THE ENSIGN OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • DECEMBER 2003

The Gifts of Christmas, p. 2 Kirtland Restored, p. 30 The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, by James J. Tissot “And [Simeon] came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, . . . For mine eyes have seen thy salvation” (Luke 2:27–30). DECEMBER 2003 • VOLUME 33, NUMBER 12

2 FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE The Gifts of Christmas President Thomas S. Monson

6 GOSPEL CLASSICS The Divinity of Jesus Christ Elder Orson F. Whitney 12 Come, Lord Jesus 13 Could I Come Back? Susan L. MacDonald Could I 13 Come Back? 16 Joseph Smith: Restorer of Truth 20 Catching the Vision of Missionary Work Brian Jensen 26 Testimonies of Family Home Evening 30 Kirtland Restored 38 Building for Their Future Garth A. Hanson 42 Loading Up the Little Red Wagon Annette Paxman Bowen 45 I Can Make Rolls Kirtland Glenda Anderson Restored 30 46 Not Room Enough to Receive It 52 VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE Prepare by Living Providently and Paying Tithes and Offerings 53 PARABLES OF JESUS The Divinity “I Am the True Vine” Elder Anthony R. Temple 6 of Jesus Christ 56 Words of the Early Apostles: Safely Anchored by Love Elder H. Ross Workman

60 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

64 RANDOM SAMPLER

I Can Make Rolls 66 NEWS OF THE CHURCH

45 71 ANNUAL INDEX

AN OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CHURCH Lisa Ann Jackson, Carrie Kasten, Sally J. Odekirk, Express. Online, go to ldscatalog.com. By mail, send OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Judith M. Paller, Rebecca M. Taylor, Roger Terry, $10 U.S. check or money order to Distribution Services, Paul VanDenBerghe P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368. THE FIRST PRESIDENCY: Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust MANAGING ART DIRECTOR: M. M. Kawasaki TO CHANGE ADDRESS: Send both old and new address RT IRECTOR information to Distribution Services at the above address. QUORUM OF THE TWELVE: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, A D : J. Scott Knudsen Please allow 60 days for changes to take effect. David B. Haight, Neal A. Maxwell, Russell M. Nelson, DESIGN AND PRODUCTION STAFF: C. Kimball Bott, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Thomas S. Child, Colleen Hinckley, Tadd R. Peterson, SUBMIT MANUSCRIPTS OR ART TO: Ensign Editorial, Room 2420, Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, Kari A. Todd 50 E. North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3220, USA. Unsolicited material is welcome, but no responsibility is Henry B. Eyring MARKETING MANAGER: Larry Hiller assumed. For return, include self-addressed, stamped envelope. PRINTING DIRECTOR: Craig K. Sedgwick EDITOR: Dennis B. Neuenschwander E-mail: [email protected] DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR: Kris T Christensen ADVISERS: E. Ray Bateman, Monte J. Brough, Jay E. Jensen, The Ensign can be found on the Internet at www.lds.org. Stephen A. West © 2003 BY INTELLECTUAL RESERVE, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Click on “Gospel Library.” MANAGING DIRECTOR: David Frischknecht The Ensign (ISSN 0884-1136) is published monthly by Everything in the Ensign may be copied for incidental, non- PLANNING AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Victor D. Cave The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 E. commercial Church or home use unless otherwise indicated. GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Allan R. Loyborg North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3220, USA. Other uses require permission of the copyright owner. Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah, and at MAGAZINES EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Richard M. Romney POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Distribution Services, “I Am additional mailing offices. MANAGING EDITOR: Don L. Searle P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA. the True Vine” DITORIAL TAFF O SUBSCRIBE 53 E S : Collette Nebeker Aune, Susan Barrett, T : By phone, call 1-800-537-5971 to order, CANADA POST INFORMATION: Publication Agreement Linda Stahle Cooper, LaRene Gaunt, Jenifer L. Greenwood, using Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, or American #40017431 THE GIFTS OF Christmas BY PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON Down through the generations of time, First Counselor in the First Presidency the message from Jesus has been the same. rom 3 Nephi in the Book of Mormon To Peter by the shores of beautiful Galilee, we read, “Lift up your head and be He said, “Follow me.”2 To Philip of old came F of good cheer; for behold, the time the call, “Follow me.”3 To the Levite who sat is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be at receipt of customs came the instruction, given, and on the morrow come I into the “Follow me.”4 And to you and to me, if we world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil but listen, shall come that same beckoning all that which I have caused to be spoken by invitation, “Follow me.” the mouth of my holy prophets.”1 As we follow in His steps today, we too Jesus invites us to give With the birth of the babe in Bethlehem, will have an opportunity to bless the lives of of ourselves: “Behold, there emerged a great endowment, a power others. Jesus invites us to give of ourselves: the Lord requireth stronger than weapons, a wealth more lasting “Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and the heart and a than the coins of Caesar. This child was to a willing mind.”5 willing mind.” Our be the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Our opportunities to give of ourselves are opportunities to give promised Messiah––even Jesus Christ, the indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. of ourselves are indeed Son of God. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind limitless, but they are words to say. There are gifts to be given. also perishable. His Beckoning Invitation There are deeds to be done. There are souls Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He to be saved. “Go, gladden the lonely, the came forth from heaven to live on earth as dreary; Go, comfort the weeping, the weary; mortal man and to establish the kingdom of Go, scatter kind deeds on your way; Oh, God. During His earthly ministry, He taught make the world brighter today!”6 men the higher law. His glorious gospel A wise Christian once urged, “May we not reshaped the thinking of the world. He spend Christmas, but keep it.”7 When we blessed the sick. He caused the lame to walk, keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the raised the dead to life. Christ spirit. What was the reaction to His message of mercy, His words of wisdom, His lessons of My Christmas Treasury of Books life? There were a precious few who appreci- At this time of the year my family knows ated Him. They bathed His feet. They learned that I will read again my Christmas treasury His word. They followed His example. of books and ponder the wondrous words of

2 the authors. First will be the long calendar of the year, when Gospel of Luke––even the Christmas story. This will men and women seem by one consent to open their be followed by A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and, shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them finally, The Mansion by Henry Van Dyke. as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not I always must wipe my eyes when reading these inspired another race of creatures bound on other journeys.”8 writings. They touch my inner soul, as they will yours. In his classic A Christmas Carol, Dickens’s now con- Wrote Dickens, “I have always thought of Christmas time, verted character, Ebenezer Scrooge, declares at last: “I when it has come round— . . . as a good time: a kind, forgiv- will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the

RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE BUNDERSON, POSED BY MODELS POSED BY STEVE BUNDERSON, BY PHOTOGRAPHY RIGHT: ing, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 3 Spirits of all three shall strive within me. I will not shut out dedication service at Zwickau, Germany, an elderly mem- the lessons that they teach.”9 ber, with moist eyes, said to me, “Please tell President Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ––He who was bur- Benson that we love him. He saved our lives: mine, my dened with “sorrows, and acquainted with grief”10––speaks wife’s, my children’s, and many, many others’. He was as to every troubled heart and bestows the gift of peace: an angel sent by God to literally restore to us hope and “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as confidence in the future. Tell him we love him.” the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be Second, from President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95): troubled, neither let it be afraid.”11 On one occasion President Hunter dealt with a particularly tragic and difficult situation. At True Giving length he said, “I have always liked He sends forth His word through to lift people, rather than put them the many thousands of missionaries down, to show them the way of the serving far and wide proclaiming His Lord, that they might follow Him.” gospel of good tidings and salutation Subsequently, the gift of forgive- of peace. Vexing questions, such ness, the gift of compassion, the gift as “Where did I come from? of encouragement were freely given What is the purpose of my being? to the distressed couple by this Where do I go after death?” are saintly leader. answered by His special servants. Third, from President Gordon B. Frustration flees, doubt dis- President Ezra Taft Benson (left) Hinckley: President Hinckley is a appears, and uncertainty wanes exemplified true giving when he left his much-traveled prophet and Presi- when truth is taught in boldness, wife and family and went to the devastated dent. His presence, his example, yet in a spirit of humility by those who members of the Church in Germany and his testimony have been shared have been called to serve the Prince other nations following World War II. throughout the world. About five of Peace––even the Lord Jesus Christ. years ago he returned from a visit His gift is bestowed individually: “Behold, I stand at the to the southeast area of the United States, where he door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the spoke to tens of thousands. The morning after his return door, I will come in to him.”12 home, President Hinckley said he felt a bit weary. In the May I share several more examples of true giving next breath, he commented, “I’ve learned of the terrible CHURCH NEWS learned by me from the experiences of the three most suffering endured by the people of Central America recent Presidents of the Church, with whom I have had because of the rampaging floods which engulfed homes, the privilege to serve as a counselor. fields, and many persons. I feel a need to visit the stricken First, from President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994): area, and so I, along with Elder L. Tom Perry and Bishop He described an assignment he had received from the H. David Burton, will leave by plane in two days in order President of the Church following World War II. President to do so.” We reviewed with the President information Benson was to leave his wife and family and go to the dev- concerning the supplies already sent and received at dis- astated members of the Church in Germany and other tribution points, plus those which were en route by air nations. Through the God-inspired welfare program, he and by ship. literally fed the hungry, comforted the weeping, and lifted President Hinckley returned from his three-day trip

closer to heaven all with whom he met. Years later, at a rejoicing in a welfare program which works. He met with OF PRESIDENT HINCKLEY IN HONDURAS COURTESY PHOTOGRAPH RIGHT:

4 Right: About five years ago President Gordon B. Hinckley gave encouragement and assurances of assistance during a visit to flood- stricken Central America. the members. He met with the missionaries. He complimented throngs who were at work cleaning up the debris which once was homes. President Hinckley gave them encouragement and assurances of additional assis- tance, but more than this, he gave to them himself. We express thanks to our Heavenly Father for such a prophet. In my lifelong association with President Hinckley, I Right: President Howard W. know that he is a wise and prudent steward regarding the Hunter freely gave to a distressed couple in a particularly sacred funds of the Church. He abhors waste and extrava- tragic and difficult situation the gift of forgiveness, the gift gance. However, never have I seen President Hinckley turn of compassion. away the needy, the hungry, the downtrodden, or the oppressed. Helping is our divine duty. The food, the shel- ter, the assistance rendered are freely given so that suffer- IDEAS FOR HOME TEACHERS ing may be alleviated, hearts cheered, and lives saved. After you prayerfully prepare, share this message using a There is no better time than now, this very Christmas method that encourages the participation of those you teach. season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles A few examples follow: taught by Jesus the Christ. It is the time to love the Lord our 1. Ask family members to tell of instances when they have God with all our heart––and our neighbors as ourselves. It given of themselves at Christmastime. Read together the “His is well to remember that he who gives money gives much, Beckoning Invitation” section. Encourage family members to he who gives time gives more, but he who gives of himself follow the example of the Savior in their giving this year. gives all. Let this be a description of our Christmas gifts. ■ 2. Give a gift of yourself to each family you teach. Then in-

NOTES Cong., 1st sess., Congressional vite family members to read about the examples of giving in the 1.3 Nephi 1:13. Record (19 Dec. 1947), 93, “True Giving” section. Read the final paragraph of the message 2.Matthew 4:19. pt. 9:11673. 3.John 1:43. 8. A Christmas Carol in Works of aloud, and bear testimony of gifts of Himself the Savior has 4.Matthew 9:9. Charles Dickens, Complete and given to you. 5.D&C 64:34. Unabridged (1982), 535. 6.“Make the World Brighter,” 9.Works of Charles Dickens, 581. Deseret Sunday School Songs 10.Isaiah 53:3. (1909), no. 197. 11.John 14:27. 7.Senate, Peter Marshall, 80th 12.Revelation 3:20.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 5 JESUSTHE DIVINITY OF CHRIST

BY ELDER ORSON F. WHITNEY Jesus: “Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for (1855–1931) flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles thee, but my Father which is in heaven” t a time when the divine character (Matthew 16:15–17). and mission of the world’s Redeemer Such was the basis of Peter’s testimony, A are being questioned, even by many and such is the basis of every real testimony professing Christians, it is a cause for congratu- of like character. They all rest upon the same lation and rejoicing that there is still found foundation. “faith on the earth” [Luke 18:8]—faith in Jesus Testimony means evidence, and it may Christ as the very Son of God, as the virgin- consist of divers things, fruits of the gospel’s Orson F. Whitney was born Savior of mankind, as the anointed and varied gifts. Dreams, visions, prophecies, born on 1 July 1855 in foreordained messenger of Him who “so loved tongues and their interpretation, healings, Salt Lake City, Utah. He the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, and other manifestations of the divine Spirit was ordained to the that whosoever believeth in him should not are all included in the category. Quorum of the Twelve perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Apostles on 9 April Among those who hold fast to this convic- The Surest Evidence 1906 by President tion are the Latter-day Saints. . . . And tonight But the greatest and most convincing of all Joseph F. Smith. Elder we unfurl our banner, emblazoned with the testimonies is the soul’s illumination under Whitney died on slogan of the young men and young women the kindling and enlightening power of the 16 May 1931 in Salt of Zion: “We stand for an individual testi- Holy Ghost—the Comforter, promised by the Lake City at age 75. mony of the divinity of Jesus Christ.” Savior to His disciples, to abide with them This is an excerpt from after He had departed, to bring things past an address delivered How Testimony Comes to their remembrance and show them things at the Sunday evening Such testimony can come but in one to come, making manifest the things of God, session of the MIA way—God’s way, not man’s. Books cannot past, present, and future. Jubilee Conference give it. Schools cannot bestow it. No human held on 7 June 1925. power can impart it. It comes, if it comes at God’s Greatest Gift all, as a gift of God, by direct and immediate By that Spirit and by that alone can men revelation from on high. know God and Jesus Christ, whom He hath Said Jesus to His chief Apostle: “Whom say sent—to know [Them], and to act consistently RANE, COURTESY OF THEA NIELSEN WALTER BY ye that I am?” Peter answered: “Thou art the with that knowledge, is to lay hold upon

Christ, the Son of the living God.” Then said eternal life. No greater thing can come to REST, YOUR TAKE

6 e arose and walked to Hwhere the Apostles were kneeling—fast asleep! He shook them gently, awoke them, and in a tone of tender reproach, asked them if they could not watch with Him one hour.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 7 men while in the flesh than the knowledge of how to What could be more divine than that? Who but a God secure that greatest of all heavenly gifts. could offer such a prayer at such a time? “Greater love hath To know God, man must know himself, must know no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his whence he came, why he is here, what is expected of him friends” [John 15:13]. But here was One who could lay by the One who sent him here, where he is going when down His life for His enemies, as well as His friends. No he leaves this mortal life, and what awaits him in the great mere man could do that. It took a God to die for all men— hereafter. The Holy Spirit is the fountain from which flows foes as well as friends—and that act alone stamps divinity this knowledge, the most precious that men can possess. upon the character and mission of Jesus Christ. By means of it comes the testimony that Jesus Christ was and is divine. . . . The Men Who Knew The Twelve Apostles were His special witnesses. As such Testimony of the Ages they had to know beyond all question that He was what “I know that my redeemer liveth” [Job He claimed to be. It was a new thing that 19:25]—the burden of righteous Job’s was required of them. They were to exultant cry, welling up from the depths vouch for His Resurrection—and there of his sorely tried, suffering, yet patient had been no resurrection upon this soul—is echoed from 10,000 hearts, yea, planet until Christ came forth from the 10,000 times 10,000 of the faithful and the grave. He was “the firstfruits of them that just, whose heaven-inspired testimonies slept” [1 Corinthians 15:20]. Those have come ringing down the ages, from Apostles had to know, not merely the days of Adam to the days of Joseph believe. They could not go into the Smith. The holy scriptures are replete with Here was One who could lay world and say: “We believe Jesus has testimonies of Christ’s divinity, attested by down His life for His enemies, as risen from the dead—such is our opin- miracles and wonders manifold. well as His friends. No mere man ion, our conviction.” What impression could do that. would that have made upon a sin- A Life and Death Divine hardened generation? No; mere belief But even if Christ had wrought no would not suffice in their case. They miracle—even if He had not walked upon the water, must know, and they did know, for they had seen and BY CARL HEINRICH BLOCH/SUPERSTOCK BY healed the sick, cast out devils, given sight to the blind, heard Him, had even been permitted to touch Him, that caused the lame to walk, or done anything else that men they might be convinced that He was indeed the resurrec- deem supernatural, was there not that about Him which tion and the life. It was their right to possess this knowl-

bore unimpeachable testimony to His divinity? edge, owing to the unique character of their mission. But THE DOUBTFUL THOMAS, What could be more divine than the life of One who the world at large was required to believe what the “went about doing good” [Acts 10:38], teaching men to for- Apostles testified concerning Him. . . . give their enemies, to pray for those who persecuted them, and to do unto others as they would that others should do Belief and Knowledge unto them? And did He not set the example of godlike mag- Sign-seeking is an abomination, indicating an adulterous RIGHT: ANDERSON; HARRY BY nanimity by craving, while upon the cross in the agonies of disposition. It is blessed to believe without seeing, since death, heaven’s pardon upon His guilty murderers? “Father, by the exercise of faith comes spiritual development, one THE CRUCIFIXION,

forgive them; for they know not what they do” [Luke 23:34]. of the great objects of man’s earthly existence; while LEFT:

8 knowledge, by swallowing up faith, prevents its exercise, thus hindering that development. “Knowledge is power”; and all things are to be known in due season. But premature knowledge—knowing at the wrong time— is fatal both to progress and to happiness. The case of the Apostles was exceptional. They stood in a peculiar position. It was better for them to know—nay, absolutely essential—in order to give the requisite force and power to their tremendous testimony.

