THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • FEBRUARY 2006

COVER STORY: Young Adults and the Temple, p. 12 Helping Children Feel Self-Worth, p. 32 In the World but Not of It, p. 53 Jacob Blessing Joseph, by Harry Anderson Jacob gathered his 12 sons to bless them and their seed. In blessing Joseph, Jacob said:Joseph “ is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall: . . . The blessings of thy father have prevailed . . . : they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren” (Genesis 49:22, 26). FEBRUARY 2006 • VOLUME 36, NUMBER 2

2 MESSAGE Refined in Our Trials President James E. Faust 8 Our Stillborn Baby Melinda E. Jennings 11 Picturing Myself in the Temple John Cox, as told to Janine Simons Creager 12 Young Adults and the Temple Elder Russell M. Nelson 18 Confidence to Marry Melissa Howell 23 Lesson for a Busy Bishop Michael B. Wixom 26 “I, the Lord God, Make You Free” Elder Shirley D. Christensen 30 THE FULNESS OF THE GOSPEL Life before Birth Confidence 32 Helping Children Develop Feelings 18 to Marry of Self-Worth Brent L. Top and Bruce A. Chadwick 38 Abraham: Father of the Faithful 44 The Dead Sea Scrolls and Latter-day Truth Andrew C. Skinner 50 Living Water in the Rain Forest Bruce C. Kusch 52 VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE Building Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ 53 LESSONS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT In the World but Not of the World Elder Quentin L. Cook 56 Teaching with Church Magazines Don L. Searle 58 The Lord Closed the Book Roger Terry 60 Letting My Bitterness Go Paul Havig 63 Put Your Trust in God Helping Children “I, the Lord God, President Gordon B. Hinckley 32 Develop Feelings 26 Make You Free” 64 In Tune with His Will of Self-Worth April Moody 66 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES 70 RANDOM SAMPLER 72 NEWS OF THE CHURCH

ON THE COVER: Front: Photograph by Matthew Reier, posed by model. Back: Angel Moroni, by Avard T. Fairbanks, courtesy of Museum of Church History and Art.

AN OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CHURCH PUBLICATIONS ASSISTANT: Sally J. Odekirk $10 U.S. check or money order to Distribution Services, OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS P.O. Box 26368, , UT 84126-0368. MARKETING MANAGER: Larry Hiller THE FIRST PRESIDENCY: Gordon B. Hinckley, TO CHANGE ADDRESS: Send both old and new address MANAGING ART DIRECTOR: M. M. Kawasaki Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust information to Distribution Services at the above address. Please allow 60 days for changes to take effect. QUORUM OF THE TWELVE: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, ART DIRECTOR: J. Scott Knudsen Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, DESIGN AND PRODUCTION STAFF: Cali R. Arroyo, SUBMIT MANUSCRIPTS OR ART TO: [email protected] Joseph B. Wirthlin, Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Collette Nebeker Aune, C. Kimball Bott, Thomas S. (e-mail) or Ensign Editorial, 50 E. North Temple St., Rm. 2420, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3220, USA. Unsolicited material is Jeffrey R. Holland, Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Child, Colleen Hinckley, Jane Ann Peters, Tadd R. Peterson, David A. Bednar welcome, but no responsibility is assumed. For return, include Randall J. Pixton, Scott Van Kampen self-addressed, stamped envelope. EDITOR: Jay E. Jensen PRINTING DIRECTOR: Craig K. Sedgwick ADVISERS: Monte J. Brough, Gary J. Coleman, The Ensign can be found on the Internet at www.lds.org. Yoshihiko Kikuchi DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR: Kris T Christensen Click on “Gospel Library.” MANAGING DIRECTOR: David L. Frischknecht Text and visual material in the Ensign may be copied for EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Victor D. Cave © 2006 BY INTELLECTUAL RESERVE, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. incidental, noncommercial church or home use. Visual SENIOR EDITORS: Richard M. Romney, Larry Hiller The Ensign (ISSN 0884-1136) is published monthly by material may not be copied if restrictions are indicated in GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Allan R. Loyborg The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 E. the credit line with the artwork. Copyright questions should be addressed to Intellectual Property Office, 50 E. North MANAGING EDITOR: Don L. Searle North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3220, USA. Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3011; e-mail: Living Water in ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR: Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah, and at 50 LaRene Porter Gaunt [email protected]. additional mailing offices. the Rain Forest SENIOR EDITORS: Linda Stahle Cooper, Judith M. Paller, POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Distribution Services, Rebecca M. Taylor, Roger Terry P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA. EDITORIAL STAFF: Susan Barrett, Ryan Carr, Monica L. TO SUBSCRIBE: By phone, call 1-800-537-5971 to order Dickinson, Jenifer L. Greenwood, Adam C. Olson using Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, or American CANADA POST INFORMATION: Publication Agreement SENIOR SECRETARY: Sara R. Porter Express. Online, go to ldscatalog.com. By mail, send #40017431 2 FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE Refined in Our Trials BY PRESIDENT JAMES E. FAUST Second Counselor in the First Presidency his message is to all, but especially to with no more supplies or protection than a those who feel they have had more handcart caravan afforded. T trials, sorrows, pricks, and thorns “An old man in the corner . . . sat silent than they can bear and in their adversity are and listened as long as he could stand it, then almost drowned in the waters of bitterness. he arose and said things that no person who It is intended as one of hope, strength, and heard him will ever forget. His face was white deliverance. with emotion, yet he spoke calmly, deliber- Some years ago President David O. ately, but with great earnestness and sincerity. McKay (1873–1970) told of the experience “In substance [he] said, ‘I ask you to stop of some of those in the Martin handcart this criticism. You are discussing a matter you company. Many of these early converts know nothing about. Cold historic facts mean In the agonies of life, had emigrated from Europe and were too nothing here, for they give no proper inter- we seem to listen poor to buy oxen or horses and a wagon. pretation of the questions involved. Mistake better to the faint, They were forced by their poverty to pull to send the Handcart Company out so late godly whisperings of handcarts containing all of their belongings in the season? Yes. But I was in that company the Divine Shepherd. across the plains by their own brute strength. and my wife was in it and Sister Nellie Unthank

OGRAPHY President McKay related an occurrence whom you have cited was there, too. We suf- which took place some years after the fered beyond anything you can imagine and heroic exodus: many died of exposure and starvation, but “A teacher, conducting a class, said it was did you ever hear a survivor of that company unwise ever to attempt, even to permit them utter a word of criticism? . . .

: PHOTOGRAPH BY BUSATH PHOT BUSATH BY : PHOTOGRAPH [the Martin handcart company] to come “ ‘I have pulled my handcart when I was so across the plains under such conditions.” weak and weary from illness and lack of food Then President McKay quoted an observer that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the who was present in that class: “Some sharp other. I have looked ahead and seen a patch criticism of the Church and its leaders was of sand or a hill slope and I have said, I can being indulged in for permitting any com- go only that far and there I must give up, for

ILLUSTRATED BY MICHAEL T. MALM; RIGHT MICHAEL T. BY ILLUSTRATED pany of converts to venture across the plains I cannot pull the load through it.’ ”

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 3 He continues: “ ‘I have gone on to that sand and when I Said Alma, “A shepherd hath called after you and is still reached it, the cart began pushing me. I have looked back calling after you, but ye will not hearken unto his voice!”3 many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes In our extremities, it is possible to become born again, born saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there. anew, renewed in heart and spirit. We no longer ride with “ ‘Was I sorry that I chose to come by the flow of the crowd, but instead we enjoy handcart? No. Neither then nor any minute of the promise of Isaiah to be renewed in our my life since. The price we paid to become strength and “mount up with wings as eagles.”4 acquainted with God was a privilege to pay, The proving of one’s faith goes before the and I am thankful that I was privileged to witnessing, for Moroni testified, “Ye receive no come in the Martin Handcart Company.’ ”1 witness until after the trial of your faith.”5 This trial of faith can become a priceless experience. The Refining Fire s not this God’s States Peter, “The trial of your faith, being Here, then, is a great truth. In the pain, purpose in much more precious than of gold that per- the agony, and the heroic endeavors of life, I causing his isheth, though it be tried with fire, might be we pass through a refiner’s fire, and the insig- children to suffer? found unto praise and honour and glory at the nificant and the unimportant in our lives can He wants them to appearing of Jesus Christ.”6 Trials and adversity melt away like dross and make our faith bright, become more like can be preparatory to becoming born anew. intact, and strong. In this way the divine image himself. God has can be mirrored from the soul. It is part of suffered far more Becoming New Creatures the purging toll exacted of some to become than man ever did A rebirth out of spiritual adversity causes us acquainted with God. In the agonies of life, we or ever will, and is to become new creatures. From the book of seem to listen better to the faint, godly whis- therefore the great Mosiah we learn that all mankind must be born perings of the Divine Shepherd. source of sympathy again—born of God, changed, redeemed, and Into every life there come the painful, and consolation.” uplifted—to become the sons and daughters despairing days of adversity and buffeting. —Elder Orson F. of God.7 President Marion G. Romney (1897– There seems to be a full measure of anguish, Whitney 1988), First Counselor in the First Presidency, sorrow, and often heartbreak for everyone, in- said of this marvelous power: “The effect upon cluding those who earnestly seek to do right and be faithful. each person’s life is likewise similar. No person whose soul The Apostle Paul referred to his own challenge: “And lest I is illuminated by the burning Spirit of God can in this world should be exalted above measure . . . , there was given to me of sin and dense darkness remain passive. He is driven by an a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me.”2 irresistible urge to fit himself to be an active agent of God in The thorns that prick, that stick in the flesh, that hurt, furthering righteousness and in freeing the lives and minds often change lives which seem robbed of significance and of men from the bondage of sin.”8 hope. This change comes about through a refining process The feelings of being reborn were expressed by Elder which often seems cruel and hard. In this way the soul can Parley P. Pratt (1807–57) of the Quorum of the Twelve become like soft clay in the hands of the Master in building Apostles: “If I had been set to turn the world over,—to dig lives of faith, usefulness, beauty, and strength. For some, down a mountain, to go to the ends of the earth, or tra- the refiner’s fire causes a loss of belief and faith in God, verse the deserts of Arabia, it would have been easier than but those with eternal perspective understand that such to have undertaken to rest, while the Priesthood was upon refining is part of the perfection process. me. I have received the holy anointing and I can never

4 rest, till the last enemy is conquered, death out of their experience in suffering they bring he Stillman destroyed, and truth reigns triumphant.”9 forth the riches of their sympathy and condo- Pond family Unfortunately, some of our greatest tribu- lences as a blessing to those now in need. T arrived at lations are the result of our own foolishness Could they do this had they not suffered Winter Quarters, and weakness and occur because of our own themselves? and like many carelessness or transgression. Central to solv- “. . . Is not this God’s purpose in causing other families, they ing these problems is the great need to get his children to suffer? He wants them to suffered bitterly back on the right track and, if necessary, become more like himself. God has suffered while living in a engage in each of the steps for full and com- far more than man ever did or ever will, and tent. The death of plete repentance. Through this great princi- is therefore the great source of sympathy and five children coming ple, many things can be made fully right and consolation.”10 across the plains to all things better. Isaiah, before the Savior’s birth, referred to Winter Quarters was We can go to others for help. To whom can Him as “a man of sorrows.”11 Speaking in the but a beginning. we go? Elder Orson F. Whitney (1855–1931) Doctrine and Covenants of Himself, the Savior of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles asked said, “Which suffering caused myself, even and answered this question: God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of “To whom do we look, in days of grief and pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer disaster, for help and consolation? . . . They both body and spirit—and would that I might are men and women who have suffered, and not drink the bitter cup, and shrink.”12

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 5 Y ANDERSON BY HARR BY THE SECOND COMING,

he trial of Some are prone to feel that their afflictions was a member of the second quorum of the your faith, are punishment. Roy W. Doxey writes: in Nauvoo. He was an early convert to T . . . though it “The Prophet taught that it the Church, having come from Hubbardston, be tried with fire, is a false idea to believe that the saints will . Like others, he and his wife, might be found unto escape all the judgments—disease, pestilence, Maria, and their children were harassed and praise and honour war, etc.—of the last days; consequently, it driven out of Nauvoo. In September 1846 they and glory at the is an unhallowed principle to say that these became part of the great western migration. appearing of Jesus adversities are due to transgression. (Teach- The early winter that year brought extreme Christ,” Peter taught. ings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 162.) hardships, including malaria, cholera, and “President Joseph F. Smith taught that it is consumption. The family was visited by all a feeble thought to believe that the illness and three of these diseases. affliction that come to us are attributable either Maria contracted consumption, and all to the mercy or the displeasure of God.”13 of the children were stricken with malaria. Paul understood this perfectly. When refer- Three of the children died while moving ring to the Savior, he said, through the early snows. Stillman buried “Though he were a Son, yet learned he them on the plains. Maria’s condition wors- obedience by the things which he suffered; ened because of the grief, pain, and the “And being made perfect, he became the fever of malaria. She could no longer walk. author of eternal salvation unto all them that Weakened and sickly, she gave birth to twins. obey him.”14 They were named Joseph and Hyrum, and both died within a few days. A Chronicle of Endurance The Stillman Pond family arrived at Winter For some, the suffering is extraordinary. In Quarters, and like many other families, they the early days of the Church Stillman Pond suffered bitterly while living in a tent. The

6 death of five children coming across the plains to Winter the Christ and the Divine Redeemer. He lives! His are the Quarters was but a beginning. sweet words of eternal life. ■ The journal of Horace K. and Helen Mar Whitney veri- NOTES 1. “Pioneer Women,” Magazine, Jan. 1948, 8. fies the following regarding four more of the children of 2. 2 Corinthians 12:7. 3. Alma 5:37. Stillman Pond who perished: 4. Isaiah 40:31. “On Wednesday, the 2nd of December 1846, Laura Jane 5. Ether 12:6. 6. 1 Peter 1:7. Pond, age 14 years, . . . died of chills and fever.” Two days 7. See Mosiah 27:24–27. 8. In Conference Report, Oct. 1941, 89. later on “Friday, the 4th of December 1846, Harriet M. 9. , Apr. 30, 1853, 2. Pond, age 11 years, . . . died with chills.” Three days later, 10. “A Lesson from the Book of Job,” Improvement Era, Nov. 1918, 7. 11. Isaiah 53:3. “Monday, the 7th of December, 1846, Abigail A. Pond, age 12. D&C 19:18. 13. The Doctrine and Covenants Speaks (1970), 2:373; see also Joseph F. 18 years, . . . died with chills.” Just five weeks later, “Friday, Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. (1939), 56–57. the 15th of January, 1847, Lyman Pond, age 6 years, . . . 14. Hebrews 5:8–9. 15. As quoted in “Stillman Pond, a Biographical Sketch,” comp. Leon Y. died with chills and fever.”15 and H. Ray Pond, in Sterling Forsyth, Histories, Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4. Four months later, on May 17, 1847, his wife, Maria Davis 16. D&C 53:7. Pond, also died. Crossing the plains, Stillman Pond lost nine children and a wife. He became an outstanding colonizer in Utah and later became a leader in the quorums of the sev- IDEAS FOR HOME TEACHERS enty. Having lost these nine children and his wife in cross- After prayerfully studying this message, share it using a ing the plains, Stillman Pond did not lose his faith. He did method that encourages the participation of those you teach. not quit. He went forward. He paid a price, as have many Following are some examples. others before and since, to become acquainted with God. 1. Hold up a gold ring or a picture of a ring. Explain how at The Divine Shepherd has a message of hope, strength, first gold can have many impurities. Describe how heat sepa- and deliverance for all. If there were no night, we would rates the impurities from the gold, leaving the gold pure and not appreciate the day, nor could we see the stars and the beautiful. Compare this process to what happens to us when vastness of the heavens. We must partake of the bitter with we overcome trials, and bear testimony of what the Apostle the sweet. There is a divine purpose in the adversities we Peter taught: “The trial of your faith [is] much more precious encounter every day. They prepare, they purge, they purify, than of gold that perisheth.” and thus they bless. 2. Ask family members to suggest reasons we experience When we pluck the roses, we find we often cannot trials. Read a pioneer story from the message. Discuss how avoid the thorns which spring from the same stem. these pioneers were examples of being refined by trials. Ask Out of the refiner’s fire can come a glorious deliverance. family members to whom they, like the pioneers, should look It can be a noble and lasting rebirth. The price to become in times of trouble. Bear testimony that the Savior is the best acquainted with God will have been paid. There can come counselor. a sacred peace. There will be a reawakening of dormant, 3. Make a list of blessings that come from trials by read- inner resources. A comfortable cloak of righteousness will ing aloud the section of the message titled “A Chronicle of be drawn around us to protect us and to keep us warm Endurance.” Invite family members to share blessings they spiritually. Self-pity will vanish as our blessings are counted. have received through their own trials. The blessings of eternity will surely come to those who endure refining, as the Lord Himself taught: “He only is saved who endureth unto the end.”16 I testify that Jesus is

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 7 OUROUR BabyBabySTILLBORNSTILLBORN

BY MELINDA E. JENNINGS Another Child for Us? My husband and I thought and prayed for months I held our little son. He was so beautiful— about whether to have a fourth child. One day in the perfect features, 10 fingers, 10 toes. we both received strong impressions from the He was warm to my touch and warm Lord that a fourth child was waiting for us. Problems started early, and I had to spend most of my to my soul, but he was not alive. pregnancy in bed, which was difficult and often depressing. n 1989 my husband, Jody, and I were healthy, young, Our ward brought dinners, helped with the children, and and anxious to start a family. As a labor and delivery made visits. Their service was truly Christlike. Eventually Inurse, I knew what was ahead and was thrilled when I we found that we would be having another boy. My hus- found out we were expecting. However, with no warning band beamed as he thought about more years of sports our first baby was born premature. He weighed 2 pounds and Scouts that would be coming. My father-in-law came and 13 ounces. This was a time of terrible struggle as we to the ultrasound test and was thrilled as he saw our small waited each day to see if our small son would live. He baby move around. seemed to have every complication that a preemie could A few weeks later, again without warning, the birth have. The doctors did not think he would live. We decided process started. I knew instantly that our tiny son could to have a family fast for our baby. He was blessed to survive not survive. My world was shattered. The grief and pain and is now a 215-pound high school football player. We became so intense that at times it was unbearable. I could knew that we wanted more children. Since the doctors feel our baby moving inside of me. It was incomprehensi- found nothing wrong, we went on to have two daughters, ble to think he would not live. How could the Lord let this

though each pregnancy was very difficult. happen when He had told us to have another child? MODELS JOHN LUKE, POSED BY BY PHOTOGRAPHY

8 Warm to My Touch away from Him and become bitter. I am so grateful for the Within 24 hours, I delivered a perfect one-pound, two- comfort of the gospel I felt that day. ounce baby boy. He was stillborn. Jody cried as he ten- The days after the birth and funeral were a blur to me. derly held our small son close. Then I too wept as I held At times I couldn’t imagine how others could go on when our little boy and kissed his face. He was warm to my my life seemed to have ended. I struggled with my faith, but touch, and it warmed my soul to hold him. I tried not to lose hope. At other times, I felt calm. Jody and I Jody gave him a name and a blessing—McKay Spencer prayed expressly for faith and studied the scriptures fervently Jennings (after the prophets David O. McKay and Spencer W. to resolve our concerns. We could see that this would be an Kimball). After the nurse took little McKay’s body, Jody ongoing process to come to an understanding of things. and I sat alone in the room. Both of us felt a strong feeling of peace descend upon us in that room. We both knew that Finding Peace in the Temple the Lord was with us. We went to the temple a couple of weeks after McKay’s The graveside service was just for family. As soon as I funeral. It was hard to go into the celestial room where we saw the cemetery, I started to cry. I saw the little casket had received inspiration from the Lord that we were to under the awning and realized that this all was happening have another child. It was hard for me to understand why to me. I was not the supportive bystander but rather the we had felt inspired that there was another child waiting mother grieving for her lost child. Oh, how I wished that for us when the Lord knew what was ahead. Jody told me it were just a dream, but it was not! that perhaps the most important thing we could do was to During the services I felt the Spirit of the Lord rest upon show the Lord that we were willing to be obedient. me. I knew that trials test us but that it is up to us whether we As Jody and I sat in the celestial room, my emotions ran choose to turn to Christ and become strengthened or turn over. We hoped McKay would be sealed to us even though

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 9 GOOD REASON TO HOPE “There is no infor- mation given by revelation in re- gard to the status of he was stillborn, and that if we stillborn children. His divine wisdom and love. This were worthy, we would be able to However, I will gave me the inner peace I needed. raise him during the Millennium. express my personal opinion that However, I wanted to know it for we should have hope that these little Following Christ certain. I knew that at the present ones will receive a resurrection and Later I noticed that the handker- time there is no revealed answer to then belong to us. I cannot help feel- chief was embroidered with a pic- these concerns, and I also knew that ing that this will be the case. ture of the Nashville Tennessee temple ordinances are not currently “When a couple have a stillborn Temple and its dedication date. I performed for stillborn children. child, we give them all the comfort realized that this handkerchief was This bothered me, for my faith at we can. We have good reasons to special for this sister, yet she will- times was weak. McKay had been hope. Funeral services may be held ingly sacrificed it as she followed alive inside of me. I could feel him for such children, if the parents so the example of our Savior and lent kicking, yet because of the stress of desire. Stillborn children should comfort to others. I keep this hand- labor he was born dead. How could not be reported nor recorded as kerchief in my temple dress as a the Lord deprive me of raising a births and deaths on the records of reminder of the answers to my child who was alive only hours the Church, but it is suggested that prayers I found that day. before he was born? parents record in their own family There are still times when I see As I was crying in the celestial records a name for each such still- a baby or a little boy and dream of room, an older woman gave me her born child.” what could have been. I feel a pang white handkerchief. I then thought President (1876–1972), of sadness and emptiness, but then Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. of my mother-in-law, Jean. She used McConkie, 3 vols. (1954–56), 2:280.10 I remember that my Savior loves me to carry an extra white handkerchief and will not leave me alone in my with her at all times so she could give it to someone sorrow. My older children struggle with sorrow at times who was grieving. She had started working in the Atlanta also, but this gives us opportunities to talk about gospel Georgia Temple just two months before she died. I felt principles. We rededicate our lives to serving the Lord and as if Jean herself had given me that handkerchief to let strengthening our testimonies in the miraculous power me know that the Lord was aware of me. I felt that I was of the Resurrection and our hope that we may live with not to worry anymore about whether or not we would McKay Spencer Jennings, our cherished son, once again. ■ get to be with McKay again. I knew I should trust in the Melinda E. Jennings is a member of the Fayetteville Ward, Lord to resolve each case in the eternities according to Jonesboro Georgia Stake.

