, James E. Inspirational Thoughts, Gordon B. Jun, 82 Three Goals to Guide You, Thomas S. Faust, Jan, 4 Hinckley, Sep, 4 Perry, L. Tom Monson, Nov, 118 Get the Children Out of the Water! Life’s Lessons Learned, Joseph B. Message of the Restoration, The, May, 85 Too Busy to Share the Gospel? Donna Janell Johnson, Jul, 71 Wirthlin, May, 45 Raising the Bar, Nov, 46 Pike Jones, Jul, 38 Robbery, The, Sherrie Mackelprang, Obeying the Whisperings of the Holy PERSEVERANCE Unexplainable Call, The, Claudio Jun, 28 Ghost, Ronald T. Halverson, Life’s Lessons Learned, Joseph B. Zivic, Apr, 73 Three Tools to Build a Sacred Home, Aug, 56 Wirthlin, May, 45 United by Prayer, Daniel Openshaw, Shirley R. Klein, Jul, 44 Quiet Stirrings of the Heart, H. David Ten Axioms to Guide Your Life, Aug, 72 PURITY (See also CLEANLINESS, Burton, Apr, 50 Robert D. Hales, Feb, 26 Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer, MORALITY, STANDARDS) Ten Axioms to Guide Your Life, PERSONAL REVELATION Richard G. Scott, May, 8 Blessed Are All the Pure in Heart, Robert D. Hales, Feb, 26 Confirming the Call, A. Wayne Baker, What’s in the Cart? Alfred W. Koch, L. Whitney Clayton, Nov, 51 They Marked the Path to Follow, Apr, 68 Feb, 24 Clean Hands and a Pure Heart, David A. Thomas S. Monson, Oct, 4 Personal Revelation: The Teachings PREACH MY GOSPEL Bednar, Nov, 80 To the Aaronic Priesthood: Preparing and Examples of the Prophets, Preach My Gospel—the Unifying Tool for the Decade of Decision, Robert D. Robert D. Hales, Nov, 86 between Members and Missionaries, Q Hales, May, 48 PERSPECTIVE Erich W. Kopischke, Nov, 33 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Turn Off Your Flashlight, Kevan It’s True, Isn’t It? Then What Else PREPAREDNESS (See also Developing Better Relationships with Clawson, Aug, 23 Matters? Neil L. Andersen, May, 74 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, SELF- In-laws, Oct, 52 Who’s on the Lord’s Side? Charles W. Petersen, LaRene Halling RELIANCE) Distinguishing between Promptings Dahlquist II, May, 94 Reaching Out to Those Who Mourn, Are You Prepared? Aug, 30 and Personal Feelings, Mar, 58 Will a Man Rob God? Yoshihiko Feb, 64 Become an Instrument in the Hands of Feeling Joy during the Holiday Season, Kikuchi, May, 97 Peterson, Richard G. God by Preparing for and Participating Dec, 16 Olson, Adam C. Power of a Promise, The, Feb, 37 in Temple Worship, Aug, 59 How Do I Get Involved in Community All Things Bear Record of Him, Jan, 16 PIONEERS (See also HISTORY, Become an Instrument in the Hands of Service? Jun, 72 Firm Foundation in a Shaky World, A, CHURCH) God by Preparing for the Second QUORUM OF THE TWELVE Jun, 10 Foundation for the Future in San Coming of the Lord, Oct, 51 APOSTLES Turning Hearts in a Land of Temples, Antonio, A, Erica Layne Nielsen, Budgeting on an Irregular Income, News, Nov, 125 Oct, 64 Feb, 32 Katie Stone, Mar, 72 OPPOSITION From Iowa to Immortality: A Tribute to Do It Now, Donald L. Hallstrom, Nov, 49 R Unending Conflict, a Victory Assured, the Mormon Battalion, Lance B. Hailstorm, Stephen L. Knight, Mar, 34 RANDOM SAMPLER An, Gordon B. Hinckley, Jun, 4 Wickman, Jul, 22 Lay Up in Store, Keith B. McMullin, Acid-Free Archiving, Cris McAfee, Sep, 75 ORDINANCES, PRIESTHOOD I Remembered the Crickets, Dennis May, 51 Budgeting on an Irregular Income, Come to the Temple, Boyd K. Packer, Birks, Feb, 69 Missionary Health Preparation, Katie Stone, Mar, 72 Oct, 18 I Remembered the Pioneers, Daniel Donald B. Doty, Mar, 62 Butcher Paper and Funny Faces, Lea O Remember, Remember, Henry B. Cisternas, Jul, 70 My Preparedness Reminder, Lisa Taylor, Sep, 75 Eyring, Nov, 66 Pocock, Gary L. Covino, Apr, 74 Chatting with Your Children, Stacey He Will Give You Rest, Dennis L. Lay Hold upon the Word of God, Jul, 12 Oil in Our Lamps, Lynn G. Robbins, Taylor, Jan, 74 McDaniel, Apr, 22 POETRY Jun, 44 Children of Two Households, Tricia “Mom, Are We Christians?” Gary J. Standing before Carl Bloch’s Painting Raising the Bar, L. Tom Perry, Nov, 46 Aagard, Apr, 75 Coleman, May, 92 Christ Healing the Sick at the Pool of Storming Back, Norman C. Hill and Conference Fun, Kristin W. Belcher, Speaking the Language of the Spirit, Bethesda, Sharon Price Anderson, Richard M. Romney, Mar, 46 Apr, 74 Sergio Adrian Lopez, Mar, 70 Oct, 29 This, the Greatest of All Dispensations, Cookies and a Gospel Message, Tabernacle Memories, Thomas S. PORNOGRAPHY (See also Jeffrey R. Holland, Jul, 52 Kathleen Woffinden, Oct, 75 Monson, May, 41 MORALITY) Three Messages to Young Adults, Earl C. Don’t Just Store Your Food . . . , ORGANIZATION, CHURCH (See Blessed Are All the Pure in Heart, Tingey, Apr, 34 Audrey Liddil, Oct, 74 LEADERSHIP, CHURCH) L. Whitney Clayton, Nov, 51 To the Aaronic Priesthood: Preparing Emergency Information, Jun, 71 Ostergaard, Richard Talking to Youth about Pornography, for the Decade of Decision, Robert D. Family Home Evening Helps, Heading for Tokyo on the Wrong Side Dan Gray, Jul, 48 Hales, May, 48 Samantha Licurse, Feb, 73 of the Road, Sep, 53 Porter, Bruce D. Today Is the Time, Walter F. González, Family Night—MTC Style, Heather Lee Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit, A, Nov, 53 Lyman, Jun, 71 P Nov, 31 PRIESTHOOD Family Reunion Story Time, Nita Pace, Glenn L. PRATT, PARLEY P. God Helps the Faithful Priesthood Smart Facer, Jul, 74 Do You Know? May, 78 Extraordinary Life of Parley P. Pratt, Holder, Henry B. Eyring, Nov, 55 Food Storage for Beginners, MartaRae Packer, Boyd K. and L. Tom Perry The, Matthew J. Grow, Apr, 56 Home Teaching the Single Sister, Salli Northcutt, Jul, 74 Principles of Teaching and Learning, PRAYER Hollenzer, Jan, 33 Food Storage Fun, Shirley Oakes, Jun, 82 Distinguishing between Promptings Message of the Restoration, The, L. Tom Dec, 67 Packer, Boyd K. and Personal Feelings, Mar, 58 Perry, May, 85 For Beginning Learners, Alberta Frey, Come to the Temple, Oct, 18 Enriching Your Marriage, James E. Message to My Grandsons, James E. Aug, 75 Spirit of the Tabernacle, The, May, 26 Faust, Apr, 4 Faust, May, 54 Gifts of the Spirit, Jennifer Graham, Weak and the Simple of the Church, Gifts of the Spirit for Hard Times, Priesthood—a Sacred Gift, The, Mar, 73 The, Nov, 6 Henry B. Eyring, Jun, 18 Thomas S. Monson, May, 57 Good Book, The, Perry Gravelle, Packer, Steffani R. God Helps the Faithful Priesthood Royal Priesthood, A, Thomas S. Oct, 75 Learning Not to Count, Dec, 52 Holder, Henry B. Eyring, Nov, 55 Monson, Nov, 59 Help for Those with Visual Palmer, Gary K. Hailstorm, Stephen L. Knight, Mar, 34 Why Are We Members of the Only True Impairments, Donald Peters, Aug, 74 Power of Laughter, The, Sep, 32 Honored and Invited Guest, An, Naida Church? Enrique R. Falabella, Heritage Albums, Marlene Cameron PARABLES (See NEW TESTAMENT) Stephens Tims, Jun, 50 Nov, 14 Thomas, Mar, 73