Power from On High And yet, even in their case, something more than the seeing of the eye, than the hearing of the ear, than the touch of the senses, was necessary to enable them to know and to testify of Christ’s divinity. Peter knew, before the Resurrection, that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God—knew it by divine revelation; and his brethren of the others, even to all who had faith in Jesus Christ, he Twelve Twelve were entitled to the same knowledge, who had repented of their sins, and had been Apostles were by the same means of imparting it. cleansed by baptism at the hands of those hav- T His special That something besides His appearing to ing divine authority to so officiate; to the end witnesses. As such them in a resurrected state was necessary to that they might receive the Holy Ghost and by they had to know qualify them for their work is shown by the continued obedience win life everlasting. beyond all question fact that after that appearing, and after He that He was what had commissioned them to go “into all the Latter-day Testimony He claimed to be. world, and preach the gospel to every crea- So much for the days of old. Now as to They must know, ture” [Mark 16:15], they were commanded modern times. Joseph Smith, to whom the and they did know, by Him to tarry at Jerusalem until they were Father and the Son revealed Themselves in for they had seen “endued with power from on high” [Luke the early decades of the 19th century, and and heard Him, 24:49]. They obeyed, and the power came through whom the everlasting gospel, with had even been upon them—“a sound from heaven as of a all its ancient gifts and blessings, was restored permitted to touch rushing mighty wind. . . . Cloven tongues like at the opening of this last and greatest of the Him, that they might as of fire . . . sat upon each of them. And they gospel dispensations; Joseph Smith, who with be convinced that were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began Sidney Rigdon saw the Son of God sitting on He was indeed the to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit the right hand of God and gazed upon the resurrection and gave them utterance” (Acts 2:2–4). glories of eternity; Joseph Smith, who with the life. That same power the Apostles gave to Oliver Cowdery beheld Jehovah, even Jesus

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 9 Christ, standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit in the also, out of pure sympathy with His great sorrow. My Kirtland Temple; Joseph, the martyred prophet, who gave whole heart went out to Him. I loved Him with all my soul his life to lay the foundations of this work—he left upon and longed to be with Him as I longed for nothing else. record more than one mighty testimony to the divinity of Presently He arose and walked to where the Apostles Jesus Christ. And tens of thousands of faithful Saints have were kneeling—fast asleep! He shook them gently, awoke rejoiced and are rejoicing in those testimonies, confirmed them, and in a tone of tender reproach, untinctured by the to them by the all-convincing power of the Holy Ghost. least suggestion of anger or scolding, asked them if they could not watch with Him one hour. There He was, with In the Mission Field the weight of the world’s sin upon His shoulders, with the May I add my mite to the mass of evidence upon this pangs of every man, woman, and child shooting through all-important theme? Fifty years ago, or something less, I His sensitive soul—and they could not watch with Him was a young missionary in the state of Pennsylvania. I had one poor hour! been praying for a testimony of the truth but beyond that Returning to His place, He prayed again and then went had not displayed much zeal in missionary labor. My com- back and found them again sleeping. Again He awoke panion, a veteran in the cause, chided me for my lack of them, admonished them, and returned and prayed as diligence in this direction. “You ought to be studying the before. Three times this happened, until I was perfectly books of the Church,” said he; “you were sent out to familiar with His appearance—face, form, and movements. preach the gospel, not to write for the newspapers”— He was of noble stature and of majestic mien—not at for that was what I was doing at the time. all the weak, effeminate being that some painters have I knew he was right, but I still kept on, fascinated by the portrayed—a very God among men, yet as meek and lowly discovery that I could wield a pen and preferring that to as a little child. any other occupation except the [theater], my early ambi- All at once the circumstance seemed to change, the tion, which I had laid upon the altar when, as a youth of scene remaining just the same. Instead of before, it was 21, I accepted a call to the mission field. after the Crucifixion, and the Savior, with those three Apostles, now stood together in a group at my left. They In Gethsemane were about to depart and ascend into heaven. I could One night I dreamed—if dream it may be called—that I endure it no longer. I ran out from behind the tree, fell was in the Garden of Gethsemane, a witness of the Savior’s at His feet, clasped Him around the knees, and begged agony. I saw Him as plainly as I see this congregation. I Him to take me with Him. stood behind a tree in the foreground, where I could see I shall never forget the kind and gentle manner in which without being seen. Jesus, with Peter, James, and John, He stooped and raised me up and embraced me. It was came through a little wicket gate at my right. Leaving the so vivid, so real, that I felt the very warmth of His bosom three Apostles there, after telling them to kneel and pray, against which I rested. Then He said: “No, my son; these He passed over to the other side, where He also knelt and have finished their work, and they may go with me, but you prayed. It was the same prayer with which we are all famil- must stay and finish yours.” Still I clung to Him. Gazing up iar: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from into His face—for He was taller than I—I besought Him me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” ([see] most earnestly: “Well, promise me that I will come to You Matthew 26:36–44; Mark 14:32–41; Luke 22:42). at the last.” He smiled sweetly and tenderly and replied: As He prayed the tears streamed down His face, which “That will depend entirely upon yourself.” I awoke with a was toward me. I was so moved at the sight that I wept sob in my throat, and it was morning.

10 BY HARRY ANDERSON HARRY BY THE ASCENSION, The Moral of the Tale state of Ohio. I continued to write, but it was he greatest “That’s from God,” said my companion for the Church and kingdom of God. I held and most (Elder A. M. Musser), when I had related it to that first and foremost; all else was secondary. T convincing him. “I don’t need to be told that,” was my reply. of all testimonies I saw the moral clearly. I had never thought that The Speaker’s Testimony is the soul’s I would be an Apostle or hold any other office Then came the divine illumination, which illumination under in the Church; and it did not occur to me even is greater than all dreams, visions, and other the kindling and then. Yet I knew that those sleeping Apostles manifestations combined. By the light of enlightening power meant me. I was asleep at my post—as any man God’s candle—the gift of the Holy Ghost—I of the Holy Ghost— is, or any woman, who, having been divinely saw what till then I had never seen, I learned the Comforter, appointed to do one thing, does another. what till then I had never known, I loved the promised by the Lord as I had never loved Him before. My Savior to His President Young’s Counsel soul was satisfied, my joy was full, for I had disciples, to abide But from that hour all was changed—I a testimony of the truth, and it has remained with them after was a different man. I did not give up writing, with me to this day. He had departed. for President Brigham Young [1801–77], hav- I know that my Redeemer liveth. Not even ing noticed some of my contributions in the Job knew it better. I have evidence that I home papers, wrote advising me to cultivate cannot doubt; and this is why I am found what he called my “gift for writing” so that I among those who tonight unfurl the slogan might use it in future years “for the establish- for which we stand, possessing and proclaim- ment of truth and righteousness upon the ing an individual testimony of the divinity of earth.” This was his last word of counsel to Jesus Christ. ■ me. He died the same year, while I was still in Published in Improvement Era, Jan. 1926, 219–27; punctuation, capitalization, and spelling the mission field, though laboring then in the modernized.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 11 Come, Lord SIMON DEWEY, BY Jesus HIS NAME SHALL BE CALLED WONDERFUL, AMERICAN FORK, UTAH FINE ART, COURTESY OF ALTUS From the Church production of Simply = 72–84 Savior of the World: His Birth and Resurrection C WW 3 C ! 4 C C C C C B C C C C C B O 1. Come,C Lord Je - sus, to the man - ger; MayC we see thy ten - der face? 2. Come, Lord Je - sus, to the wound-ed, Bro - ken heart and bend - ed knee. 3. Come, Lord Je - sus, great Re - deem - er, Light of morn - ing from the East. WW ! 3 C C C C C C B C C C C C 4 C C C C C C C CC C C C B C C C C C g gC #WW 3 CC C C C O C C C C O 4 C C O C C C C C C C O C C WW C C C ! C C C B C C C C GreatC Cre - a - tor, here a strang - er, In - fantC inC this hum - ble place.B O Worth - y Lamb, Thy love un - bound - ed, Bid our souls to rest in Thee. We will be Thy chil - dren ev - er; Dry our tears, all weep - ing cease!

WW C C C ! C C C C C C C C CB C C C C C C C B C C C C C C B C C #WW CC C C C C C C C C B C C C C C W C !W C C O C C C B C C C C C B Dark-ness scat - ter,h morn- ing swell; Come,C dear Lord Im - man - u - el. Come in glo - ry to the earth; Come to us to rule and reign. Come in glo - ry to the earth; Come to us to rule and reign. W g W C C CB O C C C C C C C X C C ! CC B C B C C C C C C C C C C CC C C C C #WW B O C C C CC C C C C C

WW C C O g ! C C C C C C C C Come, Lord Je - sus,h to the man - ger;C Come,C O Lord Je - sus, come!B O Rea - dy us to kneel and greet thee; Come, Lord Je - sus, come! Rea - dy us to kneel and greet thee; Come, Lord Je - sus, come! W g g W C C C O C C ! CC BB C C C C C O C C C C B O C C B B C C B O #W C C C O g C C W C C C O B C C C C C C B C C C Savior of the World: His Birth and Resurrection was written and composed under the direction of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many members throughout the Church contributed generously to this work, including David Warner, Cynthia Collier, Erik Orton, Dennis Packard, Sherry Wadham, Timothy Wadham, and David Zabriske. © 2003 IRI. All rights reserved. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommmercial home and church use. This notice must be included on each copy.

12 Could I

BY SUSAN L. MACDONALD

I had been an excommunicated Latter- testimony. She said it was about time I returned. I told her day Saint for 20 years. Then my mother I didn’t believe and that I couldn’t return. After all, I had died, and I found myself wondering if been excommunicated once, and if I ever made another the gospel was really true. mistake I would be “out of there.” She sat quietly for a moment and then wisely replied, “Yes, dear, but if you hen I was 30 years old, I was excommunicated don’t come back, you’re already out of there.” I said noth- from the Church. It was the most devastating ing at the time but pondered this for years. Another W event ever to occur in my life. I tried to stay thought that often came to my mind was the verse in active but was filled with anger and bitterness, and without Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go: Y MODEL the gift of the Holy Ghost it became more and more diffi- and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” cult. Nevertheless, anytime those around me mocked or When my mother died, I felt desperately lost without disparaged the Church, I would be quick to defend it and her and found myself wondering if I would ever see her to correct any misconceptions they had. again. If what she believed was true, I would certainly I remember clearly the day I was riding with my mother never be with her again if I continued to live the way I

in the car and she suddenly told me she knew I had a was. I decided I needed to know for myself. HENRIE, CARY POSED B BY ILLUSTRATED I began devouring the scriptures. I was truly starving to tell me if He was there and second to tell me if the and thirsting for righteousness. I also began attending Church was true. church regularly and found myself overpowered by the I think I have an inkling of the darkness that surrounded Spirit. I spent the first few months crying during every the Prophet Joseph Smith when he prayed in the Sacred meeting. Sometimes the emotion was so intense I didn’t Grove, for a darkness assailed me as I began to pray. It was so think I could bear it. Yet I was terrified of praying to ask if thick I felt almost consumed by it. I closed my eyes more the gospel and the Church were true. At last the time came tightly, dug my fingers into the covers of the bed, and prayed when I could put it off no longer. I went into my bedroom, with all my might. The darkness disappeared as quickly as it knelt by my bed, and pleaded with Heavenly Father—first had come, and in its place came an all-encompassing peace. I felt as if I had been picked up and rocked in the arms of the Savior. In my mind came the message, “You are a child of God, and you have always known the Church is true.” It had not been hard for me to believe that everyone else was a child of God, but the message that I was His child touched me deeply.

went to my bishop and I began my long journey back into the Church. Prayer and scripture study led to baptism and increased blessings.

14 OPPORTUNITIES FOR HAPPINESS

“Jesus Christ the Redeemer . . . has given His life What exhilaration! What joy! I that even in our and excommunicated me. This had wanted to climb to the top of the weakness, we may been a necessary step in my path to highest mountain and shout it to the overcome our forgiveness. It took me so long, and world. Tears streamed down my face, mistakes through repentance and I walked so many dangerous and as I could no longer contain them. obedience to His gospel. Oh, what tragic paths. I am deeply grateful for A family reunion was coming up a favored people we are to have the principle of repentance. I know the next week, and I needed to let this light, this knowledge, these with all my heart that Heavenly everyone know how sorry I was for all opportunities for happiness on earth Father loves me and that His plan is the pain I had caused them for so and throughout the eternities. May a complete plan, that if we listen and many years and to thank them for we commit to share a knowledge of obey we can return to live with Him. never giving up on me, even in the this magnificent work, personally When a General Authority told me worst of circumstances. I wrote a letter or through missionaries, with our that all of my temple blessings had to my uncle, the head of our family. I friends and neighbors that they may been restored and that I would be began to feel better than I had in years. join this kingdom of God on earth, able to attend the temple again, the I went to my bishop and began my and receive the consummate, joy I felt was overwhelming. long journey back into the Church. eternal blessings available to them.” No longer do I spend my time We worked together to accomplish Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the wishing I could go back in the past Twelve Apostles, “He Lives,” Ensign, Nov. the steps that led to my rebaptism. I 1999, 89. and change things. Now I try to live have a strong testimony that each step my life in such a manner that I can in this process is an integral part of undo the harm I have done to my repentance and none can be skipped. family, to other loved ones, and to During this time of repentance, I those I am not even aware of hurt- came to be grateful for the Church CARL HEINRICH BLOCH BY ing. I know with every fiber of my leaders who had listened to the Spirit being that I have been forgiven. I know what it feels like to be without the Holy Ghost as well as how it feels to have this precious gift, and I IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE, never want to be without it again. ■ Susan L. MacDonald is a member of the

DETAIL FROM DETAIL Ralston-Lavista Ward, Omaha Nebraska Papillion Stake.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 15 16 saw a pillar I of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which Joseph descended gradually until it fell upon me. Restorer of Truth “. . . When the light rested upon n a single stunning moment, 14-year-old Smith President Lorenzo Snow me I saw two Joseph Smith learned a great truth about (1814–1901) Jesus Christ that had been lost for cen- Personages,

BY DAVID LINDSLEY DAVID BY I “We testify to the whole turies: that the Savior, though perfectly one whose brightness world that we know, by divine in purpose with God the Father, is in fact a and glory defy separate and distinct personage with a glo- revelation, even through the rified physical body of His own. The Prophet manifestations of the Holy all description, PROPHET OF THE LORD, PROPHET OF THE LORD, Joseph Smith had other personal experiences Ghost, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the standing above with Jesus Christ while translating the plates living God, and that he revealed himself to that would become the Book of Mormon me in the air. Joseph Smith as personally as he did to his and while in the Kirtland Temple. Through One of them Joseph many other lost doctrinal truths apostles anciently, after he arose from the about Christ were restored. tomb, and that he made known unto him spake unto me, During December we celebrate not only these heavenly truths by which alone calling me by the Savior’s birth but also the birth of the mankind can be saved” (Deseret News, name and said, prophet who was the instrument to restore 31 Jan. 1877, 834). to earth a true understanding of Jesus Christ pointing to the and the glorious fulness of His gospel. Follow- ing are some latter-day prophets’ testimonies President Joseph F. Smith other—This is of Joseph Smith’s mission in restoring the (1838–1918) My Beloved Son. “The day will come—and knowledge of Jesus Christ and His gospel, Hear Him!” as well as excerpts from the Prophet Joseph it is not far distant, either— Smith’s own words testifying of Christ. when the name of the Prophet (Joseph Smith— Joseph Smith will be coupled History 1:16–17). President Brigham Young with the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, (1801–77) the Son of God, as his representative, as his “All that Joseph Smith did agent whom he chose, ordained and set apart was to preach the truth—the to lay anew the foundations of the Church

gospel as the Lord revealed it of God in the world, which is indeed the KAPP GARY BY to him—and tell the people Church of Jesus Christ, possessing all the how to be saved, and the honest in heart ran powers of the gospel, all the rites and privi- THE FIRST VISION, THE FIRST VISION, together and gathered around him and loved leges, the authority of the Holy Priesthood, him as they did their own lives” (Deseret and every principle necessary to fit and qual- News, 10 Aug. 1864, 859). ify both the living and the dead to inherit

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 17 eternal life, and to attain to exaltation in the kingdom of these latter days” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. God” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 134). Clyde J. Williams [1996], 371).