10 grew up in , , and was 17 years old girl. We all went to the temple to have our daughter sealed when the England Temple was dedicated in to us. Being together, all dressed in white, was a spiritual I 1958. As a member of another church, I went through and choice experience. the temple open house with my parents. Although this left Some time later, when my wife contracted cancer, the a great impression on me, I went back to my life as it had first thing we did was go to the temple. In the celestial room been before. A year later, I joined a photo- graphic club and chose the London temple as a suitable subject for a photo- graph to enter in a competition. As I set up the camera that day, I thought, “This needs something else. I need to put somebody in there looking at the tem- ple.” So I used a timer and took the shot across the reflecting pool with me sitting in the foreground.

PICTURING JOHN COX BY PHOTOGRAPH That photograph took first place. My father informed the temple president, Selvoy J. MYSELF IN we prayed quietly to Boyer, of my award. He wanted to see the picture, so I know “What does made a print and presented it to him. He gave me a copy THE TEMPLE this mean in our lives of the Book of Mormon. I read it and obtained a conviction now?” Throughout Never did I think that by that it was scripture. putting myself in a picture those years before she On April 1, 1960, President Boyer baptized me. My first of the temple, I would also was cleared of the calling was to host tours on the temple grounds. Though put myself in the temple. cancer, we went to the nearly 19, I was not able to serve a mission because I was temple often, seeking BY JOHN COX, AS TOLD TO serving an apprenticeship and was under contract for a JANINE SIMONS CREAGER the Lord’s blessings. number of years. However, I did receive my Throughout my in the temple. That first temple visit impressed upon life, I’ve had a special me the desire to do ordinance work for my deceased feeling about the temple, and it all started with a photo- . graph. The temple was there from the beginning and has In time, I met my future wife, Iris. As she gained a testi- been with me ever since. Indeed, it continues to be the mony of the gospel, she asked me to baptize her. We were central focus of my life. ■ married in the temple a year and a day after her baptism. John Cox is a member of the Farmington Fifth Ward, Farmington Utah Stake. Janine Simons Creager is a member of the Davis Creek Eventually we had a son and then adopted a two-year-old Second Ward, Farmington Utah South Stake.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 11 Young Adu lt s and the Temple

BY ELDER RUSSELL M. NELSON was there as a child when His anxious mother Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles could not find Him (see Luke 2:43–49). y topic is the temple. I would like At the first cleansing of the temple, Jesus to help you delve deeply into its called it “my Father’s house” (John 2:16; see Mdoctrine, explore the heights of its vv. 13–16). At the second cleansing, Jesus FAIRBANKS, glory, and grasp its eternal significance. called it “my house” (Matthew 21:13; Mark Temples are not new. “Whenever the Lord 11:17). Knowing the temple would be fur- has had a people on the earth who will obey ther desecrated, Jesus called it “your house

his word, they have been commanded to . . . left unto you desolate” (Luke 13:35)— T. AVARD ANGEL MORONI, BY build temples” (Bible Dictionary, “Temple,” a prophecy fulfilled when it was destroyed TS; To each young adult 781). The Old Testament is replete with refer- in A.D. 70. Y ANDRES ESTRADA ESCUDERO Y ANDRES ESTRADA I emphasize that the ences to ordinances, covenants, and even the Several years ago, Sister Nelson and I were temple can bless clothing of the temple (see, for example, in Jerusalem being guided through recent you—even before Exodus 28–29; Leviticus 8). excavations in a tunnel to the left of the pres-

you enter it. The best-known biblical temple was built ent Western Wall of the old temple. In that Y MODELS;© ARTBEA BACKGROUND in Jerusalem in the days of Solomon. The tunnel we saw Jewish rabbis praying for the Lord personally accepted that holy house day that the third temple would be built in (see 2 Chronicles 7:12). It was partially Jerusalem. destroyed in 600 B.C. From the Book of Mormon we know that Almost a hundred years later it was restored Nephi built a temple “after the manner of the

by Zerubbabel. This structure was damaged by temple of Solomon,” only it was less ornate OF MONTERREY MEXICO TEMPLE B PHOTOGRAPH AND ART; ORY fire in 37 B.C.; subsequently Herod enlarged (2 Nephi 5:16). POSED B PHOTOGRAPHY AS NOTED; , EXCEPT and leveled the Temple Mount and com- “From Adam to the time of Jesus, ordi- menced the rebuilding of the second temple nances were performed in temples for the (see Bible Dictionary, “Temple,” “Temple of living only. After Jesus opened the way for Herod,” 781). the gospel to be preached in the world of

This was the temple known by Jesus. He spirits, . . . work for the dead, as well as for CHRISTINA SMITH BY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MUSEUM CHURCH HIST

12 the living, has been done in temples” (Bible Dictionary, 35:9–13; 48:3–4). The thread of that covenant is woven “Temple,” 781). throughout the entire fabric of the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Book of Mormon (see, for Children of the Covenant example, Book of Mormon title page). That covenant As we read of temples, we also learn of covenants that has been divinely renewed in this dispensation as part God has made with faithful followers—His “children of of the of all things (see D&C 124:58). the covenant” (3 Nephi 20:26; see v. 25; Acts 3:25). Prophets have long known that the Abrahamic covenant Some 4,000 years ago, God made a covenant was to be fulfilled only “in the latter days” (1 Nephi 15:18). with Abraham that all the nations of the That’s our day! (See D&C 110:12–16.) We are those earth will be blessed through his covenant people! What does that really mean? Let us seed (see Genesis 17:7; 22:18; learn together from selected scriptures. Abraham 2:9–11). It was re- In Mosiah 5:7 we read: “Because of the covenant which affirmed with Isaac (see Genesis ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, 26:1–4, 24) and again with his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath Jacob (see Genesis 28; spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.”

y maintaining a standard Bof moral conduct high enough to qualify for a temple recommend, you will find inner peace and spiritual strength. In 3 Nephi 20:25, Jesus is speaking: “Ye are the children reached Illinois, the Lord once again asked His people to of the prophets; and ye are of the house of Israel; and ye build a temple. Why? are of the covenant which the Father made with your We read in Doctrine and Covenants 124:29–30: fathers, saying unto Abraham: And in thy seed shall all “For a baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that the kindreds of the earth be blessed.” they, my saints, may be baptized for those who are dead— In our holy temples, we literally receive those blessings “For this ordinance belongeth to my house.” promised to the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Verse 32 carries this stern warning: “If you do not these things . . . ye shall be rejected as a church, with your dead, Restoration of Temples and Authority saith the Lord your God.” In the Restoration, temple work received a very high Verse 40 states: “Let this house be built unto my name, priority. The first revelation from a ministering angel per- that I may reveal mine ordinances therein unto my people.” tained to this doctrine. Recorded in the second section The heading for section 128 notes that this section was of the Doctrine and Covenants, it is an echo of the fourth an epistle. Why was the Prophet Joseph Smith writing a let- chapter of Malachi. Moroni foretold the coming of Elijah, ter to the Saints instead of addressing them directly? He who would turn the hearts of the fathers to the children was in seclusion. He was being hunted by angry mobs. He and the hearts of the children to their fathers (see Malachi couldn’t even go home. He was 4:5–6; D&C 2:1–2). n our holy sequestered in the home of his Elijah did come, on April 3, 1836, Easter Sunday, at the temples, we friend Edward Hunter. Read these beginning of Passover. He came to the Kirtland Temple to I literally receive wondrous words, written under confer keys of sealing authority, precisely as prophesied by those blessings the roof of Edward Hunter’s the angel Moroni (see D&C 110:14–16). promised to the house: In the temple, ordinances are administered through lineage of Abraham, “I now resume the subject of which the power of God is manifest (see D&C 84:20). Isaac, and Jacob. the , as that Without those ordinances and the authority of the priesthood, “the power of godliness is not man- ifest unto men in the flesh” (D&C 84:21). The inscription on modern temples reads, “Holiness to the Lord” (see Exodus 28:36; 39:30). Those words describe the building, yes. They also describe the ordinances and covenants of the temple and the people who worship within its walls.

Temples of the Restoration The Kirtland Temple was a preparatory temple. It stands today as a monument to the faith of the people who built it. Later, when the Saints

14 subject seems to occupy my mind, and press itself upon my feelings the strongest, since I have been pursued by AH PIONEERS my enemies. . . . “. . . These are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertain- ing to our salvation. For their salvation is nec- essary and essential to our salvation, as Paul ome 6,000 Saints

PLE COURTESY OF DAUGHTERS OF UT PLE COURTESY OF DAUGHTERS says concerning the fathers—that they with- received their out us cannot be made perfect—neither can endowments

UVOO TEM UVOO S we without our dead be made perfect. . . . and sealings before “. . . The earth will be smitten with a curse they had to leave unless there is a welding link of some kind or Nauvoo and lose their other between the fathers and the children. temple. Now it stands . . . Baptism for the dead . . . is necessary . . . again—rebuilt in all that a whole and complete and perfect union, its majesty—as a very UKE; HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPH OF NA PHOTOGRAPH UKE; HISTORICAL and welding together of dispensations, and busy temple. little handful of people, and stimulating keys, and powers, and glories should take them to the salvation of the human family. place. . . . Things which never have been revealed from . . . When I think upon this subject, I want the tongues the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid of seven thunders to wake up the people.”1 from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed . . . in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times” (vv. 1, 15, 18). Continuing Revelation UVOO ILLINOIS TEMPLE DETAIL BY JOHN L BY ILLINOIS TEMPLE DETAIL UVOO The Saints obeyed. They built the temple in Nauvoo. In 1894 President (1807–98) Some 6,000 Saints received their endowments and seal- instructed members of the Church: “We want the ings before they had to leave and lose their temple. Now Latter-day Saints from this time to trace their it stands again—rebuilt in all its majesty—as a very busy as far as they can, and to be sealed to their fathers and temple. mothers. Have children sealed to their parents, and Some 30 years after the exodus from Nauvoo, the run this chain through as far as you can get it. . . . This St. George Utah Temple was finished. It was the first temple is the will of the Lord to this people.”2 in which vicarious ordinances for the dead were carried The purpose of family history work is to obtain the out on an organized scale. names and data of our ancestors so that temple ordinances RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPH OF NAUVOO ILLINOIS TEMPLE AND NA OF NAUVOO PHOTOGRAPH RIGHT: At the dedication of the lower story of the St. George can be performed in their behalf. Utah Temple, on January 1, 1877—the very year that Doctrine and Covenants section 138 is the crowning President died—he said: jewel of the remarkable ministry of President Joseph F. “What do you suppose the fathers would say if they Smith (1838–1918). It was received the month before could speak from the dead? Would they not say, ‘We have President Smith passed away. In that unique circumstance, lain here thousands of years, here in this prison house, he was still in the world but could see into the next world. waiting for this dispensation to come?’ . . . What would It is dated October 1918. they whisper in our ears? Why, if they had the power I’ll begin at verse 11: “I saw the hosts of the dead, both the very thunders of heaven would be in our ears, if small and great. we could realize the importance of the work we are “And there were gathered together in one place an engaged in. All the angels in heaven are looking at this innumerable company of the spirits of the just, who had

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 15 been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in passed away: “I . . . invite the members mortality. . . . of the Church to establish the temple “They were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son of the Lord as the great symbol of their of God into the spirit world, to declare their redemption membership and the supernal setting from the bands of death.... for their most sacred covenants. . . . I “While this vast multitude waited and conversed, rejoic- would hope that every adult member ing in the hour of their deliverance from the chains of would be worthy of—and carry—a death, the Son of God appeared, declaring liberty to the current temple recommend, even if captives.... proximity to a temple does not allow “And there he preached to them the everlasting gospel, immediate or frequent use of it.”3 the doctrine of the resurrection and the redemption of President Gordon B. Hinckley mankind from the fall, and from individual sins on condi- tions of repentance” (vv. 11–12, 16, 18–19). And in verse 51: “These the Lord taught, and gave them power to come forth, after his resurrection from the dead, to enter into his Father’s kingdom, there to be crowned with immortality and eternal life.” Temples catalyze that crown! How grateful we are for this knowledge! May I digress a moment to relate an amus- he Prophet ing experience we had a few years ago. Sister Joseph Smith Nelson and I had the T declared, “The privilege of taking earth will be smitten President Spencer W. with a curse unless Kimball (1895–1985) there is a welding and his wife to link . . . between an activity. Our the fathers and five-year-old son was the children.” with us. I asked him to tell President Kimball about the picture our son had on the wall of his bedroom. He duti- fully replied, “It’s the temple.” President Kimball, with his global perspective, asked, “Which temple?” That completely stumped our little boy, with his limited perspective. He thought a minute and then replied, “Why, the marriage temple, of course.” President Kimball gave a broad smile. President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95) said in 1994, the year before he

16 has reaffirmed that hope. He has also expanded temple or branch president will provide, Preparing to Enter the and family history work exponentially. In May 1999 he Holy Temple.4 These will help you understand the magnifi- launched the FamilySearch™ Internet service. It is now cence of the ordinances and covenants of the temple. averaging more than 50,000 visitors every day. From the Plan now to be married in the temple, and conduct your Pedigree Resource File, a component of that endeavor, we courtship with the temple in mind. When you and your are receiving an income of more than a million names per companion kneel at the altar of a holy temple, you do

AIPEI TEMPLE BY WILLIAM FLOYD HOLDMAN WILLIAM FLOYD AIPEI TEMPLE BY month, all lineage-linked. The database has exceeded one so as equal partners. You become an eternal family unit. billion names. Anything that might erode the spirituality, love, and sense When President Hinckley was called to serve in the First of true partnership is contrary to the will of the Lord. Presidency in 1981, how many temples did we have in the Fidelity to these sacred ordinances and covenants will bring Church? Nineteen. Now we have 122! More are under con- eternal blessings to you and to generations yet unborn. struction, and others have been announced. CE LIU; PHOTOGRAPH OF TAIWAN T OF TAIWAN PHOTOGRAPH CE LIU; Hour of Urgency and Opportunity Personal Preparation for the Temple The urgency of vicarious temple work was stressed in To each young adult I emphasize that the temple can a letter from the First Presidency dated March 11, 2003. bless you—even before you enter it. By maintaining a stan- Addressed to all Church members, it said that “millions of dard of moral conduct high enough to qualify for a temple our ancestors have lived upon the earth without receiving recommend, you will find inner peace and spiritual strength. the benefit of temple ordinances.... FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF GRA PHOTOGRAPHS FAMILY Now is the time to cleanse your lives of anything that is dis- “All of the ordinances which take place in the House pleasing to the Lord. Now is the time to eliminate feelings of the Lord become expressions of our belief in that fun- of envy or enmity and seek forgiveness for any offense. damental and basic doctrine of the immortality of the Several years ago the First Presidency issued a letter to human soul.”5 priesthood leaders regarding the optimum time for mem- My beloved brothers and sisters, our day was foreseen bers to receive a temple recommend. From it I quote: by our Master: “This shall be the covenant that I will make “Single members in their late teens or early twenties with the house of Israel; . . . saith the Lord, I will put my law who have not received a mission call or who are not in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be engaged to be married in the temple should not be rec- their God, and they shall be my people” (Jeremiah 31:33). ommended to the temple for their own endowment. As we are His people, we may “inherit thrones, king- They can, however, receive a Limited-Use Recommend doms, principalities, and powers, dominions, . . . exaltation to perform baptisms for the dead. The desire to witness and glory in all things” (D&C 132:19). This is our legacy. temple marriages of siblings or friends is not sufficient This is our opportunity. Of this, I testify. ■ reason for a young adult to be endowed” (Nov. 12, 2002; From a Church Educational System satellite broadcast address given on May 4, 2003, in Salt Lake City, Utah. see also First Presidency letter, June 21, 2005). Please note that this instruction applies to singles in NOTES 1. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young (1997), 309, their “late teens or early twenties.” We hope that a few 299; see also D&C 138:47–50. 2. The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, sel. G. Homer Durham years later, these individuals will be married or established (1946), 157. in a stable manner and their temple worship will be a high 3. Quoted in James E. Faust, “President Howard W. Hunter: The Way of an Eagle,” Tambuli, Sept. 1994, 4; quoted in Jay M. Todd, priority throughout their lives. “President Howard W. Hunter: Fourteenth ,” Ensign, July 1994, 5. Before you enter the temple for the first time, par- 4. This booklet is also used as the student manual in the temple ticipation in a temple preparation seminar will be preparation seminar (item no. 36793). 5. See “Letter from the First Presidency,” Liahona, Mar. 2004, 47; helpful. So will reading a booklet that your bishop Ensign, Mar. 2004, 45.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 17 Confidence Many Church members have happy marriages despite the fears they had when they were single.

BY MELISSA HOWELL

o I have what it takes to be a good spouse?” but he also learned important lessons from his parents’ D “My parents went through a painful divorce, experience. and I’m worried that if I get married I might “I was much less blasé about dating because of my get divorced too.” parents’ divorce,” Brother Balloch says. “I took the “Will I be able to support a family if I get married?” commitment of marriage very seriously.” Sometimes fears like these can deter single Latter-day Before he and his wife married, they talked about Saints from pursuing marriage. So how can we work to his concerns and they consistently prayed and read overcome the spirit of fear and replace it with love? the scriptures. By relying on the Lord, many Church members have “That had a massive impact,” Brother Balloch says. “It found that while their fears may not be entirely eradicated, lessened contention, and a lot of our fears were taken away. Heavenly Father will assist them in creating a happy “Nephi taught us a good principle: ‘I will go and do’ ” marriage. (1 Nephi 3:7), he continues. “When we’re fearful, it can make us more reliant on Heavenly Father. He’s provided Fear of Divorce a way.” The Ballochs explain that they have been blessed Perhaps you have experienced divorce firsthand. Perhaps for seeking to follow Heavenly Father’s commandments your parents or someone else close to you went through a in their marriage. divorce. Or maybe the growing number of divorces today weighs heavily on your mind. Concern about the possibility Fear of Being an Inadequate Spouse of divorce has led many single adults to avoid taking the Everyone has imperfections, and sometimes these risks that could lead to a happy, fulfilling eternal marriage. shortcomings become more apparent in marriage. When But as you seek the Lord’s help, you can actually learn valu- Ken Nollsch of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, married his able, if hard-won, lessons from the negative experiences of wife, Chalyce, he was continuing to overcome his long- those around you and then go forward with faith, discover- held fears of being an inadequate spouse. As he has ing that a happy marriage is a real possibility. learned to share his burdens with the Lord, his fears Scott Balloch of Bristol, England, was 18 years old have diminished. when his parents ended their marriage. As a result, he Brother Nollsch wants to be fully committed, he says,

feared the possibility of a divorce of his own someday— “to putting her needs ahead of mine,” explaining, “I worry MODELS REIER; POSED BY MATTHEW OF COUPLE BY PHOTOGRAPH AS NOTED; EXCEPT ROBERT CASEY, BY PHOTOGRAPHY

18 to Marry

about how I spend my time and about staying away from selfish activities.” When Brother Nollsch gets overwhelmed by his fears, he reminds himself to emulate the example of the Savior, who said humbly to Heavenly Father, “Thy will be done” (Matthew 26:42). “I say that over and over in my mind, and then I move on to what I need to accomplish,” Brother Nollsch says. ouples who seek the Lord’s Brother Nollsch says his confidence in guidance will find that He will himself and in his wife has grown over time. C bless them in their marriages. He also focuses on the joy he finds in being a husband and father. “God wants us to be happy, and being a husband and father is one

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 19 FACE YOUR DOUBTS “With any major decision there are cautions and considerations to of the best ways to find happiness,” industrious, faithfully pay your tithes make, but once there has been illu- he says. and offerings, and conscientiously mination, beware the temptation to keep the commandments, the Lord retreat from a good thing. If it was Fear of Financial Needs will sustain you. Yes, there will be right when you prayed about it and While speaking to young men, sacrifices required, but you will grow trusted it and lived for it, it is right President (1899– from these and will be a better man now. Don’t give up when the pres- 1994) commented on the commonly for having met them. sure mounts. Certainly don’t give held fear of becoming the family “Work hard educationally and in in to that being who is bent on breadwinner: your vocation. Put your trust in the the destruction of your happiness. “I realize that some of you brethren Lord, have faith, and it will work out. Face your doubts. Master your fears. may have genuine fears regarding the The Lord never gives a command- ‘Cast not away therefore your real responsibilities that will be yours ment without providing the means confidence’ [Hebrews 10:35]. Stay if you do marry. You are concerned to accomplish it.”1 the course and see the beauty of about being able to support a wife When Clyde and Joyce Hlongwane life unfold for you.” and family and provide them with of Johannesburg, South Africa, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum the necessities in these uncertain of the Twelve Apostles, “Cast Not Away started dating, Brother Hlongwane Therefore Your Confidence,” Liahona, economic times. Those fears must June 2000, 38; Ensign, Mar. 2000, 9. had concerns about supporting his be replaced with faith. future family. “I assure you, brethren, that if “Before we married I was listen- you will be ing to a conference talk about paying tithing and how the Lord

utting the Lord first by paying your tithing can Phelp you manage your money more effectively. would provide,” Brother Hlongwane remembers. “I real- marriage helped me deal with any fears I had,” she says. ized tithing was the key to the financial concerns I had— “I knew I could be happy despite a lifestyle change.” that no matter what, you pay your tithing.” Brother Hlongwane was encouraged by scriptures such Fear of Changing Goals as 1 Nephi 17:3: “If it so be that the children of men keep Some single adults may worry that marriage will pro- the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and hibit reaching their career or educational goals. “We were strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can both worried about school and careers before we got mar- accomplish the thing which he has commanded them.” ried,” says Thekla Schenk of Mililani, Hawaii. “When we “I knew it was a commandment to get married, and so were first married, I wanted things to go my way. We were the Lord would provide a way,” Brother Hlongwane says. married on the condition that I would go to school.” In addition, he recognized the need to do his part. Sister Schenk prayed and asked Heavenly Father to help When he and his wife were first married, he was working her finish college. She felt impressed that it would happen at a low-paying job and his income was not sufficient to when it was supposed to, although she didn’t know how. support a family. He decided to pursue more education. Although both are currently in school, the couple has Their financial situation has improved, and Brother determined that they will focus on Grayson’s education Hlongwane is now looking forward to having a career and career first so that Sister Schenk will be able to stay in his chosen field. home with their future children. “We turned it into an ‘us’ thing instead of a ‘me’ thing,” Sister Schenk says. Fear of Lifestyle Changes She and her husband have sought happiness in mar- Marriage affects how people live financially, socially, riage by trying to make each other happy. “It’s difficult to emotionally, and even spiritually. learn to put someone else’s needs first,” she says. “We Amy Byerly of Walpole, Massachusetts, was concerned need to strive to be spiritual enough to listen to prompt- about the lifestyle changes marriage brings. Talking with ings about what to do.” Bart, her soon-to-be husband, about her concerns light- In a message to his granddaughters on becoming great ened the burden. She also turned to the scriptures, and in women, President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the Mosiah 2:41, she read: “I would desire that ye should con- First Presidency, said: “My dear granddaughters, you cannot sider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep do everything well at the same time. You cannot be a 100 the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed percent wife, a 100 percent mother, a 100 percent church in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold worker, a 100 percent career person, and a 100 percent out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, public-service person at the same time.” Doing things that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never- sequentially, he said, “gives a woman the opportunity to ending happiness. O remember, remember that these do each thing well in its time and to fill a variety of roles things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.” in her life.”2 “This scripture puts things into perspective for me,” When they were engaged, Sonia Lopreiato Piros and Sister Byerly says. “Even if my lifestyle changed, I could still Gabriel Piros of São Paulo, Brazil, talked about the deci- be happy if I was faithful. Also, it taught me that having an sions they would have to make when their children were eternal family was much more important than all the fun born. But after one year of marriage and the birth of their things I did while I was single.” first child, “everything that was once so simple in theory Sister Byerly believed that Heavenly Father would help turned out to be complicated to practice,” Sister Piros says. her in her marriage. “Knowing that God approved of our “We faced the moment of decision, and fear invaded our