ENSIGN JANUARY 2004 73 Meals and Memorization, Chantelle RESOURCE GUIDES Scott, Richard G. One Person, One Bucket, James W. Adams, Sep, 75 Aaronic Priesthood and Young Women Living Right, Jan, 10 Ritchie, Feb, 70 My Preparedness Reminder, Lisa Resource Guides, May, 119; Nov, 2 Truth: The Foundation of Correct Our Family Service Calendar, Erica Covino, Apr, 74 Resource Guide to the Rescue, Kerry Decisions, Nov, 90 Pack Whitmore, Jan, 75 Needs or Wants, Rebecca Swegle, Reed, Feb, 73 Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer, May, 8 Out of Small Things, Michael J. Teh, Aug, 75 RESPONSIBILITY SCRIPTURES Nov, 35 New Era Posters at Work, Dave Message to My Grandsons, James E. Lay Hold upon the Word of God, Gary L. Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy, Proulx, Oct, 75 Faust, May, 54 Pocock, Jul, 12 David S. Baxter, Aug, 10 Our Christmas Experiment, Nanette RESTORATION Lesson from the Book of Mormon, A, Reaching Out to Those Who Mourn, Justus, Dec, 66 Message of the Restoration, The, L. Tom Vicki F. Matsumori, May, 76 LaRene Halling Petersen, Feb, 64 Our Family Service Calendar, Erica Perry, May, 85 Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts Ride to Church, A, Stephen Baer, Oct, 71 Pack Whitmore, Jan, 75 “Mom, Are We Christians?” Gary J. Unceasingly, Gordon B. Hinckley, Service, Sep, 49 Our Family Storybook, Judy Graham, Coleman, May, 92 May, 115 Service, Steven E. Snow, Nov, 102 Feb, 72 Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom Meals and Memorization, Chantelle Spencer W. Kimball: Man of Action, Our Family’s Song Bag, Janele He Hath Sent, The, Jeffrey R. Adams, Sep, 75 Garrett H. Garff, Jan, 46 Williams, Aug, 74 Holland, Nov, 40 Miracle of the Holy Bible, The, Storming Back, Norman C. Hill and Photo, a Sketch, and a Story, A, Fay Stone Cut Out of the Mountain, The, M. Russell Ballard, May, 80 Richard M. Romney, Mar, 46 Rich, Dec, 67 Gordon B. Hinckley, Nov, 83 Quest for Spiritual Knowledge, Robert S. Sunbeam Smiles, Constance Palmer Primary Focus: Reverence, F. Arthella Things of Which I Know, The, Gordon B. Wood, Jun, 30 Lewis, Apr, 48 Stark, Jul, 75 Hinckley, May, 83 Principles of Teaching and Learning, Supporting Your Bishop, Joseph Purposeful Family Home Evenings, RESURRECTION (See also Boyd K. Packer and L. Tom Perry, Staples, Jun, 56 Stephanie Weight, Jul, 75 ATONEMENT, JESUS CHRIST) Jun, 82 That Their Burdens May Be Light, Quiz for Couples, A, Brooke Bergin, I Know That My Redeemer Lives! Savoring the Scriptures, Terie Sep, 44 Jan, 75 Thomas S. Monson, May, 22 Wiederhold, Aug, 42 This Day, Henry B. Eyring, May, 89 Ready-Made Music Lessons, Kerry Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues, Scripture Countdown, Stephanie Three Goals to Guide You, Thomas S. Griffin Smith, Mar, 72 Thomas S. Monson, Nov, 21 Nixon, Dec, 67 Monson, Nov, 118 Relatively Speaking, Emily Cushing, REVELATION Scriptural Witnesses, Russell M. Today Is the Time, Walter F. González, Apr, 75 Truth: The Foundation of Correct Nelson, Nov, 43 Nov, 53 Resource Guide to the Rescue, Kerry Decisions, Richard G. Scott, Nov, 90 Teaching and Learning in the Church, Turning the Other Cheek, H. Bryan Reed, Feb, 73 Personal Revelation: The Teachings Jeffrey R. Holland, Jun, 88 Richards, Feb, 48 Rewind to Relief Society, Cheryl Burr, and Examples of the Prophets, Three Goals to Guide You, Thomas S. Weak and the Simple of the Church, Jun, 70 Robert D. Hales, Nov, 86 Monson, Nov, 118 The, Boyd K. Packer, Nov, 6 Scripture Countdown, Stephanie REVERENCE Searle, Don L. What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Nixon, Dec, 67 Nourishing Power of Hymns, The, Jay E. It Started with a Pamphlet, Aug, 45 Stand Strong and Immovable, Julie B. Sharing Dinner, Sharing Conversation, Jensen, May, 11 Mongolia: Steppes of Faith, Dec, 54 Beck, Nov, 109 Stefanie Rasmussen, Jun, 70 Primary Focus: Reverence, F. Arthella SECOND COMING Sidwell, Larry W. Soft Answer, A, Peggy Climer, Mar, 73 Starke, Jul, 75 Become an Instrument in the Hands of Getting Back on Track, Jan, 21 Soup and Swap, Debbie Parker, Jan, 74 Teaching Children to Worship, Joan God by Preparing for the Second SIN (See REPENTANCE) Sunday Dinner Quiz, Brad Snell, Feb, 73 Hughes and Helen Hughes, Jan, 24 Coming of the Lord, Oct, 51 SINGLE ADULTS (See also Young Using Church Magazines, Dedelyn Rice, Marjorie H. Facing the Future with Hope, Lowell M. Single Adults) Hamilton, Sep, 75 Living in a Chapter of History, Oct, 56 Snow, Dec, 48 All Charged Up, Paul VanDenBerghe, What’s in It for You? Shelley Nash, Richards, H. Bryan Oil in Our Lamps, Lynn G. Robbins, Jul, 16 Aug, 75 Turning the Other Cheek, Feb, 48 Jun, 44 Having Faith in God’s Timeline, “We Love You” Days, Erica Farr, Richardson, D. Chad This, the Greatest of All Dispensations, Catherine Edwards, Mar, 22 Feb, 72 Forgiving Oneself, Mar, 30 Jeffrey R. Holland, Jul, 52 Home Teaching the Single Sister, Salli Who Does What? Taryn Nilsen, Sep, 74 RIGHTEOUSNESS SELF-CONFIDENCE Hollenzer, Jan, 33 “Yes?” Sue M. Carter, Mar, 72 Lay Up in Store, Keith B. McMullin, Having Faith in God’s Timeline, My Conversion to Eternal Marriage, RELATIONSHIPS (See FAMILY, May, 51 Catherine Edwards, Mar, 22 James Welch, Sep, 28 FRIENDSHIP) Message to My Grandsons, James E. Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy, My Unexpected Route, Becky Thomas, RELIEF SOCIETY Faust, May, 54 David S. Baxter, Aug, 10 Oct, 10 Home, Family, and Personal Strengthen Home and Family, Mary N. SELF-RELIANCE (See also Sharing Dinner, Sharing Conversation, Enrichment around the World, Cook, Nov, 11 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, Stefanie Rasmussen, Jun, 70 Connie D. Cannon, Mar, 14 Today Is the Time, Walter F. González, PREPAREDNESS) Welcoming Every Single One, James E. Rewind to Relief Society, Cheryl Burr, Nov, 53 Are You Prepared? Aug, 30 Faust, Aug, 4 Jun, 70 Robbins, Lynn G. Don’t Just Store Your Food . . . , Who Does What? Taryn Nilsen, Sep, 74 What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Oil in Our Lamps, Jun, 44 Audrey Liddil, Oct, 74 Smith, Alex and Mark Ashurst- Stand Strong and Immovable, Julie B. Rohrbough, Marianne Emergency Information, Jun, 71 McGee Beck, Nov, 109 Truth Found Me, The, Dec, 22 Food Storage for Beginners, MartaRae Joseph Smith Journals, The, Dec, 34 REMEMBERING Romney, Richard M. Northcutt, Jul, 74 SMITH, JOSEPH O Remember, Remember, Henry B. and Norman C. Hill Needs or Wants, Rebecca Swegle, Do You Know? Glenn L. Pace, May, 78 Eyring, Nov, 66j Storming Back, Mar, 46 Aug, 75 Joseph Smith Journals, The, Mark Remember and Perish Not, Marlin K. Soup and Swap, Debbie Parker, Jan, 74 Ashurst-McGee and Alex Smith, Jensen, May, 36 S SERVICE (See also CHARITY, LOVE) Dec, 34 REPENTANCE SABBATH Become an Instrument in the Hands of Snow, Lowell M. After All We Can Do, Claudio D. Zivic, Keeping the Sabbath and Keeping My God by Caring for the Poor and Facing the Future with Hope, Dec, 48 Nov, 98 Job, Kendal Brian Hunter, Jan, 58 Needy, Apr, 53 Snow, Steven E. Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit, A, Sunday Dinner Quiz, Brad Snell, Feb, 73 Become an Instrument in the Hands Service, Nov, 102 Bruce D. Porter, Nov, 31 SACRAMENT of God by Exercising Charity, Dec, 60 Soares, Ulisses Clean Hands and a Pure Heart, David A. Root of Christian Doctrine, The, Become an Instrument in the Hands Troubled on Every Side, Yet Not Bednar, Nov, 80 Thomas B. Griffith, Aug, 18 of God, Jan, 63 Distressed, Sep, 50 Do It Now, Donald L. Hallstrom, Nov, 49 Sacrament and the Sacrifice, The, Easing the Pain of Miscarriage, Solorzano, Alexander M. Forgiving Oneself, D. Chad David B. Haight, Apr, 14 Summer Thorp, Jan, 54 Football Game That Changed My Life, Richardson, Mar, 30 SACRIFICE Eight Japanese Brothers, Tadashi Kina, The, Oct, 62 Gratitude for the Atonement, Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit, A, Jun, 52 Sorensen, David E. Wolfgang H. Paul, Jun, 15 Bruce D. Porter, Nov, 31 Enduring Together, Richard C. Edgley, Priesthood, Agency, and Black Powder, He Will Give You Rest, Dennis L. From Iowa to Immortality: A Tribute to Nov, 9 Sep, 56 McDaniel, Apr, 22 the Mormon Battalion, Lance B. Examples of Great Teachers, Thomas S. SPIRITUAL REBIRTH Joy of Repentance, The, Craig C. Wickman, Jul, 22 Monson, Jun, 106 Ye Must Be Born Again, David A. Christensen, Apr, 19 SALVATION, PLAN OF (See also Feed My Sheep, Silvia H. Allred, Bednar, May, 19 Lesson from a Clogged Sink, Heidi DEATH, RESURRECTION) Nov, 113 SPORTSMANSHIP Camp, Apr, 65 Facing the Future with Hope, Lowell M. Gift of Compassion, The, Thomas S. Football Game That Changed My Life, My Last Chance, Luis Mella, Aug, 71 Snow, Dec, 48 Monson, Mar, 4 The, Alexander M. Solorzano, Oct, 62 Point of Safe Return, Dieter F. I Know that My Redeemer Lives, How Do I Get Involved in Community Staheli, Donald L. Uchtdorf, May, 99 Thomas S. Monson, May, 22 Service? Jun, 72 Striving for Family Unity, Sep, 9 Power to Change, The, James E. Faust, My Son Also Lives, Brenda Hunt, Apr, 71 Inspirational Thoughts, Gordon B. STANDARDS (See also MORALITY, Nov, 122 Why Was the Spirit Telling Me? Roger B. Hinckley, Sep, 4 PURITY) Priesthood, Agency, and Black Powder, Woolstenhulme, Apr, 72 Lemonade and a Loaf of Bread, Become an Instrument in the Hands David E. Sorensen, Sep, 56 SAME-GENDER ATTRACTION (See Anabela De Leon, Sep, 71 of God by Standing Strong and Remembering, Repenting, and also MORALITY, STANDARDS) Life’s Lessons Learned, Joseph B. Immovable, Jun, 49 Changing, Julie B. Beck, May, 109 Helping Those Who Struggle with Wirthlin, May, 45 Commitment to the Lord, John B. Repentance and Conversion, Russell M. Same-Gender Attraction, Jeffrey R. Mother’s Christmas Mouse, Betty Dickson, May, 14 Nelson, May, 102 Holland, Oct, 42 LeBaron Mostert, Dec, 62 For the Strength of You, Susan W. Sacrament and the Sacrifice, The, Samuelson, Cecil O. Jr. “My Ways Are Not Your Ways,” Tanner, Julie B. Beck, and Elaine S. David B. Haight, Apr, 14 “I Will Not Leave You Comfortless,” Oct, 46 Clayton M. Christensen, Feb, 54 Dalton, Oct, 12

74 Raising the Bar, L. Tom Perry, Nov, 46 Participating in Temple Worship, Tims, Naida Stephens Watson, F. Michael Staples, Joseph Aug, 59 Honored and Invited Guest, An, Jun, 50 Statistical Report, 2006, May, 7 Supporting Your Bishop, Jun, 56 Branching Out on Your Family Tree, Tingey, Earl C. Webb, Kimberly STATISTICS George D. Durrant, Apr, 44 Prophets—Pioneer and Modern Day, On Your Own but Not Alone, Jun, 25 Statistical Report, 2006, F. Michael Come to the Temple, Boyd K. Packer, May, 29 Welch, James Watson, May, 7 Oct, 18 Three Messages to Young Adults, Apr, 34 My Conversion to Eternal Marriage, STORIES Oil in Our Lamps, Lynn G. Robbins, TITHING Sep, 28 Conference Story Index, May, 118; Jun, 44 Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts Welch, John W. Nov, 3 Our Long Road to the Temple— Unceasingly, Gordon B. Hinckley, Good Samaritan: Forgotten Symbols, SUBMISSIVENESS Together, Oct, 26 May, 115 The, Feb, 40 Become an Instrument in the Hands of Our Temple Marriage Was Worth Any Orange Car, The, Elwin C. Robison, Wickman, Lance B. God by Being of One Heart and One Price, Geovanny Medina, Aug, 70 Jun, 68 From Iowa to Immortality: A Tribute to Mind, Sep, 69 Power of a Promise, The, Richard G. Will a Man Rob God? Yoshihiko the Mormon Battalion, Jul, 22 Ye Must Be Born Again, David A. Peterson, Feb, 37 Kikuchi, May, 97 Wiederhold, Terie Bednar, May, 19 Power of Godliness Is Manifested in Toraya, Ariel Aron Savoring the Scriptures, Aug, 42 SUSTAINING the Temples of God, The, Octaviano They Lived What They Believed, Apr, 32 Wirthlin, Joseph B. Supporting Your Bishop, Joseph Tenorio, Nov, 95 TRADITIONS Commandment Great, The, Nov, 28 Staples, Jun, 56 Quench Not the Spirit Which Quickens Holiday Tips for Military Families, Life’s Lessons Learned, May, 45 Sustaining of Church Officers, The, the Inner Man, Keith K. Hilbig, Oct, 37 Two Guiding Lights, Aug, 64 May, 4; Nov, 4 Nov, 37 TRUST WITNESSES SYMBOLISM Sacred Spires, Feb, 20 Nourished by the Good Word of God, Knowing That We Know, Douglas L. Good Samaritan: Forgotten Symbols, Sealed on Earth, Sealed in Heaven, Daniel K Judd, Nov, 93 Callister, Nov, 100 The, John W. Welch, Feb, 40 Apr, 40 Power of a Promise, Richard G. Scriptural Witnesses, Russell M. Why Symbols? Feb, 12 Strengthen Home and Family, Mary N. Peterson, Feb, 37 Nelson, Nov, 43 Cook, Nov, 11 You’ll Take Good Care of Me, Elaine WOMEN T Sweet Is the Peace the Temple Brings, Pearson, Sep, 72 “For She Loved Much,” Jun, 40 TABERNACLE Feb, 18 TRUTH Wood, Robert S. Great Tabernacle, The: A Building