President George Albert Smith President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) (1870–1951) “God has in very deed revealed Himself “To my mind one of the strongest testi- from the heavens. He did raise up the boy monies of the divinity of the life of our prophet. . . . Savior is the testimony of Joseph Smith who “Joseph Smith has done more for the laid down his life as a witness of the truth of salvation of men in this world than any the gospel of Jesus Christ” (Journal History of The Church man who ever lived in it, except the Master (see D&C of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 19 Dec. 1926, 4a). 135:3). He stands at the head of this dispensation—the greatest gospel dispensation of all time—and all the world President David O. McKay (1873–1970) will someday come to realize that he is in very deed a “The peace and happiness of mankind prophet of the Living God” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft lie in the acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Benson [1988], 131–32). Redeemer of the world, our Saviour. The principles of the restored gospel as revealed President Gordon B. Hinckley to the Prophet Joseph Smith are the surest, “How great indeed is our debt to him. safest guide to mortal man” (Man May Know for Himself: . . . It was he who brought us a true knowl- Teachings of President David O. McKay, comp. Clare edge of God, the Eternal Father, and His Middlemiss [1967], 383). Risen Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. During the short time of his great vision he President Joseph Fielding Smith learned more concerning the nature of Deity than all of (1876–1972) those who through centuries had argued the matter in “Joseph Smith is the revealer of the learned councils and scholarly forums. He brought us the knowledge of Christ and of salvation to the marvelous Book of Mormon as another witness for the liv- world for this day and generation. . . . I, for ing reality of the Son of God. To him, from those who one, want to be numbered forever among held it anciently, came the priesthood, the power, the gift, those who seek counsel and authority and blessings as the authority, the keys to speak and act in the name of they have come from this great prophet whom the Lord God. He gave us the organization of the Church and its raised up to commence the restoration of all things in this great and sacred mission. Through him were restored the final, glorious gospel dispensation” (quoted in Joseph keys of the holy temples, that men and women might Fielding Smith Jr. and John J. Stewart, The Life of Joseph enter into eternal covenants with God and that the great Fielding Smith [1972], 364). work for the dead might be accomplished to open the way for eternal blessings. . . . President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) “He was the instrument in the hands of the Almighty. “No man can accept Jesus Christ as the He was the servant acting under the direction of the Lord Savior of the world, no man can accept this Jesus Christ in bringing to pass this great latter-day work. as His church, the Church of Jesus Christ, “We stand in reverence before him. He is the great unless he can accept Joseph Smith as God’s prophet of this dispensation. He stands at the head of mouthpiece and the restorer of His work in this great and mighty work which is spreading across

18 SHARING restoring sacred World together. THE PRICELESS gospel truths in this Additional GOSPEL dispensation. The copies of Joy to the If only we could copy of Joy to the World in both DVD help our friends of World on DVD that and video formats the earth. He is our prophet, our revelator, our seer, our other faiths see the comes with this are available for friend. Let us not forget him. Let not his memory be for- great strength that magazine (for purchase through gotten in the celebration of Christmas. God be thanked comes from having subscribers in the distribution centers, for the Prophet Joseph” (“A Season for Gratitude,” Ensign, living prophets and United States, on the Internet at Dec. 1997, 2). apostles to bear Canada, the British www.ldscatalog.com, unshakable witness Isles, Australia, and or by calling and teach the ful- New Zealand) 240-3800 (in The Prophet Joseph Smith’s Testimony ness of the the Salt Lake City “We [Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery] gospel of area) or saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork Christ! 1-800-537- of the pulpit [in the Kirtland Temple], 5971 (in the before us; and under his feet was a paved United States work of pure gold, in color like amber. and Canada only). The DVD “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head is item no. was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone 54065. The above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the video in sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of VHS Jehovah, saying: format “I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I is no. Now we 53644. The am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the have a powerful can PAL format video Father” (D&C 110:2–4). new tool for shar- help us bear wit- (used in the United “For while we [Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon] ing that witness ness of the Savior Kingdom, Ireland, were doing the work of translation, . . . with others, the and His restored Australia, and New “ . . . the Lord touched the eyes of our understandings DVD and video truth. Zealand) is item no. and they were opened, and the glory of the Lord shone presentation Joy to The Joy to 56644. Also avail- round about. the World. the World DVD able are pass-along With the rest of is designed to be cards (item no. “And we beheld the glory of the Son, on the right hand the Christian world, shared in a spirit of 36878) that mem- of the Father, and received of his fulness. . . . during the holidays friendship and love. bers may use to “And now, after the many testimonies which have been we celebrate the Giving a copy to a invite friends and given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give birth of the Savior prayerfully selected acquaintances to of him: That he lives! Jesus Christ. As acquaintance is a receive their own “For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and Church members, great way to free copy of Joy we also remember express what you to the World. we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only the birth of the believe. Even better Find time Begotten of the Father— Prophet Joseph is to sit down with this season to “That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds Smith, the Savior’s those friends and share something are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are instrument for view Joy to the priceless. ■ begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:15, 19–20, 22–24). “And this is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness; out of the heavens bore record unto us— “That through him all might be saved whom the “That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified Father had put into his power and made by him” for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify (D&C 76:40–42). ■

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 19 CATCHING THE VISION OF MissionaryMissionary Our ward made a specific effort to double the results of our missionary efforts. Here’s how it worked.

BY BRIAN JENSEN about a college roommate he’d had who e have seen a ward come alive with spent so much time preparing to study that missionary work,” Bishop Gary M. he never really got down to studying.” The WStout of the Fair Oaks Third Ward in bishopric decided to hold a special com- California said as he reported to the stake pres- bined meeting of the priesthood, Relief ident on ward members’ efforts. Ward mem- Society, and youth on the fifth Sunday of bers had shared in an effort to double the “Last year [1998] there that same month, and this meeting results of their missionary labors, as President were approximately would reflect a specific missionary Gordon B. Hinckley has challenged the Church 300,000 convert effort. This was not to be just another to do.1 When our ward tried to respond to baptisms throughout training meeting on why or how we President Hinckley’s challenge, I was serving as the Church. . . . It is should share the gospel; this was to ward mission leader and witnessed firsthand wonderful. But it is be an opportunity to actually do it. the blessings that come when we follow the not enough. I am not The Apostle James, who so power- counsel of Church leaders. I also caught a being unrealistic fully taught that faith is alive only glimpse of what the prophets have foretold when I say that with when accompanied by action, said it regarding the great harvest of souls to take concerted effort, with this way: “But be ye doers of the word, place in this last dispensation. recognition of the duty and not hearers only” (James 1:22). which falls upon each “We first agreed as a bishopric A Specific Date of us as members of to invite our nonmember friends, It began one Saturday evening when our the Church, and with coworkers, and family members,” stake presidency held a meeting with all of the sincere prayer to the explained Bishop Stout. “We chal- bishops and ward mission leaders in the stake Lord for help, we lenged the ward council to do likewise. and their wives. The purpose was to convey could double that I made a challenge to the ward mem- President Hinckley’s vision of missionary work, number” (Gordon B. bers in sacrament meeting to be bold urge us to set specific goals, and motivate us to Hinckley, “Find the and invite their friends, family, and achieve them. The following day, Bishop Stout Lambs, Feed the coworkers to come and join us for a and his counselors discussed how to imple- Sheep,” Ensign, special program concerning the family.” ment the instructions we had received. May 1999, 105). In the few weeks leading up to the Recalled Bishop Stout, “One of my wise special meeting, ward members counselors, Brother Ruggles, spoke up and told worked diligently to prepare for the

20 WorkWork PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL VANDENBERGHE PAUL BY PHOTOGRAPHY

Bishop Gary Stout (left), with his first counselor, Stan Ruggles, helped move the Fair Oaks Third Ward to action, challenging members to invite family, friends, and coworkers who were not members to a special Sunday meeting. event. Although I am sure many of us felt a itself. As ward mission leader, I worked with brief moment of hesitation, almost immedi- the ward and full-time missionaries to plan ately a confident enthusiasm began to spread ways to get people there. Prayerfully we set among members. This was primarily because a goal for the number of investigators we Above: Carolyn of the obvious commitment and excitement wanted to bring to the meeting. Danford returned to full of the bishopric. Each of them exuded an activity in the Church infectious desire to make this meeting a suc- A Specific Goal after accepting an cess. They even wore little tags with the I thought back to my mission, when a invitation to attend words “BE BOLD.” visiting Apostle and my mission president the special Sunday In every Church meeting and nearly every instructed us to commit to specific actions meeting. Below: Scott prayer, we received reminders about the fifth- and ask for specific blessings when approach- and Michele McKee, Sunday meeting and our challenge to invite ing Heavenly Father, rather than praying in here with three of their our friends. Priesthood and auxiliary leaders vague generalities. At the time my companion children, spoke on the helped the bishopric prayerfully establish and I were serving in a struggling branch with importance of family. objectives and plan an agenda for the meeting declining attendance. After only 13 people showed up to our Sunday meetings, we prayed and asked Heavenly Father to help us bring 30 people to sacrament meeting the next week. Fifteen minutes before that sacrament meet- ing ended, a family of four we had baptized sat down on the front row, making a total of 30 in attendance. At that moment, the Spirit acknowledged to me that this was a specific answer to our specific prayer. Applying this principle to our special fifth-Sunday meet- ing, the full-time and ward missionaries decided on a spe- cific request. Ordinarily, we would have felt that having more than two or three investigators in church was a very successful Sunday. However, the bishopric had talked Jarrod Morgan works on holiday crafts with his family about having as many as 20, 30, or 40 in attendance, so we at a ward party. Jarrod performed at the missionary prayerfully set a goal to have at least 30 investigators meeting, sharing his testimony with those in attendance attend the special meeting. We committed to pray daily for through song. the Spirit to motivate our fellow ward members to open their mouths and invite their friends, neighbors, and family seeing the joyful expressions on the faces of ward mem- members. Of course we discussed some of the people we bers who introduced their guests. would invite. We also pledged to come to the meeting fast- The program was beautiful. Without a doubt, the Lord ing with this purpose in mind. Finally, we visited families in magnified the efforts of all who sang, spoke, and testified the ward to help them determine specific individuals and about the plan of salvation and the role of the family within families they could invite to the meeting. the plan. And while we are accustomed to uplifting talks The most exciting thing that occurred in those three and musical performances, it seemed those who partici- weeks was that people actually did it—they opened their pated felt an increased focus and sense of purpose as they mouths. They simply explained to their friends that we shared their testimonies in word and song. From the tears were having a special meeting about families and asked in the eyes of many of our visitors, I could tell they too felt them to come. To their joy and, in some cases, shock, the influence of the Holy Spirit. many people said yes. This was fuel for the fire. Within a As I counted the visitors scattered throughout the pews, short time many ward members discovered that it is not so I once again felt the Spirit confirm that Heavenly Father had hard after all to share with their friends something that is heard and answered our specific, faithful plea. According to so important to them. They also discovered that when we our best determination, 36 people who were not members do what the Lord has commanded us, He opens the way and 19 less-active members had joined us for the meeting! for us to succeed (see 1 Nephi 3:7). Perhaps most impor- tant, they discovered that sharing the gospel is enjoyable. Long-Term Results That was more than two years ago. With the passage Results of time, I recognize more and more blessings that have When the fifth Sunday of the month finally came, a stemmed, directly and indirectly, from that exciting near-tangible energy was felt in the congregation during experience. First, several of the investigators present sacrament meeting and Sunday School. And when the time in the meeting have joined the Church. For example, for our special meeting arrived, the ward reaped the fruit Nate Pennington, along with his wife, Cathy, a less-active of its labor. Into the chapel walked active members of the member of our ward, began attending other meetings Church with friends who were not members or were less and activities from time to time. As a result of sustained active. As I greeted people at the door, I appreciated fellowship and specific prayer, roughly a year and a half

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 23 services. Our ward is making a habit of boldly approaching those who are not already included in our great ward family. Under the inspired direction of their priesthood lead- ers, ward members have helped develop a ward finding list. This is a master list of 100 names of friends, neighbors, and family members we feel might embrace the gospel someday. Some of them still may require much more preparation, but we have committed to think about these special people, pray for them, and seek revelation to know how to help lead them step-by-step to eternal life. With this goal in mind, more Less-active members and some who are not members come ward members are to nearly every ward activity, like this ward Christmas party approaching me for sug- with a children’s nativity presentation. gestions as to which less- active members they can after that meeting Nate joined the Church. invite to our meetings or Equally important, a number of the less-active Saints how to approach certain who returned to church that day have remained faithful neighbors about the and now hold callings. Sister Carolyn Danford, in particu- gospel. More and more, lar, who had not attended church for three decades, has Conducting a thriving temple the focus of ward mem- hardly missed a Sunday service since that day. Despite her preparation class, Jack Clark bers has turned outward. reserved nature, she now participates in class discussions helps ward members prepare And as my own family can and enjoys full fellowship within the ward. to enter the temple. testify regarding friends of While not all our guests immediately began investigat- other faiths, the Lord is ing the gospel in earnest, several are still on the gradual answering our prayers, both by opening their hearts and path leading to that point. For instance, one promising showing us how to proceed. family has agreed to participate in a family history project in our area. This is another opportunity for them to inter- Our Confidence Has Grown act with the Church and cultivate the seeds that were While we are grateful for current success, I believe the planted in their hearts. Another entire family is scheduled greatest effects of that special meeting remain to be seen. to receive the missionary discussions in the home of the The people who attended that first meeting represented friends who brought them to church last year, and I am only a fraction of those invited. But among those who confident many others will yet seek further knowledge declined that first invitation, many expressed a desire to about the gospel. join us in the future. In every case our friends now have a A few months after the meeting, our ward conducted greater understanding of who we are as Latter-day Saints another such Sunday activity with similar results. Although and know that we are anxious to share with them the spiri- not every Church function bears so much fruit, we routinely tual treasures we have. Our confidence as members has enjoy the company of new friends. Less-active members and grown from exercising faith and witnessing the Lord’s some who are not members come to nearly every ward activ- blessings. By responding to a call, we may have benefited ity, from barbecues and dances to firesides and baptismal as much as the guests we invited to church. I feel certain

24 BRINGING FAMILIES TOGETHER t started something for our whole family,” says Cathy Pennington. “I had not been Iactive for a long time. This meeting helped me realize that living the gospel was something I needed to be doing, something our whole family needed to be doing.” the ripples caused by one bishop’s bold chal- Cathy’s husband, Nate, who was not lenge will continue to touch many lives as we a member, agreed to bring his family to the build on this momentum. Above: Primary children special fifth-Sunday meeting after they were The Lord has said to each of us, “And thou decorate cookies at a invited by one of the ward members. Nate was must open thy mouth at all times, declaring ward social. Below: After impressed by the message and touched by the my gospel with the sound of rejoicing” (D&C attending the special Spirit. “The meeting really sparked my interest,” he says. “I knew it was time that I needed to 28:16). President Hinckley has pointed out Sunday meeting, the look into the gospel. I needed to make some that we have tremendous opportunities to Pennington family important choices for my life. And we needed to reach others.2 Those of us who have already underwent a mighty make some important choices as a family.” embraced the gospel have a great privilege change; Cathy became Nate and Cathy began attending other Church and responsibility to share it. The words of our active again and her meetings and activities. They also began the California Sacramento Mission motto express husband, Nate, was missionary discussions in their home. Nate this opportunity well: “Now is the time. This is baptized. accepted the invitation to be baptized and the place. We are the ones.” We just became a member of the Church on 23 February need to be bold in declaring the 2002. “This ward has been extremely open and ■ friendly to me and my family,” says Nate. “They good news of the gospel. Brian Jensen is a member of the Fair are true examples of people with Christlike love. Oaks Third Ward, Fair Oaks And the bishop has been tremendous.” California Stake. NOTES Six months later, Nate had the blessing of 1.See “Find the Lambs, Feed the baptizing his son, Matthew. “It was really Sheep,” Ensign, May 1999, 105. 2.See Ensign, May 1999, 108. a great experience for both of us,” says Nate. “It was a wonderful moment to share with my son.” Cathy speaks of Matthew’s baptism as a fulfillment even beyond her greatest hopes. “To have Nate worthy to hold the priest- hood and then to have him baptize Matthew was extraordinary, some- thing I could hardly have ever hoped for.” Now Cathy is serving with the Young Women, and Nate is serving with the Young Men of the Fair Oaks Third Ward. After finishing the temple preparation course, Nate and Cathy, along with their two children, Matthew and Emma, received the sealing ordinance in the temple on 15 March 2003. ■ TESTIMONIES OF

Though our circumstances vary, the prophetic promise is the same: family home evening will bless and improve our lives.

uring general conference of October 2002, President Gordon B. Hinckley stressed the importance of con- Dsistent family home evening. “We are fearful that this very important program is fading in too many areas,” he said. “This program was begun back in 1915, 87 years ago, when President Joseph F. Smith urged the Latter-day Saints to set aside one evening a week devoted specifically to the family. It was to be a time of teaching, of reading the scriptures, of cultivating talents, of discussing family matters. . . . In the increasingly frantic rush of our lives it is so important that fathers and mothers sit down with their children, pray together, instruct them in the ways of the Lord, consider their family problems, and let the children express their talents. I am satisfied that this program came under the revelations of the Lord in response to a need among the families of the Church. “If there was a need 87 years ago, that need is

26 certainly much greater today” (“To Men of the Priesthood,” My First Family Home Evening Ensign, Nov. 2002, 58). When we started investigating the Church a few years On these pages, Church members from various cir- ago, some families in the local ward invited us to join them cumstances share their testimonies of how family home for family home evening. We were unable to attend, but evening has blessed their lives. the invitation raised our curiosity, and we asked the mis- sionaries many questions about the program. More Than We Thought Possible After we set a baptismal date, we decided we wanted to Years ago as we were listening to general conference, have a family home evening of our own. We invited the it struck us as interesting when Elder LeGrand R. Curtis missionaries and the families who had previously extended of the Seventy said, “We have found that the child who us the invitation. is rolling on the floor during family home evening lis- Even though we really didn’t know what we were tens and learns more than we think possible” (“Hap- doing—we hadn’t attended a family home evening yet and piness Is Homemade,” Ensign, Nov. 1990, 13). had never read any literature on the subject—we experi- Several weeks later, our seven-year-old daughter, enced a wonderful, Spirit-filled, educational evening. We Brittany, was giving the lesson during home evening. Our opened with a prayer, then sang a song of our choosing— three-year-old, Alex, was behind the couch playing with “Old McDonald Had a Farm”! Next we had a lesson, a clos- some small toys, and since this was keeping him quiet, ing prayer, and dessert. The member families we had we allowed him to stay there. invited were so kind and loving, and we were blessed by Brittany began relating a Book of Mormon story. In their fellowship and examples. her nervousness she forgot the name of one of the char- When we were baptized the following Sunday, a sister acters. “Nephi and his brothers went back to Jerusalem,” in the ward gave us a priceless gift, the Family Home she said, “to get the brass plates from . . . um . . . um . . . ” Evening Resource Book (item no. 31106; U.S. $5.00). “Laban!” said a small voice from behind the couch. We I pleasantly remember her gift today and sometimes were astonished. Not only were we surprised that Alex laugh out loud wondering if someone told her we really was paying enough attention to follow the lesson, but he needed this book! Whatever the case, I’m sure this sis- was familiar enough with the scripture story to supply the ter was in tune with the Spirit and knew the growth our forgotten name! family would experience with this tool in our home. The experience reminded us that we often don’t real- We have used it not just for family home evening but ize the impact of what we teach in family home evening. also as a resource when we’ve been asked to speak or Whether they are toddlers “rolling on the floor” or bored- teach in Church settings or when friends of other faiths looking teenagers who act like they’d rather be some- have asked us questions. place else, what our children are learning is “more than As converts to the Church, we testify that family home we think possible.” evenings have strengthened our family.