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 21 rather that this gnawing, destructive element comes from the adversary of truth and righ- teousness. Fear is the antithesis of faith.”3

s you hearts. My husband was afraid

obey the he would not earn enough to BE COPIED NOT MAY STEVE BUNDERSON, BY PHOTOGRAPH A Lord’s provide for our needs, and I commandments, you was afraid to end my promising career.” Certainly there are legitimate reasons for can go forward with Brother and Sister Piros began reviewing doubt and uncertainty in some dating rela- faith, knowing that the Eternal Marriage Student Manual (item tionships. Individuals should always seek the great happiness can no. 35311) and attending institute classes Lord’s guidance when making a decision to be found in marriage together. They felt certain the right decision marry. But as you take the proper steps in and family. was the one they had made before they were your relationships and as you feel the peace married—that Sister Piros would set aside the Lord bestows on those who make righ- her career for now, even though both knew teous decisions, you can go forward with it would not be easy for Brother Piros to pro- faith, knowing that great happiness can be vide for the family’s needs. found in marriage and family. “We exercised our faith, and as the scrip- The Apostle Paul taught, “Neither is the ture said, we proved the word of God,” she man without the woman, neither the woman says (see 2 Nephi 11:3). The couple began to without the man, in the Lord” (1 Corinthians experience many blessings as a result of their 11:11). He also wrote, “For God hath not sacrifice, including Brother Piros’s professional given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and growth. of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy “We still face some challenges and fears, 1:7). May we strive to replace our fears about but we are certain that God will be there at marriage with faith and love. ■ our side and that He will answer our prayers,” Melissa Howell is a member of the Aurora Highlands Ward, Aurora Colorado Stake. Sister Piros says. NOTES 1. “To the Single Adult Brethren of the Church,” Ensign, May 1988, 52–53. “God Hath Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear” 2. “A Message to My Granddaughters: Becoming ‘Great President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “Let us Women,’ ” Ensign, Sept. 1986, 19. 3. “God Hath Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear,” Ensign, recognize that fear comes not of God, but Oct. 1984, 2.

22 Lesson for a Busy Bishop

BY MICHAEL B. WIXOM

I was frustrated with what seemed a trivial complaint until the Spirit taught me what the young couple really needed.

erving as bishop has been an exhilarating, inspirational, educa- tional, and life-changing experience for which I am deeply grate- Sful. One of the most important lessons came when our ward’s boundaries were realigned and a number of new families became part of our ward family. Not long after the realignment, I arrived home after a long and diffi- cult day at work and a long and challenging evening with my Church responsibilities. Exhausted, I settled in ILLUSTRATED BY GREGG THORKELSON BY ILLUSTRATED

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 23 with a good book to unwind from the won’t help at all. We just can’t stand it any- stress of the day’s events. Almost on cue, more. Please go down there and tell them to the telephone rang. It was nearly 10:00 turn it down. They won’t listen to anyone p.m. When my wife called out, “It’s for the else. You must help us!” bishop,” I reluctantly set my book aside I was stunned—so stunned that I and picked up the telephone. approached their stepped backwards and fell, more than sat, The caller said with some urgency, apartment and on the couch behind me. The room buzzed “This is Brother Hammond [name has I knocked on the door. as both Brother and Sister Hammond took been changed], and I have an emergency. After a few seconds, their turns complaining about the stereo, I need you to come over right away.” the door flew open, the noise, the rudeness of people who were “Now? Perhaps we could get together and Brother Hammond so thoughtless as to not even consider that tomorrow night, or later in the week?” ushered me hastily into other people were tired and wanted some “No, this is an emergency, and we need the front room. rest. I stared at them in disbelief. They were to see you right away. It can’t wait!” apparently unaware of the irony of it all. “What is the problem?” Then, as I thought about my limited time for myself and “We can explain when you get here.” my family, I began to fume. Line by line I constructed a lec- After a pause I responded, “I will be there as soon as I can.” ture that they most assuredly needed and deserved. They So off went the robe, the slippers, and the pajamas. had to learn that it was just not right to treat a priesthood On came the white shirt and the tie. With some degree leader, or anyone else for that matter, in such a way. What of apprehension I went out the front door and into were they thinking? This was not a problem for a priesthood the night. leader. Some problems in life we have to address ourselves. The Hammond family lived in a small apartment several Fortunately, a thought entered my mind just as I was miles from my home. I had met Brother Hammond a few about to unload my frustrations. “Why would they call me times at church, but I didn’t know him well. He and his over this late at night? The situation doesn’t really seem to wife had one young daughter, and they were just out of make any sense, does it? What are their real concerns? It high school themselves. I wondered what the problem can’t be just the stereo.” could be. Was someone ill? Had there been a death in the I looked around. I could see that the apartment was family? Had there been an accident? The possibilities were clean but sparsely furnished, and what furniture there was sobering, and I prepared myself for the worst. in the room was threadbare. I ignored their complaints I approached their apartment and knocked on the door. and interrupted them with a single question that came as After only a few seconds, the door flew open, and Brother clearly into my mind as a ray of light into a darkened room: Hammond ushered me hastily into the front room of the “Do you have any food in the house?” apartment. Brother Hammond looked at me with a stunned expres- “Bishop, thanks so much for coming.” sion and lowered his head. “No, Bishop, we don’t.” “What’s the problem? How can I help?” In an instant, everything became clear to me. I under- “Don’t you hear that?” stood why they had called and why they needed me there. “Hear what?” We all forgot the noise, sat down together, discussed their “The stereo downstairs! It has been blasting that way all situation, and made plans to address their immediate and day. We have asked and asked them to turn it down, and they long-term needs. I helped them learn about the roles of just ignore us. We called the apartment manager, and he home teachers, visiting teachers, and priesthood and Relief

24 Society leaders in helping handle problems like these. My that “inherent in the ordination to be bishop is both the self-absorbed lecture was set aside and forgotten. I left for right and the obligation to be directed by inspiration.”2 home some time later with a humble and contrite heart. Those lessons bore down upon my soul that night. My Speaking directly to bishops, President Gordon B. selfishness had very nearly overshadowed the Spirit, just Hinckley has taught: “You are to see that none goes hun- as the Spirit was about to help me meet my task. But the gry or without clothing or shelter. You must know the cir- promise had been fulfilled. The Spirit had come. And my cumstances of all over whom you preside. You must be a life and the lives of those to whom I had been able to comforter and a guide to your people. Your door must be minister had been blessed. ■ ever open to any cries of distress. Your back must be Michael B. Wixom is a member of the Eastridge Ward, Las Vegas Nevada Sunrise Stake. strong in sharing their burdens.”1 President Boyd K. NOTES Packer, Acting President of the 1. “The Shepherds of the Flock,” Ensign, May 1999, 53. Quorum of the Twelve 2. “The Bishop and His Counselors,” Apostles, has also explained Ensign, May 1999, 58.

looked around. Their apartment was clean but I sparsely furnished. I did not respond to their complaints but interrupted them with a single question.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 25 “I, the Lord God, Make You Free”

BY ELDER SHIRLEY D. CHRISTENSEN Of the Seventy

hat did the Lord mean when He OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PRESERVE said, “I, the Lord God, make you FREEDOMS Wfree?” Freedom has been defined The Lord has placed upon His children as “the absence of necessity, coercion, or con- the responsibility of preserving their precious straint in choice or action.”1 Are we doing all freedoms. Mosiah urged his people to accept that we should to preserve freedom wherever responsibility for their government and their we live? Since the dawn of time, the Lord has future with this counsel: “Now it is not com- desired that His children would be free to ex- mon that the voice of the people desireth Since the dawn of ercise their agency and choose the path they anything contrary to that which is right; but time, the Lord has would follow. it is common for the lesser part of the people desired that His In August 1833, in consequence of the per- to desire that which is not right; therefore children would be secution directed at the Saints in Jackson this shall ye observe and make it your law— free to exercise their County, Missouri, the Lord stated His will to do your business by the voice of the agency and choose concerning freedom for His children and es- people” (Mosiah 29:26). the path they would pecially for His Church as it moved forward What are the obligations of Church mem- MODELS POSED BY CRAIG DIMOND, BY PHOTOGRAPHY follow. through those dark and difficult days: bers today to encourage freedom among all “And now, verily I say unto you concerning people where they live? the laws of the land, it is my will that my peo- Do not forsake the Lord, and support ple should observe to do all things whatso- righteous laws. ever I command them. . . . In the days of wickedness caused by “And as pertaining to law of man, whatso- Amalickiah and his followers, Captain Moroni ever is more or less than this, cometh of evil. raised the “title of liberty,” praying to the Lord “I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore that He would preserve their land as “a cho- ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh sen land, and the land of liberty” (Alma 46:17; you free” (D&C 98:4, 7–8; emphasis added). see also vv. 12–16). Upon seeing the title of

26 liberty and hearing Captain Moroni’s invita- to us that we would figuratively “come run- he Lord’s tion to covenant with the Lord, the people ning” in support of righteous laws or propos- prophets “came running together with their armor als wherever and whenever they appear in T have taught girded about their loins, rending their gar- our community or nation? members of the ments in token, or as a covenant, that they Be humble and keep covenants. Church about would not forsake the Lord their God” In the early days of the restored Church, freedom, the proper (Alma 46:21; see also vv. 19–20). the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio, had sacrificed to role of government, What behaviors in our own lives indicate construct the first temple in this dispensa- and the law. our willingness to never forsake the Lord our tion and were enjoying the spiritual blessings God? Are our freedoms sufficiently important of that holy edifice. The Lord had earlier

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 27 declared that the Saints would eventually gather to “We believe that no government can exist in peace, Independence, Missouri—the City of (see D&C except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will 57:1–3). The move would be difficult and costly, but it secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, appeared that an improvement in economic conditions the right and control of property, and the protection of in Kirtland would help the Saints prepare for their depar- life” (D&C 134:1–2). ture. However, at the same time, many members of the The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “We believe in being Church were caught up in land speculation that resulted subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obey- in increased greed and debt. Greed led to apostasy and ing, honoring, and sustaining the law” (Articles of Faith 1:12). then to conflict that greatly weakened the kingdom. The Lord has also decreed: “Let no man break the laws of As a consequence of their transgressions and of deep the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need cultural and religious differences, Church members en- to break the laws of the land. Wherefore, be subject to the countered difficulties with the Missouri citizens. Some powers that be, until he reigns whose right it is to reign, and Saints were at odds with each other because they were subdues all enemies under his feet” (D&C 58:21–22). unwilling to consecrate their proper- Citizens of every land, where per- ties to the Lord as He had commanded mitted, should vigorously cherish their them and as they had covenanted to right to vote and should act upon that do. Their pride and failure to keep privilege at every opportunity by sup- their covenants in those matters porting wise and honorable candidates. caused the Lord to withdraw His bless- Good and wise leaders elected by and ings, thus resulting in the loss of their working cooperatively with responsible properties and their civil freedoms. In citizens will seek to protect their free- that time of trial and need, the Saints doms. Failure to actively support such learned the difficult lesson that the candidates with one’s vote may result Lord removes His protecting hand in leaders who are elected, as Mosiah when His children do not keep their said, by “the lesser part of the people” covenants (see D&C 101:1–2, 6–7). who may “desire that which is not Uphold the law of the land, Where permitted, citizens should right” (Mosiah 29:26). What a sacred and seek leaders who are honest exercise their right to vote at every privilege and responsibility is ours to and wise. opportunity. It is a sacred privilege participate with other like-minded peo- To the Saints in Zion the Lord said: and responsibility to ensure that basic ple to ensure that basic freedoms are “The law . . . maketh you free. . . . And freedoms are preserved. preserved wherever we reside. good men and wise men ye should ob- serve to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these CITIZENSHIP AND FREEDOM IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY cometh of evil” (D&C 98:8, 10). Children at the Wimbledon Park First School in London, In modern scripture the Lord’s prophets have clearly England, have declared that a good citizen is someone who: stated the proper role of governments: • Has empathy for other people. “We believe that governments were instituted of God • Cares and shares. for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable • Respects people. for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and • Does not judge others based on their color administering them, for the good and safety of society. or appearance.

28 • Cares about the com- munity and the world.2 These British school- children are wise indeed. The Lord holds us ac- countable for establishing governments and freedoms in our society wherever we live (see D&C 134:1, 5), and we live to the extent possi- ble under law. Preserving , speech, and assembly be- gins in our homes and in our families. As parents show their own love and respect of these liberties, children Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, hildren who will also adopt them. counseled: “The home is truly observe their Prophets have taught that the influence of parents the cell-unit of society; and par- C parents and the home is immeasurable in establishing standards enthood is next to Godhood. The honoring and that will bless every nation. President Gordon B. Hinckley, relationship of the children to the respecting their while a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, parents should be one which liberties will likely taught, “I know of no better way to inculcate love for would enable those children to adopt similar country than for parents to pray before their children carry out ideal citizenship as they attitudes. for the President and the Congress or the [King or] become related to the State and Queen and the Parliament of the land of their to the larger forms of society. The citizenship.”3 secret of good citizenship lies in President N. Eldon Tanner (1898–1982) of the First the home.”5 Presidency referred to the role of parents with this coun- Oh, that the people of every land might be free! May sel: “Children who are taught obedience, to honor and we as Latter-day Saints remember the lessons not only obey the law, to have faith in God and to keep his com- from Church history but also from events in those coun- mandments, will, as they grow up, honor their parents tries wherever we may live. The prophets have consistently and be a credit to them; and they will be able to meet and taught that righteousness in our lives and in our homes, solve their problems, find greater success and joy in life, together with obedience to the laws of our country and and contribute greatly to the solution of the problems now the laws of God, will bring His blessings and will be the causing the world such great concern. It is up to the par- foundation of civil and political freedom. ■ ents to see to it that their children are prepared through NOTES 1. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th ed. (2003), obedience to law for the positions of leadership they may “freedom,” 499. 2. See United Kingdom and Ireland Primary Schools, occupy in the future, where their responsibility will be to http://www.timeforcitizenship.com/teachers/citizenship_main.asp. bring peace and righteousness to the world.”4 3. In Conference Report, Apr. 1963, 127–28. 4. “The Blessings of Obedience,” Improvement Era, June 1970, 32. President David O. McKay (1873–1970), then of the 5. In Conference Report, June 1919, 77.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 29 THE FULNESS OF THE GOSPEL beforeLife Birth

A continuing series explaining basic Solving Life’s Mystery beliefs of the restored gospel, doctrines President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the unique to The Church of Jesus Christ Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, addressed the significance of Latter-day Saints. of this doctrine: “There is no way to make sense out of life without a knowledge of the doctrine of premortal life. . . . f all the major Christian churches, only The When we understand the doctrine of premortal life, then Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches things fit together and make sense.”2 Othat the human race lived in a premortal existence Without an understanding of our premortal life we with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. “One of cannot correctly comprehend our relationship with our the strange things to me,” wrote President Joseph Fielding Heavenly Father, nor can we completely grasp the purpose Smith (1876–1972), “is the fact that so many people of this earth life and our divine destiny. “This doctrine of believe that there is a spirit in man and when he dies that premortal life,” said President Packer, “was known to ancient spirit continues to live as an immortal thing, yet that it Christians. For nearly five hundred years the doctrine was had no existence until man was born in this mortal life.”1 taught, but it was then rejected as a heresy by a clergy that

30 had slipped into the Dark Ages of apostasy. have the potential to become like Him (see Once they rejected this doctrine, . . . they Romans 8:16–17; D&C 93:33–34). could never unravel the mystery of life. • We participated in a Grand Council in They became like a man trying to assemble Heaven where we heard the Father’s plan a strand of pearls on a string that was too for our salvation. We chose to follow Jesus short. There is no way they can put them Christ, who was chosen to come to earth all together.”3 n our premortal life as our Savior and Redeemer, and we we chose to follow shouted for joy at this wonderful opportu- Man Is Eternal I Jesus Christ, who nity (see Job 38:7; Abraham 3:24–28). As the Lord restored divine truth was chosen to come to • Lucifer, “an angel of God who was in through the Prophet Joseph Smith, knowl- earth as our Savior. authority in the presence of God” (D&C edge of the premortal existence became 76:25), said, “I will redeem all mankind, critically important to our understanding of that one soul shall not be lost” (Moses 4:1). Heavenly Father’s plan for our salvation. “Man was also in But he sought that God should give unto him God’s own the beginning with God,” the Lord revealed. “Intelligence, power and glory, and he proposed to change the condi- or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither tions of our mortal experience, destroying our agency. indeed can be” (D&C 93:29). Thus, in the sense that our Without agency, we would have been incapable of actually intelligence has always existed, we had no beginning. But becoming like our Heavenly Father, so this proposal was at some distant point in our premortal past, spirit bodies rejected by God and by two-thirds of His children. Lucifer were created for us, and we became, literally, spirit sons then rebelled, there was a War in Heaven—a war of words and daughters of heavenly parents.4 and a spiritual conflict—and he was cast out with “a third The knowledge that we are spirit children of God, that part of the hosts of heaven” who had followed him (D&C we lived with Him before our mortal birth, and that we 29:36). He became known as Satan, and he and his follow-

. BARRETT, MAY NOT BE COPIED NOT MAY . BARRETT, desired to become like Him defines our relationship with ers now work with devilish determination to destroy our our Eternal Father. Joseph Smith taught that “God himself, souls (see Revelation 12:7–9; D&C 29:36–39; Moses 4:1–4). . . . because he was more intelligent, saw proper to insti- • We came to earth without the memory of our prior tute laws whereby [His children] could have a privilege to existence, but we did come with individual strengths and advance like himself.”5 A necessary part of our advance- talents, as well as weaknesses we must strive to overcome ment required us to leave our Father’s presence, to have (see Ether 12:27; D&C 104:17; 138:55–56; Abraham 3:23). BY ROBERT T BY CHRIST, THE PREMORTAL a veil of forgetfulness cast over our minds, and to walk • Earth life is not the beginning or the end of our exis- by faith, learning obedience to His commandments. tence, but it is both a test and a crucial stage in our on- going development. Our performance in this test shapes What We Know our eternal future (see Abraham 3:25–26). ■ Because we came to earth to be tested and to walk by OKER, POSED BY MODEL; RIGHT: MODEL; OKER, POSED BY RIGHT: faith, the Lord has not revealed many details about pre- NOTES 1. Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. mortal life. What has been revealed, however, is sufficient (1954–56), 1:56. 2. “The Mystery of Life,” Ensign, Nov. 1983, 18. for us to accomplish our purpose here on earth. A few of 3. Ensign, Nov. 1983, 16–17. the revealed facts about our premortal existence follow: 4. See “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102.

LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID ST DAVID BY PHOTOGRAPH LEFT: • We are God’s literal spirit children, and as such we 5. History of the Church, 6:312.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 31 PHOTOGRAPH BY MATTHEW REIER, POSED BY MODELS REIER, POSED BY MATTHEW BY PHOTOGRAPH 32 HELPINGof SELF-WORTHSELF-WORTH CHILDREN DEVELOP FEELINGS Young people who develop a strong relationship with God are better equipped to resist temptation and peer pressure.