Turning Hearts in a Land of Temples, Truth: The Foundation of Correct Quest for Spiritual Knowledge, The, of Purpose and Spirit, Apr, 24 Adam C. Olson, Oct, 64 Decisions, Richard G. Scott, Nov, 90 Jun, 30 If These Old Walls Could Talk, Why Are We Members of the Only True Turley, Richard E. Jr. WORD OF WISDOM H. David Burton, May, 32 Church? Enrique R. Falabella, Nov, 14 Mountain Meadows Massacre, The, Commitment to the Lord, John B. Renovating the Tabernacle, Sep, 22 Why Symbols? Feb, 12 Sep, 14 Dickson, May, 14 Salt Lake Tabernacle Rededication, Worthy to Enter, Daryl H. Garn, Gift I Can’t Remember, The, Gary R. James E. Faust, May, 39 Oct, 23 U Wangsgard, Sep, 73 Spirit of the Tabernacle, The, Boyd K. TEMPTATION (See also ADVERSARY) Uchtdorf, Dieter F. WORDS Packer, May, 26 Blessed Are All the Pure in Heart, Have We Not Reason to Rejoice? Nov, 18 Tongue of Angels, The, Jeffrey R. Tabernacle in the Wilderness, A, L. Whitney Clayton, Nov, 51 Point of Safe Return, May, 99 Holland, May, 16 Gordon B. Hinckley, May, 43 Forces That Will Save Us, The, James E. UNITY WORK Tabernacle Memories, Thomas S. Faust, Jan, 4 All Charged Up, Paul VanDenBerghe, God Helps the Faithful Priesthood Monson, May, 41 Priesthood, Agency, and Black Powder, Jul, 16 Holder, Henry B. Eyring, Nov, 55 TAIWAN David E. Sorensen, Sep, 56 Become an Instrument in the Hands of WORLDWIDE LEADERSHIP Turning Hearts in a Land of Temples, Tenorio, Octaviano God by Being of One Heart and One TRAINING MEETING Adam C. Olson, Oct, 64 Power of Godliness Is Manifested in Mind, Sep, 69 Examples of Great Teachers, Thomas S. TALENTS the Temples of God, The, Nov, 95 Burbank Boulevard: A Lesson in Monson, Jun, 106 Time to Sew, A, Aug, 60 TESTIMONY Unimportant Differences, J. Robert Principles of Teaching and Learning, Tanner, Susan W., Julie B. Beck, After All We Can Do, Claudio D. Zivic, Nelson, Jul, 19 Boyd K. Packer and L. Tom Perry, and Elaine S. Dalton Nov, 98 Crossing Thresholds and Becoming Jun, 82 For the Strength of You, Oct, 12 All Things Bear Record of Him, Adam C. Equal Partners, Bruce C. and Marie K. Teaching and Learning in the Church, Tanner, Susan W. Olson, Jan, 16 Hafen, Aug, 24 Jeffrey R. Holland, Jun, 88 Daughters of Heavenly Father, May, 106 Become an Instrument in the Hands of Earrings, The, Viktor Makarov, Jan, 28 WORSHIP TEACHING God by Strengthening Your Personal “My Ways Are Not Your Ways,” Nourishing Power of Hymns, The, Jay E. Aaronic Priesthood and Young Women Testimony of Jesus Christ, Feb, 67 Clayton M. Christensen, Feb, 54 Jensen, May, 11 Resource Guides, May, 119; Nov, 2 Christ’s Ministry and Miracles, Jan, 40 Enduring Together, Richard C. Edgley, Teaching Children to Worship, Joan Don’t Leave for Tomorrow What You Coming into the Fold, Mar, 42 Nov, 9 Hughes and Helen Hughes, Jan, 24 Can Do Today, Claudio R. M. Costa, Do You Know? Glenn L. Pace, May, 78 Never Alone, Anne Grenzebach, Feb, 60 WORTHINESS Nov, 73 “Dad, I’m Proud of You!” Marcelino Striving for Family Unity, Donald L. Inspirational Thoughts, Gordon B. Examples of Great Teachers, Thomas S. Fernandez-Rebollos Suarez, Jan, 72 Staheli, Sep, 9 Hinckley, Sep, 4 Monson, Jun, 106 Eight Japanese Brothers, Tadashi Kina, Three Tools to Build a Sacred Home, Priesthood—a Sacred Gift, The, Getting Back on Track, Larry W. Jun, 52 Shirley R. Klein, Jul, 44 Thomas S. Monson, May, 57 Sidwell, Jan, 21 Firm Foundation in a Shaky World, A, UNSELFISHNESS Raising the Bar, L. Tom Perry, Nov, 46 Good, Better, Best, Dallin H. Oaks, Adam C. Olson, Jun, 10 Service, Steven E. Snow, Nov, 102 Worthy to Enter, Daryl H. Garn, Nov, 104 If These Old Walls Could Talk, Oct, 23 Literacy Improves Lives, Oct, 34 H. David Burton, May, 32 V Mine Errand from the Lord, Rowland E. Inspirational Thoughts, Gordon B. VanDenBerghe, Paul Y Elvidge, Jul, 66 Hinckley, Feb, 4; Sep, 4 All Charged Up, Jul, 16 YOUNG ADULTS (see also SINGLE Mothers Who Know, Julie B. Beck, Jesus of Nazareth, Savior and King, VIRTUE (See also MORALITY, ADULTS) Nov, 76 Neal A. Maxwell, Dec, 44 PURITY Finances and Your Future: Tips for Nourished by the Good Word of God, Knowing That We Know, Douglas L. Stay on the Path, Elaine S. Dalton, Young Single Adults, Donald N. Daniel K Judd, Nov, 93 Callister, Nov, 100 May, 112 Hester, Sep, 40 Principles of Teaching and Learning, President James E. Faust: Beloved VISITING TEACHING MESSAGES On Your Own but Not Alone, Kimberly Boyd K. Packer and L. Tom Perry, Shepherd, Oct, supplement Become an Instrument in the Hands Webb, Jun, 25 Jun, 82 Robbery, a Book, and a Testimony, A, of God, Jan, 63 Three Messages to Young Adults, Earl C. Seek Learning by Faith, David A. Mailin Espinoza Mira, Jan, 70 Strengthening Your Personal Testimony Tingey, Apr, 34 Bednar, Sep, 60 Small and Simple Things, Christoffel of Jesus Christ, Feb, 67 YOUNG, BRIGHAM Signs of Friendship, Melinda Riddle Golden Jr., Nov, 78 Listening to and Following the Prophets—Pioneer and Modern Day, Kowalski, Jun, 39 Stone Cut Out of the Mountain, The, Promptings of the Spirit, Mar, 57 Earl C. Tingey, May, 29 Teaching and Being Taught, Richard G. Gordon B. Hinckley, Nov, 83 Caring for the Poor and Needy, Apr, 53 Young, Cheryl Moore, Jun, 36 Sweet Is the Peace the Temple Brings, Standing Strong and Immovable, Jun, 49 Parable of the Tomato Plant, The, Teaching and Learning in the Church, Feb, 18 Practicing Holiness, Jul, 59 Mar, 20 Jeffrey R. Holland, Jun, 88 Taking Courage in the Hymns, Jan, 60 Preparing for and Participating in YOUTH Teachings for Our Time, May, 119; Things of Which I Know, The, Gordon B. Temple Worship, Aug, 59 Commitment to the Lord, John B. Nov, 2 Hinckley, May, 83 Being of One Heart and One Mind, Dickson, May, 14 To Be Edified and Rejoice Together, Thou Art the Christ, C. Scott Grow, Sep, 69 For the Strength of You, Susan W. A. Roger Merrill, Jan, 64 Jan, 36 Preparing for the Second Coming of Tanner, Julie B. Beck, and Elaine S. We Let Them Learn, LaVerd and Flora Why Are We Members of the Only True the Lord, Oct, 51 Dalton,Oct, 12 John, Dec, 25 Church? Enrique R. Falabella, Nov, 14 Exercising Charity, Dec, 60 Remembering, Repenting, and Teh, Michael J. Why Symbols? Feb, 12 VISITING TEACHING Changing, Julie B. Beck, May, 109 Out of Small Things, Nov, 35 Thomas, Becky Feed My Sheep, Silvia H. Allred, Nov, 113 To the Aaronic Priesthood: Preparing TEMPLE SQUARE My Unexpected Route, Oct, 10 You’ll Take Good Care of Me, Elaine for the Decade of Decision, Robert D. Tours and Testimonies, Andy Cargal, Thompson, Barbara Pearson, Sep, 72 Hales, May, 48 Jul, 32 I Will Strengthen Thee; I Will Help TEMPLES Thee, Nov, 115 W Z Become an Instrument in the Hands Thorp, Summer Wallin, Joyce Hanson Zivic, Claudio D. of God by Preparing for and Easing the Pain of Miscarriage, Jan, 54 Time Stood Still, Jul, 60 After All We Can Do, Nov, 98