ILLUSTRATED BY STEVE KROPP BY ILLUSTRATED Jenell Hansen, Kutztown Ward, Reading Pennsylvania Stake Jo and Kevin Lucke, Brunswick Second Ward, Kingsland Georgia Stake

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 27 Led by a Four-Year-Old much he wanted to have a family night, we had a simple After I joined the Church several years ago, my wife and gathering with scripture reading, questions, and family I had a difficult time holding family home evenings. When prayer the following week. To my amazement, even our we married, my wife had a 15-year-old daughter and a four- four-year-old understood the scriptures we studied and year-old son, and I wasn’t sure how to approach having asked intelligent questions about them. Our experience home evenings with them. So we just didn’t have them. was wonderful. Then one Sunday after church our four-year-old asked Today we continue to have home evening each week me why we didn’t have family home evening. Apparently because, thanks to our son, we have gained a solid testi- he had learned of its importance in Primary and was anx- mony of its importance. We now have a third child, and ious to get started. I was put off at first, but when I saw his we have seen the fruits of consistent home evenings in enthusiasm and desire, I hesitantly told him we’d have one the increased closeness and unity of our blended family. the following evening. I humbly add my testimony that family home evening is All day long he talked of nothing else. “Isn’t it great that one of the integral ways of fulfilling the directives outlined we’re going to have family home evening!” he said over in The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Even if the and over. Well, things got busy, time grew short, and children don’t fully understand the principle being we didn’t end up having it that night. I completely taught, they do feel the spirit of our family meet- underestimated the devastation it would ings and will grow up knowing we care cause our son. He was disap- about them and desire to spend pointed and moody for days. time with them consistently. After trying to raise his E.Torrey Wickman, Puyallup Ward, Puyallup Washington spirits, only to hear how Stake

ne Sunday after learning about Ofamily home evening in Primary, my four-year-old son asked if our family could have one.

28 The First Priesthood Blessing Our “Family” When our oldest child began About 10 years ago, when many of the school a few years ago, I decided older adults without children in our ward that consistent family home were having a hard time holding regular evenings in our home were long home evenings, several of us realized how overdue and it was time to commit much it would enrich us to form a home to them. After all, we are responsi- evening group. With the approval of our ble for showing our children the bishop, two sisters called everyone in the way back to our Heavenly Father. ward that fit this category, and we began I saw immediate blessings in our meeting Monday nights. We take turns variety of older adults home! Our family and individual goals hosting home evening in our homes. plus a variety of Monday were given so much more emphasis and Ranging in age from our 40s to our evening activities equals purpose as each family member was given A 70s, we’re about as diverse a group as you 10 years of belonging. a voice and as we discussed Heavenly can imagine, with a delightful assortment Father’s plan. Although I was surprised at the immediacy of personalities. Some of us have known each other for of the blessings, I definitely expected them because of the years; others are new to our “family.” promises of modern-day prophets. We’ve had many spiritual evenings. Some lessons are What I did not expect was the effect that family home given from Ensign articles; others are from personal expe- evening would have on my less-active husband. What a per- riences shared by the host member, such as experiences fect opportunity it has been for him to understand more working in the temple, family history research, or mission- about the basic doctrine of the Church in a close-knit family ary service. Other nights we’ve taken turns sharing what setting, where he is more willing to learn and participate. membership in the Church means to us, talked about the As we have discussed the blessings and responsibilities of talents we see in one another, or invited new families in the priesthood as a family, he has warmed up to these princi- the ward to join us for dinner so we can get to know them. ples. A few years ago we had a lesson from the Family Home As a group we also give service once a month, working Evening Resource Book titled “The Priesthood in Our in the bishops’ storehouse, delivering fruit baskets to Home.” At that time I was in the ninth month of a preg- nursing homes, or assisting a member of the ward who nancy and very anxious about the delivery. That night my needs service. In December we decided to give Christmas husband gave me the first priesthood blessing he had ever gifts to ward families in need. We asked the bishop to given on his own, a blessing of comfort. Family home give us a list of family needs and clothing sizes. evening gave my sweet husband an opportunity to use his Through the years we’ve continued to invite others with- priesthood and experience the positive effect it had on out children at home to attend our family home evenings. me and on our children through his example. We now even have two women of other faiths who come! As the Spirit of the Lord permeates our home, I have Words cannot express the fellowship and love we have noticed my husband being more in tune with what is developed for one another. We have stood by each other appropriate for our family and what is not. I have seen his through joys and sorrows, through life and death. Just as mind opened and his heart softened, and I attribute this prophets have promised, family home evening is truly an to our weekly family home evenings. I am thankful for inspired program that blesses all who participate. ■ the divine inspiration behind such a promising program. Nancy B. Dunton, Greensboro Guilford Ward, Greensboro North Giovanna Underwood, Sarasota Ward, Brandon Florida Stake Carolina Stake

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 29 irtland K Restored

Newly restored historic sites help us envision how the Church flourished and suffered here between 1831 and 1838.

nce again an ashery stands on Stoney Brook, just as it did when O early Latter-day Saints settled in Kirtland. The ashery (background) is one of several buildings rebuilt by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of the restoration of historic Kirtland, Ohio. The Prophet Joseph Smith (right) moved the newly organized Church from New York to Ohio in 1831. The small home (far right) of early converts Newel K. and Elizabeth Ann Whitney had a summer kitchen on the back, a single bedroom on the main floor where Sister Whitney’s aunt frequently stayed, and an open half-story up- stairs where Newel, Elizabeth Ann, and their children slept.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN; JOSEPH SMITH, BY ALVIN GITTINS

30 ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 31 Started by Newel K. Whitney, the ashery (background) was essential to the entire com- munity’s economic well-being. Townspeople turned their wood, field, and hearth ashes into a useful resource at the ashery. River water was used to leach lye from the ashes, which was then processed into potash (bot- tom inset) and sold for about U.S. $100 a bar- rel. Potash was an important ingredient in making items such as soap, glass, paper, gun- powder, and leather goods. From 1833 to 1836, the focus of the Saints was the building of the Kirtland Temple (top inset), now owned by the Community of Christ. The Prophet’s brother Hyrum began the work by using a scythe to level the stand- ing grain on the site while others took down the rails of a fence. Later, workers cut stone from a nearby quarry (center inset). Heavenly manifestations accompanied the temple dedi- cation. On 3 April 1836, the Savior appeared in the temple to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Then Moses, Elias, and Elijah appeared and restored priesthood keys.

32 ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 33 East Branch Chagrin River Family History Center Historic Kirtland Kirtland-Chardon Road Smith Road Stoney Brook Ohio

Whitney Store

Whitney Home Whitmer Road Visitors’ Center

State Road 306

Johnson Schoolhouse Inn

To Kirtland Tem Ashery ▲ Sawmill

N ple

➜

The above map shows historic Kirtland as it has been restored. The sawmill (background) was built by Latter-day Saints on Newel K. Whitney’s property but was a Church mill rather than a private operation. It provided the cash-poor Church a means of building the temple in the style dictated by the revelations. It also provided jobs for the many Latter-day Saints arriving in Kirtland. A waterwheel (top inset) powered the saw and lathe. Lumber from this mill was used for the temple and other buildings. The original sawmill burned down in the early 1850s. The schoolhouse (center and bottom insets) was a center of activity. Schoolchildren played ball, a game called mumblety-peg, and marbles in the school yard. School supplies included a spelling book, a reader, an arith- metic book, and a slate. Students carved their own pencils from soapstone. On Sundays, the Saints often met in the schoolhouse for Church meetings.

34 ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 35 Newel K. Whitney, with his general store (background and center inset) and ashery, was well established by February 1831 when the Prophet Joseph and Emma Smith arrived. The Whitneys generously made their resources available to the Church. While living in the store (top inset), the Prophet received many important revelations now recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants. And it was in an upper room of the store that the School of the Prophets met. Truly, in Kirtland the Lord helped the Prophet lay the foundation for the Church. John Johnson operated an inn (bottom inset) near the Whitney store. Although they eventually left the Church, the Johnsons were early converts who had a significant impact for good. ■

36 ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 37 38 Teaching children how to make good dress styles and social demands change dramatically. decisions is one of the greatest gifts Expectations are also changing at church and at home. we can give them. At church 12-year-olds are introduced into the Young Women or Aaronic Priesthood programs. At home parents BY GARTH A. HANSON may want their children to remain dependent, while at the hen I was serving as a bishop some years ago, same time they expect them to begin acting like adults. a young woman approached me about receiv- This is a very confusing time for children and parents alike. Wing a recommend for her temple marriage. Children this age need help knowing how to adjust to their She walked into my office with the eagerness and bright new adolescent situation while still doing what is right. countenance that every parent hopes for in their chil- At 16, teenagers in some areas enter a second decision- dren. She looked me straight in the eye and said, making stage by getting their driver’s license. This allows “Bishop, I have been preparing for this interview for them to travel outside their neighborhood more frequently the past eight years. Early in my experience in Young on their own. Young people this age are also old enough to Women, I made the commitment to the Lord that I date. As 16-year-olds become more independent, arguments would be worthy when I presented myself to my bishop with their parents may proliferate over what they can and to ask for a recommend for temple marriage. I have kept cannot do. Teens this age want to make good decisions but that commitment. I am truly worthy.” may feel overwhelmed by the new independence and I was thrilled with her confidence and also with the suc- choices now available to them. cess of her parents and the Young Women program. She The third stage comes with the completion of high answered all of the temple recommend questions with the school. That is when an 18-year-old begins to enter the same bold yet humble confidence. She truly was ready and world of adulthood. Making decisions becomes increas- worthy to go to the temple and be sealed to her soon-to- ingly challenging as young people face choices about be husband. This young woman had her challenges in life college, moving away from home, financial support, indi- but had kept her promises to herself and to the Lord. vidual Church activity, and serving missions. All of these What is it that brings a young person to this point? factors change relationships with parents, friends, and As I reflected on our interview, I realized it was the good ward members. decisions this young woman had made throughout each Decisions made at this stage are critical because they season of her life. affect not only the immediate future but also the rest of a person’s life. How can young people make such impor- Decision-Making Stages tant “adult” decisions when they are just beginning to As children mature, they go through various developmen- reach maturity? tal stages that bring change. Along with these changes Between the ages of 21 and 24, young people continue to come increasingly difficult choices. In the United States, the grapple with critical decisions as they make their final adjust- critical decisions of youth seem to come between ages 12 ment into adulthood. Young men return from missions, young and 21. The age may vary in other areas. Let’s look at the women decide if they are going to serve a mission, and both decisions young people typically face during this period. genders are typically beginning, continuing, or completing Children encounter their first decision-making stage at their education. This is also a time when many make decisions about age 12. When elementary or primary school ends, chil- about careers and marriage. Decisions in young people’s lives dren must choose for the first time their own classes in middle have always been important, but now they seem to affect life

ILLUSTRATED BY DILLEEN MARSH BY ILLUSTRATED school or junior high. And, as young people mature physically, for a much longer period of time than before.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 39 3. Know what their parents expect of them. 4. Have some say in family decisions as they grow up. 5. Respect and are respected by their parents. 6. Recognize the value of gathering available informa- Good tion, getting counsel, and seeking spiritual direction in decisions made in making key decisions. each of these stages of growth seem to build on one Helping Children Acquire These Characteristics another and, if made consistently, As a parent, how can you instill these characteristics in over time yield positive outcomes your own children so they are more likely to make good in a person’s life. On the other hand, decisions, no matter what age group they are in? The fol- a single poor decision can, in an instant, lowing suggestions provide at least a partial answer to negatively affect a person’s life for years to come. this question. Some choices can even affect future generations. 1. Bring the Spirit into the decision-making process by living the gospel. Pray about decisions in family prayers, Gathering and Processing Information and encourage your children to pray about decisions in A very young child gathers data from a single source— their personal prayers. Priesthood blessings would be the family. Information gathered in those early years from appropriate as needed. other sources, such as peers or school, can often be influ- 2. Find as many ways as possible to interact with your enced or even overridden by parents. As the child grows, children at all ages. Establish basic practices in your however, influences from outside the family grow stronger family that will encourage conversation, interaction, and and parental influence can weaken if the child has not had teaching opportunities. Such practices include family experience making decisions with the help of the family. prayer, scripture study, weekly family home evenings, Getting children through each of the four critical periods shared meals, abundant family activities, and church of their young lives depends greatly upon how well we attendance as a family. teach them to gather information from appropriate 3. Regularly interview your children individually. sources, process that information, and trust themselves Begin with a prayer; then ask your child questions that in making good decisions. will encourage him or her to discuss, make, and evaluate decisions. Such questions might include: How are your Characteristics of Good Decision Makers relationships with friends? Are you embarrassed by any- Teaching children how to make good decisions is one thing we do as a family? What financial and transportation of the greatest gifts we can give them. As a parent of four needs do you have? grown children and in my vocation and Church service, 4. Provide appropriate advice as children make deci- I have worked with young people for nearly 40 years. sions in each stage of their development. Let them know During this time I have made some observations about how you feel about the choices before them and the youth and the decision-making process. possible outcomes. Provide less advice on less significant Young people who, for the most part, make good decisions as children mature so they can practice the decisions typically: decision-making process. Know that your children are 1. Have confidence and feelings of self-worth. more capable of making good decisions than you realize. 2. Are comfortable being with their families. Let them try what you’ve taught them.

40 LET’S TALK ABOUT IT 1. If you have children in any of the age groups discussed in this article, share with them a difficult decision 5. Hold regular family councils. Invite all the chil- you had to make when you were their age. Ask them if they are dren to participate in family decisions. Follow up on facing similar difficult decisions in their lives. Talk about what they can decisions made in earlier family councils by evaluating do to make correct decisions. together the results of those decisions. Let the children 2. Read together the six characteristics of good decision makers listed see that their opinions matter. in the article. Have your children rate themselves on each of these char- 6. Treat your children with respect throughout their acteristics while you also rate each child. Compare your answers. lives. When you do so, they will respect you in return, If any of your children rate themselves low on a characteristic, even though at times they may cause you grief. Interact- discuss what you might do to help with ing and teaching without respect can bring negative re- improvement in that area. sults. Children who see their parents’ respect and sacrifice for them are more likely to honor their parents’ desires, which leads to better decisions. 7. Teach your children to gather good information. Encourage them to get to know teachers, bishops, Church leaders, and other good counselors. Then ask them to share that information with you as they make important decisions. Good decisions come at some price, but decision mak- ing is a skill that can be learned and improved. If we use teaching opportunities such as family home evenings, family prayers, scripture reading, individual inter- views, family councils, and constant interaction, our children will be better prepared to make decisions that can lead to peace and happiness. ■ Garth A. Hanson is president of the România Bucharest Mission. \BY ANNETTE PAXMAN BOWEN t was the day before Christmas. Lights and ornaments gleamed from our IChristmas tree in the corner window, and the pine aroma filled our home. Packages of various shapes and sizes were wrapped in bright paper and adorned with jauntily tied bows and colorful Christmas stickers. From the stereo came the refrains of Christmas As I stood at our window looking carols. In my pantry, red and green canisters at our new neighborhood, tears contained treats and goodies: divinity, fudge, slipped down my cheeks. We iced Christmas cookies, candied pretzels, were surrounded by strangers. and brownies. The refrigerator had ingredi- ents for delicious holiday meals: fresh cran- berries, a turkey and a ham, mushrooms for stuffing, chestnuts for roasting. We had sent carefully selected gifts to loved ones in faraway cities. Our cards had been mailed with greetings and wishes. I had surprises for my husband and three boys to discover in the morning. But I was not yet ready for Christmas in the way that counted: instead of feeling joy and excitement, all I felt was heartache, home- sickness, and loneliness. We had recently moved to a new state, and I acutely missed my family, old neighborhood,

ILLUSTRATED BY RICHARD HULL BY ILLUSTRATED and dear friends.