BY BRENT L.TOP, Professor of Church History, testimony enhance a child’s sense of worth, personal AND BRUCE A.CHADWICK, Professor of Sociology, confidence, and self-respect. For over a decade we have studied more than 5,000 n the popular Broadway musical (and later motion LDS high school students from three geographical regions picture) My Fair Lady, Henry Higgins reshapes the within the United States, as well as from Great Britain and Iimage of Eliza Doolittle by teaching her to speak Mexico. We examined their levels of religious commit- proper English, schooling her in the etiquette of high ment and practices, the peer influences to which they are society, and dressing her in stylish gowns. As friends exposed, and what their parents do in the home to help and acquaintances treat this “new” Eliza as a proper lady, them meet the challenges they face. The objec- she begins to view herself in a new light. The almost tive of our studies has been to ascertain the effect of faith, miraculous transformation results in a confident young friends, and family in helping youth resist temptation and woman emerging from a cocoon of self-disdain. She had live the standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- previously viewed herself as a coarse, lower-class street day Saints.1 Several significant findings surfaced from this peddler. With the acceptance and encouragement of study—some anticipated and some not. others, she comes to recognize her individual worth It was not surprising that the more religious Latter-day and to believe she can contribute to society. Each of us, Saint youth are, the less likely they are to engage in inap- like Eliza Doolittle, has a sense of individual worth, propriate behaviors. What was surprising, however, was either positive or negative. We develop this sense of the powerful relationship between the level of a young worth to a large degree as we respond to the way others person’s religious conviction and his or her sense of indi- treat us. vidual worth. Greater personal spirituality yields greater It is important for parents (and leaders and teachers) confidence. Young people who develop a strong relation- to understand the powerful impact praise, acceptance, ship with God feel better about themselves and are better and encouragement have on a child’s sense of individual equipped to resist temptation and peer pressure. Our re- worth and confidence. Likewise, we need to be aware of sults also identified two specific things parents can do to how ridicule, rejection, and continual criticism can create reinforce their children’s spiritual and emotional confi- personal doubt. Equally important, Latter-day Saint parents dence and help them meet the challenges of today’s diffi- need to recognize how feeling Heavenly Father’s love, cult world: (1) strengthen the spiritual environment of the sensing the comfort and spiritual guidance that come with home, and (2) maintain a strong, loving relationship with the Holy Ghost’s companionship, and gaining a personal each child.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 33 STRENGTHENING Developing Their Own Spirituality THE SPIRITUAL ENVIRONMENT We found that those young people who regu- larly prayed and studied the scriptures on their Family Home Evening, Prayer, own felt the Spirit more often in their lives and and Scripture Study reported stronger feelings of individual worth “Praying, holding Our study showed that the young people and confidence. Unfortunately, one-fourth of the family home with the strongest feelings of self-worth gained youth reported that they “rarely” or “never” say evenings, and this confidence through gospel learning and personal prayers. Too often they viewed partici- studying the scrip- spiritual experiences that took place primarily pation in family prayer as “fulfilling the prayer tures with our chil- in the home. Regular family prayer, scripture quota” for the day. One of the most important dren are important study, and family home evening are corner- things parents can do is to encourage their chil- foundations. As we stones for establishing a household of faith. All dren to personally call upon their Heavenly strive to create a of these activities are closely associated with Father to open and close each day. This one reli- spiritual environ- stronger feelings of confidence in youth. gious practice was found to be even more impor- ment, our family It appears that a spiritual home environ- tant than participation in family prayer. Family members ment, coupled with involvement in Church prayer and scripture study can be viewed as “ex- can be led to those activities and programs, guides young peo- ternal” religious practices, but individual prayer experiences that ple to know the truthfulness of the gospel and scripture study are “internal” and nurture a will help them build for themselves. “We parents need to take personal relationship with God. their own personal seriously our responsibility to provide reli- Likewise, we can teach them about the impor- testimonies” (Elder gious training in the home so that our chil- tance of personal testimony and how to obtain Joe J. Christensen, dren will in turn take religion seriously and one, but we can’t do it for them. “My parents’ top One Step at a Time, 92). personally,” taught Elder Joe J. Christensen, priority,” one teenager in the study reported, “was then of the Seventy. 2 that we develop our own personal testimonies.”

We found that those young people who regularly prayed and studied the scriptures on their own felt the Spirit more often in their lives and reported stronger feelings of individual worth and confidence. PHOTOGRAPHY BY LANA LEISHMAN AND JED CLARK BY PHOTOGRAPHY

34 Another stated: “I am so blessed to have consistent expressions of love and support from parents who taught me to pray and read their earthly parents. “My parents are very affec- the scriptures on my own. They have tionate,” one young man reported. “They always taught me that I can have my own spiritual hug me and tell me they love me. That means a experiences.” A strong sense of individual “If you wish your lot!” In contrast, many of the teens who expressed worth comes naturally to those who have children to be taught self-contempt reported that they did not feel loved developed their own testimony of the in the principles of by their parents and rarely, if ever, heard the words truthfulness of the gospel and have experi- the gospel, if you “I love you.” One high school student stated: “My enced firsthand the fruits of the Spirit. wish them to love family isn’t a hugging, touchy-feely sort of family. Spiritual strength yields a confidence that the truth and under- We have problems expressing our love to each cannot be obtained in any other way. As stand it, if you wish other. I can count on one hand the number of one young woman stated: “In my eyes, a them to be obedient times I have been hugged by my parents. I wish testimony is the best prevention against to and united with we would show our love more openly.” Each of us Satan’s temptations and the most impor- you, love them! and needs to feel loved, respected, accepted, and ap- tant thing parents can teach their children. prove . . . that you preciated. We all need to hear verbal expressions My testimony is now what gives me my do love them by your of that love. It is especially vital for adolescents strength.” every word and act who are being bombarded with feelings of self- to[ward] them” doubt and insecurity. As one teen declared, “I don’t MAINTAINING A STRONG RELATIONSHIP (President Joseph F. think the words ‘I love you’ can ever be overused.” Our study showed that the quality of Smith, Gospel It is difficult for some parents to hug their chil- the relationship parents have with their Doctrine, 5th ed. dren and express love, even though such expres- children is directly related to their chil- [1939], 316). sions are as vital to the emotional and spiritual dren’s sense of worth and confidence. development of their children as sunshine, good Three specific parental practices surfaced soil, and adequate water are for the healthy as significant factors in helping youth acquire their own testimonies and develop spiritual strength.

1. Give Daily Outpourings of Love Feeling acceptance and affection from parents is vital for a child’s sense of acceptance. Sadly, about one out of every four LDS teens reported that they felt their parents did not adequately demonstrate their love for them. While we cannot know exactly how often and in what manner their parents actually expressed affection, we do know that more than 25 percent felt it did not measure up to what they desired and needed. It is difficult for teenagers to feel a sense of worth if their parents do not express love, ap- preciation, and respect for them. Those young people who exhibit a healthy confidence not only have come to feel Heavenly Father’s love for them but also have experienced

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 35 growth of a plant. A parent’s reluctance to express love their parents and rarely felt respected and acceptable. “In can be compounded sometimes by the way children my teenage years I was kind of emotionally unstable be- react—especially if they aren’t accustomed to experiencing cause of my low self-esteem,” one young adult reported. such affection. They may roll their eyes, groan, and pull “Sometimes I felt and still feel like I can never do anything away, but deep inside they feel a special security that good enough for my parents. I feel like I can never meet comes with the knowledge that they are loved. Expressing their expectations.” love takes little time, costs nothing, and yet yields rich Parents need to have realistic expectations and be will- dividends—here and hereafter. A daily outpouring of love ing to recognize and appreciate less than “top of the class” is not only vital for emotional well-being but also essential or “best of team” performance—especially when their to spiritual development. children are trying their best and seeking to improve. Unrealistic expectations can be discouraging for anyone, 2. Praise More Than You Criticize but especially for teenagers who naturally struggle with Parents can and should look for opportunities to praise feelings of inadequacy. By contrast, expressions of accept- their children. Children’s accomplishments need not be ance and acknowledgment of effort strengthen young peo- monumental to deserve parental recognition and praise. ple emotionally and motivate them behaviorally. Children Children, particularly adolescents, thrive on recognition and who are praised and recognized for their efforts as well as acceptance. The youth in our study who reported the most their deeds generally try harder to do even better. confidence and who felt best about themselves had regularly received praise and positive reinforcement from their par- 3. Counsel, Don’t Control ents. On the other hand, those with low levels of both Our study confirmed that Latter-day Saint youth, like spirituality and confidence overwhelmingly reported other adolescents, will possess lower levels of confidence that they received far more criticism than praise from if their parents refuse them the opportunity to develop their own views of the world. Confidence and a sense of worth are directly linked to parents granting “psychologi- cal autonomy” to their children. Granting this kind of free- dom is different from allowing children to exercise their agency in making decisions. It isn’t freedom to act on their own but rather to think and feel for themselves. It involves encouraging children to have and express their own ideas, feelings, opinions, and perceptions within a context of mutual respect. It is allowing them to be their own persons. Young people who are denied this kind of emotional freedom may become fearful adults who lack confidence in their ability to cope with the world. TTHEW REIER Sadly, over one-third of the youth in our study reported that their parents seek to psychologically manipulate or control them by inducing guilt, withdrawing love, or dis- missing their thoughts and opinions as unimportant. “One of my parents is very domineering and opinionated,” one

teen observed. “If you disagree, get ready to have a debate JED CLARK AND MA BY PHOTOGRAPHY

36 HELPS FOR HOME EVENING Most Ensign articles can be used for family to the death or just give up to avoid home evening discussions, personal reflection, everything their children say or do. trouble. In our family there is only or teaching the gospel in a variety of settings. What is needed,however, is open one ‘right’ opinion and you’d better 1. Have family members walk around the communication within the family. be sure that yours matches it. Any house and find three things that strengthen them When disapproval needs to be spo- opinion that is different is consid- spiritually. Invite them to explain how these ken and when discipline must be ad- ered ‘unrighteous.’ I never felt like I objects have brought strength. Using the section ministered, it should be done in the could express my feelings.” Another titled “Strengthening the Spiritual Environment,” context of love, respect, and under- stated: “I hate how one of my par- discuss things the family can do to maintain a standing, as expressed by the Lord in ents won’t listen to anything I say. strong spiritual environment. the scriptures (see D&C 121:41–45). My ideas and expressions are always 2. Ask family members how personal prayer Finally, we were excited to dis- dismissed just because I am a ‘kid.’ ” has helped them. Use “Developing Their Own cover that the relationship between Under these circumstances youth Spirituality” to explain the importance of prayer. the various measures of religiosity, fail to have confidence in their own Provide an object for each person to decorate as a family life, and feelings of individual feelings, ideas, and abilities and of- reminder of the importance of daily personal prayer. worth appeared consistently among ten emotionally withdraw inside 3. Use the section entitled “Give Daily Latter-day Saint youth in the various themselves and develop emotional Outpourings of Love” to answer the following regions of the United States and in problems such as depression, eating questions: How would you prefer to be shown Great Britain and Mexico. It is espe- disorders, and even thoughts of sui- love? What are some ways you show love to cially reassuring to know that the cide. Young people who feel their others? Write each person’s name on a separate principles of the gospel operate ideas, thoughts, and feelings have piece of paper. Pass the papers around and have effectively regardless of geography, been minimized, ignored, or out- everyone write something they love about that language, or culture. Where we live right ridiculed by their parents may person. Read each paper aloud. doesn’t seem to matter as much as seek out a peer group that will give what we are doing in our homes. credibility to their opinions and Faith and family are powerful in- feelings. Unfortunately, all too often struments in bringing about a sense these friends lack the emotional of spiritual worth that positively maturity and spiritual foundation to affects both attitudes and actions. properly guide and direct them in Children who feel good about their principles of righteousness. When relationship with their Heavenly parents suppress a child’s freedom of thought and expres- Father and their earthly family feel good about themselves. sion, sometimes the only way that child feels he or she can This kind of confidence—not the self-esteem of the world that express a sense of individual identity and value is to rebel. is thought to be obtained by popularity, stylish clothes, a fancy In contrast, young people who have internalized the car, or other fleeting factors—inevitably leads to greater love gospel, gained their own testimonies, and developed a for God and increased righteousness. As parents, we must see healthy sense of individual worth are those whose parents that all our actions and expressions lead to that desired end. ■ have counseled with them but have not sought to control NOTES them emotionally and intellectually. “My parents always en- 1. See “Helping Teens Stay Strong,” Ensign, Mar. 1999, 26–34; a more de- tailed discussion of the results of the study on spirituality and feelings courage us to express our feelings and opinions. Even if our of self-worth can be obtained by contacting the authors at Brigham ideas are different from theirs, they respect us,” one young Young University. 2. One Step at a Time: Building a Better Marriage, Family, and You man reported. Parents don’t have to express approval of (1996), 90.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 37 BY DEL PARSON BY ABRAHAM TAKING ISAAC TO BE SACRIFICED, BE SACRIFICED, ISAAC TO ABRAHAM TAKING DETAIL FROM DETAIL

n the Old Testament, Abraham is regarded as the head of the covenant Iline, which is personified in the house of Israel. He is often called the “father of the faithful.” Abraham received the gospel through baptism, or the covenant of salvation. The higher priest- hood was conferred upon him, and he entered into celestial marriage, the covenant of exaltation, gaining assurance that he would have eternal increase. He received a promise that these same bless- ings would be offered to his mortal pos- terity. The divine promises to Abraham assured that Christ would come through An Angel Saves Abraham, his lineage and that Abraham’s posterity by Del Parson would receive certain lands as an eternal “And it came to pass that the priests laid violence upon me, . These promises are called that they might slay me. . . . the Abrahamic covenant. “And as they lifted up their Father of theFaithfulFather of theFaithful Heavenly Father’s children who are hands upon me, that they might offer me up and take of non-Israelite lineage can be adopted away my life, behold, I lifted into the house of Israel, becoming heirs up my voice unto the Lord my God, and the Lord hearkened of the covenant and the seed of Abraham and heard, . . . and the angel of through the ordinances of the gospel. his presence stood by me, and ABRAHAM ABRAHAM immediately unloosed my (See Bible Dictionary, “Abraham,” 601; bands” (Abraham 1:12, 15). and “Abraham, Covenant of,” 602.)

38 The Lord Appearing unto Abraham, by Keith Larson after thee for an everlasting possession, when they hearken In answer to Abraham’s prayer, the Lord appeared unto to my voice. . . . him and said: “Arise, . . . for I have purposed to take thee “My name is Jehovah, and I know the end from the away out of Haran, and to make of thee a minister to bear beginning; therefore my hand shall be over thee” my name in a strange land which I will give unto thy seed (Abraham 2:6, 8).

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 39 Hagar and Ishmael Expelled, by George Soper (above) During a feast in Isaac’s honor, “Sarah saw the son of Hagar [Ishmael] . . . mocking. “Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Melchizedek Blesses Cast out this bondwoman and her Abram, son. . . . by Walter Rane (above) “And God said unto Abraham, Let it After Abraham rescued not be grievous in thy sight. . . . his brother’s son, he “. . . Of the son of the bondwoman was met by Melchizedek will I make a nation, because he is thy at the valley of Shaveh. seed. “And [Melchizedek] “And Abraham rose up early blessed him, and said, in the morning, and took bread, Blessed be Abram of the and a bottle of water, and gave it most high God, posses- unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, sor of heaven and earth: and the child, and sent her away” “And blessed be the (Genesis 21:9–10, 12–14). most high God, which hath delivered thine Isaac and Family, by Griffith Foxley (left) enemies into thy hand. “And the Lord visited Sarah as he had And [Abraham] gave said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he him tithes of all” had spoken. (Genesis 14:19–20). “For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age. . . . “And Abraham called the name of his son . . . Isaac. “And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him. . . . “And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned” (Genesis 21:1–2, 5, 8). THE PROVIDENCE COLLECTION, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED COLLECTION, THE PROVIDENCE

40 Abraham Taking Isaac to be Sacrificed, “And Abraham stretched forth his hand, by Del Parson and took the knife to slay his son. “And it came to pass after these things, that “And the angel of the Lord called unto God . . . said unto . . . Abraham: . . . him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham and Isaac, by William “. . . Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. Whitaker whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land “And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the “And God said, Sarah thy wife shall of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt offering. . . . now I know that thou fearest God, seeing call his name Isaac: and I will establish “And Abraham rose up early in the morn- thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only my covenant with him for an everlast- ing, and saddled his ass, and took . . . Isaac son from me” (Genesis 22:1–3, 10–12). ing covenant, and with his seed after his son, . . . and went unto the place of him” (Genesis 17:19). which God had told him. . . .

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 41 Isaac Blessing Jacob, by Gustave Doré (above) Rebekah, mother of twin sons Esau and Jacob, helped Jacob prepare to receive the birthright blessing that Esau esteemed so lightly (see Genesis 25:29–34). Isaac, in poor health and with failing eyesight, blessed Jacob in Esau’s place. “And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out . . . that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. . . . And [Isaac] said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing” (Genesis 27:30, 35). Jacob Blessing Joseph, by Harry Anderson (below) In the blessing given to his son Joseph, Jacob said, “Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall: . . . “. . . The God of thy father . . . shall help thee; and . . . the Almighty . . . shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above” (Genesis 49:22, 25). Rebekah at the Well, by Michael Deas Abraham‘s servant, who was charged with choosing a wife for Isaac, prayed unto the Lord for guidance. “And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, . . . “And the damsel was very fair to look upon, . . . and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. “And the servant . . . said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher. “And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink. . . . “And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the Lord led me” (Genesis 24:15–18, 27).

42 THE FAMILY OF ABRAHAM Abraham (Abram) / Sarah (Sarai) Abraham married Sarah (see Genesis 11:29). Through Hagar, Sarah’s handmaiden, Abraham fathered Ishmael (see Genesis 16:15). After Sarah’s death, Abraham married Keturah, through whom he had six children, named in Genesis 25:1–2.

Isaac / Rebekah Isaac married Rebekah (see Genesis 25:20–26). Isaac (see Genesis 18:1–14; 21:1–3) Rebekah (see Genesis 22:23)

Esau Jacob (Israel): Father of the Twelve Tribes of Israel Sold his (see Genesis 32:27–28) birthright to Jacob (see Genesis Reuben Israel Blesses Ephraim with the Birthright, 25:29–34) Leah by Keith Larson (see Genesis 29:30–35) Simeon When Jacob blessed Joseph’s two sons, Joseph (see Genesis 30:17–21) Levi brought Manasseh, his firstborn, to Jacob’s right and Ephraim, the second born, to Jacob’s left. Judah “And Israel [Jacob] stretched out his right Issachar hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Zebulun Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly; Dinah for Manasseh was the firstborn. . . . “And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, . . . Rachel Joseph (see Genesis 30:22–24) he held up his father’s hand, to remove it (see Genesis 35:16–18) Benjamin from Ephraim’s head unto Manasseh’s head. Manasseh Ephraim “And Joseph said . . . , Not so, my father: for Bilhah Dan (see Genesis 41:50–52) this is the firstborn. . . . (Rachel’s handmaiden) (see Genesis 30:4–8) The birthright tribe “And his father refused, and said, I know Naphtali (see Genesis 48) it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a Zilpah Gad people, and he also shall be great: but truly (Leah’s handmaiden) Lehi’s Ishmael’s his younger brother shall be greater than he” (see Genesis 30:9–13) lineage lineage Asher (see Alma 10:3) (see Deseret News (Genesis 48:14, 17–19). Weekly, Aug. 8, 1882, 1)

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 43 THE DEAD SEA SCRO S D

AND LATTER-DAY TRUTH

BY ANDREW C. SKINNER Dean of Religious Education, Brigham Young University

The Dead Sea Scrolls provide valuable information but also embrace notions contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ. LEFT: PHOTOGRAPHS OF DEAD SEA AND QUMRAN BY RICHARD CLEAVE, MAY NOT BE COPIED; RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPH OF SCROLLS BY YIGAEL YADIN, YIGAEL YADIN, OF SCROLLS BY PHOTOGRAPH BE COPIED; RIGHT: NOT RICHARD CLEAVE, MAY OF DEAD SEA AND QUMRAN BY PHOTOGRAPHS LEFT: COURTESY OF THE SHRINE OF THE BOOK MUSEUM, JERUSALEM; TOP RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DEAD SEA BY RICHARD CLEAVE, MAY NOT BE COPIE NOT MAY RICHARD CLEAVE, OF THE DEAD SEA BY PHOTOGRAPH RIGHT: COURTESY OF THE SHRINE BOOK MUSEUM, JERUSALEM; TOP

44 rcheological and historical discoveries of the past The Dead Sea Scrolls are an archaeological treasure trove century have recently generated tremendous of ancient Jewish religious texts discovered between 1947 A interest in ancient religious texts and their teach- and 1956 in 11 different caves near the northwest shore ings. Popular fiction has also fueled much speculation about of the Dead Sea. Many scholars regard the scrolls as the them. Among the best-known and oft-quoted in this regard greatest archaeological find of the twentieth century. are the Dead Sea Scrolls, which have been cited in support of ideas ranging from the need to reinterpret Christianity— For several reasons Latter-day Saints have had a keen because of mysterious rituals and secret beliefs kept hidden interest in the Dead Sea Scrolls. First, the scriptures them- by an ancient conspiracy—to another false notion that there selves have primed us to anticipate the coming forth of ad- was an unknown group of pre-Christian “Latter-day Saints” ditional ancient records. Second, Joseph Smith’s experience living down by the Dead Sea in the Holy Land. with records buried in the earth has given us a pattern of Because the life of Joseph Smith was inextricably tied to how ancient sacred texts were often hidden up only to ancient sacred texts, particularly ones buried in the earth, it come forth in a future day. Third, the expanded canon of is not surprising that members latter-day scripture has of The Church of Jesus Christ caused us to suspect the ex- of Latter-day Saints are fasci- istence of at least pockets of nated by new discoveries of Israelites not closed to the ancient religious writings, in- possibility of continuing cluding the Dead Sea Scrolls. revelation and contemporary It seems both natural and pru- prophets. Fourth, the doc- dent to ask what the scrolls are trine of restoration has led and what they really say in us to expect that others comparison to divinely re- throughout the ages have vealed truths of the latter days. witnessed apostate condi- The much-celebrated tions and seen the need for a Dead Sea Scrolls are a treas- restoration of original truth. ure trove of ancient Jewish religious texts discovered be- tween 1947 and 1956 in 11 different desert caves near the Additional Records northwest shore of the Dead Sea. Many scholars regard It is crystal clear that the scriptures themselves point to the scrolls as the greatest archaeological find of the twen- other sacred records that will come forth in the latter days tieth century, having been composed or copied between (see, for instance, 1 Nephi 13:38–39; 2 Nephi 29:13; Ezekiel approximately 250 B.C. and A.D. 68. Most of the scrolls 37:15–17; D&C 93:18; and the ninth article of faith). Given all were written in Hebrew or Aramaic on parchment, al- of this scriptural anticipation of additional ancient records, though a few Greek texts have been found as well. They there was great excitement when, in 1947, Bedouin shep- apparently constituted the expansive canon of scripture herds discovered the first Dead Sea Scrolls preserved in large belonging to the people who resided at the discovery site clay jars in Cave 1 at Qumran. Ten jars were ultimately found, in antiquity, and who are almost certainly to be identified but only two yielded documents. One contained three as members of the ancient sect called the Essenes.1 The scrolls, two wrapped in linen and one unwrapped. These actual name of the site is Qumran (after the name of the three were later identified as a copy of the biblical book of nearby wadi or dry streambed). Isaiah; a copy of the Rule of the Community, sometimes