ENSIGN JANUARY 2004 75 people, a number that Elder Oaks Bolsters Members in Asia includes about 3 million lder Dallin H. Oaks of Christians. “It is not easy to the Quorum of the be a Christian in Pakistan,” ETwelve Apostles visited said Elder Oaks. Many Church members in India, Christians live together in Pakistan, and Thailand from colonies. August 17 through 26, 2007. Thailand Elder Oaks and his wife, OAKS H. COURTESY OF ELDER DALLIN Kristen, were accompanied Elder and Sister Oaks and by Elder Donald L. Hallstrom Elder and Sister Hallstrom of the Seventy, First then flew to Thailand for a Counselor in the Asia Area conference in the Chiang Mai Presidency, and his wife, district in northern Thailand, Diane. where there are about 875 Throughout the trip, Elder members. Most of the more Oaks and Elder Hallstrom Elder Dallin H. Oaks (back right), with his wife, Kristen; than 15,000 members in emphasized gospel funda- Elder Donald L. Hallstrom and his wife, Diane (back center); Thailand reside in the south. mentals such as a testimony and President Karl L. Dodge and his wife, Gunda Le (back Thailand is an economi- of the Savior, strengthening left), stand with members of the Chiang Mai district. cally thriving country. families, priesthood keys and Approximately 95 percent temple ordinances, and the endowed members in India Sister Hallstrom visited the of its citizens are Buddhists, need to focus on training the hold current temple homes of various members though religious freedoms youth as future leaders. recommends. and conducted a weekday are granted to others. ■ fireside. Adapted from Church News, India Pakistan Only native Pakistani mis- September 22, 2007. Nearly 7,000 members live In Pakistan, Elder and sionaries serve in this Islamic in India, where the predomi- Sister Oaks and Elder and republic of about 170 million nant religions are Hinduism Elder Bednar and Islam. Most members live in two districts in the south, First Presidency Creates Mission in India Visits Ghana including Bangalore, where he India New Delhi Gary R. Ricks, serving the India Bangalore Mission is Mission, announced with his wife, Florence, lder David A. Bednar headquartered. Trecently by the First in New Delhi as a senior of the Quorum of the “When I last visited India Presidency and Quorum missionary, has been ETwelve Apostles spent there were only a few hun- of the Twelve Apostles, be- called as the new mission June 11 through 17, 2007, in dred members in the entire comes the second mission president. Ghana visiting with members country,” Elder Oaks said at in India, and brings the total The rest of the country and conducting affairs of the a district conference in New number of missions in the will be retained in the Church. Elder Bednar’s wife, Delhi, the capital of India. world to 348. India Bangalore Mission, Susan, accompanied him on “Now it thrills me to see The new mission, which with the addition of Sri the trip. how our membership has opened on November 1, Lanka. The Singapore Elder Bednar addressed increased in numbers and 2007, was created from Mission will include missionaries of the Ghana maturity.” the division of the India Singapore, East Malaysia, Accra Mission at the mission- Though it can be challeng- Bangalore Mission and the and West Malaysia. ary training center in Tema. ing, members of the Church Singapore Mission. The division will help He also spoke to local in India, like many other The New Delhi Mission reduce travel distances employees at the Africa West Christians, are permitted to includes the northern por- and increase the time the Area office and volunteers practice their religion. “They tion of India and Nepal, mission presidents will who serve at the Accra Ghana treasure their temple seal- Pakistan, Bangladesh, and have to work with the Temple complex. ings,” Elder Oaks said, noting Bhutan. missionaries. ■ During his visit, he spent that 93 percent of the an evening conducting a

76 90-minute question-and- Adesina J. Olukanni, Africa an online news conference of Jesus Christ in your faith? answer session with some West Area Seventy from with the religion writers of Do you worship Jesus Christ 800 young single adult mem- Lagos, Nigeria. Other changes several newspapers around in your Sunday services? Why bers at the Accra Ghana included the reorganization the country. do some people say you are a Christiansborg Stake Center of the Accra Ghana Adenta Church spokespersons said cult? In what ways are you in the temple complex. and Christiansborg Stakes. that the posting of an inter- similar to other Christians? In The primary purpose of As part of this tour, Elder view with a senior Church what ways do you differ from Elder Bednar’s visit to Accra Bednar traveled to Togo and leader was one of several steps other Christians? Was Joseph was to create the Accra Benin on June 12 to dedicate being taken to more clearly Smith a prophet? Are Ghana McCarthy Hill Stake. the two countries for the define Latter-day Saint beliefs prophets necessary today? Is Elder Bednar’s companion preaching of the gospel of and practices. It is expected there scientific proof authenti- for this assignment was Elder Jesus Christ. ■ that other interviews will fol- cating the Book of Mormon? low on a range of topics and Does the Church support will include other Apostles. political candidates? Elder Ballard is presently To access the video clips, chairman of the Church’s visit LDS.org, click on Public Affairs Committee. Newsroom in the lower right Elder Ballard responded to corner, and then enter the the following questions: Are term “Elder Ballard interview” you Christian? What is the role in the Search box. ■ Christmas Lights, Efforts Help Testify of Christ