42 As I stood at my window looking at the houses of my He would not take no for an answer, and I couldn’t come new neighbors, tears slipped down my cheeks. We were up with a good enough reason why we shouldn’t continue surrounded by strangers. the tradition. We had plenty of goodies. I had green paper I said a quiet prayer: “Please, help me somehow get plates and red tissue to wrap them in. the Christmas spirit. I’ve done everything I can think of, “OK,” I told him. “You’re right. It is a tradition. Now go and I’m still sad.” count the number of houses down to the corner and back Moments later, my oldest son came bounding up the across the street.” stairs. “Hey, Mom! When are we taking treats around to the He called for his brothers to join him, and I quickly neighbors?” In our former neighborhood, we had assembled what we’d need. The boys bounced back through traditionally filled baskets with home- the front door and announced that we’d need 12 gifts. made goodies and delivered them along Within the hour, we had our little red wagon full of with a carol on Christmas Eve. 12 brightly wrapped plates of the best samples from our “Oh, honey. We can’t do that this year. kitchen. Since we knew no names of our neighbors, we’d We don’t know these people. We haven’t added tags that said simply, “Merry Christmas! From your even met most of them.” new neighbors, the Bowens.” Then I listed our names, “So? What difference does that make? We’ve always taken address, and phone number. stuff to our neighbors on Christmas Eve. It’s a tradition!” I was nervous as we walked up the hill to the first house. I had the boys stand in front of me on the door- step. They weren’t hesitant at all. As the door opened, the boys started to sing the simple lines of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and I joined in halfheartedly. I was surprised when the attractive woman standing in the doorway started to sniffle. “Oh, thank you!” she exclaimed. “I’ve never had anyone do anything like this for me in my life! I’ve dreamed of moving into a neighborhood where people did things like this. We just moved in from Spokane.” It turned out her family had preceded us to Bellevue, Washington, by one week. At the next house, the family responded by bring- ing out huge gingerbread cookies for my boys.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 43 They introduced us to their two and thanked us profusely for the teenage children, who offered gift. As we walked back down their services as baby-sitters. the driveway, the boys were Cars filled the driveway of the thrilled to have heard someone next home. A party was obviously speak another language and going on, so I suggested we skip were fascinated by the evidence that house. The boys wouldn’t of her Chinese culture. hear of it, so up the stairs we Across the street, we met went. As we sang, a whole clan a young couple with a little came into the hall to listen. The toddler and a family with a pre- couple who lived there intro- schooler who could be a play duced us to their grown-up sons pal for my youngest son. These and daughters who were gathered families were pleased to meet with their spouses and children to spend s I looked us and promised to visit or contact us soon. Christmas Eve with them. The family’s obvious out the As we walked back to our home, pulling love for one another reminded me of my parents, A window, our empty red wagon behind us, we sang brothers, and sisters. As I fondly remembered I was grateful my more of our favorite carols. My husband’s car times when we had gathered at my parents’ home, son had insisted was in the driveway; he had arrived home love and appreciation began to squeeze out my we continue our from work. He stepped out on the porch and loneliness. I felt comforted as I realized I would be family Christmas called to us, “Where have you been?” part of such gatherings again in the future. tradition. My oldest son answered, “Where do you Next, a warmhearted, grandmotherly woman think? We’ve been taking treats to the neigh- hugged my children after we sang at her door. She bors! And Dad, we’ve met the coolest people.” called her husband to join her and insisted we sing another “Merry Christmas, honey!” I said exuberantly. I was now carol. “Children are the secret ingredient of a magical full of Christmas cheer. “We’ve been out making friends.” Christmas,” she told me. “Thank you for sharing yours with That night, after we’d eaten our traditional dinner, us. They are angels!” She stood in her doorway and waved made long-distance calls to the grandparents, hung the to us until we were well on our way. stockings, read the beautiful Christmas story from the No one answered at the next door or the next, but we scriptures, left out cookies and milk for Santa, said a fam- left our gifts on their porches. ily prayer, and tucked the boys in bed, I returned to the An Asian woman timidly opened the next door. We front room to look at the Christmas tree. Visible through noticed pairs of shoes and beautiful embroidered satin the window, our neighbors’ Christmas lights gleamed like slippers neatly lined up along the hall. We sang our song stars through the darkness. and then tried to introduce ourselves, but she interrupted I thought of that first Christmas star and felt grateful by motioning for us to wait a minute. Using a foreign lan- that my son had insisted we continue a family tradition by guage, she called up the stairs to someone. Soon a young serving the strangers on our street. “Merry Christmas,” I man joined us, and he interpreted for us. He explained whispered as I looked out my front window at the homes of that his mother was from China and did not speak our new friends. Their Christmas lights twinkled in reply. ■ English. They owned and operated a restaurant in town. Annette Paxman Bowen is a member of the North Bend Ward, He wrote her name and phone number on a card for us Renton Washington North Stake.

44 BY GLENDA ANDERSON even something small. How could I express my hen new neighbors moved into a house heartfelt sorrow to this family? I knew their up the street, I was mindful of hearts were broken, and this time I deter- W the hardships faced by the mined not to be afraid to reach out. previous family who had lived there “I can make rolls,” I thought. and regretted the missed opportu- “They have to eat sometime, nity to serve them. and rolls are easy to make.” I The mother of the previous knew that baking rolls would family had been diagnosed with not compensate for the loss leukemia. At the time, she was of a child, but it was some- the Young Women president, thing I could do to show my and though I attended church love and concern. When I regularly and lived close by, I did went to their home with my not know her or her family well. humble offering, I realized They were new to the ward, and that my visit offered a small I was busy rearing six sons. When bit of consolation—the rolls I heard about her terminal illness, I were not necessary, but they yearned to help, to say something had given me a reason to visit. consoling, but I felt inadequate and Since this experience, I have uncomfortable reaching out to I realized how often my fears someone I did not know well. C Ehave prevented me from serving Now, with a new family moving A Kas the Savior taught. It is important in, I determined to become friends. They N MAto show we care—through visiting teaching, were warm and loving, and the friendship grew home teaching, or visiting during a time of need. At easily. Soon after their arrival, however, a tragedy first, we may wonder what to say, but the Spirit of the occurred—the couple’s baby died from Sudden Lord will guide us if we put aside our fears and reach Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Remembering my out to others (see Moses 6:32). ■ hesitancy to reach out during the previous sister’s Glenda Anderson is a member of the Spring Creek Ward, time of need, I wondered what to do—anything, Laramie Wyoming South Stake.

RROOLLLLSS REIER MATTHEW BY PHOTOGRAPHY ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 45 eNOTxvx|äx ROOM ENOUGH\ àTO Members share insights and blessings and a generous fast offering, the Lord can bless us tempo- they have received from paying tithing. rally and spiritually. Rafael Barcellos Machado, Parque Pinheiro Ward, Santa Maria Brazil Stake ach year we have the opportunity to attend tithing settlement and privately review with our Trusting Him Ebishop or branch president our payment of Two months after I was baptized, I told the sister mis- tithing. At this time we can begin again with a resolve sionaries that I had not yet paid any tithing. I was out of to pay an honest tithe. work and didn’t have enough money to last the month. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,” com- The sisters read the Lord’s promise to open the windows manded the Lord, “. . . and prove me now herewith, . . . of heaven, and I felt the Holy Ghost testify to me, “Trust if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour in the Lord.” you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough I felt so happy the next day when I paid tithing on the to receive it” (Malachi 3:10). What spiritual and temporal small amount I had. During the next week, I found a blessings come pouring into our lives through heavenly job. I am so happy to know that if we trust in the Lord windows thrown wide open when we pay tithing? Church Jesus Christ, He will do miracles for us. members from around the world share their testimonies Ivanka Ivanova, Sofia Tsentralen Branch, Sofia Bulgaria District and experiences. More Than We Deserve Guided to Return As the only Church member in my family, I had to over- Almost four years ago, I went to live with my father, come many obstacles to serve a full-time mission. One of a faithful member of the Church for 20 years. I had not these was financial, and I spent countless hours looking for been attending church at all and knew little about the jobs so I could earn enough money for my mission. Finally gospel. I found a job watching over someone’s home. Although I Gradually I began going to church. Then one Sunday made only a small amount, I managed to pay tithing. Then at stake conference, I heard Elder Adelson de Paula I found another job teaching English to three children. It Parrella, an Area Authority Seventy, give a talk about more than doubled my salary, and I could keep both jobs. tithing. Although I didn’t understand much about this What a blessing! After working for some months—always law, Elder Parrella spoke with such confidence, faith, paying my tithing—I finally received my call to serve in the and spirit that I decided to pay tithing from that day Cambodia Phnom Penh Mission. forward. Sometimes I think of the Lord as a master and myself as When I began to pay tithing and offerings, something one of His servants. If I am a lazy servant who does noth- marvelous began to happen in my life. The Spirit began ing but sleep, eat, and entertain myself, will He be able to to fill my heart, and like the prodigal son, I was guided to reward me? No. But if I labor diligently, will our Master return to the true gospel path. The Lord even blessed me withhold His blessings from me? No. He will reward me so greatly that I was able to serve as a missionary in the more than I deserve. And if we are obedient to the law of Brazil Fortaleza Mission. tithing, how generous will our blessings be then? He has I know that when we are faithful in paying our tithing said that there will not be enough room to receive them (see Malachi 3:10; 3 Nephi 24:10). This is the Lord’s won- he Lord has promised that when we pay our derful promise to all who pay tithing. tithing, He will “open . . . the windows of Eng Bun Huoch, Ta Khmau Branch, Phnom Penh Cambodia South ILLUSTRATED BY DON SEEGMILLER BY ILLUSTRATED T heaven, and pour you out a blessing.” District ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 47 of heaven when we pay tithing. “Now is the time to give my faith a test,” I thought. I withdrew some money from the bank and placed it in a tithing envelope. I felt a little hesitant, but summoning my courage, I gave the envelope to my branch president. Although I felt reluctant to let go of the enve- lope, I decided to leave the matter in God’s hands. Just a week later, I received a telephone call informing me that our insurance com- pany would soon be sending a check. “For how much?” I asked. The amount was many times more than the tithing I had paid. I know that when we are faithful, God will never forsake us. Lu Chia, BYU Chinese Ward, Brigham Young University Sixth Stake

y mother Putting Faith to the Test had to be When I joined the Church in Taiwan as Blessed with Peace Madmitted to a teenager, paying tithing was not difficult When I was baptized in 2001, I began pay- the hospital. I was because I had little income. After I graduated ing tithing every month. Then just eight sorely worried about and began working, it became a little harder. months later, my husband passed away. I her and also about There were always so many things to buy and became a widow with two small children at how we would pay so little money to buy them with. But each home and one son on a mission. Although for her care. The year at tithing settlement, I could honestly my financial problems were serious, I never following Sunday I tell the branch president that I had paid a stopped paying tithing. I have been blessed remembered I hadn’t full tithe. with more and more work, which has en- yet paid my tithing Then last year my mother had to be abled me to earn more money. But even that month. admitted to the hospital intensive care unit. more important, because I pay my tithing I was sorely worried about my mother and I always feel at peace with the Lord. also about how we would pay for her care. Today my small house seems big and The following Sunday I remembered I hadn’t comfortable. I feel calm with my two little yet paid my tithing that month. Thinking I children. I will never stop paying tithing would need all my money to pay the hos- because I know the Lord has blessed me pital, I decided to put off paying my tithing not only with physical and spiritual health until the next week. As Sunday approached but also with wisdom and peace. once again, a small voice reminded me that Josefa Margarida dos Santos Fontes, Rio Grande da the Lord has promised to open the windows Serra Ward, Ribeirão Pires Brazil Stake

48 We Couldn’t Afford Not to Pay It and I sang in a music competition. I prayed hen my After my wife, Jean, and I were baptized that our music would touch the judges’ brother on 27 October 1957, we did not start paying hearts. My prayer was answered when two W and I won tithing right away as we should have. I of the judges were touched in such a way a cash prize in a thought we had too many debts and too that they cried during our performance. And music competition, little money. I should have known that we I was thrilled when we won second place and I knew I should pay could not afford not to pay it. received a cash prize. tithing on my share. When a year passed, we were expecting After my brother and I had divided the My family was having our third child. We had just purchased a prize money, I remembered what I had financial problems, new house and also had several more debts. learned about tithing—that the Lord’s 10 and they argued that About this time, my wife said, “We need to percent should be paid to the branch presi- I shouldn’t pay 10 pay our tithing.” I did not know how we dent. My family was having financial prob- percent to God. could because we had no money left after lems, and they argued that I shouldn’t our expenses, but I said, “We will do it.” And pay 10 percent to God. we did. We had already moved into our new house, but the loan had not yet closed because the street and the driveway were not finished. It soon began to rain and rain and rain some more. As a result, the work on the street and driveway was delayed. The loan did not close, so we had no house payments. By the time the work was finally com- pleted, the mortgage company had lost the loan papers and seemed in no hurry to find them. When the papers were finally found, we had lived in our house for six or seven months without making a single payment. We were able to get ahead on some of our other payments during this time. Things have not always been financially easy for us, but we have never stopped pay- ing our tithing. We call this experience a blessing from heaven. Henry Hardnock, Midland Second Ward, Odessa Texas Stake

Happiness and Well-Being When I was 20 years old and investigating the Church in Ulan-Ude, Russia, my brother fter a lady But one of the branch members showed Sharing the Blessings gave me a me how to put my money in a tithing enve- Once when our children were young, A bag of apples, lope. And I felt happy when I gave my first I decided to test the Lord’s promise by our neighbor’s young tithing to the branch president, believing that paying our tithe, even though I didn’t know son asked me, “Could Heavenly Father would not let my family die where we would get money to buy food. I I have just one?” When for lack of money to buy food. didn’t mention our plight to anyone. the Lord had given so That evening, a friend of my mother’s To my surprise, my parents soon came much to me and mine, came to our home. She wanted to help us to visit, bringing with them enough meat, would I also share and gave us more money than I had paid. potatoes, and bread to last us a very long with others? That experience helped me very much. I was time. But this wasn’t all. Our oldest daughter baptized six weeks later and am now serving had a work-study assignment at school. Her a full-time mission. assigned workplace was a sandwich shop, I know that our happiness and well-being and at the end of the week, she received are influenced by how honest we are in pay- permission to bring home sandwiches for ing our tithing. And my family now has the the whole family! same opinion too! “Now we just lack some fruit,” I thought Sister Marita Ivanova, Russia Samara Mission to myself. And that afternoon, returning from biking, I saw a lady putting apples into a bag. “Would you like to have these?” she asked. Surprised, I said that I would like them very much indeed. Just then our neighbor’s young son came by. When he saw the delicious apples, he asked, “Could I have just one?” I held the bag out to him, and he chose one. Thanking me, he hurried away, his eyes shining with happiness. I thought afterward that the Lord must have wanted to test me too. When He had given so much to me and mine, would I also share with others? I did—and have tried to do so ever since. Jytte Christiansen, Fredericia Ward, Aarhus Denmark Stake

Tithing First After graduating from high school, I got a good job as a secretary at the university and was able to help Papa support the fam- ily. He had been the only one in the family

50 working, and it had been hard for him to support four of us in school. We had sometimes gone without necessities. Then when I was 18, my father died unexpectedly. My mother could not work because she was ill, and as the oldest I would have to support the family. One day when I was upset because I hadn’t made enough money to cover all our expenses, I remembered the promise in Malachi. I prayed to Heavenly Father, reminding Him that I was paying a full tithe, even when I lacked money for food. Later that day the bishop came to visit, bringing food and help. Never in all the time I was supporting my family did the Lord fail me. When my brother became old enough to serve a mission, he wanted to stay home and work to help pay for tithing, and we always did. Every month we supported my household expenses. But we felt he should took our tithing out first. We didn’t have family for six go, so he quit his job and left for a mission. everything, but we didn’t suffer either. I years, then The following month, my salary was raised. Two years after we married, my husband married a wonderful The whole time he was on his mission, my died in a traffic accident. Now once again I man in the Guayaquil family never lacked for anything. I received a support my own family. But I have a good Ecuador Temple. Our scholarship and was able to study to become job, and I know that if I continue to live the goal was always to a commercial engineer. During this time our law of tithing, my young son and I will have pay tithing first. We shoes lasted longer, our clothes didn’t wear what we need. With all my heart I know didn’t have every- out as quickly, and we didn’t get sick as that the Lord will never forsake me and that thing, but we didn’t often. He will continue to pour out blessings— suffer either. After supporting my family for six years, I not only temporal but also spiritual. ■ married a wonderful man in the Guayaquil Karina Vanegas Barcia, Monay Branch, Cuenca Ecuador Temple. Our goal was always to pay Ecuador Stake

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 51 teach us wise financial management. Prepare by Living Providently Tithing payment does not release us from the necessity of living within our and Paying Tithes and Offerings means. Family happiness is not deter- mined by things. It does come from rayerfully select and read that difficult times will come—for the husbands and wives working together, from this message the scrip- Lord has foretold them. . . . But if we communicating, and solving prob- P tures and teachings that meet live wisely and providently, we will be lems” (women’s conference, the needs of the sisters you visit. Share as safe as in the palm of His hand” Herriman, Utah, 8 Feb. 2003). your experiences and testimony. (“Welfare Services: The Gospel in Invite those you teach to do the same. Action,” Ensign, Nov. 1977, 78). How Do Tithes and Offerings Help Us President Gordon B. Hinckley: “We Prepare Spiritually and Temporally? What Is Provident Living, and How have been counseled again and again Malachi 3:10: “Prove me now Can It Bless Our Lives? concerning self-reliance, concerning herewith, . . . if I will not open you President Spencer W. Kimball debt, concerning thrift. . . . the windows of heaven, and pour you (1895–1985): “‘Provident living’ . . . “. . . Let us have some food set out a blessing.” implies the husbanding of our re- aside that would sustain us for a time President N. Eldon Tanner sources, the wise planning of finan- in case of need. But let us not panic (1898–1982), First Counselor in the cial matters, full provision for nor go to extremes. Let us be pru- First Presidency: “Tithing is . . . a com- personal health, and adequate prepa- dent in every respect. And, above all mandment with a promise. If we obey ration for education and career devel- . . . let us move forward with faith in this commandment, we are promised opment, giving appropriate attention the Living God and His Beloved Son” that we will ‘prosper in the land.’ This to home production and storage as (“The Times in Which We Live,” prosperity consists of more than mate- well as the development of emotional Ensign, Nov. 2001, 73). rial goods—it may include enjoying resiliency. . . . Bonnie D. Parkin, Relief Society good health and vigor of mind. It “Let’s do these things because they general president: “The advertising includes family solidarity and spiritual are right, because they are satisfying, industry is very effective in changing increase” (“Constancy amid Change,” and because we are obedient to the our wants into needs. The tempta- Ensign, Nov. 1979, 81). counsels of the tions are often overwhelming to Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Lord. . . . It is true acquire more than we can afford. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: regular payment of tithing should help “Contributing a generous fast offering blesses the givers richly and allows them to become partners with the Lord and the bishop in helping relieve suffering and fostering self-reliance. . . . Perhaps we should evaluate our offerings and decide if we are as gen- erous with the Lord as He is with us” (“Inspired Church Welfare,” Ensign, May 1999, 78). ■ ILLUSTRATED BY SHERI LYNN BOYER DOTY BOYER SHERI LYNN BY ILLUSTRATED 52 PARABLES OF JESUS

“I Am the True Vine” “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” ( John 15:5).