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 45 called the Manual of Discipline (a text Eventually, through a process of outlining the rules by which the Dead secret negotiations, all seven origi- Sea community was to be governed); nal scrolls were purchased by the and a commentary on the biblical State of Israel and placed in a spe- book of Habakkuk. Four additional cial museum, the Shrine of the Book, scrolls were later found in the cave: a in West Jerusalem. It is where the collection of psalms or hymns known original seven scrolls from Cave 1 as the Thanksgiving Hymns or the remain to this day. Much to the Hymn Scroll; a partially preserved credit of the team of scholars first copy of Isaiah; the War Scroll—a text commissioned to work on them, describing a final war in the last days the contents of all seven manu- between the “sons of light” (the righ- scripts were translated and pub- teous) and the “sons of darkness” lished by 1956.4 They continue to (the wicked); and a collection of The discovery of a copper scroll at Qumran provide insights into the nature of Genesis-type narratives called the gives significant credibility to Joseph Smith’s the extinct community at Qumran, Genesis Apocryphon.2 claim to have translated the Book of Mormon as well as valuable information All seven scrolls were brought from metal plates engraved by Moroni. about Second Temple Judaism (the to Bethlehem and placed in the period from 500 B.C. to A.D. 70) and custody of an antiquities dealer named Kando, who in the religious environment that gave rise to Christianity. turn sold four of them to Athanasius Yeshua Samuel, the However, with the exception of the copies of biblical metropolitan, or head, of the Syrian Orthodox Church at books, there is no evidence to suggest the scrolls ought to St. Mark’s Monastery in Jerusalem. For the equivalent of be regarded in the same category as the standard works. about 100 dollars, Metropolitan Samuel received the more complete Isaiah Scroll, the Rule of the Community, the Records from the Earth Habakkuk commentary, and the Genesis Apocryphon.3 Joseph Smith’s experience with ancient buried records Since no one really understood much about the nature is exemplified by the coming forth of the Book of Mormon or origins of the scrolls, several scholars were consulted. as well as the Book of Abraham. One of them was Professor Eleazar Sukenik of the Hebrew In ancient times the scriptures were usually made up of University in Jerusalem. After a secret visit to the antiqui- scrolls, sheets of parchment (thin leather) stitched together ties dealer on November 29, 1947 (the very date on which in linear fashion, rather than books made up of individual the United Nations passed the resolution to establish the pages compiled and bound together. (Metal plates are an State of Israel), Sukenik purchased the remaining three important exception.) It was the practice in ancient Judaism scrolls from Kando. Thus, four scrolls were in the posses- to dispose of worn out sacred scrolls by reverently burying sion of St. Mark’s Monastery, and three were in Sukenik’s them so they would return to the dust of the earth. The

possession. Professor Sukenik seems to have been the Dead Sea Scrolls were not buried in this manner. They were BE COPIED; NOT RICHARD CLEAVE, MAY OF SCROLLS BY PHOTOGRAPH RIGHT: LOVELL; TOM BY first to recognize the antiquity and value of the scrolls. either placed in clay jars and sealed, or simply wrapped in Unfortunately, detailed study of the scrolls’ archaeological linen and then hidden in caves, not as a burial, but as a pro- and historical context, as well as any search for more caves tection against the Roman destruction of the Jewish people and scrolls, was temporarily hampered by the Arab-Israeli and their property during the First Jewish Revolt (A.D. 66 to MORONI BURYING THE PLATES, conflict, which was at its height. 73). The Romans leveled the site of Qumran in A.D. 68, and TOP RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DEAD SEA SHORELINE BY QUMRAN, BY RICHARD CLEAVE, MAY NOT BE COPIED NOT MAY RICHARD CLEAVE, BY QUMRAN, OF THE DEAD SEA SHORELINE BY PHOTOGRAPH RIGHT: TOP LEFT:

46 had it not been for the concealment of the scrolls, they Some of the scrolls were used by Qumran inhabitants to would have perished or been easily destroyed, especially define the nature, outlook, and rules of their community. since almost all were written on very perishable material. One notable difference among the scrolls points us to Sometimes called sectarian documents, these are Joseph Smith. The Prophet Joseph Smith’s claim to have scripture-like texts used by the Qumran inhabitants to translated the Book of Mormon from metal plates was define the nature, outlook, and rules of the community. given significant credibility by the discovery of a unique They also inform us about the community’s history. document at Qumran. Among the many texts unearthed Cave 11 yielded the longest scroll—the Temple Scroll. was the singular find of Cave 3 in 1952—a scroll composed Written on very thin parchment, the text turned out to be of a long, thin metal sheet called the Copper Scroll. This about 27 feet long, although not intact (by comparison the was one of the first texts to be un- great Isaiah scroll from Cave 1 is covered by professional archaeolo- 22 feet long and is intact). Dating gists and contains a description of to about the second century before buried treasure.5 Although people Christ but presented as the words have looked carefully, no one has of God to Moses, the Temple Scroll found any of the treasure. But text supplies laws dealing with is- the use of metal as an important sues important to the Qumran scribal material in the Holy Land group. Of interest to Latter-day is now beyond question. Saints is the scroll’s description of an ideal temple to be established by Expanded Canon of Scripture God Himself at the end of days and The Qumran covenantors, as that temple’s association with Jacob they are sometimes called, believed The Qumran collection consists of more than 800 at Bethel. The Temple Scroll states, in an expansive canon of scripture. distinctive documents in three different categories: “And I will consecrate my Temple Their canon included more than biblical texts, apocryphal texts, and texts unique by my glory, . . . and establish it for just the books of the Hebrew Bible to the Qumran community. myself for all times, according to (Old Testament). The entire collec- the covenant which I have made tion from Qumran may have been part of their canon. The with Jacob at Bethel.”7 While Latter-day Saints might remem- Qumran library consists of more than 800 distinctive texts or ber that President Marion G. Romney (1897–1988) drew a documents6 and can be divided into three categories: bibli- parallel between Jacob’s experience at Bethel (described in cal texts, apocryphal and pseudepigraphical texts, and texts Genesis 28:10–22) and our temple experience,8 we have no apparently unique to the Qumran community. indication that the Qumran community regarded this ideal In the first category, every book of the Hebrew Bible has future temple as anything more than an Aaronic Priesthood been found at Qumran except the book of Esther. The sec- structure, associated with the rites and rituals of the Mosaic ond category, apocryphal texts, are quasi-biblical writings law in a pure and uncorrupted form. The Qumran commu- regarded as being of dubious authority or questionable ori- nity believed that the Jerusalem temple was full of corruption. gin; they have titles such as Jubilees, Tobit, Sirach, and in- terestingly enough, Enoch. The third and perhaps most The Idea of Restoration interesting category of documents found among the Dead Another reason for Latter-day Saint interest in the Dead Sea Sea Scrolls are those that appear to be unique to Qumran. Scrolls community is the theme of apostasy and restoration

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 47 The Qumran community recognized the apostate condition of Judaism, but they also embraced notions contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus contradicts a Qumran belief in His Sermon on the Mount. CHARD CLEAVE, MAY NOT BE COPIED NOT CHARD CLEAVE, MAY

found among both groups. The scrolls indicate that the Qumran or a long-lost group of ancient Latter-day Saints Qumran sectarians regarded themselves as the true Israel with their emphasis on consecration, temple-worthy be- surrounded by spiritual traitors and false brethren in a cor- havior, a strict probationary period before full member- rupt world. They possessed the true covenant that God had ship, a hierarchical priesthood organization, an expanded restored or renewed with them. They went off by themselves body of scripture, the apostate condition of the world, the to establish the “Community of the Renewed Covenant”9 and term Saints applied to all covenant members, new ordi- to await the advent of two messiahs (a priestly Anointed One nances and religious festivals, and light-darkness dualism. and a Davidic or political Anointed One) in desert country But such was not the case. right next to a vast salt lake fed by a freshwater stream called The Qumran sectarians were a unified community that the Jordan River. No wonder Latter-day Saints are interested recognized the apostate condition of Judaism and inaugu- in the documents of a people whose circumstances and rated reforms focusing their own lives on the tenets of true geographical habitation parallel their own history. religion under the Mosaic dispensation, but they also em- The basic ideal for the covenant makers at Qumran was to braced notions contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ. For

live as though they were in the midst of the temple itself every instance, the Qumran community did not believe that any- BY RI OF QUMRAN, AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH RIGHT: BE COPIED; TOP NOT MAY BARRETT, ROBERT T. , BY minute of every day.10 They sought to make their isolated com- one had the right to worship in the name of the Lord un-

munity a virtual open-air temple and often wore white linen less a quorum of 10 individuals gathered in the company DENMARK; FREDERIKSBORG IN HILLERØD, MUSEUM AT HISTORIC PERMISSION OF THE NATIONAL USED BY CARL HEINRICH BLOCH, BY robes to symbolize the level of purity they sought to attain.11 of a priest. Contrast this with Jesus’s statement that when- ever two or more were gathered together in His name, Varied Beliefs there His spirit would be also (see Matthew 18:19–20).

Some beliefs and practices described in the scrolls could Jesus flatly contradicts another Qumran belief in His SCRIBES WRITING THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS THE SERMON ON MOUNT, LEFT: LEFT: suggest either a pre-Christian era “gospel” community at Sermon on the Mount: “Ye have heard that it hath been RIGHT:

48 said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour and hate thine enemy. The Qumran sectarians went off by themselves to establish But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that a covenant community and await the advent of two messiahs. curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” understand the history of our modern version of the (Matthew 5:43–44). Hating one’s spiritual enemies, how- Bible. While we must use caution in making more of the ever, is precisely what the Rule of the Community advo- parallels between our faith and the Qumran sect than is cates when it declares, “Love all that He [God] has chosen appropriate, we can certainly see how some of the theo- and hate all that He has rejected.”12 Thus it seems clear that logical ideas found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- some points of Jesus’s doctrine were an intentional rebuttal day Saints could have been perfectly at home in an of teachings like those of the Essenes. authentic ancient setting. It is important to remember, The Scrolls’ Value for Us though, that LDS doctrines and prac- The Dead Sea Scrolls provide valu- tices paralleling some of the ideas able information about a complex time found in the Dead Sea Scrolls were period to which Latter-day Saints (and in fact brought forth by Joseph Smith all Christians, for that matter) trace long before the discovery of those their spiritual roots. As we compare ancient documents. The witness of and contrast some of our own ideas the Holy Ghost and the study of latter- and practices with those at Qumran, day revelation teach us that Joseph we can better appreciate the hopes, Smith was not simply a lucky fore- fears, convictions, expectations, and caster. He was the Lord’s prophet of aims of the ancient people of that the Restoration in this final dispensa- covenant community. They witnessed The people of Qumran sought to make tion before the Second Coming of firsthand the apostate conditions their community a virtual open-air Jesus Christ, the true Messiah. ■ among the leadership and priest- temple and often wore white linen Andrew C. Skinner is a member of the Lindon 13th Ward, Lindon Utah Stake. hood of Judaism in their day. They robes to symbolize the level of purity NOTES tried to do something about it. They they sought to attain. 1. See Frank Moore Cross, “The Historical accomplished much, but without the Context of the Scrolls,” in Understanding the Dead Sea Scrolls, ed. Hershel Shanks (1992), 25. Melchizedek Priesthood and authorized prophets they 2. See James C. VanderKam, The Dead Sea Scrolls Today (1994), 3. erred in many things. 3. See VanderKam, 4. 4. See VanderKam, 7–8. The Dead Sea Scrolls help us better understand the 5. See VanderKam, 10, 68–69. 6. Joseph Fitzmyer (in Responses to 101 Questions on the Dead Sea significant rifts in Christian-era Judaism. We are given an Scrolls [1992], 13) puts the number at 818. Others say as many as 830. extraordinary window of insight into the religious cli- 7. Quoted in Yigael Yadin, The Temple Scroll: The Hidden Law of the Dead Sea Sect (1985), 113. mate that spawned Pharisaic Judaism and fostered early 8. See Marion G. Romney, “Temples—The Gates to Heaven,” Ensign, Mar. 1971, 16. Christianity, which, like the Qumran community, was 9. This phrase is used by Professor Shemaryahu Talmon, in The ‘Dead another group of restorationists. Sea Scrolls’ or ‘The Community of the Renewed Covenant’ (1993). 10. See S. Kent Brown, “The Dead Sea Scrolls: A Mormon Perspective,” By examining the Dead Sea Scrolls we also come to ap- BYU Studies, winter 1983, 57. 11. See Flavius Josephus, Complete Works, enlarged type ed., trans. preciate the interconnection of ideas and texts across dis- William Whiston (1960), 476. pensations. The scrolls have given to the world the oldest 12. As quoted in Andrew C. Skinner, “The Ancient People of Qumran: An Introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls,” in LDS Perspectives on the biblical manuscripts yet discovered, and they help us Dead Sea Scrolls, ed. Donald W. Parry and Dana M. Pike (1997), 37.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 49 hile I was on a trip to Brazil with two As we walked he would explain the various plants, animals, colleagues from Brigham Young insects, and vegetation that surrounded us. He taught WUniversity–Idaho, we had the opportu- us about plants and insects that could be harmful if we nity to spend several days in the Amazon Jungle on were not careful. He also pointed out various plants that the Rio Negro. The river is enormous beyond imag- Amazon Indians had used for medicinal or other useful ination, and the vegetation in the jungle is thick. purposes. Deeper into the jungle we went. We truly had One could easily lose his way if he were to ven- no idea where we were going. We merely followed Moreno ture into it without a guide. Our guide, Moreno, and trusted that he would get us safely back to our canoe was a native of Italy. He knew the jungle and and eventually our hotel. the river well. Now in his late 30s, he had real- At one point, Moreno stopped the group, and we all ized his childhood dream of living in the Amazon gathered around him. “This jungle is hot and humid,” he Jungle. said. “We are at least a mile from the Our small group boarded a river, and a person cannot live here with- canoe docked at our floating out water. You would die quickly. There hotel and departed for the LIVING is water right here, right now, where we starting point of our hike. are. Can any of you see it?” We were fascinated by what WATER We could not. All we saw were trees, we saw and impressed by vines, and shrubs. The mosquitoes Moreno’s deep knowledge IN THE seemed to be everywhere. None of us and his ability to lead us had any idea where there might be through the thick and RAIN water nearby. imposing jungle. With a smile on his face, Moreno said, “Let me show you.” He grabbed his ma- FOREST chete and walked to a vine, lightly covered BY BRUCE C. KUSCH with green velvet moss. After two quick swings, he was holding a piece of the vine I never thought a tour in his hand. We still didn’t understand. of the Amazon would “Water is right here,” he said, “right strengthen my testimony. in my hand.” Just then he lifted the vine vertically and clear, cool water came dripping out!

50 We were all amazed. shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give As we looked around, we could him shall be in him a well of water springing now see similar vines everywhere. up into everlasting life.” As we read about what Some were large, others small. But once we Nephi saw in vision in 1 Nephi 11:25, we also learn of were taught by one who knew, we saw that in this the “fountain of living waters, . . . which waters are a jungle there was an abundance of water. We each took representation of the love of God.” turns drinking from the vine. As we hiked back to our Just as Moreno guided our group through the jungles canoe, we continued to see that water was every- of the Amazon, modern-day prophets can lead us through where. Now we knew where to look. the jungles of life. If we trust them, they will point us to I have since thought about this experience in the true vine and living water. ■ relationship to the true vine, living water, and Bruce C. Kusch is a member of the Rexburg Sixth Ward, Rexburg Idaho East Stake. following one who knows. In John 15:1, Jesus teaches us that He is the true vine and His LED BY LIVING PROPHETS Father is the husbandman. In 1 Nephi “Living prophets 15:15, we read Nephi’s prophetic are leading this teachings to his unbelieving church today. The brethren regarding the remnant greatest security of Lehi’s seed: “Yea, at that day, of members of The will they not receive the Church of Jesus strength and nourishment Christ of Latter-day Saints comes from the true vine?” In from learning to listen to and John 4:14, the Savior obey the words and command- teaches a woman of ments that the Lord has given Samaria that He is the through living prophets. I would one who gives living hope that the world would under- water: “But whosoever stand the importance of having a drinketh of the water living prophet on earth today.”

ILLUSTRATED BY RICHARD HULL BY ILLUSTRATED that I shall give him Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Hear the Prophet’s Voice and Obey,” Ensign, May 1995, 17.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 51 52 look foraremissionof[our]sins.” may knowtowhatsource[we] Christ, .that[weand]ourchildren we rejoiceinChrist,preachof the same. timony. Invitethoseyouteachtodo visit. Shareyourexperiencesandtes- that meettheneedsofsistersyou to comeuntoChrist. also shouldincreasetheirresolve Jesus ChristandHisAtonement. It strengthen sisters’testimoniesof of countless enriched byreason things ofGodhasbeen whose understandingofthe have beenbroadened,and been extended,whoselives increased, whosevisionhas women whoseknowledgehasbeen effects uponthelivesofmillions Society: “ in theLordJesusChrist? How DoesRelief SocietyBuildFaith Jesus Christ Building Faith intheLord Who cangaugethemiraculous President GordonB.Hinckley: Blessings ofBelongingtoRelief 2 Nephi25:26: Relief Societyshould tures andteachings message thescrip- and readfromthis select Prayerfully “We talkof Christ, women whoalsobeartestimonyof Relief Societyisourconnectionto blessingsof that oneofthesupernal ings ofHisinfiniteAtonement. Iknow Him aswepersonallyfeelthebless- ward withoutfear, findingourwayto VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE dency: in theRelief Societygeneralpresi- Counselor intheFirst Presidency: and (“You AreAllHeavenSent,” to overcomethechallengesoflife” develop thespiritualitynecessary will strengthenyouandhelpto word ofGod’[Moroni6:4].Doctrine bered andnourishedbythegood .Allsistersneedtobe‘remem- . . gospel andincreaseyourspirituality. to studythe give youtheopportunity focused onbasicdoctrineandwill is “The ReliefSocietycurriculum Ensign Society?” (“Ambitious toDoGood,” inmeetingsoftheRelief learned lessons effectivelytaughtand Anne C.Pingree, secondcounselor President Faust,Second JamesE. Ensign, “Each ofus.canmovefor- our Lord.Myprayeristhatwe redeeming love”(“Walking will everwalksideby towards theLightofHis towards thelightofHis , Mar. 1992,4). Nov. 2002,111). Love,” and Nov. 2004, Ensign, 113). Liahona Liahona 2004, 72–73) Christ,” Quorum oftheTwelve Apostles: 99–100). Jesus Christ,” and exaltation”(“Faith intheLord Christ opensthedoorofsalvation them. .Faith intheLordJesus will hearourprayersandanswer that Godknowsusandloves Jesus Christisaconvictionandtrust .Faith intheLord . Begotten Son.. mission ofJesusChrist,hisOnly teaches usabouttheidentityand Father.dren ofGod,theEternal It [which] teachesusthatwearechil- comes byhearingthewordofGod, “The scripturesteachusthatfaith Quorum oftheTwelve Apostles: to ComeuntoChrist? How CanFaithIncreaseOurResolve ( the strengthtoendure end” He sufferedforoursakes willgiveus and understanding.Onlyfaiththat Atonement canbringuspeace,hope, faith intheLordJesusChristandHis hard tobelieve.At thesetimesonly may seemhardtohavefaithand come, andtheycomeforallofus,it . Whenthechallengesofmortality know thatJesusChristisourSavior. and supplication,askinginfaithto (5) raiseyourvoiceinmightyprayer ordinances, andcovenants; (4) obedientlyfollowgospellaws, in yoursoulforrighteousness; (3)hunger deep intoyourheart; (2)letthatword sink His servants; word ofGod,spoken andwrittenby (1) hearthe “Remember thepattern: “Finding Faith intheLordJesus Elder Robert D. Halesofthe Elder DallinH. Oaksofthe Liahona . Ensign, ■ and Ensign, May 1994, Nov.

ILLUSTRATED BY SHANNON CHRISTENSEN LESSONS FROM THE

OLD TESTAMENT In the World but Not of the World BY ELDER QUENTIN L. COOK our lives has become even more essential Of the Seventy since our homes are wired to bring much of odom and Gomorrah have actual and what the Lord has condemned into our own symbolic significance representing living rooms if we are not vigilant. One of the Swickedness in the world. The Lord most difficult challenges in our lives is to be appeared to Abraham and said, speaking of in the world but not of the world (see John those who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah, 15:19).2 Gospel doctrine makes it clear that “Their sin is very grievous” (Genesis 18:20). we must live in this world to achieve our eter- Their sinfulness was so great, and those who nal destination. We must be tried and tested were righteous so few, that God destroyed and found worthy of a greater kingdom (see How do we balance these two cities of the plain. The great 2 Nephi 2:11; D&C 101:78). We must do as the need to positively prophet of our own day, President Gordon B. Abraham did when he pitched his tent and contribute to the Hinckley, has stated: “All of the sins of Sodom built “an altar unto the Lord” (Genesis 13:18) world and to not and Gomorrah haunt our society. Our young and not do as Lot did when he “pitched his succumb to the sins people have never faced a greater challenge. tent toward Sodom” (Genesis 13:12). of the world? We We have never seen more must pitch our tents clearly the lecherous Being a Light to the World in the direction face of evil.”1 In early 1969, at the height of the “flower Abraham did. Separating evil from children” period in San Francisco, California, the Bay Area was a magnet for drug use and all manner of promiscuous and sinful conduct. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT CASEY, EXCEPT AS NOTED; PHOTOGRAPHY POSED BY MODELS POSED BY PHOTOGRAPHY AS NOTED; EXCEPT ROBERT CASEY, BY PHOTOGRAPHY A concerned stake president asked the leader- ship of the Church if Latter-day Saints should be encouraged to remain in the Bay Area. resident Elder Harold B. Lee (1899–1973), then a sen- Brigham ior member of the Quorum of the Twelve PYoung said, Apostles, was assigned to address the issue. “Every accomplish- He met with a group of priesthood leaders ment, every polished and told them the Lord had not inspired the

grace, every useful construction of the Oakland California Temple CRAIG DIMOND OF CLASSROOM BY PHOTOGRAPH LEFT: attainment in only to have the members leave. His counsel mathematics, music, was for members to create Zion in their hearts and in all science and homes, to be a light to those among and art belongs to whom they lived, and to focus on the ordi- the Saints.” nances and principles taught in the temple.3 We cannot avoid the world. A cloistered existence is not the answer.4 In a positive sense, our contribution to the world is part of our challenge and is essential if we are to develop our talents. President Brigham Young at a particular law firm. No members of the (1801–77) said, “Every accomplishment, Church were associated with the firm, but the every polished grace, every useful attainment firm was made up of lawyers of character and in mathematics, music, and in all science and ability. After a morning of interviews, the sen- art belongs to the Saints.”5 ior partner and two other partners invited President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) me to lunch. The senior partner inquired if I challenged members to accomplish more, stat- would like a prelunch alcoholic drink and later ing, “We must recognize that excellence and if I would like wine. In both cases, I declined. quality are a reflection of how we feel about The second time, I informed him that I was ourselves and about life and about God.”6 an active Latter-day Saint and did not drink To accomplish the above, members of the alcoholic beverages. Church need to be involved in the world in I received an offer of employment from a positive way. How then do we balance the the firm. A few months later, the senior part- need to positively contribute to the world ner told me the offer of the alcoholic bever- and to not succumb to the sins of the world? ages was a test. He noted that my résumé (See D&C 25:10; 59:9.) Two principles will made it clear that I had served an LDS mis- make a significant difference. sion. He had determined that he would hire 1. Let people know you are a committed me only if I was true to the teachings of my Latter-day Saint. own church. He considered it a significant I learned the importance of this early in matter of character and integrity. my career. After finishing my education at In my years in San Francisco, I knew Stanford Law School, I sought employment some members who avoided letting

54 their associates know they were Latter-day Saints. Invariably they were drawn into compromising situations that could have been avoided had they forthrightly declared what they from believed. They symbolically pitched their tents toward instructions from Sodom (see Genesis 13:12). our Father in Heaven and His anointed 2. Be confident about and live your beliefs. servants. They can turn away from temptation. In our personal lives, we should avoid the evil “tempo- We inevitably must make choices. If we know the doc- ral pursuits of mortality”7 and the destructive “behavioral trines and principles of the gospel, we can make wise deci- and intellectual fashions of the world.”8 sions. If our lives are pure, the Spirit will guide us. Then A derogatory comment occasionally made about mem- we will be able to symbolically pitch our tents toward the bers of the Church is: “They are like sheep waiting to be told temple (see Genesis 13:18) and the covenants we have what to do by their leaders. Why can’t they think for them- made to the Lord, and we will be in the world and not of selves?” While this comment may sound plausible on its face, the world. ■ the truth is that faithful Latter-day Saints, in a thoughtful and NOTES 1. “Living in the Fulness of Times,” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 6; Ensign, prayerful manner, study the doctrines and principles in the Nov. 2001, 6. scriptures and in the counsel from living prophets and then 2. See L. Tom Perry, “In the World,” Ensign, May 1988, 13–15. 3. Personal notes from meeting; see also D&C 115:5; Harold B. Lee, “Your seek to receive a confirming witness from the Holy Light to Be a Standard unto the Nations,” Ensign, Aug. 1973, 3–4. 4. See Gordon B. Hinckley, “Don’t Drop the Ball,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 48. Ghost. They don’t have to make every heart- 5. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young (1997), 196. breaking mistake in life. They know what is right 6. “The Gospel Vision of the Arts,” Tambuli, Feb. 1978, 5; Ensign, July 1977, 5. and what is wrong. They don’t have to decide 7. C. Richard Chidester, “Worldly, Worldliness,” in Daniel H. Ludlow, ed., Encyclopedia of , 5 vols. (1992), 4:1587; see also over and over again how they will live. They can Alma 4:8. benefit from the life experiences of all those 8. Neal A. Maxwell, “Overcome . . . Even as I Also Overcame,” Ensign, May 1987, 70; see also D&C generations that have preceded them and 121:34–35. TEACHING with Church Need help with your lesson? One of the best resources is in your hands.