Elder M. Russell Ballard addresses common questions in By Molly Farmer, Church Magazines video segments posted online. undreds of thousands as early as August in order to Elder Ballard Answers of lights shine from have the gardens ready for HTemple Square at the the end of November. Frequently Asked Questions close of each year. Many glow With millions of people from branches high in chest- visiting Temple Square each series of video clips in of national opinion polls has nut trees while others flicker year—many during the which Elder M. Russell shown that a large segment of and float in reflecting pools, Christmas season—grounds- A Ballard of the Quorum the population knows little or but they all are meant to in- keepers take special care to of the Twelve Apostles ad- nothing about the Church. vite visitors to share in the create an environment that dresses some of the ques- Responding to one of the message of the birth of the helps people feel the Spirit tions most frequently asked most common questions— Savior, the Light of the World. and learn more about the by the news media has been Are Mormons Christians?— Volunteers and employees gospel. December is an posted on LDS.org. Elder Ballard said: “[Jesus responsible for the Christmas especially appropriate time Elder Ballard covers topics Christ] is the center of all that decor and musical programs to “help people understand such as whether Latter-day we do, all that we hope to be. at Church headquarters that we’re here for the Saints are Christian and All of our dreams and future log many hours making the purpose of celebrating the whether or not the Church aspirations are centered in grounds an inviting place birth of Christ,” said Eldon supports political candidates. our belief in Jesus Christ and for the Spirit to reside. Cannon, group manager The video clips, available our willingness to know what Preparations begin for Church facilities. in English, were produced to His teachings are and to strive months in advance, with Getting that message out help better define the Church to keep His commandments.” plans for the elaborate design requires planning and labor. in the public mind—espe- The unscripted interviews drawn up early each year. Each workday from mid- cially among journalists— were conducted by members Concerts and performances August until the day after because of increasing visibility of the Church’s Public Affairs are booked the previous year, Thanksgiving—when the in the United States. A series staff and announced during and the first lights are hung lights are turned on—is

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 77 and are as well-loved by guests as the traditional lights, Sister Mills said. The paper bags that surround the lights proclaim messages such as “Joy,” “Merry Christmas,” and “Hope,” Brother Cannon said, and represent more than 100 lan- guages. Organizers have also incorporated multicultural nativity scenes representing Asian, Polynesian, African, Middle Eastern, and Native American cultures. “I think the message is universal,” Brother Cannon said. “It’s the joy and hope brought by Christ’s coming to the world. That message crosses all barriers.” Though it’s a lot of work, Months of effort help make Temple Square at Christmastime a place where visitors can reflect Sister Mills, Brother Lenz, and on the Light of the World, the Savior Jesus Christ. Brother Cannon agree that preparing Temple Square for thoughtfully planned, and an attraction in itself. mid-March to take down all the Christmas season is a spe- gardeners and light-hanging “[People] may be drawn the decorations. cial endeavor that puts visitors crews work steadily to accom- by seeing this wonderfully lit “It’s a real commitment,” in the Christmas spirit. The plish their goal. square . . . but ultimately, Brother Cannon said, but the music, lights, gardens, and “Our workers are just behind it all, is a message effort is validated by the nativity scenes all come wonderful,” said Kathy Mills, about Christ,” said Richard opportunities it affords. The together to help people feel Christmas coordinator for Lenz, event coordinator at yearly event allows members the love of the Lord. the facilities department. Temple Square. to “teach people about what “It’s something bigger than Employees are hoisted in lifts Brother Lenz is responsi- we believe.” just the pieces,” Brother as high as 50 feet to wrap ble for overseeing some 400 Coupling visual splendor Cannon said. “The purpose of individual tree limbs in color- musical and theatrical pro- with personal testimonies all of this is to teach people ful lights. The result of all this grams that occur between makes the experience people about Christ.” ■ work, which prompts visitors November 23 and December have on Temple Square even who visit the grounds to gaze 24. An estimated 350 visiting more powerful. Many are in awe, makes the effort choirs—the majority of which drawn in to see the stunning Mormon.org worthwhile, Brother Cannon are high school choirs from Christus statue in the North said. Sister Mills added that Utah and Idaho—will per- Visitors’ Center, while others Redesigned dedicated volunteers donate form this year in a variety of hear from missionaries who about 2,000 hours of their locations around Temple bear testimony of Christ. eople interested in time to the endeavor. Square. The beautiful sights Though the tradition of learning more about One of the most promi- and sounds all combine to lighting Temple Square dates Pthe Church can now nent trees on Temple Square, create a powerful impression, back some 40 years, organiz- access the doctrines of the the 60-foot cedar of Lebanon, Brother Lenz said. ers still add new elements to restored gospel on the re- requires more than 1,500 When the lights are inspire people. Luminarias, a cently redesigned Web site, strands of red lights before turned off on New Year’s Eve, type of Christmas lantern Mormon.org. The site is now it’s fully lit. Sister Mills said the clean-up work begins, common in Central and easier to navigate and more the enormous, glowing tree is and employees work until South America, line walkways closely aligned with the