BY ELDER ANTHONY R. TEMPLE the vines were planted along the hillsides, Area Authority Seventy and the vineyards were carefully fenced to North America Northeast Area keep out unwanted animals or people. The arly in our marriage, my wife and vines were cultivated and pruned so that they I planted a garden. We knew little would yield as much fruit as possible. Eabout gardening, but we thought the Pruning is probably the most important back corner of our yard looked fertile. And part of growing grapes. Branches not pro- indeed it was. In one area we planted banana ducing fruit are cut off. When a vine’s main squash. The squash vines grew almost with- branch reaches a certain size, it is cut back by out any effort on our part until they stretched taking off the tip to force the development of some 40 to 50 feet (10 to 15 m) along the top side shoots. Such pruning and shaping halt We must derive our of a long fence. The squash were enormous. the growth at the tip of the branch and send spiritual nourishment

BY CARL HEINRICH BLOCH, COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL HISTORIC MUSEUM AT FREDERIKSBORG IN HILLERØD, DENMARK FREDERIKSBORG IN HILLERØD, MUSEUM AT HISTORIC COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL CARL HEINRICH BLOCH, BY It was an incredible result for novices. nourishment into the new branches. Then, as from Jesus Christ. He is In the scriptures we often read about vine- these side branches develop, each produces the source of all truth yards and grapevines. But growing grapes is as much fruit as the single vine had pro- and of all goodness. THE LAST SUPPER, not as easy as growing squash. It takes the duced. The sturdy center stalk of the vine, right climate and skilled cultivation to main- rooted deep in the soil, provides the nourish- tain a fruitful vineyard. ment to all of these long, fruit-bearing spurs. Grapes were an important part of early Hebrew culture, and the tablelands and hills Symbolism of the Vineyard and the Vine in the Holy Land provided an ideal place for Vineyards have often been used symboli-

ILLUSTRATED BY CARY HENRIE; DETAIL FROM HENRIE; CARY DETAIL BY ILLUSTRATED grapevine cultivation. The land was groomed, cally in the scriptures. In the book of John,

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 53 the Savior used the grapevine as a metaphor to explain “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in the nature of His relationship with those who would be me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for His disciples. without me ye can do nothing. Prior to leaving for Gethsemane, the Savior taught the “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, Apostles how they must live if they were to continue to and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into be His disciples. Among the things He taught during that the fire, and they are burned. sacred hour was that their lives must be entirely grounded “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall in Him and in His teachings: ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:1–2, 4–8). away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, In this allegory are two important principles: First, we that it may bring forth more fruit. . . . must be grounded in Christ. If we are not, we will not be “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruitful (see v. 4). If our lives are not in harmony with the fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, teachings of the Savior, it is no more likely that we will bear except ye abide in me. good fruit than that a branch cut off from a vine will bear

54 ur pruning comes in Oa variety of ways. We may fruit. Second, even when we are living righ- develop an illness or In a weak moment, I even wondered teously, we still need the Gardener, who knows physical limitation. whether I had made the right choice to us so completely and sees beyond what we see, We may find sorrow devote so much time to the Church. Then so that He can purge, or prune and purify, us in relationships or I decided I needed to focus on what was (see v. 2). While at times this pruning may seem experience personal truly important. I began to look not only hard to bear, it is only through this process that loss. Yet what at my capabilities but also at my limita- we will become more fruitful. initially might seem tions. I could see that the time I was Our pruning comes in a variety of ways. to be a sad event can spending in Church service was necessary We may develop an illness or physical limita- help us grow if it and that I probably wouldn’t have been tion. We may find that our expectations are causes us to rely able to manage both the employment not fulfilled. We may find sorrow in relation- more on the Lord position I had sought and my Church ships or experience personal loss. Yet what and to rethink our calling. initially might seem to be a sad event can help priorities. I think the Lord was telling me I had to us grow if it causes us to rely more on the choose and would have to keep choosing. Lord and to rethink our priorities. Such diffi- To have chosen to devote extra time to cult experiences can make us more fruitful, my employment so I could get the promo- or more like the Savior—our true vine. tion would have disengaged me from the Lord’s work. As I look back, I can see what An Experience with Pruning a blessing it was for me to devote so much of my time to Throughout my life I have had ample need for pruning. the Church. The ensuing years were some of the most For example, a few years ago I expected to receive a com- rewarding of my life. I felt closer to the Lord. My testimony pany promotion. I felt I had the experience, skills, and was strengthened. My relationship with fellow Saints in longevity required, and I hoped the choice was obvious. the area was a great blessing, and I am sure I became At that time there was a new top manager in our com- more fruitful than I would have been otherwise. pany who had different priorities and goals than I did. Among other things, he expected all senior managers to Firmly Rooted to Christ work weekends in addition to weekdays. I was a stake We can expect that we will be pruned throughout our president then and knew that to best serve the members lives. How wonderful it is to know that an all-wise Father is of my stake, I needed to spend a certain amount of time watching over our development and that He is nurturing fulfilling my Church responsibilities. us through His careful husbandry. When the hoped-for promotion never occurred, I We must derive our spiritual nourishment from Jesus had to struggle to keep myself from feeling bitter. What Christ. He is the source of all truth and of all goodness. a disappointment! I determined just to keep going, to Without Him we can do nothing (see John 15:5). When try to do things as well as I could, and to maintain a posi- we focus on Christ and His gospel, we are filled with His tive demeanor. Yet my sense of self-worth had been light. Then the fruits of the Spirit are made manifest in us, challenged. My abilities had been called into question. and the blessings come (see John 15:7; Galatians 5:22–23). Other Church leaders I knew seemed to capably manage If we seek to achieve our full potential, let us daily think of both demanding Church callings and time-consuming Christ and emulate His example until we become firmly employment. rooted to Him, the True Vine. ■

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 55 Safely Anchored by Words of the Early Apostles Love “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18).

BY ELDER H. ROSS WORKMAN Of the Seventy s a beginning sailor, I was warned of world is in commotion. Fear grips the hearts a great danger and how to avoid it. of millions; rebellions, terrorism, famine, and AWhen mooring a boat at anchor, it is disease are rampant. There is no place on essential that the anchor be secure on the sea earth where people are completely free from bottom. If the anchor is placed in coral or if “the perplexities of the nations” (D&C 88:79). the anchor rope is too short, the anchor can The Lord has described our day as a time break free, and the boat will be adrift. when “darkness covereth the earth, and A few years ago, when my wife, Kaye, and gross darkness the minds of the people” If there were ever a I were sailing and scuba diving with some (D&C 112:23). time when people need friends, I saw what happens when that warn- The Apostle John, son of Zebedee, also to be firmly anchored, ing is ignored. As we explored an underwater lived in a time of great commotion. The first it is today. The world is reef, we were shocked to discover the sunken of his three letters is one of the last apostolic in commotion. Fear hull of a sailboat. It had been recently dashed messages of the early Church. His letters in grips the hearts of upon the coral reef, and the sea bottom was 2 John and 3 John are personal messages to millions; rebellions, strewn with wreckage and personal effects. loved ones and echo the warning and coun- terrorism, famine, and It appeared to me that the sunken boat had sel given in his first general epistle. At the disease are rampant. broken free because of a careless anchor time of John’s writing, the winds of apostasy mooring and drifted toward the island, where were already blowing, and the long night of the breaking sea smashed the hull against the darkness was about to descend. reef. How grateful I was that we had heeded the warning and anchored our own boat safely. John’s Warning Speaking to those early Saints, aware of Troubled Times the advancing apostasy, John sounds a warn- If there were ever a time when people ing: “Little children, it is the last time: and as need to be firmly anchored, it is today. The ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even

56 AVE DORÉ AVE BY GUST BY PATMOS, JOHN AT ST. VE LEFT: VE LEFT:

n a day when

ILLUSTRATED BY DANIEL LEWIS; ABO DANIEL BY ILLUSTRATED men are “lovers now are there many antichrists; . . . Many we have no sin, we deceive ourselves” Iof their own false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 1:8). “He that saith, I know him, selves” and “without (1 John 2:18; 4:1). It is a warning that echoes and keepeth not his commandments, is a natural affection” what the Savior Himself had said: “There shall liar” (1 John 2:4). “He that hateth his brother and when “the love arise false Christs, and false prophets, and is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, of many shall wax shall shew great signs and wonders; inso- and knoweth not whither he goeth” cold,” we can find much that, if it were possible, they shall (1 John 2:11). spiritual safety and deceive the very elect” (Matthew 24:24). John also warns that some of those who a sure anchor for John warns that the path to darkness is would lead unwary Saints to error and dark- our souls in love paved with lies, not only the lies told by anti- ness were once in the fellowship of the of God and of Christs and false prophets, but the lies of Saints, saying that “they went out from us, our fellowmen. those who deceive themselves. “If we say that but they were not of us” (1 John 2:19).

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 57 These last epistles of the first apostolic era were Love Is the Key addressed to those who had accepted the gospel of We know that God loves us. The supreme example of Jesus Christ, who had the gift of the Holy Ghost. “Ye that love is the gift of His Only Begotten Son: have an unction [anointing] from the Holy One, and ye “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, know all things” (1 John 2:20). Today, members of the because that God sent his only begotten Son into the Lord’s restored Church also have the gift of the Holy world, that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9). Ghost and the light of the restored gospel. But just as “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid darkness was gathering around those early Saints, we down his life for us” (1 John 3:16). are surrounded by a world still in spiritual darkness. The Though God loves us perfectly, He will not force us to deceiver is abroad now as he was then. So the counsel love Him in return. We are invited to “abide” in His love John gave the early Saints is as much for us as it was (see John 15:10), but we must freely choose to do so. The for them. closeness we feel to God depends upon whether or not John’s plea is that the Saints remain faithful, that they we love Him, so how can we show that love? not be seduced by lies. Over and We show love to God when we obey over John equates untruth with the second great commandment: “Thou darkness. In contrast, he says, shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” “God is light, and in him is no (Matthew 22:39). And this command- darkness at all. . . . If we walk ment cannot be kept only within our in the light, as he is in the light, hearts. We show love with our we have fellowship one with deeds. “My little children, let us not another, and the blood of Jesus love in word, neither in tongue; but Christ his Son cleanseth us from all in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). sin” (1 John 1:5, 7). John is emphatic about the importance of loving others. “He that loveth not his Finding Safety in Light brother whom he hath seen, how can he love We have assurance that “the Spirit God whom he hath not seen? And this giveth light to every man” and “every one We show love to God when commandment have we from him, That that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit we obey the second great he who loveth God love his brother also” cometh unto God, even the Father” (D&C commandment: “Thou shalt (1 John 4:20–21). 84:46–47). “The word of the Lord is truth, love thy neighbour as thyself.” John speaks, too, of the special bond and whatsoever is truth is light” (D&C And this commandment cannot of love that should exist among those 84:45). The question is, then, how do we be kept only within our hearts. who are true followers of the Savior: obtain light and truth? We show love with our deeds. “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the “He that keepeth his commandments Christ is born of God: and every one that receiveth truth and light, until he is glori- loveth him that begat loveth him also fied in truth and knoweth all things” (D&C 93:28). that is begotten of him” (1 John 5:1). In other words, Keeping the commandments, then, brings truth and those who have been spiritually reborn in Christ will love light, which are the opposites of the lies and darkness those who have also been begotten of Him. John warns us about. And the first and great command- And John tells us that the Saints, through love, ought ment is to love God (see Matthew 22:36–38). to be willing to sacrifice for one another: “Hereby perceive

58 we the love of God, because he laid down his then reached out for my hand. I trusted him. fter obtaining life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives I loved him, and I knew he loved me. I confi- a secure for the brethren” (1 John 3:16). dently reached for his hand and crossed, A handhold on secure in his grip. As I reached the other side, the opposite side, my Are You Safe? and before he let go of my hand, he asked, friend then reached Some years ago, I had an experience that “Are you safe?” Only when I answered in the out for my hand. made me realize how powerful that principle affirmative did he let my hand go. I trusted him. I of brotherly love is. I was climbing a steep In a day when men are “lovers of their confidently reached mountain with a close friend. We reached own selves” and “without natural affection” for his hand and a place near the top where it was necessary (2 Timothy 3:2–3) and when “the love of crossed, secure in to make a long step across a cleft in the rock many shall wax cold” (Matthew 24:12), we his grip. As I reached face. The step would require a moment of can find spiritual safety and a sure anchor for the other side, and unbalance when the weight of one foot well our souls in love of God and of our fellow- before he let go of planted on solid rock would be shifted to men. As we fulfill the two great command- my hand, he asked, the foot not yet planted securely on the ments, John assures us that we will find “Are you safe?” other side. The cleft was not wide, but the fellowship with the Father: “If we love one drop below was more than 1,000 feet another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is (300 m). perfected in us” (1 John 4:12). And in a time My friend grasped my hand as a counter- that is becoming ever more fearful, we can balance and stepped across. After obtaining come to know personally that “perfect love a secure handhold on the opposite side, he casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18). ■

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 59 however, I received a transfer to The preceding missionaries had Christmas with Rendsburg. My companion, Elder left us a tracting book including the Fadel, and I would be new there, names of several people who said they a Minister and I wondered what the members would like the missionaries to call By Blaine K. Gehring would be like and how we would back. Because people were so busy, celebrate Christmas. finding new contacts at Christmastime t was 1967, and I was serving We soon came to know that the was not very successful, so we thought as a missionary in Hildesheim, Rendsburg Branch had few members these names might be a good place to IGermany. Christmas was fast and little was being planned for Christ- start. We began visiting people on the approaching, and I was excited mas Eve other than a special sacra- because Christmas Eve was a Sunday, ment meeting. Our landlady, a Church y companion and I sat and a wonderful meeting and other member, invited us to join her for din- with Reverend Lübbert appropriate and special celebrations ner on Christmas Day. I thought that Mand asked him about were planned. would be the extent of my Christmas. his ministry. We then talked Two weeks before Christmas, But things soon changed. about our ministry. ILLUSTRATED BY DANIEL LEWIS DANIEL BY ILLUSTRATED

60 list. When we visited the home of Frau their home. Frau Lübbert had pre- Lübbert retired to the living room and Lübbert, we were greeted by a won- pared a goose for dinner, and as closed the large sliding doors. In a derful, cheery lady. She invited us in, she put the finishing touches on the moment she opened the doors and and we learned that she was the meal, my companion and I sat with invited her “sons” to come in. widow of a Lutheran minister, who Reverend Lübbert and asked him As we entered the room, where had passed away earlier that year. Her about his ministry. He talked of how the only light was the soft light com- son was also a minister. He would be he was active in a movement trying ing from the candles on the Christmas home for Christmas, and it would be to bring Christian churches together. tree, Frau Lübbert handed my com- just the two of them sharing their first Many shared that dream, but others panion and me our gifts: some can- Christmas without their husband and were antagonistic and fought the dies and a souvenir book about father. Then, with a sparkle in her movement. Rendsburg. She then gave her son his eyes, she asked if we would join them We then talked about our ministry. presents, and they paused a moment for Christmas Eve. Having no other We told him of the Book of Mormon to remember their husband and plans, we consented. and how the Church had been father. We then opened the Bible to Christmas Eve arrived, and we had restored. We told him of living Luke and read the Christmas story. a lovely sacrament meeting in which prophets, and we talked about Jesus The Spirit touched each of us and wit- we talked about the Savior and lis- Christ and bore witness of Him as our nessed again of the divine message in tened to the Christmas story. As my Savior. No animosity existed among those verses. As we sang Christmas companion and I helped administer us. There was no belittling of one carols, the words bore testimony to the sacrament, we pondered on the another’s beliefs. As I think upon each of us of the love we shared for life the Savior had given for us. it now, the words of 2 Nephi 25:26 Jesus Christ, His life, His teachings, After the meeting we were to meet come to mind. We literally “talk[ed] and the most precious of gifts—His the Lübberts at the Lutheran church. of Christ, we rejoice[d] in Christ” on atoning sacrifice. As we walked through the park, the that Christmas Eve. He was the cen- I don’t believe my feet touched snow was just beginning to fall, and ter of our attention. He was the pur- the ground that night as we made we stopped to watch children and pose of our being together. our way to the bus stop. Santa Claus parents skating on a frozen pond. We As we bowed our heads for a hadn’t come. I hadn’t been rushing saw Christmas lights here and there prayer on the food, Reverend around buying presents. I hadn’t and heard church bells announcing Lübbert asked a blessing on his fellow attended any concerts or seen the Christmas Eve services. servants in Christ, that we would be traditional Christmas movies. My fam- The Lübberts were waiting for us led to those who sought Jesus. The ily was far away, and my packages at their church. We enjoyed a won- meal was wonderful—roasted goose from home were delayed because of derful spirit as we listened to the with all the trimmings and special the transfer. But I was the happiest I minister and as we sang Christmas German desserts. had ever been on Christmas Eve. For carols in a church older than some German tradition is for parents to the first time in my life, Christmas of the carols. Singing “Silent Night” retire to a separate room where the had been totally focused on Christ. in its original language made the tree has been newly decorated and to And the only gift I had given was my occasion even more special. light the candles on the tree. The chil- witness of Him. ■ After the service, we got into dren are then allowed to enter and see Blaine K. Gehring is a member of the East Mill Creek Fourth Ward, Salt Lake East Mill Reverend Lübbert’s car and drove to the tree and their presents. So Frau Creek Stake.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 61 hurried to my parents’ house and saw that my dad could I hardly breathe; he had a tingling in his arm and a horrible pain in his chest. It was a heart attack!