BY DON L. SEARLE prospective employer who, knowing young Quentin Cook Church Magazines was a Latter-day Saint, tested his integrity by offering him our children, or the young men or young women liquor and wine. The man wanted to learn whether he you teach, walk around every day in a world filled would compromise his standards for the sake of personal Y with people and media promoting immoral lifestyles gain. That is a test many young people could face. in which marriage is incidental, drugs are the solution to Maybe you have had similar experiences. If you have, problems, and success in life means money, no matter how sharing them would be a good way to help others see that you get it. when we stand up for our moral standards in everyday situ- With all the evil that young people brush up against, ations, we are winners in the long run. They can know it is how can you teach them they don’t have to be part of it? true because they know you. How can you teach them to be in the world but not of Elder Cook’s article supports lesson eight—“Living the world? Righteously in a Wicked World”—in this year’s Gospel You can find appropriate scriptures that teach the Doctrine manual. Each month specific articles in Church principle—for example, Doctrine and Covenants 133:5: magazines support lesson topics in the Sunday School “Go ye out from Babylon. Be ye clean that bear the vessels manual or in Teachings of Presidents of the Church. But of the Lord.” But can you “liken all scriptures unto us” every article, whether paired with a specific lesson or not, (1 Nephi 19:23) so your children or students will see supports spiritual principles. When we read the article and how the principle applies in their own lives? discover what those principles are, then the Holy Ghost A scriptural story might help. Joseph fleeing from can teach us how the article could help “liken all scriptures Potiphar’s wife could come to mind (see Genesis 39:1–20). unto us.” But you can already hear your 15-year-old saying, “How You can see some of the spiritual topics covered in a does something that happened thousands of years ago particular month by looking at the list on page 80 labeled have anything to do with me?” “Gospel Topics.” So where are you going to find stories or other resources to show that principles taught in scripture apply today? A Simple Outline What if you wanted to use an article in the magazine Lessons in Your Hand as a basis for a family home evening lesson? To use Elder You’re probably looking at one of your best lesson Cook’s article, you might make a simple outline like this: resources right now. Month after month Church magazines • Principle: In a world where wickedness surrounds us, offer a steady supply of gospel-based, Church-approved we need to live by the Lord’s standards. materials for teaching. • Scriptures: Genesis 39:1–20; Joshua 24:15, 24; Let’s look at a couple of examples from this issue. John 15:14, 18–19. In his article “In the World but Not of the World” (page • Supporting story: Elder Cook’s story teaches, among 53), Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Seventy writes of a other things, that we never know when we may meet

56 Magazines

challenges to gospel standards and so it is important that (including stories; see “They Spoke to Us” in each con- our commitment to them be firm. This would also be a ference issue), Church videos, manuals, or www.lds.org. good place for a supporting story from your own personal But one important resource already comes into your experience. Maybe when you were younger you went to a home each month with articles and stories ready-made movie and found it did not meet your standards, so you to help you teach les- walked out. Or maybe a friend saw you there and said later, sons, whether in the “I didn’t know people in your church went to movies like home or in a Church that,” and you learned that you might have made a better classroom. It is the choice. When you share your own learning experiences, magazine you are children and youth can understand that you have faced the reading right now. ■ same kinds of challenges they do. Perhaps one of your chil- dren would also have a story to share.

Other Supporting Material Personal experience stories in the magazines often support a point you need to make in a lesson. For exam- ple, the story “I Chose Sunday School” (page 67) can be related to the principles covered by Elder Cook. A woman chooses to go to church and finds the next day that the Sunday School lesson material plays an important part in her success on an academic test. You can search for support- ing material for gospel lessons in a variety of sources: the

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTINA SMITH, POSED BY MODEL POSED BY CHRISTINA SMITH, BY PHOTOGRAPH scriptures, conference talks BY ROGER TERRY Church Magazines

n a spring evening in 1977, I learned a marvelous filled the room, and the Ortlepps were visibly moved. lesson about teaching by the Spirit. I was serving Afterward, as Elder Selman and I walked back to the Oin West Berlin, Germany, and was working that subway station, I felt as if I were descending through day with Elder Selman, a missionary in my district. We had clouds until my feet once more touched the earth. And as an appointment to teach the second discussion to the the experience faded, so did my memory of what had been Ortlepps, a couple my companion and I had met while taught. By the time we reached the station, all I could re- tracting. They had listened politely to the first discussion member was that the Spirit had taught them something about Joseph Smith and the about developing faith and planting seeds and reaping a Restoration and had accepted harvest. I knew the Lord had our offer to teach them about pleaded with them to plant a the plan of salvation, even seed in their own hearts, but I though we could tell they could no more have repeated were not seriously interested. THE LORD the insights the Spirit shared When we knocked on their with the Ortlepps than I could door, they invited us in, and have torn down the Berlin Wall the four of us took seats CLOSED with my bare hands. around their kitchen table. Elder Selman commented After engaging in some small on what a wonderful experi- talk, we opened with prayer. THE BOOK ence it had been. And I pon- Back in the 1970s missionar- dered the sincere comment ies still memorized the discussions and presented them Herr Ortlepp had made as we pretty much verbatim, and since I had been in the mis- left their house: “Before you came I had decided I wasn’t sion field for nearly two years, I knew them very well. In going to invite you back again, but what was taught this fact, when I would present the various concepts I could evening touched me deeply.” He did invite us back. And see the pages of the discussion book in my mind and although they didn’t join the Church at that time, I knew would mentally turn the pages as I taught. that for some reason the Lord had reached out in a special But on this particular evening the Lord had something way to this family. different prepared for Herr and Frau Ortlepp. As I opened I’ve thought about this incident many times since that my mouth to speak, the Spirit took charge. It was as if the day. I’ve heard of missionaries who experience such teach- Lord reached out His hand and simply closed the discus- ing moments often, but for me it was a singular experi- sion book in my mind. And as the book closed, a conduit ence. I came to know that day how personally the Lord opened—a spiritual connection between me and the knows us, how precisely he can tailor a message to the Ortlepps. I somehow knew what they were thinking. needs of the hearers—if the teacher is in tune. I learned I knew the questions they wanted to ask before they that evening that there is a difference between teaching even had a chance to ask them. And using my voice, the true doctrine that the Spirit then confirms and having the Spirit gave them the answers they desired. I felt like a Spirit actually use your mouth to teach truths that the lis- spectator as my voice taught them concepts I had never teners specifically need. before understood. I knew without a doubt that the The Lord promised Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon words I spoke specifically answered the questions and such teaching moments: doubts they harbored in their hearts. A sweet spirit “Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices

58 s I opened my mouth to speak, A the Spirit took charge. It was as if the Lord reached out His hand and simply closed the discussion book in my mind. ILLUSTRATED BY PAUL MANN PAUL BY ILLUSTRATED unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into President Marion G. Romney (1897–1988) once said, your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men; “I always know when I am speaking under the influence “For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the of the Holy Ghost because I always learn something from very moment, what ye shall say” (D&C 100:5–6). what I have said.”1 I know this is true. I know from my ex- He also gave Joseph and six elders who had just re- perience with the Ortlepps and from other less extraordi- turned from their missions this instruction: nary experiences that we can teach by the Spirit. We can “Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; draw on the Spirit of God to enlighten our minds, to help but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, us understand our listeners’ needs, and to give them the and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that message the Lord wants them to hear. ■ NOTE shall be meted unto every man” (D&C 84:85). 1. Quoted by Boyd K. Packer, “Teach the Children,” Ensign, Feb. 2000, 15.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 59 Letting My Bitterness Go BY PAUL HAVIG

s a junior high English teacher, I have repeatedly witnessed the trauma divorce can cause children. A Good students with great attitudes can suddenly become sullen, uncooperative, and difficult to teach and motivate when their parents split up. I had always felt sym- pathy for my students facing the turmoil of divorce, and I was thankful this burden was one I had not been required to personally carry. I would later experience firsthand, however, the same bitterness so many of my students had experienced—and the sweet peace that is available in the house of the Lord.

60 I had taught many lessons on forgiveness, but now that I was being tested with my parents’ divorce, how could I forgive?

I had grown up the youngest of three children in a sent the marriage into a tailspin, which after a few turbulent family that was very active in the Church. Although my and hostile years, ended with a heartbreaking divorce. parents had not been married in the temple initially, they I now found myself in a situation that I never dreamed seemed to be genuinely committed to their mar- riage and to our family. When I was nine years old, the five of us traveled to the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple and knelt around a holy altar to be sealed for time and eternity. My par- ents wept openly as we embraced as an eternal family unit, and I believed we had arrived at some wonderful destination from which we would never de- part. This experience be- came a spiritual hallmark for me. would be part of my life’s experience. My parents had Our family continued to be rock solid from my point of been married for 43 years. They had been sealed in the view. We loved each other, attended church together, in- temple. This was not supposed to happen! I felt lost and vited friends into our home to take missionary discussions, disheartened. PHOTOGRAPHED BY CRAIG DIMOND BY PHOTOGRAPHED and were very involved in our ward. Later as a missionary I began to understand why students in my classes in Korea, I would proudly show my family picture as I whose parents divorced could completely stop caring

THE taught people about eternal relationships. about grades and the long-term consequences of poor About 15 years later, when I was a 35-year-old father choices. I had always understood that divorce was particu- of five, I was astonished when my parents suddenly sepa- larly hard on children, but now as a “grown-up kid,” I rated, and I was even more surprised to discover that their began to know exactly why children sometimes give up.

PHOTOGRAPH OF CAR BY CHRISTINA SMITH, POSED BY MODEL; PHOTOGRAPH OF MESA ARIZONA TEMPLE BY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN; OF MESA ARIZONA TEMPLE BY MODEL; POSED BY PHOTOGRAPH CHRISTINA SMITH, OF CAR BY PHOTOGRAPH OF ALDO REBECHI’S DETAILS marriage had been strained for some time. The separation I found myself wanting to quit trying too.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 61 THE HEALING POWER OF CHRIST “Most of us have not reached that stage of compas- sion and love and My grief and disappointment were forgiveness. It is judges, and I intense, and I felt helpless in letting not easy. It requires came to under- go of the hurt. I was never happy. a self-discipline almost greater stand that my job Work became a burden, and I would than we are capable of. But as we was to support my go through the day numbly perform- try, we come to know that there is a family members no mat- ing my duties simply because I had to resource of healing, that there is a ter what spiritual predica- earn a paycheck for my family. I felt mighty power of healing in Christ, ment they might find no energy or creativity, both essential and that if we are to be His true themselves in. Specifically, I ingredients for an English teacher’s servants we must not only exercise needed to respect and forgive success. I found myself crying while I that healing power in behalf of oth- my father. The best part was that was alone in the car and late at night ers, but, perhaps more important, for the first time since the onset of as I lay in bed staring at the ceiling. inwardly.” my parents’ divorce, my heart was On top of the divorce, my father’s President Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Healing completely free from resentment commitment to the Church waned Power of Christ,” Ensign, Nov. 1988, 59. and bitterness. and then disappeared. Because of As my wife and I walked out this, a lot of my anger surrounding of the temple, I felt as if a the divorce was directed toward him. great fever or illness had Although outwardly I maintained my broken and lifted during respect for him, on the inside, my hurt my brief time in the was constant and gnawing. I knew this house of the Lord. I was wrong; I had taught many lessons turned to my wife and and given talks on forgiveness. But said simply, “I’m not mad now that I was being tested, I was at my dad anymore.” A unable to forgive. Over the course of sense of calmness and several months, I fasted and prayed, peace settled over me,

pleading with my Heavenly Father to CHURCH ADVENTIST © SEVENTH-DAY ANDERSON, HARRY BY PAINTING and since that day, I The above painting, The Woman Taken help me find relief from the pain and in Adultery, illustrates the healing power have never felt anger resentment. of Christ as found in John 8:1–11. or resentment toward Finally, one afternoon I attended the my father or anyone temple with my wife. I went into the temple with the same else concerning the divorce. For me this constant prayer in my heart that I would be able to forgive was a miracle, one I attribute to a sweet my father. During the two hours I was in the temple, my blessing I received from my Heavenly heart began to soften. I don’t know exactly why or how. Father while worshipping in Certainly there was no specific verbal instruction in the ses- the temple. ■ sion, but as I contemplated the sacred principles relating to Paul Havig is a member of the Meadows Ward, our journey through eternity, anger melted from my heart. Mesa Arizona Boulder Creek I realized that only the Lord can properly judge even the Stake. vilest of sinners. The Lord needs ministers, not

62 Put BY PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. Your It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. Trust It will all work out. Put your trust in God, in and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. God The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers.

From the funeral program for Marjorie Pay Hinckley, April10, 2004; see also “Latter-day Counsel,” Ensign, Oct.2000, 73. © CORBIS IMAGES ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 63 I had stopped agonize for weeks before a taking piano IN recital, hardly sleeping as lessons in ninth the dreaded day drew near. grade because Thankfully, I had parents who audiences were always proud of me no TUNE matter how I played. But the terrified me. choir and the ward were not How was I my parents. How was I going going to handle to handle playing in front this calling? WITH of them? With sweaty palms I ou want me to do showed up to my first choir what?” I asked my practice. Sister Lehr, the Ybishop, hoping he HIS choir director, smiled and an- had confused me with nounced that the choir finally someone else. had a pianist; now she could “We really need some- lead the choir instead of con- one to play the piano for WILL ducting and playing the piano the ward choir,” he ex- at the same time. Luckily, the BY APRIL MOODY plained. I hesitated for a choir sang one part at a time moment but remembered in the beginning. “I can han- my vow to never turn down dle this,” I thought thankfully a calling. “Sure, I’ll do it,” I said, instantly feeling anxious. as I played. Later, however, Sister Lehr decided it was time I had stopped taking piano lessons in the ninth grade to try the music with the accompaniment. I sheepishly at-

because playing for an audience terrified me. I would tempted to keep up. Sister Lehr subtly tapped her foot to PHOTOGRAPHY BUSATH BY OF PRESIDENT JAMES E. FAUST DON WELLER; PHOTOGRAPH BY ILLUSTRATED

64 help me with the timing. I stumbled I knew that the Lord qualifies EVEN A SMALL GIFT over the tricky notes and completely those He calls. So why wasn’t CAN BLESS MANY skipped the hardest parts by pretend- Heavenly Father helping me play “It has been said ing to lose my place. flawlessly for the choir? I was, after that this church When choir practice ended, I made all, practicing and trying my best. does not necessar- my escape out the door and avoided Our Sunday performance came ily attract great looking anyone in the eye. I had never sooner than I was ready for. My people but more noticed the choir pianist in all of my childhood fear returned. I hardly often makes ordi- years of attending sacrament meeting, slept Saturday night and agonized nary people great. Many . . . people but now that I was the pianist, I was all Sunday morning. Sister Lehr with gifts equal only to five loaves certain everyone would notice me and winked at me encouragingly as I and two small fishes magnify my mistakes. walked up to the stand to play. their callings and serve without Despite my trepidation, I decided One of the choir members gave me attention or recognition, feeding to take advantage of the opportunity the “thumbs up” sign. This was it. literally thousands.” to develop my talent. I thought if I The introduction was flawless. President James E. Faust, Second Counselor tried hard enough, Heavenly Father in the First Presidency, “Five Loaves and I smiled. I continued keeping time would make up for my lack of skill. Two Fishes,” Ensign, May 1994, 4. and playing the correct notes. I The next few weeks I practiced for stumbled through a few tough hours. I played each note one at a time, gradually put- measures but continued without stopping. I made it to ting them together, then slowly speeding up to the ap- the last line. I proudly played the last chord—then gri- propriate tempo. I still made several mistakes, but I was maced when I realized I had played the wrong notes. becoming more confident. Instead of feeling upset, I felt my Heavenly Father’s At the next practice, I took a deep breath and wiped love envelop me. I realized I wasn’t really playing for the my sweaty palms on my dress. As I started playing, my people in the ward. I was playing for my Heavenly Father. heart raced. Soon my hands slipped Even if I wasn’t in perfect harmony onto the wrong keys as I blundered with the choir, I was in tune with through the song. My eyes blurred Him. I knew this was the calling He with tears as I stopped to replay the wanted me to have and that these same measure numerous times. HELPS FOR HOME experiences were teaching me eter- After practice, choir members gra- EVENING nal principles. I didn’t have to play ciously thanked me for playing and Most Ensign articles can be used for family perfectly in order for Him to know home evening discussions, personal reflection, told me I was “really improving.” my willingness to serve. or teaching the gospel in a variety of settings. I continued to practice whenever I Write on slips of paper different callings A few weeks later, the bishop could. Much to my surprise, I started in the Church. Pass them out and ask family stopped by for a visit. “You seem to looking forward to seeing my new members how they would feel to receive enjoy your calling in the choir, so choir friends, and I appreciated their that calling. Relate the story of Sister Moody we’d like you to start playing the or- subtle encouragement. Unfortunately, and challenge family members to make the gan in sacrament meeting too,” he commitment to magnify the callings they their kindness didn’t make my sweaty said. My reply: “I would love to!” ■ may be given. palms disappear or make the song April Moody is a member of the Sunset Heights 10th Ward, Orem Utah Sunset easier to play. Heights Stake.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 65 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

led to a four-lane highway, and we quickly came to a stoplight. I was des- Led to a Sandwich Shop perately wondering what I could do By Chris L. Cooper for my family in our predicament. Suddenly my wife pointed out a everal years ago we were we continued up the hill. But within a sandwich shop that was still open on returning home to the East mile it started running badly again. We a side road and suggested we stop SCoast of the United States took the first exit, thinking we would and get the kids something to eat. I from a summer trip to Utah. Our find a motel room for the night. But pulled up to the shop, gave our old- family van started to “hiccup” some- despite checking with four different est son some money, and sent the where in Missouri, and it got worse motels, we couldn’t find a vacancy. other children in with him while my as we drove into Tennessee. Finally, We returned to the freeway and wife and I sat and pondered. climbing the hill leaving Chattanooga soon came to an exit that didn’t look We were tired. We had been travel- late that night, the motor died. like it would have any motels, but ing since 5:00 that morning, and it was As we sat in the dark, wondering something whispered to me to take now close to 9:00 p.m. I started asking what we could do, it that exit. I did, but I questions in my heart about why our occurred to me that this walked into could see nothing that I prayer hadn’t worked and why all our was a great time for our the sandwich thought would help solve efforts to live the gospel didn’t seem entire family to unite in a I shop and our problem. The exit to be having an effect for us in our prayer of faith. My wife approached the time of need, when suddenly it came and I calmed our four chil- family. “Are to me that something just wasn’t right. dren and invited them to you an auto I looked up and realized that the exercise their faith as we mechanic?” sandwich shop’s outside light wasn’t prayed. I asked. turned on. “How did you spot this Immediately after the prayer, the van started and ILLUSTRATED BY DAN LEWIS DAN BY ILLUSTRATED shop?” I asked my wife. “Was there a sign out by the highway?” She said no, that she had had a sudden impulse to turn her head to the right, and there it was. I nodded, my mind racing, and quickly summed up. We were trying to live the gospel, raise our children right, be faithful in our callings; we had prayed in faith, followed a prompting, and here we were. It came to me then that we were exactly where we were supposed to be. We just hadn’t figured out what the Lord had for us here. held the And then I knew. Somebody must scriptures be here who could help us. I looked I open on my into the sandwich shop, and in the lap during the first booth was a young family. From lesson and found my seat in the van I could tell that the I Chose my eyes drawn to rather than attending father had grease stains on his hands. a few particular Sunday School and Relief I got out of the car, walked into Sunday verses that I read Society. I had almost the shop, and approached the family. over and over decided to attend just “Are you an auto mechanic?” I asked. School again. sacrament meeting, but in By Helen Walker Jones Surprised, he answered, “Yes.” the end I felt too guilty. I I explained my problem, and his wondered what sort of wife turned to him and said, “That’s had been going over example I would be set- just what my car did last week!” He an extensive reading list for the ting for my young children. So I went told me what to do to get my car run- I comprehensive exam I needed to to Sunday School and Relief Society. ning well enough to reach Atlanta pass to obtain my master’s degree in The Gospel Doctrine lesson cov- that night. There we had the car English. I hoped my preparation was ered the book of Job, and the instruc- repaired and then made it home no adequate, but I worried that it was tor, Brother Clayton Smith, was an worse for wear. not. I had gone back to school at age eloquent and humble teacher who Our children learned that night— 35, and remembering concepts often delivered a powerful, spiritual mes- and I did too—that faithful prayer seemed more difficult than it had sage. I held the scriptures open on does work, but often you have to been when I was younger. my lap during the lesson and found trust in the Spirit to help you under- The test was to occur on Monday, my eyes drawn to a few particular stand the answer. ■ and when Sunday morning came, I verses that I read over and over Chris L. Cooper is a member of the began to rationalize that my time again. Charleston First Ward, Charleston South Carolina Stake. would be better spent studying The next day I arrived at the room