78 missionary tool for members chance for members to of the Church who acquaint share their beliefs with themselves with it. He said other people.” referring people to the Web The site is currently site when they have ques- available in English and tions about the Church is will eventually be available “a very painless way to do in other languages as missionary work. It’s a well. ■ Sister Inis Hunter Dies nis Bernice Egan Hunter, Utah, to Horace Walter wife of President Howard W. Egan and Anna Bernhardina IHunter (1907–95), died at Jacobsson Tengberg. the age of 93 on Sunday, Sister Hunter, October 14, 2007, from age- President Hunter’s second related causes. President wife, was the mother of The redesigned Hunter served as 14th three children from a previ- Mormon.org is now President of the Church ous marriage: Barbara, more closely aligned from 1994 to 1995. Robert, and Elayne. Her with the principles Sister Hunter traveled funeral services were held on taught from Preach with President Hunter as October 22, 2007, in Salt Lake My Gospel. he performed his Church City. duties, which included the President Hunter’s first dedication of two temples. wife, Clara May (Claire), died She was born in Thatcher, on October 9, 1983. ■ material found in the mission- a meeting as well as Book of ary lessons from Preach My Mormon and missionary Gospel. request forms. Canadian Saints Committed Those viewing the site’s Also new to the site is main page are given “answers the Ask a Question feature, to Humanitarian Aid to life’s great questions” which allows people inter- ome 60 members in soon took on the challenge of through a number of short ested in learning more about the Petawawa Branch, gathering fabric and batting videos featuring converts the Church to chat in real SOttawa Ontario Stake, and then working together at to the Church, said Scott time with missionaries and located 100 miles [160 km] the meetinghouse and sisters’ Swofford, director of trainers at the Missionary northwest of Ottawa, Ontario, homes. media for the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Canada, have not only be- When it came time to tie Department. The men and Utah. The goal “is to arm come committed to service the quilts, the Primary chil- women in the videos are all them with information and themselves, but they have dren joined in. As the project real members of the Church then get them to start a dia- also excited the community expanded, the children who share personal responses logue with full-time mission- about serving. donated money and goods. to questions such as Does aries,” Brother Swofford said. “Our little branch became “The wonderful part of all this God have more for me? and The live-chat option has infected with the humanitar- was that the more we gave, Does God really know me? already proven to be a suc- ian aid bug,” explained the more we wanted to do,” The site was redesigned cessful tool. The feature branch member Mary Tromp, said Sister Tromp. so the core doctrines of the offers many opportunities for and they’ve infected others. Word spread to nonmem- Church are easily accessible, missionaries to share their It began with a notice in ber friends who donated fab- though other doctrine can testimonies, and questions the Ensign about the need for ric, quilts, and clothing. As the also be found using the glos- can also be answered through quilts in Chile. A sister in the public heard of the projects, sary feature. There are links e-mail correspondence. branch presented the idea of help came from unexpected to meetinghouse locators for Brother Swofford says making quilts for the needy sources. A group of young those interested in attending the site will serve as a great to the Relief Society. They mothers in a continuing

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2007 79 education program offered capacity of their cars, the sis- users register to their services and sewed quilt ters drove a truck packed participate as vol- tops. A fabric shop offered a with 50 quilts, many hygiene unteers, and we discount on batting for the kits, and boxes of children’s are now indexing quilts. A Pembroke grocery clothing. The sisters more than one store donated 200 dresses to remained in the area to million names per the branch. serve in the storehouse’s day. I anticipate In February 2004, branch canning facility for half a day. that we will soon members loaded up their cars Sister Tromp explained: have over 100,000 to deliver the quilts to the “We have been very blessed the Ensign. President James E. users in the system and will be bishop’s storehouse in as we have been given the Faust’s article, “Welcoming producing even more names Canandaigua, New York. chance to serve our brothers Every Single One,” was so per day that will be searchable But the “bug” has only and sisters. The joy that we important. A friend told me online at FamilySearch.org. continued to spread. In June feel will keep our fingers in a discussion recently that Many thanks!” 2007, a member couple and sewing and tying for the fore- the Church is really geared their friends held a garage seeable future. Like the little towards married couples and Updates sale. All proceeds were given train that could, our little families. I shared the August The painting on the to the branch’s humanitarian branch could and did. What issue with this article, and it inside front cover of the July aid fund to purchase more a blessing it is to serve our was a comfort to my friend. 2007 Ensign, Celebration on items for hygiene kits and Savior. Every day He gives to Julie McDonald, Utah July 4, 1847, Los Angeles, sewing supplies for quilts. us is a gift. What gifts can we California, is listed as a In June 2007 sisters made give Him each day in return?” Church Magazines work by Charles Brent the seven-hour drive to the For more information Available Electronically Hancock. The painting Canandaigua storehouse on how to assist the Church’s We would like to express appears to be a work by with the branch’s latest humanitarian aid efforts, go our gratitude for the elec- pioneer Latter-day Saint offerings. Because the dona- to www.lds.org/humanitarian tronic versions of Church artist C. C. A. Christensen. tions had outgrown the services. ■ magazines. I found an article Definitive information is today that I used to teach a not available, but Charles lesson, and my wife uses arti- Hancock is known to have Comments cles from the Friend as a used works by C. C. A. Everyday Laughter Trusting His Will source of inspiration as she Christensen in a series of I want to say thank you I just read Wendy teaches our grandchildren. historical presentations. The for Gary K. Palmer’s article, Johnston’s article, “Not My We reside in the most remote painting was included in the “The Power of Laughter,” Will,” in the August 2007 capital city on earth, so the book C. C. A. Christensen: in the September 2007 Ensign. I was very touched availability of the prophetic 1831–1912: Mormon Ensign. My wife and I read by her faith and courage. counsel as well as articles on Immigrant Artist (page 89), I face challenges with gospel subjects are a wonder- published in 1984.