not die. He told me I was the one who should pray. But I had not prayed for many, many days and felt Heavenly Father would not hear my prayer. Wisely, my husband told me it was time for me to ask His forgiveness. I knelt, weeping bitterly. My father was dying on his way to the hospital, and I implored our Father in Heaven not to let him die that Christmas. In desperation I implored the Lord for pray. I didn’t decorate the house as in forgiveness, and a voice whispered “Read Your other years. I didn’t want to remem- in my ear, “Read your patriarchal ber the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. blessing!” How could I think about Patriarchal For me there wouldn’t be Christmas my patriarchal blessing at a time like that year. this? But the prompting continued, Blessing!” Every year my mother holds a spe- strongly urging me to read the By Célia Augusto de Souza cial banquet on 25 December to bring blessing. the family together. But that year as I I stood up, found a copy of my n our home we have a Christmas sat down at the table with everyone patriarchal blessing, and began to tradition of decorating the house else, I couldn’t eat. Everything made read it. And then something amazing Iby the end of October or the me sick. I was so sad and filled with happened. I realized that several beginning of November so that the such bitterness that I hardly partici- times the blessing mentioned that I spirit of Christmas comes sooner and pated in the family conversations, and am a beloved daughter of Heavenly remains longer. But in 1993 it cer- I soon returned home. Father and of my earthly parents and tainly didn’t work this way. Some hours later my brother ran that if I honor my parents on earth, In October I discovered I was preg- to my house to tell me my father was He will prolong their lives, they will nant. I already had two children—a feeling sick. I hurried to my parents’ have the opportunity to see my chil- four-year-old daughter and a two-year- house and saw that my dad could dren grow, and they will rejoice with old son—and we were experiencing hardly breathe; he had a tingling in me in our posterity. a very difficult financial situation. his arm and a horrible pain in his As I read, an understanding came “How will we support another baby?” chest. It was a heart attack! I urged to me. My father hadn’t yet seen my I wondered. When the beginning-of- my brother to take my father to the unborn child, neither had he seen pregnancy nausea started, I found emergency room. this child grow. He wouldn’t die at myself arguing with the Lord, com- I went back home and asked my that moment, I realized. My blessing plaining, murmuring, and failing to husband to pray that my father would was my answer that day. I knelt once

62 again, this time thanking our Father “Are you sure? You’ll be all alone.” thought of our 10 children and of the in Heaven for the very special child— “I’ll be fine.” Christmases we had had together— my son Guilherme—I was carrying. Ken told the dispatcher he would especially the ones when we didn’t Sometimes we are so blind, so self- work Christmas so a young father have their daddy with us. ish! And Heavenly Father, in His kind- could be at home. Another truck So for three days, I read, sewed, ness and love, allows us to learn and driver standing nearby overheard the watched Christmas programs on tele- grow from our trials. I thank Him for conversation. “If you’re going to do vision, ate my solitary meals, looked each day He allows me to live with that,” he said, “I will too. I don’t have at the unwrapped gifts, and spent a my family—with my three dear chil- any children at home.” peaceful and happy Christmas— dren, my husband, and my parents. I So it was arranged. Then another grateful for my husband and his gift know that God lives, that Jesus Christ driver heard about it and volunteered of Christmas to someone else. ■ lives, and that They love me and have to work on Christmas also. So three Norma J. Broadhead is a member of the Millcreek Fifth Ward, Salt Lake Millcreek great patience with me. ■ veteran truck drivers worked for Stake. Célia Augusto de Souza is a member of the three days in some of the worst Vila Sônia Ward, São Paulo Brazil Stake. weather our area had seen, and three en and two other fathers of young children were able veteran truck drivers to stay home with their families. K worked for three days The Trucker’s As for me, I watched the snow fall in severe winter weather to give Gift and knew that although Ken didn’t a Christmas gift to three fathers have to be out in that cold weather, of young children. By Norma J. Broadhead he had made the choice to be. And I don’t have to work on Christmas this year,” my husband, Ken, I said. He was a truck driver, and for many years the children and I had partial Christmases and some late Christmases because of his work. But now all the children were married, and we had encouraged them to spend this Christmas at their own homes as we had done when we had a young family. It took only a minute for me to think of a father who would have to work on Christmas, so I told Ken, “Remember how it was when you couldn’t be with us for Christmas? I’ll be all right if you work and let some father who has small children stay home with his family for Christmas.” ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Christmas benefit concerts. Each family is also invited to bring ● Neighborhood Held at our home in early Christmas goodies to share. At the ● December, the concert is for every- appointed hour, we welcome every- ● Concerts one on our street. Several weeks one to our home. Then with our in advance we deliver invitations, video camera rolling, we record the ● ince our family has moved encouraging all the neighborhood children performing or demonstrating ● often throughout the United children to think about their talents their talents. After the benefit concert, ● SStates and Europe, we wanted and decide on one to share, either the children pass around a donation ● to establish a successful holiday individually or in a group. Our con- container to collect proceeds for a ● tradition that could be done wher- certs have featured a variety of talents, charitable organization in the commu- ● ever we lived. Based on an idea I including musical performances, nity. One year, they collected canned ● read about, we began several years poetry readings, displays goods for the local food bank. The ago to host yearly neighborhood of art projects and ath- children are always thrilled to see ● letic trophies, gym- how their collective efforts can raise ● nastics, and magic substantial contributions. ● tricks. After the concert, we enjoy visiting ● with one another while eating the ● goodies from our potluck refresh- ● ment table. And the children love ● viewing themselves on ● video while they eat. If our Christmas holiday ● season has been too busy to ● accommodate this activity, we have an Easter benefit concert instead. Our concerts have appealed to all ages, even to neighbors whose children are grown. Through the years, this simple activity has helped us build strong friend- ships in our various neighborhoods. In fact, after we have lived a year or two in an area, our neighbors begin to ask, “When are you holding this year’s benefit concert?” Diane Robinson Haines, Crescent Park Fourth Ward, Sandy Utah Crescent Park Stake

64 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● NO MORE LAST-MINUTE LESSONS ● ● ur family rotates the scriptures, thus mak- ● various family ing them more meaningful ● home evening and applicable to our lives. responsibilities.O Too often, To further enhance our ● though, the person in lessons, we suggested ● Simplifying charge of the lesson pro- using ideas from Church ● crastinates or forgets, and magazines, singing Christmas we receive a last-minute hymns and Primary another room to help our ● lesson. songs, or using puppet preschooler. By the time ● t Christmastime do you make To resolve this prob- shows and other games we had finished, she had ● a long list of to-do items? For lem, my husband and I to hold younger children’s prepared her first lesson A many of us, the answer is a decided to periodically interest. by drawing pictures of the ● resounding yes. But we would rather hold a family home We then spread out beautiful things God has ● and began working quietly enjoy a relaxed holiday season, focus- evening to help everyone created for us. The others ● prepare an upcoming les- on our lessons. I went in also had each carefully ing instead on the birth of the Savior. son. The first time we prepared a lesson, without ● Eliminating some of our “must do’s” did this activity, revealing their ideas, and ● can help. Consider making the fol- we discussed were ready for their ● lowing adjustments to your busy how prayer helps upcoming turns. ● Christmastime routine: us seek inspira- Not only does this tion for preparing activity help us to ● Simplify correspondence. Avoid lessons specific have more thoughtful the holiday rush by mailing your ● to our needs. We family home evening ● cards early in December or after then invited each lessons, but it also the New Year to avoid post office family member to helps our children ● crowds. Or, instead, send cards for come up with his acquire teaching ● or her own list of skills they can use Thanksgiving or other occasions ● throughout the year. possible topics. in future Church We also talked callings. ● Shop early. To find a good selection about the impor- Kathy Rose, ● of presents when crowds are minimal, Layton Sixth tance of teaching Ward, Layton bargain shop year-round, or at least effectively from Utah Stake start early. For convenience, consider mail-order and Internet purchases. Trim gift giving for family and Simplify gifts for ward members Scale back decorating plans. close friends. For large families, draw- and neighbors. Where I live, Consider displaying half your holiday ing names and asking for “wish lists” neighbors like to exchange small, decorations one year and half the make Christmas shopping easier. inexpensive gifts. I often purchase next. You will not only enjoy more Cash or gift certificates, magazine ingredients in bulk and work with free time but also add variety to subscriptions, or “tradition” presents family members to quickly assemble your holiday decor each season. (repeat items given yearly) based on our neighborhood gifts. As you prepare for this special the recipient’s hobbies or favorite Prepare and shop for food ahead time of year, try to simplify at least foods are also appreciated. Or rather of time. If you prefer to serve home- a few of your seasonal projects. than exchanging presents, let family made treats during the holidays, Then relax and enjoy the beauty and friends know that you are donat- prepare and freeze them ahead of of this sacred season. ing what money you would have time. Otherwise, stock up on holiday Kerry Griffin Smith, Bountiful Seventh

LEFT: ILLUSTRATED BY JOE FLORES; RIGHT: ILLUSTRATED BY BETH WHITTAKER BY ILLUSTRATED RIGHT: JOE FLORES; BY ILLUSTRATED LEFT: spent on them to charity. goodies that are shelf-stable. Ward, Bountiful Utah South Stake

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 65 Festival of Lights Sparks the Spirit of Christmas By Page T. Johnson he Washington D.C. inside the visitors’ center for serenity and respite from the Temple, a familiar land- the event’s 25th anniversary, world among the twinkling JOHNSON PAGE BY PHOTOGRAPH Tmark in the United and an estimated 150,000 lights. Elder M. David Knight, States capital, is most stun- people drove through the director of the visitors’ center, ning during the Christmas grounds to see the lights. believes that “people’s hearts season, when 300,000 lights From the first week of are softened at this time of sparkle from the trees during December to New Year’s Day year, and the temple becomes the annual Festival of Lights. in January, the nightly activi- a symbol of peace and hope.” This monthlong event has be- ties at the visitors’ center Inside the center, the out- A doll from Russia adorns come a top attraction and include displays, films, and stretched arms of an eight- one of 20 trees in the Christmas tradition in the performances that share the foot-tall Christus statue Washington D.C. Visitors’ Washington area. More than Christmas message while cel- welcome a colorful cross sec- Center. Embassies from one million visitors, including ebrating the world’s diversity tion of the world—people of around the world donated international diplomats, the of cultures and religions. all ages and backgrounds in ornaments for the Festival media, and representatives of Themes of brotherhood, jeans or saris, turbans or base- of Lights. various faiths, have attended goodwill, and shared values ball caps. Washington, D.C., is this event since it began in resonate with visitors who say truly an international commu- wood, clay, tin, crystal, porce- 1978. Last year, the festival they feel a sense of family and nity, drawing people from lain, and amber blown glass. drew nearly 75,000 people peace at the festival. many nations to work in diplo- Each evening’s highlight is Organizers and matic or government assign- a holiday concert in the visi- participants in the ments or in other professions. tors’ center’s 552-seat theater, festival seek the Gracious sister missionaries featuring Church and com- Spirit and inspira- often surprise guests by munity members. Twice each tion as they work speaking to them in their night several musical groups on the festival. “We native languages. Sister Leung, and dancers add their unique began each evening a missionary from Hong Kong, spirit to the season. with prayer,” recalls believes that as we “extend A full-time missionary K. Gary Garff, for- Christ’s love, people feel the couple serves as the visitors’ mer director of Spirit and feel connected to a center directors and plans and the visitors’ center, larger family.” This is a power- supervises the festival, assisted “to invite the Spirit ful message for those far from by other missionaries and staff. so we could build home or country. To open the festival, the center bridges to the Dotted about the center hosts a private lighting cere- community.” are 20 Christmas trees deco- mony and reception. Guests Outside, mis- rated by area stakes. Some include ambassadors, mem- sionaries direct reflect scriptural passages, bers of Congress, and other arriving cars and while four international trees officials. Each year, an ambas- tour buses while a are covered with donated sador and a General Authority helicopter occa- dolls, flags, and baskets from present holiday messages sionally hovers for a the embassies of 84 nations. prior to the Christmas lights

PHOTOGRAPH BY PAGE JOHNSON PAGE BY PHOTOGRAPH bird’s-eye view. For Visitors also view an array of being turned on. Gazing up at a statue of some guests, it is the lumi- beautiful crèches crafted by Others who assist with the Christ, three young girls at nous temple spires against artisans from around the festival include an interna- the Washington D.C. Visitors’ the stark December sky that world. Arranged by the cen- tional advisory group, hun- Center Festival of Lights draw them. Others say it is ter’s Cultural Arts Committee, dreds of volunteers, and face the true meaning of the live outdoor nativity or the exhibit changes yearly and groundskeepers who string Christmas. the wonderful feeling of displays nativities made of the lights with the assistance

66 of area institute members. says, “This event enables and spent the night in a stake Burnham of the Vernon stake. It is an enormous undertak- people from every country to center in New York City. “The other ward [Kelowna ing. But Ann Santini, area feel the Spirit of Christ, and Some visitors to the city also First Ward] put their shoulder director of international we consider our efforts part used the stake center after to the wheel and took the affairs, reflects the feelings of of the Church’s gift to the their electronic hotel keys project on,” said President many participants when she community.” ■ were rejected because of the Burnham. “They did a mar- power outage. velous job of providing assis- In the Grand River Branch, tance and support to those Disasters Test Preparedness Detroit Michigan District, a who needed it. . . . Nobody single mother with two chil- was without a place to stay.” of Members dren offered to bring widows Because an entire ward Power Blackout Blue Water Ward, Grand to her home, where she could was evacuated, Bishop power blackout that Blanc Michigan Stake. feed them from her home Andrew L. Draper of the struck much of the A common observation storage. She also walked to Kelowna First Ward said that Anortheastern United among stake presidents and her neighbors’ houses and the typical emergency calling States and southern Canada bishops was the sense of offered food and assistance. procedure, in which home on 14 August 2003 proved to calm that prevailed among After learning of Lianne teachers check on the mem- be a test of personal and fam- members. “Being fairly well Racioppo, a member in bers they visit, broke down. ily preparedness. prepared certainly made a Toronto who had a home The local meetinghouse was The blackout started late big difference in how we storage program and was pre- open 24 hours a day during in the afternoon, engulfing reacted,” Bishop Kaski said. pared for the disaster, the the evacuation, “so members most of New York State and The blackout was the Toronto Sun interviewed her could come to the Church if nearby parts of New England, largest loss of power in the for a feature article in a recent they had nowhere else to go.” spreading west to Ohio and history of the United States, issue. Lianne, whose husband, Keeping the meeting- Michigan, and reaching across affecting an estimated 50 Silvano, is bishop of the Don house open also provided the border into Ontario, million people. Many Mills Ward, Toronto Ontario local leaders with the oppor- Canada. Some areas had Church members working Stake, told the newspaper of tunity to inventory where power restored within an in Manhattan were stranded the Church’s counsel to pre- members were located during hour, while other areas were by the stalled subway system pare for emergencies. the evacuation. without power for Bishop Draper said that nearly three days. Forest Fire many members also volun- Stake presidents Fueled by dry vegetation, a teered in the community. He throughout the swift-moving forest fire swept gave time at an evacuation affected area said through Kelowna, British center doing registration their members gen- Columbia, Canada, on 22 work, and Latter-day Saints erally fared well August 2003, causing the evac- made hundreds of sandwiches when power was lost, uation of an estimated 30,000 for firefighters who could not leaving them to rely people—including most mem- leave the front lines. on emergency plans bers of the Kelowna Second and home storage. Ward, Vernon British Columbia Hurricane Isabel “A few minutes Stake—and destroying 238 A rare category five at after the blackout homes. her peak, Hurricane Isabel began, I contacted The fire, triggered by a churned out winds of 161 priesthood leaders lightning strike, destroyed mph (259 kph) before weak- to implement our one member’s home, that of ening on its slow path to

72-hour emergency PRESS ASSOCIATED BY PHOTOGRAPH Bishop William R. Spittle of the East Coast of the United plan, which includes Church member Lianne the Kelowna Second Ward. States. On 18 September 2003 verbal communication with Racioppo was featured in More than 150 members Isabel made landfall at Drum each family, paying particular a local newspaper for her fled their homes with as little Inlet, Outer Banks, North attention to widows, children, knowledge of personal as 20 minutes’ warning. “Some Carolina, as a category two. and the disabled,” said preparedness after black- literally grabbed 72-hour The storm then passed Bishop James Kaski of the outs in Canada. kits,” said President Kent G. through Virginia, Washington,

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 67 D.C., Pennsylvania, and up “We watched the tree were very involved in the redeveloped. Plans include into Canada. New Jersey and swaying in the wind. I knew it cleanup. My wife and other improving retail and office New York also suffered dam- was going; I just didn’t want members of the Relief Society space and also adding resi- age from the storm. it to fall on my house,” said worked at a Red Cross feed- dential space. In addition, the Priesthood leaders in Brother Ruckart. “The elders ing station. We were prepared Church announced it would the area began preparations and I went to our knees and and had the opportunity to move the campuses of BYU’s early. The Richmond Virginia prayed fervently. For more donate some of our food stor- Salt Lake Center and LDS Chesterfield Stake Center was than half an hour the tree age to a local shelter.” Business College from their set up as a command post. did its dance back and forth. The Washington D.C. present locations elsewhere About 100 missionaries evacu- Then a huge wind gust took Temple also experienced the in Salt Lake to downtown. ated from North Carolina and it down. It fell beside the force of Hurricane Isabel. “We They will be built west of the the Virginia coast found safe house. I lost about 25 trees in are on a hill, and we had the Family History Library and haven there. Home teachers all, but the house is fine.” full brunt of the wind, but the Museum of Church manned their phones, calling Joel Hancock, president of there wasn’t any damage History and Art. families and checking for the Kinston North Carolina to the temple,” reported Plans are designed to needs. Stake, rode out the storm in W. Brandt Brooksby, first coun- attract visitors and residents John Ruckart, a member his island home in Kinston, selor in the temple presidency. to downtown as well as spur of the Belmont Ward, Rich- one of the first places to “We lost power for two days. investment in the area by mond Virginia Chesterfield experience the storm. Our lights came on and all the other entities, said Bishop Stake, housed four missionar- “Three members’ houses houses around us remained Burton. The campus reloca- ies during the storm. Brother [were] severely flooded and in the dark. Our power was tions alone will bring 4,000 Ruckart recounted the expe- about 600 [other homes in restored for a reason.” ■ students to the downtown

rience they had watching a the area were] flooded,” Becky Robinette Wright and area. large tree in his front yard President Hancock said. “After Church News contributed “We feel we have a com- succumb to the storm. the storm our missionaries to these reports. pelling responsibility to pro- tect the environment of the Salt Lake Temple,” President Church to Move Campuses, Invest Hinckley stated during an April 2003 general conference in Salt Lake City Redevelopment address, shortly after the By Lisa Ann Jackson, Church Magazines Church announced its inten- ith an expressed tions to purchase Crossroads desire to keep the Plaza. At the time the Church Warea around Temple already owned the ZCMI Square vibrant, safe, and clean, Center and most of the land the Church has announced on the affected blocks. In major plans to redevelop sev- September the Church eral blocks in downtown Salt finalized its purchase of Lake City. Included in the Crossroads. “The owners of plans are the relocations of the buildings have expressed LDS Business College and a desire to sell. The property Brigham Young University’s needs very extensive and Salt Lake Center to downtown. expensive renovation. We felt “I want to make it clear it imperative to do something

that we are irrevocably com- RENDERING COURTESY OF CHURCH PUBLIC AFFAIRS to revitalize this area.” mitted to the economic future A rendering depicts proposed changes to Church-owned “The core issue is protect- of this city and to creating a property in downtown Salt Lake City. The changes will help ing the environs of the tem- vibrant and beautiful place,” to maintain the area around Temple Square. ple,” reiterated Bishop said Presiding Bishop H. David Burton. Burton at a press conference the redevelopment. which house the shopping Bishop Burton also empha- on 8 October 2003 unveil- Two city blocks immedi- centers Crossroads Plaza and sized the venture is funded ing preliminary designs for ately south of Temple Square, ZCMI Center Mall, will be through the commercial