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 67 where the test was to be adminis- that I send her to a larger hospital tered, and the proctor handed out the in Kaohsiung that had better equip- exam. It consisted of three essay ques- Your Wife Is in ment. After weighing my options tions, and I had three hours to com- the Hospital! I had the impression that I should plete them. Imagine my surprise when By Liu Kuan Feng send her to that hospital without fur- I read one of the questions: “Discuss ther delay. On the way to the hospital the concept of suffering as illustrated ne pleasant summer morn- I pleaded with Heavenly Father not by at least three literary works from ing in 1986 when my wife, only for forgiveness but also that He the reading list.” The book of Job was OSiou Chin, was preparing to would save my wife’s life. one of the works on the list. leave for a class, I felt an impression An hour and 20 minutes later I was truly amazed at how easily I clearly telling me to give her a ride to we arrived at the other hospital. answered that question, my response the bus stop. She had been taking The doctor in the emergency room highlighted with direct quotes from classes at a school for teachers, and ordered a CT scan, and after looking the verses I had read the previous day the bus stop was seven miles (11 km) at the images, he told me Siou Chin in Sunday School. Breezing through away. I didn’t pay much attention to had a skull fracture. I then found out that essay allowed me extra time to the feeling. Having joined the Church there was no bed available in the hos- complete the other two questions. not even one year earlier, I had little pital. All day long there was nothing At the conclusion of the test I felt idea what the voice of the Holy Ghost I could do but pray for help. At 6:00 very grateful for my “extra” prepara- felt like. that evening I met the sister of a for- tion. I also felt that, having partici- When Siou Chin was about to mer classmate. She worked at the pated in Brother Smith’s lesson, I had leave for the bus stop on her motor- hospital, and with her help we were gained a spiritual perspective on Job cycle, the same feeling came to finally able to find an empty bed on that allowed me to answer the ques- me again, now more strongly than the ninth floor. Siou Chin was still tion with greater depth, fervor, and before, telling me that something unconscious and in critical condition. understanding than would otherwise would happen if I didn’t give her a At 10:00 p.m. it dawned on me have been possible. ride. I made the terrible mistake of that I should ask the missionaries to Several weeks later, when the again ignoring the voice. give my wife a blessing. The mission- results of the test were posted, I dis- Ten minutes later, the phone rang. aries in our branch called the elders covered that I was the only student I was so scared I couldn’t answer it. It in Kaohsiung, and 20 minutes later who had been awarded honors. kept on ringing. Finally I picked it up, they arrived. But the doctor refused That was a Sunday School lesson and the voice on the line said, “Your to allow them into my wife’s room I will never forget, particularly as it wife is in the hospital! Please come because she had gone into labor, reinforced the concept of keeping immediately.” even though she was still in a coma. the Sabbath day holy and never miss- When I arrived at the hospital, So I asked the elders to give me a ing my meetings. I am grateful I was I recalled the warning and deeply blessing instead of my wife, which inspired to attend Gospel Doctrine regretted that I hadn’t listened to the they did in a conference room where that Sunday morning rather than Holy Ghost. Siou Chin was in critical we would be undisturbed. cramming for my exam. ■ condition. She was unconscious. And By 11:00 p.m. my wife still hadn’t on top of it all, she was nine months delivered the baby, so the doctor Helen Walker Jones is a member of the Ensign First Ward, Salt Lake Ensign Stake. pregnant. A doctor recommended decided to move her to the eighth

68 floor for a cesarean section. Then a she suffered headaches. Her primary the expenses because that center miracle happened. Ten minutes after physician recommended that we was not eligible for medical coverage. they moved her, she delivered the transfer her to a university hospital This time I understood that I was baby. The delivery went smoothly, for brain surgery. I was overwhelmed being prompted by the Holy Ghost, and when the nurse handed me the and prayed for guidance. After less and I was sure this decision was right. baby, I couldn’t believe my eyes. His than three minutes of pondering, I We checked my wife into the features were exactly like the image I told the doctor I had decided to medical center. A medical team that had seen in my prayers every night. transfer her to another tours Taiwan to investigate Seven days after our son’s birth, medical center, even hen my unusual cases happened to Siou Chin finally regained conscious- though it meant we wife be visiting this center. A ness. But her mind wasn’t clear, and would have to pay all Wregained brain surgeon who had consciousness, her just received special train- mind wasn’t clear ing in the United States and she suffered was with the team that headaches. Her day. After looking at all the physician information, this doctor recommended announced that my wife brain surgery. didn’t need surgery. He said her situation should improve within one week. I was so relieved to hear those words. I am grateful to the doctor, but most of all, I thank my Heavenly Father who directed me to make the right decision. Just as the doctor predicted, Siou Chin was better in a week. Even the doctor marveled at how quick her recovery was. I know that with the doctors’ medical skill and with Heavenly Father’s blessings, my wife was able to miraculously survive and is now fully recovered. Our son is now serving full-time in the Taiwan Taichung Mission. We all have our share of trials and hardships, but we must always keep our faith in Heavenly Father. ■

Liu Kuan Feng is a member of the Chi Shan Branch, Kaohsiung Taiwan Stake.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 69 RANDOM SAMPLER

“BEST IF USED BY” keep your dry-pack items, post the Dry-Pack Storage Years of Storage table (left) in your food-storage , Food Storage: (when stored under Items recommended conditions) and refer to it as needed. How Long? Rotate your food by using it your- Sugar 20+ self or by sharing it with others. This Wheat 20+ e all intend to rotate our chart and additional information are Carrots 8–10 food storage. But some- available at providentliving.org. Fruit Drink Mix 8–10 times as we dust off a num- W Dry Pink, Pinto, and ber 10 can or a bucket of our dry-pack White Beans 6–8 food, we wonder if it’s still any good. Apple Slices 6–8 Keeping a Lid If we’ve stored it in dark, dry, cool Macaroni and Spaghetti 6–8 conditions (below 70 degrees is Chopped Dry Onions 6–8 on Our Budget recommended), the food should Hot Cocoa Mix 3–4 be good even beyond the “best if Rolled Oats 4–5 ecause it seemed convenient, used by” date. Chocolate Pudding Mix 5 my husband and I once used Do we need to toss it after that? Vanilla Pudding Mix 5 Bour ATM cards for all our ex- Maybe not; it likely has significant nu- White Flour 5 penses, storing the receipts in our tritional value, but try to use it soon. Soup Mix 4–5 wallets until they bulged. Eventually To help you know how long you might Rice 3–4 we tallied these random expenses in Nonfat Dry Milk 2–3 our bank book, but Instant Potatoes 1–2 not before our budget had been dam- aged. Since we weren’t using credit cards, we rationalized that it was OK to spend more than originally planned, thinking we had enough funds in the bank. When we occasionally bounced a check, we resolved to do better, but we never stayed within our budget until we stopped using ATM cards. For some families,

70 LEFT: ILLUSTRATED BY JOE FLORES; RIGHT: ILLUSTRATED BY BETH WHITTAKER try thefollowing ideas? try life’s essentialtasksmorefun, whynot have tobedrudgery. To help make chores andbeingresponsible don’t teach yourchildrenthatdoing their B Working forFun Mount HoodOregonStake D.Jones,PowellLorraine Valley Ward, and funfamilyoutings. change, affordingusoccasionaltreats bonus—one ofthejarsholdsleftover our moneyissavedandspent.Another helps ouryoungchildrentoseehow to nameafew. Theglass-jarmethod programs, boxes, computersoftware methods canbeused:envelopes, overdrawn penalties. previously tosurpriseATM feesand lost ing thesubstantialamountweoften of losingthemoneyabigriskconsider- tion. We don’tconsiderthepossibility amounts andstoretheminasecureloca- our respectivejarswithpredetermined bills, wecashenoughmoneytofund payingtithingandmajor check, after With“gasoline,” andsoforth. eachpay- accordingly: “groceries,”“diapers,” gories, thenlabeledsomeemptyjars past expenses,Iselectedafewcate- jars.Basedonour budget fundsinfruit money-management tool:trackingour toanold-fashioned able. Sowereverted ing; forus,theyweretooeasy, tooavail- misusing thesecardswouldn’tbetempt- Certainly othersubstitutetracking Certainly The goodnewsisyoucan my room!”Soundfamiliar? ut, Mom,Idon’twanttoclean cleaner inyour familygetstoenjoy ner first.Maybethequickest and best themdin- assignment firstbyserving that finishespreparingtheir food the roomswins. first onetocleanthoroughlyinall room todoingtheirjobs.The movefrom task. Thenhaveeveryone each familymemberchooseaspecific assigningorletting biggest chore,try If householdcleaningjobsareyour making theirdinnerassignmentfirst? ing intoteamstoseewhocanfinish Offer incentives. Have acontest. Step-by-Step Memorizing and alittleteasing encouragement, received help, Some ofus offaith. an article cessfully repeated stair aswesuc- ascending each take aturn each ofusto encouraged tom stair, she stand atthebot- to everyone evenings. Inviting memorable familyhome during oneofourmore home’s 13-stepstaircase made cleveruseofour stair. Ouroldestdaughter of faith;ascendanother a step;reciteanotherarticle “We believe..”Climb FAMILY HOMEEVENINGHELPS How aboutdivid- Reward theteam requirements. goals orFaith inGod Personal Progress our daughtersachieved in theprocess,eachof And off all13articles. family memberhadpassed rewarding toseethateach gathered atthetop,itwas ing them.Asweeventually taught, insteadofjustrecit- cuss someoftheprinciples paused occasionallytodis- from theothers.We even life’s greatestskills. a jobwell,youteachthemone of experience thesatisfactionof doing and tellthemaboutyours. talk. Askaboutyourchildren’slives, day. Also,use thetimetogetherto pare foradultresponsibilitiessome- tasks aredone,helpingthemtopre- children, youcanshowthemhow Minnesota Stake Rose V. Voigt, Preston Branch, Rochester person tofinish. free timewhilewaitingforthelast When youhelpyourchildren Work together. example, youcouldmemo- ofstairsyouhave.For ber to coincidewiththenum- other memorizationactivity Or youcouldchoosean- the floortorepresentsteps. using piecesofpaperon any stairsyouhaveorby ascending anddescending theactivityby ily modify your home?You couldeas- rize ascriptureforeach by-step, we’resetting participate enhancedour participate a simpleactivityinwhich the wholefamilycould learning abilities.Step- learning step youtake. Don’t have13stairsin ENSIGN and achieving We foundthathaving Working withyour FEBRUARY 2006 Stake Timpview Orem Utah First Ward, Timpview Raymond, Lori home. ings inour gospel teach- better goals to apply 71 have turned our minds, our feelings, and our actions to the spirit of Christmas,” he said. “This is a time of remembering. It is a time for families. It is a time for gratitude.” President Monson asked that Church members focus more on giving than receiving during the Christmas season. “‘What did you give for Christmas?’ prompts stimu- lating thought, causes tender feelings to well up and mem- ory’s fires to glow ever brighter,” he said. “Is gratitude part of our lives?” he asked. “Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit.” The First Presidency presented their annual Christmas devotional surrounded by holiday “Why does peace come decor in the Conference Center. closer to reality at this season than at any other?” President Monson asked. “Why is it First Presidency Encourages Members that more friends are remem- bered and more enemies for- to Emulate Christ and His Teachings given at the Christmas season than at any other time? Why n messages to members will come into the lives of “At the Christmas season is it that more acts of kind- worldwide in the annual those who read the Book let us ponder these things,” ness and service and gen- IFirst Presidency Christmas of Mormon before the President Hinckley said. “Let erosity take place? It is the Devotional, the First year’s end. us reflect upon them. Let us Christmas spirit.” Presidency encouraged all “It is probable that more pray concerning them. Let us to let Christ’s teachings and people are presently reading emulate in our own lives the President Faust the spirit of Christmas spread the book than at any other great and profound teachings Charity is the pure love through their thoughts time in the history of the of the Lord Jesus Christ, not of Christ, President James E. and actions. The Mormon Church,” he said. “I thank only as they are set forth in Faust, Second Counselor in Tabernacle Choir and the each of you, and I know the Bible, but also as they are the First Presidency, declared Orchestra at you’ve been blessed.” set forth in this companion in his Christmas message. also performed in the Reading excerpts from testament of the New World.” He recounted the story December 4, 2005, devo- the book, he shared his testi- of an impoverished family in tional, which was broadcast mony of the Book of Mormon President Monson Mexico in 1941. A widowed from the Conference Center as a powerful witness of the In words of hope and mother of nine children in Salt Lake City. divinity and reality of the cheer, President Thomas S. struggled to provide for them. Savior. Monson, First Counselor in Neighbors gave of their time President Hinckley “Suffice it to say that this the First Presidency, reflected and means to provide some- In his message, President wonderful and remarkable on the spirit of Christmas. thing special for the children Gordon B. Hinckley reminded book is truly another witness “This joyful season brings at Christmas. Church members of the of the Lord Jesus Christ, come to each of us a measure of “The pure love of Christ promises he made about forth to all the world bearing happiness that corresponds goes beyond caring for your the spiritual strength that witness of him,” he said. to the degree in which we own,” he said. “Those who

72 recently contributed to the and Thanksgiving. He said Steve Sunday, manager of services, he has been much Church Humanitarian Aid that this man searched out Administration and Special more at peace and wants to fund to help the thousands the needy and filled those Services at LDS Family be baptized after being of people whose lives have needs, exemplifying pure Services, which oversees released. been devastated by hurri- charity. the Church’s Correctional “Elder and Sister Stephens canes and earthquakes have “When we see a need, Services program, said the are a very positive impact on truly been manifesting the we should fill it promptly,” Holy Ghost is often felt me,” he said. “Having them pure love of Christ.” he said. “We should ever be strongly at the meetings give me so much love makes President Faust recalled mindful that it was the Savior held inside correctional me want to do the same.” a former business partner who gave the greatest gift of facilities. “It is very touching When they are not teach- of another faith who gave of all in offering Himself as the to hear the songs of Zion ing institute classes or his means generously to help Redeemer through the radiate even from within attending Sunday services, those in need each Christmas Atonement.” ■ prison walls,” he said. the Stephenses, along with In addition to bishoprics four other couples, work in and branch presidencies the Correctional Services Church Programs Assist being called to serve those office at LDS Family Services within prisons, some headquarters. They respond Often-Forgotten Population branches also have called to letters from inmates or By Chad Phares, Church Magazines Relief Society presidencies. others who request religious n many ways, Maria (name said. “It helps me get closer Although the Relief Society materials. has been changed) isn’t to God, because I pray for for- meeting is not part of the Often stake presidents, Imuch different from other giveness of my sins and I really Sunday meeting, sisters will bishops, and branch presi- investigators who attend insti- want to change. I feel happy often meet at another time dents will contact the office tute classes. She is young, en- when I’m here. I need it.” during the week. to receive information on joys reading the scriptures, Maria is not the only Elder Ron and Sister how to start up a branch in and loves the feeling that inmate who has felt this way. Luann Stephens are among a facility. attending the classes gives To show concern for and those couples that spend A prison chaplain may her. She sits with her friends, help out this often-forgotten their time teaching inmates. request a library kit that con- smiles often, and appreciates group of people, the Church The Stephenses, who have tains more than 20 types of her institute teachers. started seminary and institute for years served those in manuals, books of scripture, But unlike most of the of religion programs in cor- correctional facilities, say and videocassettes. Prison institutes of religion around rectional facilities in different their time spent serving branches are able to buy nec- the world, the one Maria parts of the country. inside the jails is meaningful essary items such as hymn- attends is surrounded by In addition to these gath- to them. books, scriptures, Church armed guards and barbed erings, there are also simple “We are really dedicated magazines, and portable wire. As an inmate at a correc- worship services held in more to this,” Elder Stephens said. keyboards. tional facility in northern Utah than 150 correctional facility “It’s something that is very While the curriculum and for the past several months, branches across the United special to us.” music are appreciated by this pregnant mother of two States. Sunday meetings usu- The Stephenses do not inmates, the biggest blessing faces a much different reality ally include worship service ask inmates why they are they receive while attending than most other institute stu- and Sunday School. Relief incarcerated, but they do classes and services is the dents can imagine. Society may also be held on care about those who are in mighty change of heart the While poor choices landed Sunday or during the week jail and have a sincere desire Spirit brings. Maria in jail, her time in the along with opportunities to to help. “I want to be a better per- facility has been truly rehabili- participate in family home Chris (name has been son, a better mom, and a tative thanks to the institute evening, family history, and changed) is currently serving better daughter,” Maria said. classes taught twice a week literacy or addiction groups. a 24-month sentence just four “Then I can be closer to by a volunteer couple in the While the worship serv- years after serving 17 months God.” ■ building’s multidenomina- ices do not include the sacra- in jail. While his first sentence To contact Correctional tional chapel. ment, inmates give scriptural was very difficult, he said that Services, call LDS Family Services “It makes me feel better thoughts, say prayers, and thanks to the Stephenses, the at 1-801-240-3646 or e-mail when I come here,” Maria sing hymns. institute classes, and Sunday [email protected]

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 73 capacity. He noted that Church membership has increased from about 5 mil- lion when the Church Office Building was completed in the 1970s to more than 12 million today. ■ Family History Centers Spreading The new Church History Library will be built across the street to the east of the Conference By Patricia Selman, Center in Salt Lake City. Church Magazines ith the Internet Leaders Break Ground with gratitude and apprecia- making research tion and love and respect for Weasier than ever, for Church History Library those that have gone before. family history is becoming an Great was their work, tremen- increasingly popular pastime. n Friday, October 7, and specialists from the dous their sacrifice. We thank Those who have looked for 2005, the First Family and Church History Thee for them.” family names online to fulfill OPresidency and mem- Department have consulted In his remarks about the curiosity can turn to the bers of the Quorum of the with experts in record preser- Church History Library, Family History Centers of Twelve Apostles, as well as vation to ensure that the inte- President Thomas S. Monson, the Church as their interest members of the Quorums rior temperature, humidity, First Counselor in the First becomes more serious. of the Seventy, missionaries, and lighting will best favor Presidency, said, “We benefit The 4,407 centers around and others, gathered for the the preservation of Church from what our fathers did for the world are branch facili- groundbreaking for the new records. us, and we have the privilege, ties of the Family History Church History Library. The President Gordon B. through sacred records to be Library located at Temple building will serve as a mark Hinckley expressed gratitude maintained here, to provide a Square in Salt Lake City, of the significance of main- that records had been so legacy for those who follow.” Utah, the largest library of taining a connection to past dutifully kept. “I wish to say President James E. Faust, its kind. The satellite Family and future generations with gratitude and apprecia- Second Counselor in the History Centers provide through record keeping in tion that the custodians of First Presidency, said, “I access to almost all of the the Church. the records of the Church believe that the principal microfilms and microfiche Work was set to begin through all of the years of its benefit for the making and in the central library. later in 2005 on the 250,000- existence have been so con- the keeping of records is Though it is a command- square-foot (22,925-square- scientious and dutiful, helpful to strengthen faith in those ment for Latter-day Saints to meter) building, much of and devoted, in every respect who make the history and research their ancestors, oth- which will be underground. It to the duties that devolved those who record the his- ers of different faiths have will be built on a plot of land upon them.” tory and those in the future also caught the family history that had been used as a park- In the prayer President who read of that history.” fever. More than 60 percent ing lot across the street from Hinckley offered before the Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the U.S. population is the Church Office Building in groundbreaking, he said: “As of the Seventy, who serves interested in tracing family Salt Lake City. The new build- we look to the past and are as Church Historian and history, according to a 2000 ing will be similar in design to reminded of the past, to that Recorder, said the current poll by Maritz Marketing the Conference Center to the which has been preserved in library in the Church Office Research Inc. This is a 15 west. The building’s architects history, our hearts are filled Building has outgrown its percent increase from 1995.