Humor he ps keep i e n per pect ve

ne S nd y in a r m nt me t ng my our ea o d s n was ma i g a ma or d tu b nce A t r s ve al my own children, ful lift in our lives. Omi u es o t y ng o a m him d wn I i ked im ome ne o ce up tu k d im un er my rm l ke a a k of p t t es and a d A l t e he ded or he n a es ex t S oc ed by he udd n dep r r z ne s o ce n a t re my son o ked up t me a d sa d H y D d he e w i e p rp t a es we go n ? Hi in oc nt ommen ca ght me y su p i e an y ” Phil and Trish Baker, and e us d m an er ns a t y He h d o i ea he w s in and although my In the article “Are you t ou le He hou ht we w re oi g out o p ay I ave e rn d th t he a i ty o l ugh a ev r day man p a ng w th h s hi d en n a s nd i e a a sm l ne gh f mi y d f c l es h l s k ep l e in e sp c i e f we w l bo ho d pa k e was i ht own t er on h s ha ds nd l a n to au h nd p ay mo e w th o r f mi es not n y kn es n t e s nd bu l i g an mag n ry own w th t e ts wi l we e l b t er ut so w l hey A m r y he rt oe h c rs ru ks re s hou es s o es a d s hoo s I ou d see Australia go d ke a me i i e sa s P ov r s 17 22 S ud es how t e f t er p sh ng a w od n b ock b l d ze th o gh t e challenges are differ- Prepared?” (Ensign, August t at h mor a d a gh er e p eop e i e l ng r hap i r s nd pr t nd ng o bu d a ro d He v n m de he s und l v s be more r a i e and p od c i e; nd ha e more e f c s o the u l oz r en i e r m mbe th n i g Now en rg wi h l ss p y i al i com o t 1 Humo re uc s t e e is n ex mp e of a r at ad who k ows ow to p ay s r ss f ar n im da on mba r s m nt and ng r 2 w th h s h ld en He as n p a n v ew to v ry p s i g La gh er l o has x r or i ary ea ng pow r 3 Wh n a c r Was he mba r s ed o ru l d? No at l He se med pe s n a ghs b ood re s re d c ea es he rt a e a d ob v ou to he p op e pa s ng y Does h s me n we ent from Wendy’s, I 2007, 30) President George r sp r t on nc e se t e body e e ses nd rp ins nd s ou d p ay n t e s ndp e wi h ou ch dr n? bs l te y de re s on d c i es 4 f er he au ht r s bs d s and ou L ugh mo e pl y mo e w ng ou of am i r p a es be r l x ag in hat ood ee ng h s a l s i g e f ct e en mo e the w y y u we e when ou we e a ch d un i t e ne t day 5 Not m ny med c n s wi l o th t au ht r a d p ay a e c o e y r at d l y pu s ve y ne on an qu l oo i g r t by he a ure f p ay se f nd Be om ng More h ld ke s co d be au e you an han e t e ru e to i t e s t a was reminded that One Million Names Albert Smith (1870–1951) is On ve a e h l r n ugh 4 0 t me a day w i e a u ts t on P ay r n s f mi es og t er I i a su t e ool or l ugh bo t 15 mes 6 Wh the ap Did e l se ome h ng? nt r c i n and a k t u l s co f d nce ec use ou c n Ha e we f r ot en he w y we u ed o be? W y i i th t c il mod y the u es o b i g ab ut uc e s or ny o t ome d en s em to ope w h f s odd i s b t er h n ad l s? y u e i e O r nh b t o s a e min m z d nd our e l p r Pe h ps t s ec us th y do n t ul y nde s a d ut I s na t es mer e Th ough l y we de e op e a i ns i s t i k i s s mp er h n th t hey a gh As we row o d r na u a y We t nd to ke p op e we h ve un w th P ay our trials give us the Several readers have credited with a quote in the we g t f r oo s r o s W t h ch d en p ay T ey d n t n ed a ows u to u e ou m n s and r ak o t of am i r mo ds Thee PowerP er ofo e pen ve oys o e t r a n t em E e y h ng s un hey I a l ws us o e p ore m re a e sp n an ous On y wh n we b come du t do we s a t to et or ng Do we n ed o cu i a e a d f e e t a t ud ? C ea i g Fun F mi y Re a on h ps g Humor s n he way w see h n s he w y we h nk It s omeo e once a d A t le r z ne s o ce n a wh le Lauu htert an t i u e ot an v nt P rh ps he k y i s in ec mi g pe p tu t s s n ty W en I e urn ome f om wo k ea h BY GARY K P LMER opportunity to seek expressed interest in the section “Latter-day Prophets ea h ng r f s or f R c e t on M na em nt nd Y u h L a e sh p B i h m ou g Un v r ty more h dl e day co sc o s y t i k ab ut wh t I m go ng o s y t e O O M W ea O s a O o I s w th ou h my k t hen w n ow a g own momen I e te th hou e ac u l y p a t ce my n ra ce EN I N E T M ER 0 7 33 and accept the will FamilySearch indexing Speak on Preparedness” on the article and found it of the Father for our project. Derek Dobson, page 33. The quote was very helpful in reminding families and ourselves. product manager of actually from Elder George A. us to laugh and play in Suzanne White, Australia FamilySearch Indexing, Smith (1817–1875), our daily interactions with reported, “Since the article President Smith’s grand- each other and with our Welcoming All was published [“FamilySearch father, who served as a son. I must write and thank you Indexing,” August, 34], we counselor to President Scott Johnson, New York for the August 2007 issue of have had almost 20,000 new Brigham Young. ■

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© SIMONDEWEY, MAY NOT BECOPIED;BACKGROUND ©CORBISIMAGES

His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful, by Simon Dewey “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6; see also 2 Nephi 19:6). by Avard Fairbanks Madonna and Child, of God, after the manner of the flesh. virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son nd [the angel] said unto me [Nephi]: Behold, the “And it came to pass that I beheld that she was “And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing “And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of “And “ A carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look! a child in her arms. God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!” (1 Nephi 11:18–21).

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