74 “There are today many where we come from in this the center benefit from www..com, the genealogical and family his- crazy, busy world we live in. increased activity, Brother Church’s family history Web tory societies in the world. . . . When people learn what Provard says. site. The result of decades of I think they all have come their ancestors have gone Even where a Family research, the FamilySearch into existence subsequent to through, they can cope bet- History Center may not be site includes some 957 mil- the visit of Elijah. . . . Since ter with their own lives.” nearby, the family history lion names. then, and in more recent Brother Provard says that efforts of Latter-day Saints With volunteers to help years particularly, there has in many centers the majority can be felt while doing visitors navigate through the been a tremendous surge of the patrons are not mem- research worldwide. For Web site and free access to of interest in family history. bers of the Church. “In the example, those who search www.ancestry.com, Family With that surge, the Family eastern U.S., 90 to 95 percent for Scottish ancestors bene- History Centers are good History Department of the of the patrons [in some cen- fit from the efforts of Latter- places to begin a search. Church has grown to be ters] are not members. They day Saints who microfiched “Many people who are able to accommodate it,” are thrilled to have the cen- about 40 million documents into family history research said President Gordon B. ters in the area.” held in the New Register are at first concerned about Hinckley (“The Spirit of Efforts are now focused House in Scotland. It was a names, dates, and Elijah,” Liahona, Nov. on opening Family History 30-year task that helped con- places. But our ancestors are 1996, 19). Centers in all areas of the tribute to the Scottish gov- much more than that. . . . I “[Latter-day Saints] have world. Some of the busiest ernment’s family history am a product of all my ances- been commanded to do Family History Centers world- Web site at www.scotlands tors. I want to find out about [family history],” says Mike wide are in Johannesburg, people.gov.uk. them,” Brother Provard says. Provard, North America South Africa; Carlingford, Information on this and A group on the Kenai Operations Supervisor for Sydney, Australia; and Ashton, other projects carried out by Peninsula in Alaska, the Family History Centers. “In England. The center in members is available in the Totem Tracers Genealogical addition, many others have Ashton is located near a tem- Church’s library, and much Society, uses the local Family a deep hunger to find out ple, a placement that helps of it can also be found on History Center to hold its monthly meetings, during which members compile family names and stories about their ancestors. Loretta Mattson, the secre- tary of the group, has added 9,795 individuals to her his- tory, which goes back 49 gen- erations. She has found a blacksmith, who once owned part of Nantucket Island, and a woman who lost four sons to disease in the . “There are millions across the world who are working on family history records. Why? Why are they doing it? I believe it is because they have been touched by the spirit of this work, a thing which we call the spirit of Elijah. It is a turning of the hearts of the children to their fathers,” said Each of the more than 4,000 family history centers around the world is an extention of the President Hinckley (Liahona, Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Nov. 1996, 20). ■

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 75 Processing Language Materials

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUDITH NIUELUA BY PHOTOGRAPH Direction concerning which languages Church materials will be translated into comes from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. As of November 2005, the Church had approved 190 languages and is actively working in 104 of them. The Translation Division operates according to the Members in Samoa can watch a general conference session in their own language thanks to Worldwide Translation Plan, the efforts of a team of interpreters. which consists of phases, or levels, through which Church Bateson, Translation Division materials are produced in a Spirit, Training Help director, in an interview with given language according to Church magazines. “We feel, how many members speak Translators Capture Meaning first of all, that translation is that language. By Nicole Seymour, Church Magazines a spiritual gift, and anyone Requests for a language to he increasing number 77 languages. The Liahona is involved in that work needs receive materials under the of languages in which available in 50 languages. access to the Spirit,” he Worldwide Translation Plan TChurch materials are As Church membership said, quoting Doctrine and come from Area Presidencies. available is an indication that expands into many nations, Covenants 9:9: “You cannot “They monitor the language the gospel is rolling forth the Translation Division of the write that which is sacred save needs of the area and make to “all nations, kindreds, Church keeps busy meeting it be given you from me.” That recommendations to the First tongues, and people” (D&C the worldwide demand for scripture serves as a guide Presidency and the Quorum 112:1). With the addition of Church meetings to be inter- for the Translation Division, of the Twelve Apostles,” 5 languages, interpreters pro- preted and materials to be Brother Bateson added. Brother Bateson said. vided October 2005 general translated into additional lan- Next in consideration are The translation of Church conference in 80 languages. guages. The division does translation skills. Potential materials is an extensive Full translations of the Book both translation, which is team members are evaluated process that calls for multiple of Mormon are available in the transformation of written to see whether they would reviews using several people text into another lan- better fill the role of transla- who are familiar with the tar- guage, and interpreta- tor or reviewer. Individuals get language. One or more tion, which is the working for the Translation may translate while others delivery of spoken Division typically know the ensure that the meaning and words into another target language as their pri- language usage are appropri- language. mary language and English ate. When scriptures are as their secondary language. translated, the review process The Role of Like translators, inter- is even more extensive. Interpreters preters have to be very famil- The same process of Area and Translators iar with both the target Presidency requests and The first priority language and English. While translation approval exists when selecting mem- most interpreters speak the with scripture translation. bers of a translation target language as their native “First and foremost, scrip- team is to identify tongue, others learned the ture translation is directed A team of interpreters work individuals who are target language while serving by the Lord through the together during October living lives that allow them to missions and speak English as Brethren in the highest levels 2005 general conference. access the Spirit, said Jeffrey C. their native language. of the Church,” Brother

76 Bateson said. “It is not some- language. It’s not a matter while actively interpreting a instruments in the Lord’s thing we do, then present of just getting all the words meeting that may be broad- hands in helping to make to the Brethren. They are in transformed—it is making cast from Salt Lake City. that happen.” charge of the work.” sure you have all the mean- “For example, we may The effort of preparing Once a scripture transla- ing, all the emotions, all the have an interpreter in the gospel to spread forth tion project is approved, culture, and everything else Norway,” Brother Bateson in many languages requires the Translation Division that affects how we say said. “High-speed communi- much work, along with the reports regularly to General things.” cation lines allow him or her companionship of the Spirit. Authorities for approvals In addition to printed to interpret a meeting being “The multiplicity of lan- during the process. materials, many of the held in Salt Lake City and have guages and cultures is both an For other Church materi- Church’s software and the interpretation transmitted opportunity and a challenge als in print, the English origi- Internet programs are also by satellite to Salt Lake City for members of the Church,” nal is first translated, and being translated, said Brother and back to the same building stated President James E. then a back-and-forth review Bateson. Such items include to a congregation in another Faust, Second Counselor in by a team of translators and help screens, instructions, room simultaneously with the the First Presidency. “Having reviewers stationed in Salt and forms. Translating for video portion of the meeting everyone hear the gospel in Lake City or in other nations software and Internet sites with only a one-second delay.” their own tongue requires continues until the transla- adds an additional level of Typically, teams of several great effort and resources. tion is perfected. The target complexity to the work of interpreters take turns inter- The Spirit, however, is a language teams typically work translation, he said. preting talks. Interpreters higher form of communica- on tight deadlines. in Salt Lake City work from tion than language” (“Heirs Brother Bateson explains Technology Aids booths in the Conference to the Kingdom of God,” that the process is not merely Interpretation Center, and conference atten- Ensign, May 1995, 63). ■ an exchange of the target For some meetings, trans- dees all over the world can language for the English: lated texts are prepared listen to the meetings in their “Translation is an art, but it is beforehand. But if a speaker native tongue. Using also a very detailed process departs from the prepared and requires a lot of skill text or does not have a pre- The Good News of the Mormon.org and ability to make sure that pared text, an interpreter Gospel Spreads Forth nothing is left behind. There must provide simultaneous Brother Bateson said the to Share the are so many nuances with interpretation. Advances in Doctrine and Covenants technology allow interpreters describes the work in which Gospel to remain in their homelands the Translation Division is By Walter Cooley, Church involved: “For it shall come Magazines to pass in that day, that every sing Church materials man shall hear the fulness of online provides an- the gospel in his own tongue, Uother way for mem- and in his own language, bers to help friends and through those who are acquaintances learn about the ordained unto this power, Church and at the same time by the administration of build members’ confidence the Comforter, shed in their ability to share gospel forth upon them for the principles with others. revelation of Jesus Christ” The Church’s Web sites (D&C 90:11). can be grouped by purpose “We consider it a privilege into three categories. and a blessing to play a very Lds.org and providentliv- important part in helping the ing.org, which are available gospel reach the various in various languages, help nations, kindreds, tongues, teach, strengthen, and The Book of Mormon has been translated in full into and people,” Brother Bateson perfect members. Family 77 languages. said. “We feel that we are search.org, available in

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 77 about without talking information about the to anyone one-on- Mormon faith and beliefs?” one. Sometimes, peo- “What do you believe about ple must take this first heaven, hell, salvation, and step [investigating eternal life?” “Please explain on the Internet] the Word of Wisdom. What is before they are able it that is bad? Is it caffeine or to ask a member hot drinks? What about decaf, or attend worship. hot chocolate, iced tea, [Mormon.org] has herbal teas, or caffeinated been a continual soft drinks?” “How does the guide for me as I Mormon Church currently search for truth,” said view , and how does Tiffany, a site visitor. it explain its previous associa- tion with polygamy?” “What Answering Questions are your standards on tattoos, A popular page body piercing, dancing, dat- with investigators ing, abstinence, etc.?” and visitors is the Jason, a new member of Frequently Asked the Church, said: “This site Mormon.org is available in 23 languages to answer Questions page. gave me the information that questions from people around the world. Previous visitors have submit- helped to open my heart to ted some of the questions the Spirit and filled me with a English, allows visitors to more and were referred to listed on this page. When desire to be baptized. I just search for their kindred missionaries. mormon.org was originally wanted to give my thanks. . . . dead. Mormon.org, available launched, this page included It was an awesome tool in my in 23 languages, seeks to Introducing the Gospel 67 questions; since then 23 conversion.” proclaim the gospel to the Mormon.org’s 411 doctri- more questions have been world. The principal Web nal pages, written in simple added. Hyperlinks divide the Inviting Friends site for members to use terms for those unfamiliar questions into the following to Hear More when sharing the gospel with the Church, explain the general categories: requesting One of the most popular online is mormon.org. Church’s basic beliefs, the media items or missionary ways members are accessing Mormon.org assists mem- plan of salvation, the impor- visits, beliefs and doctrines, and referring the site to oth- bers sharing the gospel with tance of families, and the social issues, Church prac- ers is with electronic cards. friends who have various lev- purpose of life. Each page tices, and member lifestyles. Mormon.org offers 10 differ- els of understanding about contains several hyperlinks Each week Web site ent English greeting card cat- the Church. Members can to topics related to the page administrators compile a list egories including electronic use this site to introduce being viewed, offering visitors of the top 25 questions sub- pass-along cards. Card cate- friends to the gospel, help thousands of unique ways mitted to the site. They then gories are inspiration, grati- them better understand to navigate the site. The five check the questions against tude, birthday, sympathy, Church doctrine and most viewed page titles are those currently posted. If a special occasions, families, lifestyle, and invite them to (1) Welcome (2) Frequently question is frequently asked seasonal, humor, temple, and attend Church meetings. asked questions (3) Find but not included on the page, baptism. Within each cate- Since its launch in October information (4) Is The the question is posed to gory, visitors can match one 2001, more than 8.3 million Church of Jesus Christ of the Brethren, who decide of several photos to a selec- visitors have visited the Web Latter-day Saints a Christian whether the question and its tion of quotations from a site. These visitors have church? and (5) Frequently answer should be added to Church leader or historic fig- requested more than 200,000 asked questions—beliefs the site. ure, or insert their own quo- media items, such as DVDs and doctrines. The following questions tation. or copies of the Book of “This site is a great way for are from the top 10 most fre- E-card senders can attach Mormon. More than 40,000 investigators to learn more quently asked questions from a link to almost any page site visitors wanted to learn about what your church is all 2004: “How can I obtain more on the site, presenting a

78 personalized introduction for bringing the total to 22. How blessed is anyone friends to hear more about a Pass-along cards referring Call for who is a member of The gospel subject that interests members to mormon.org Church of Jesus Christ of them most. E-card introduc- have been translated into Articles Latter-day Saints or who tions are private and personal 28 languages. receives the truth each because they are sent from Besides pass-along cards How have Church materi- month as we do. the sender’s own e-mail and member referrals, als helped you teach more Lowell and IlaMae Dahl, account. Last year visitors Internet search engines such effectively at home or in your Utah sent 196,099 e-cards from as Google, Yahoo, MSN, and calling? In 300 words or less, mormon.org. others bring up an advertised please share the creative ways Clam Chowder “I was recently baptized, . . . link to mormon.org when a in which you have used items Thank you for the article and it was the best thing I Web user searches with key available through the Church about clam chowder and have done in my life. I found words like “Holy Bible” or Distribution Center. Your sub- Christmas traditions in the this Web site to be very help- “Book of Mormon.” In 2004, mission will be considered for December 2005 Ensign. It ful. . . . I have family in 750,733 visitors found mor- use in the Random Sampler is always inspiring to read America and I just sent them mon.org through a search- department. about real-life, personal expe- a card using the site. Well engine-sponsored link. Send responses by March riences that are modern-day done on a great Web site!” “This is a great site. . . . I 15, 2006, to ensign@ miracles. The Lundbergs’ said Lynn, a new member of shared this with a friend at ldschurch.org or to Ensign wonderful Christmas story the Church. school and now she is investi- Editorial, 50 E. North Temple demonstrates not only that gating the Church and will be St., Rm. 2420, Salt Lake City, Heavenly Father is present, International Sites baptized in two weeks. . . . UT 84150-3220, USA. Clearly even for the smallest details, Mormon.org content is Thank you to everyone who mark your submission but how family faith fosters available in 23 languages. helped with this excellent “Church Curriculum,” and at love and hope. These languages allow site!” said Jenny, a site visitor. the top of your submission, Joel Marks, Oregon mormon.org to reach over write your name, address, 95 percent of the world’s Helping to Improve telephone number, e-mail Incomplete Understanding Internet users. Understanding address, and ward and stake of Mental Illness Translating the Web page Mormon.org is an infor- (or branch and district). Thank you so much for into additional languages mal yet effective way to share While we cannot acknowl- your article “Myths about is an ongoing process. Web the gospel with friends. For edge receipt of individual Mental Illness” by Elder site administrators regularly many in the world, the Web responses, authors whose Alexander B. Morrison in track the city and country site has proven to be what submissions are selected for the October 2005 issue of from which all users connect Elder Neil L. Andersen of the publication will be notified. the Ensign. As one who to the site. When visitor Presidency of the Seventy If you would like your manu- has experienced bouts of requests or traffic increases said he hoped mormon.org script returned, enclose a self- depression over the years, from an area that uses a would become when it was addressed, stamped envelope I am grateful for this clear language not available on launched in 2001. and allow up to a year. ■ explanation of false beliefs the site, a translation is “I hope people will see about mental illness among considered in that language. mormon.org as an introduc- members of the Church and After approval is granted, tory source of information Comment the offering of helpful, cor- most of mormon.org’s pages about the restored gospel of rect information. Some of are translated. E-greeting Jesus Christ and a way to gain December DVD my family members have cards and most of the free- an improved understanding Thank you to everyone harbored similarly incom- media-request pages are of our faith,” Elder Andersen who has any part in the joy plete understandings, which not translated. However, said. ■ we receive each month from have created complications visitors on international We invite you to send sugges- the Ensign and the New Era. during my times of distress. sites can still send greeting tions or success stories about But especially we are thankful I appreciate that this diffi- cards even though the site how you have used Church for the insert DVD that went cult topic was addressed can be viewed only in English. Web sites as a resource for to every home on your sub- in such a compassionate In 2004, the site was trans- sharing the gospel to cur-news@ scription lists. What a won- manner. lated into 11 languages, ldschurch.org. derful gift! Name Withheld

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2006 79 MAKING THE MOST sense of this earth life. See THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • FEBRUARY 2006 OF THIS ISSUE page 30. FEBRUARY 2006 In the World, but . . . experienced this trial? You For Bishops Only The world is growing con- may find comfort and But not really. Even if sistently more wicked, but counsel in Melinda E. you’re not a bishop, if you “we cannot avoid the world,” Jennings’s story on have ever made a wrong says Elder Quentin L. Cook page 8. assumption about somebody, you’ll want to read about the

COVER STORY: Young Adults Children and unexpected lesson a busy and the Temple, p. 12 Helping Children Feel Self-Worth, p. 32 Self-Worth bishop learned one night. In the World but Not of It, p. 53 Do your See page 23. children lack confidence or struggle What Do You Know about with feelings of low self- the Dead Sea Scrolls? worth? Two Brigham Young Because of the Book of Picture Yourself University professors share Mormon, Latter-day Saints of the Seventy. “In a positive in the Temple what they have learned about have a keen interest in ancient sense, our contribution to the • “To each young adult I youth and the activities that records that have come to world is part of our challenge emphasize that the temple build them spiritually and light in the latter days. But and is essential if we are to can bless you—even before emotionally. See “Helping what about the Dead Sea develop our talents.” See you enter it.” Elder Russell M. Children Develop Self-Worth” Scrolls? Do they have any rele- page 53. Nelson of the Quorum of the on page 32. vance to Latter-day Saints? Find Twelve Apostles teaches the answers to Home Teachers, about the importance of these questions Visiting Teachers temples and how we can TEACHING with Church Magazines and more in Find the monthly find inner peace and spiri- Need help with your lesson? One of the best resources is in your hands. Andrew C. messages on pages 2 and 52. BY DON L. SEARLE prospective employer who, knowing young Quentin Cook challenges to gospel standards and so it is important that (including stories; see “They Spoke to Us” in each con- Church Magazines was a Latter-day Saint, tested his integrity by offering him our commitment to them be firm. This would also be a ference issue), Church videos, manuals, or www.lds.org. our children, or the young men or young women liquor and wine. The man wanted to learn whether he good place for a supporting story from your own personal But one important resource already comes into your you teach, walk around every day in a world filled would compromise his standards for the sake of personal experience. Maybe when you were younger you went to a home each month with articles and stories ready-made tual strength by maintaining Y with people and media promoting immoral lifestyles gain. That is a test many young people could face. movie and found it did not meet your standards, so you to help you teach les- Skinner’s in which marriage is incidental, drugs are the solution to Maybe you have had similar experiences. If you have, walked out. Or maybe a friend saw you there and said later, sons, whether in the problems, and success in life means money, no matter how sharing them would be a good way to help others see that “I didn’t know people in your church went to movies like home or in a Church you get it. when we stand up for our moral standards in everyday situ- that,” and you learned that you might have made a better classroom. It is the With all the evil that young people brush up against, ations, we are winners in the long run. They can know it is choice. When you share your own learning experiences, magazine you are high standards of conduct to how can you teach them they don’t have to be part of it? true because they know you. children and youth can understand that you have faced the reading right now. ■ article on How can you teach them to be in the world but not of Elder Cook’s article supports lesson eight—“Living same kinds of challenges they do. Perhaps one of your chil- the world? Righteously in a Wicked World”—in this year’s Gospel dren would also have a story to share. You can find appropriate scriptures that teach the Doctrine manual. Each month specific articles in Church GOSPEL TOPICS principle—for example, Doctrine and Covenants 133:5: magazines support lesson topics in the Sunday School Other Supporting Material qualify for a temple recom- “Go ye out from Babylon. Be ye clean that bear the vessels manual or in Teachings of Presidents of the Church. But Personal experience stories in the magazines often page 44. of the Lord.” But can you “liken all scriptures unto us” every article, whether paired with a specific lesson or not, support a point you need to make in a lesson. For exam- (1 Nephi 19:23) so your children or students will see supports spiritual principles. When we read the article and ple, the story “I Chose Sunday School” (page 67) can how the principle applies in their own lives? discover what those principles are, then the Holy Ghost be related to the principles covered by Elder Cook. A scriptural story might help. Joseph fleeing from can teach us how the article could help “liken all scriptures A woman chooses to go to Abraham, 38 Love, 18 mend. See page 12. Potiphar’s wife could come to mind (see Genesis 39:1–20). unto us.” church and finds the next day But you can already hear your 15-year-old saying, “How You can see some of the spiritual topics covered in a that the Sunday School lesson does something that happened thousands of years ago particular month by looking at the list on page 80 labeled material plays an important have anything to do with me?” “Gospel Topics.” part in her success on an Adversity, 2 Marriage, 18 So where are you going to find stories or other resources academic test. • Read how a young to show that principles taught in scripture apply today? A Simple Outline You can search for support- Preserving What if you wanted to use an article in the magazine ing material for gospel lessons Lessons in Your Hand as a basis for a family home evening lesson? To use Elder in a variety of sources: the Agency, 26, 30 Missionary Work,

You’re probably looking at one of your best lesson Cook’s article, you might make a simple outline like this: MODEL POSED BY CHRISTINA SMITH, BY PHOTOGRAPH scriptures, conference talks resources right now. Month after month Church magazines • Principle: In a world where wickedness surrounds us, Freedom man’s prize-winning photo- offer a steady supply of gospel-based, Church-approved we need to live by the Lord’s standards. Articles of Faith, 58 materials for teaching. • Scriptures: Genesis 39:1–20; Joshua 24:15, 24; Let’s look at a couple of examples from this issue. John 15:14, 18–19. In his article “In the World but Not of the World” (page • Supporting story: Elder Cook’s story teaches, among graph of himself and the 53), Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Seventy writes of a other things, that we never know when we may meet “Are we 71 Motherhood, 8 56 Callings, 64 Obedience, 12, 18, London temple led to his doing all we Children, 32, 70 26, 53, 67 conversion. See page 11. Improve Your Teaching should to establish and pre- Conversion, 11 Old Testament, • You are holding in serve our political freedom and Covenants, 12 38, 44 Death, 8 Parenthood, Afraid of Marriage? your hand one of the best liberty?” asks Elder Shirley D. Example, 67 32, 71 Are you afraid to marry? resources for preparing a fan- Christensen of the Seventy. Faith, 2, 50, 52, Perfection, 2 Afraid of being an inadequate tastic lesson. Church maga- What can we do wherever we 53, 63 Perseverance, 2, Family Home 64 wife or husband? Do you have zines are filled with stories, live? What do the scriptures Evening, 56, 71 Plan of Salvation, financial concerns? Do you doctrinal discussions, and teach? See “I, the Lord God, Family Relations, 30 fear changes that marriage quotations to help your les- Make You Free,” page 26. 18, 32, 60 Prayer, 63, 66 Finances, 70 Premortal Life, 30 may bring to your lifestyle or son hit home. See page 56. Food Storage, 70 Prophets, 50 goals? See “Confidence to • Do you struggle with the Life before Birth Forgiveness, 60 Protection, 68 Freedom, 26 Sabbath, 67 Marry” on page 18. challenge of teaching by the The second in a series of Government, 26 Self-Reliance, 70 Spirit? Maybe you’re relying short articles about basic doc- Holy Ghost, 58, 66, Self-Worth, 32 “Our Stillborn Baby” too much on your own abili- trines of the restored gospel 68 Service, 23 Jesus Christ, Talents, 64 Have you gone through the ties and not enough on the examines the crucial doctrine 50, 52 Teaching, 56 pain of having a stillborn baby? Lord. Read about one mission- of the premortal existence, a Leadership, 23 Temple, 8, 11, 12 Has a friend or family member ary’s experience on page 58. doctrine that helps us make Learning, 56 Work, 71

80 COURTESY OF MUSEUM OF CHURCH HISTORY AND ART . andtheybroughtittotheir father;andsaid,Thishavewefound:knownowwhether itbethyson’s Joseph’s brothers“took coat,andkilledakidofthegoats,dippedcoat intheblood; coat orno.Andheknewit.. .AndJacobrenthisclothes”(Genesis37:31–34). Joseph’s CoatBroughttoJacob, by Rembrandt vanRijn(1606–69) n the Restoration, temple work received a very high priority. The first I revelation from a ministering angel pertained to this doctrine. Recorded in the second section of the Doctrine and Covenants, it is an echo of the fourth chapter of Malachi. Moroni foretold the coming of Elijah, who would turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers.” See Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Young Adults and the Temple,” p. 12.