68 N. Temple St. Museum

New College Church Offices Campuses Library Temple Square

MAP BY THOMAS S. CHILD THOMAS S. MAP BY Pennsylvania, the landscaping cated in 1991 by President of the Conference Center fea- Gordon B. Hinckley, then S. Temple St. tures trees, grasses, and wild- First Counselor in the First flowers native to Utah. Presidency, after extensive Crossroads ZCMI remodeling. Main St. Plaza Center Mall State St. 200 West 300 West N St. West Temple Cardston Temple Wins Beautification Award Memphis Temple Wins 100 South The town of Cardston America in Bloom Award recently recognized the Officials from the city of entities of the Church. “None Planning for the new col- Cardston Alberta Temple in Bartlett, Tennessee, surprised of this money comes from lege campuses will begin Canada with one of the city’s Memphis Tennessee Temple the tithing of our faithful immediately. The retail rede- annual beautification awards— President Boyd Lee when members,” Bishop Burton velopment is in its final plan- the first time the temple has they announced that the said. “That is not how we use ning stages, and work will been honored in such a way. temple, located just north- tithing funds.” begin sometime in 2004. ■ Stan Johnson, former east of Memphis, had won Cardston mayor and a coun- an America in Bloom award. selor in the temple presi- The reason for the surprise: In the News dency, said the award is one no one from the temple had Book of Mormon “Changed indication of the “tremen- entered it in the contest. America” dous contribution that is Local America in Bloom Book Magazine recently made to the overall beautifi- committee members entered named the Book of Mormon cation of our community by structures in their area that on its list of “20 Books That the temple.” they felt should be in the con- Changed America.” The The Cardston Temple test. Pat Casey, one of the magazine compiled the list was the first temple to be committee members, logged in honor of the United designed without a tower or hundreds of miles driving States 227th birthday an assembly hall. It was dedi- around the city taking pictures and included it in its cated by President Heber J. of churches that she felt July/August 2003 Grant in 1923 and rededi- should be entered. When the issue. “We set out to find the twenty novels and nonfiction titles that have had the great- est impact on the history of The Book of Mormon was the country: the ones that recently named one of 20 led to concrete, definable books that changed changes in the way America. Americans live their lives,” wrote Jerome Kramer in a Design Merit Award for Book Magazine. excellence in landscape Of the Book of Mormon architecture. It was one of he stated, “The book provides 33 award-winning projects the theological underpinnings selected from 436 entries. for one of the world’s most The awards are presented vibrant religions.” according to quality of design, functionality, con- Conference Center Earns text, environmental respon- Landscape Award sibility, and relevance to the The American Society of profession, the public, and Landscape Architects has the environment. recognized the Conference Designed by Olin The Cardston Alberta Temple received an award for adding Center in Salt Lake City with Partnership of Philadelphia, beauty to its community.

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 69 national America in Bloom Gems” category, a ranking of representatives were in town, 10 schools that “don’t receive she took them to the temple. the respect and attention Subscribe Online “You just have to see this they deserve.” hurch magazine sub- building in person,” she told Earlier in the year, scriptions are now them. “It is beautiful.” Financial Times of London Cavailable online at advanced the Marriott School www.ldscatalog.com for School of Management of Management to 51st in its subscribers in the United Moves Up in Rankings global ranking of the top 100 States and Canada. This Brigham Young MBA (Master of Business includes subscriptions to University’s Marriott School Administration) programs. the Ensign, New Era, and of Management recently BYU’s business and law Friend as well as to the 48 advanced to number 26 in schools are also among the language editions of the The Wall Street Journal’s top 50 in the United States, Liahona. Talking books for 2004 rankings of top business according to U.S. News & the visually impaired are schools worldwide. World Report’s Best Graduate also available. The newspaper also Schools issue. The Marriott Gift subscriptions—perfect for the Christmas season— ranked BYU second behind School of Management was can also be ordered online. Those who prefer to order Yale University in the new ranked 29th for the second by phone can still easily do so by calling 1-800-537-5971. “Emphasis on Ethics” cate- straight year, and the Plans call for eventually making online subscriptions gory as “best for hiring grad- J. Reuben Clark Law School available in other areas as well. ■ uates with high ethical advanced to 31st in the maga- standards.” In addition, zine’s rankings. ■ This article helped in two ways: very helpful. Many people divorce BYU’s Marriott School Church News contributed it gave practical advice for both the because of someone else’s choices. ranked third in the “Hidden to these reports. person going through a divorce and Divorce leaves you feeling worth- loved ones on the sidelines, and it less, frustrated, helpless, and inade- validated that there are other good quate. Much is written to help Comment people going through the divorce widows and orphans, but precious process. It helped me better under- little to help the divorced. This arti- Thomas L. Kane present I am preparing for a move, stand some of the feelings my cle is a good start. It brought to Kudos to Elder Lance B. and while I am doing all I can to current husband is dealing with. light many issues that tend to fester Wickman for his outstanding article make the adjustment a smooth one, Although his divorce was almost 10 in the darkness, validated that one about Colonel Thomas L. Kane—a there are a lot of details to take care years ago, the effects are felt for a can still be a good person even God-sent benefactor to our people of. Before my visiting teachers came lifetime. after divorce, and gave some solid at a time when his excellent services to see me that day, an oppressive The information about financial advice. were sorely needed (see September feeling had settled over me. They challenges, the impact on children, Linda Crandell helped me realize that my complete 2003 issue). And kudos to the Ensign and the awkwardness sometimes Dahlgren Branch trust needs to be placed in the Lord, staff—your layout and art are out- exhibited at ward meetings was Fredericksburg Virginia Stake as this move is an answer to prayer, standing and your articles are timely and I must allow the Spirit to be and appropriate. It is a joy to receive more of a trusted companion. After the Ensign. Call for Articles 3220, USA, or to cur-editorial- their visit, the oppressive feeling was If you have had experience [email protected]. Clearly Martha S. Hatch gone. Thank you for the inspired Socorro Ward with the following situation, mark your submission “Question Los Lunas New Mexico Stake message and the comfort it brought. we invite you to share your and Answers,” and on the top of Sharlie Carter suggestions: your submission write your name, Louisville Sixth Ward Inspired Visiting Teaching I am so busy with family, address, telephone number, Louisville Kentucky Stake Church, and other activities that e-mail address, ward, and stake Message I don’t often reach out to my (or branch and district). Recently, my visiting teachers After Divorce neighbors who are not Latter-day While we cannot acknowledge were inspired to focus on this por- I appreciate the article in the Saints. What specific ideas can receipt of individual responses, tion of the message: “In our lives August 2003 Ensign, “After Divorce: there are unsettling seasons and cir- help me develop better relation- authors whose submissions are cumstances when we are called upon Help for Latter-day Saint Men,” by ships with my neighbors? selected for publication will be to move out of our comfort zone and A. Dean Byrd. As a mother who has Send responses by 15 January notified. If you would like your place complete trust in the Lord. As experienced the pain of divorce, I 2004 to Ensign Editorial, 24th manuscript returned, enclose a know firsthand the associated Floor, 50 East North Temple self-addressed, stamped envelope we . . . exercise faith in Jesus Christ, ■ the Spirit becomes a trusted com- trials that put us through the fiery Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150- and allow up to a year. panion” (Ensign, Sept. 2003, 71). At furnace.

70 Serving: The Desire That Never Grows Mother and Child, J. Kirk Richards, Lord, I Believe; Help Thou Mine Old, Sharon Barber, Feb, 26 Dec, OC Unbelief, James E. Faust, Nov, 16 Aidukaitis, Marcos A. Necessary for Salvation, Clark Kelley Promise Me You Will Read, Lory M. INDEX Honesty in Small Things, Sep, 28 Price, Oct, IBC Free, Jan, 71 Alger, Annette Candland On Zion’s Mount, Jodi G. Warner, Red Knit Scarf, The, Hripsime for Entrusted with Her Care, Jul, 66 Jan, IBC Zatikyan Wright, Oct, 18 Allen-Pratt, Kelli Peace, Be Still, Del Parson, May, IFC Wondrous Restoration, The, Neal A. Lock the Back Door! Aug, 73 Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear, Linda Maxwell, Apr, 30 Amorim, Athos M. Curley Christensen, Jan, IFC Bowen, Annette Paxman Words of Jesus: Humility, Mar, 48 Pool of Bethesda, Carl Heinrich Bloch, Loading Up the Little Red Wagon, Dec, 42 2003 Anderson, Glenda Jan, OC Bradford, Dallas H. and Marjorie S. V OLUME 33 I Can Make Rolls, Dec, 45 Presentation of Christ at the Temple, Helping from Home, Jul, 48 Anderson, Sharon Price The, James J. Tissot, Dec, IFC Bradford, William R. KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS These Shepherds, Apr, 11 Signing of the U.S. Constitution, Del Words of Jesus: Riches, Feb, 52 ANGER Parson, Jul, IBC Broadhead, Norma J. IFC Inside Front Cover Forgiveness Will Change Bitterness to St. George Temple, Roland Lee, Nov, IBC Trucker’s Gift, The, Dec, 63 Love, David E. Sorensen, May, 10 Sweeter Than All Sweetness, Miguel Brough, Monte J. IBC Inside Back Cover Forsake Wrath, Wanda Jo Cooke, Aug, 71 Angel González Romero, Mar, OC Young Men—Holders of Keys, Nov, 47 OC Outside Cover Slow to Anger, Gordon T. Watts, Feb, 59 Turning Hearts to the Family, Ann Bulloch, Russell G. APIA SAMOA TEMPLE Marie Oborn, Mar, OC When Students Are the Teachers, Jan, 17 A Fire Destroys Samoa Temple, Taralyn Woman Taken in Adultery, The, Harry Burton, H. David Trost, Sep, 74 Anderson, Jun, IFC And That’s the Way It Is, May, 48 AARONIC PRIESTHOOD APOSTLES ATONEMENT Bushman, Brad J. (see PRIESTHOOD) Divinity of Jesus Christ, The, Orson F. Divinity of Jesus Christ, The, Orson F. It’s “Only” Violence, Jun, 62 Acebedo, Henry F. Whitney, Dec, 6 Whitney, Dec, 6 Byrd, A. Dean Laborers, The, Sep, 48 New Testament Times at a Glance, “Draw Near unto Me,” Lindon J. After Divorce: Help for Latter-day Saint ACTIVATION (see also CONVER- Chart 3: The Early Apostles—Their Robison, Apr, 46 Men, Aug, 58 SION, MISSIONARY WORK) Lives and Letters, Jul, 37 How Choice a Seer! Neal A. Maxwell, Because Sally Smiled, Jennifer L. Words of the Early Apostles: Building Nov, 99 C McQuade, Aug, 70 Up the Church, Richard J. Maynes, Overcoming the Stench of Sin, How Could I Serve? Shirley Schardine, Sep, 44 Spencer V. Jones, May, 88 Calisto, Nitochka Silva Jun, 23 Words of the Early Apostles: Safely Priesthood, Keys, and the Power to Miracles Today, Mar, 70 How I Came Back: Personal Accounts Anchored by Love, H. Ross Bless, Merrill J. Bateman, Nov, 50 CALLINGS, CHURCH of Activation, Sep, 7 Workman, Dec, 56 “Standard of Truth Has Been Erected, Calling I Didn’t Know I Had, The, Jan Lost Coin, The, J. Kent Jolley, Jun, 29 ARNOLD, MERVYN B. The,” Boyd K. Packer, Nov, 24 Whitley Hansen, Mar, 6 Stand in Your Appointed Place, News, May, 125 There Is Hope Smiling Brightly before Words of the Early Apostles: Building Thomas S. Monson, May, 54 ART Us, Julie B. Beck, May, 103 Up the Church, Richard J. Maynes, ADDICTION Blooming with Beauty, Jun, 36 Words of Jesus: On the Cross, Alain A. Sep, 44 Addicted to Romance Novels? Jul, 57 Family Is Ordained of God, The, Mar, 8 Petion, Jun, 32 Cave, Victor D. ADOPTION Love in Every Stitch, Aimee H. Augusto de Souza, Célia Parable of the Empty House, The, Our Struggle to “Be Fruitful,” Alan D. Hansen, Sep, 38 “Read Your Patriarchal Blessing!” Dec, 62 Mar, 45 Harrison, Jun, 52 Mesa Arizona Temple: The Gathering CHARACTER ADVERSITY (see also DEATH) of Israel, Oct, 40 B Staying Power, L. Tom Perry, Jul, 40 Aussie Pioneer, An, Sarah Martin, Aug, 64 One Family, Aug, 30 Sustaining Power of Faith in Times Comfort from the Past, Sharon Pieces of History, Pieces of Light, Jul, 8 Ballard, M. Russell of Uncertainty and Testing, The, Summerhays Hendrickson, Feb, 46 ART (COVERS) Essential Role of Member Missionary Richard G. Scott, May, 75 Empowerment of Humility, The, About My Father’s Business, Harry Work, The, May, 37 Virtues of Righteous Daughters of Richard C. Edgley, Nov, 97 Anderson, Oct, IFC Let Our Voices Be Heard, Nov, 16 God, The, James E. Faust, May, 108 Faith through Tribulation Brings Peace Baptizing in Mountain Waters, Ballard, M. Russell and Barbara CHARITY (see also COMPASSION, and Joy, Robert D. Hales, May, 15 Meridene Grant, Jun, IBC Family Councils, Jun, 14 LOVE, SERVICE) Forsake Wrath, Wanda Jo Cooke, Aug, 71 Building the Kirtland Temple, Walter Barber, Sharon Of Walkers, Wheelchairs, and Wisdom, Give Thanks in All Things, Dallin H. Rane, Dec, IBC Serving: The Desire That Never Jean Hedengren Moultrie, Aug, 8 Oaks, May, 95 Changing, Ever Constant, Janice Page Grows Old, Feb, 26 Prepare to Meet God, Oct, 71 “I Am the True Vine,” Anthony R. Dawson, Sep, IBC Barlow, Brent A. CHASTITY (see also MORALITY) Temple, Dec, 53 Christ and the Samaritan Woman, Carl Rock-Solid Foundation for Marriage, A, Words of Jesus: Chastity, Sheldon F. In Search of Treasure, Thomas S. Heinrich Bloch, Sep, OC Jun, 44 Child, Jan, 44 Monson, May, 19 Christ Calls Two Disciples, Gary E. Barrett, D. Michael Child, Sheldon F. Our Thorns in the Flesh, Ray H. Wood, Smith, Sep, IFC Teaching Children Principles of Sure Foundation, A, Nov, 8 Feb, 31 Christ Teaching the Parable of the Happiness, Feb, 14 Words of Jesus: Chastity, Jan, 44 Prepare to Be Strong through Trials, Good Samaritan, Robert T. Barrett, Bateman, Merrill J. CHILDREN (see also FAMILY, Aug, 67 Sep, OC Priesthood, Keys, and the Power PARENTHOOD) Steadfast in Our Covenants, Susan W. Edward Partridge, Gary Smith, Feb, IBC to Bless, Nov, 50 Building for Their Future, Garth A. Tanner, May, 100 Father’s Baptism, A, Liz Lemon Beck, Julie B. Hanson, Dec, 38 Sure Foundation, A, Sheldon F. Child, Swindle, Mar, IFC There Is Hope Smiling Brightly before Dear Are the Sheep That Have Nov, 8 Finally Home, View from Big Us, May, 103 Wandered, James E. Faust, May, 61 Sustaining Power of Faith in Times Mountain, David Koch, Jul, IFC Beisert, Jochen A. Did I Tell You . . . ? Susan W. Tanner, of Uncertainty and Testing, The, First Relief Society Meeting, Lynde I Didn’t Find God—He Found Me, Jul, 67 May, 73 Richard G. Scott, May, 75 Mott, Mar, IBC BISHOPS I Can Pray to Heavenly Father Anytime, AGENCY Fishers of Men, Simon Dewey, Feb, OC Shepherds of Israel, The, Gordon B. Anywhere, Sydney S. Reynolds, Choose Ye Therefore Christ the Lord, Five Prepared, The, J. Kirk Richards, Hinckley, Nov, 60 May, 113 Anne C. Pingree, Nov, 110 Aug, IBC BLESSINGS Lead Me, Guide Me, John B. Dickson, Could We Let Our Children Choose? For She Loved Much, Jeffrey Hein, Not Room Enough to Receive It, Dec, 46 Sep, 12 Denise Fitzpatrick, Apr, 57 Apr, IBC Prepare by Living Providently and Light of His Love, The, Gayle M. Clegg, Devil’s Throat, The, James E. Faust, Golgotha, Linda Curley Christensen, Paying Tithes and Offerings, Dec, 52 May, 111 May, 51 Apr, IFC BLESSINGS, PRIESTHOOD “My Heavenly Father Loves Me,” Follow the Instructions, D. Rex Growing in Wisdom, Simon Dewey, Priesthood, Keys, and the Power to Ricardo Lopes de Mendonça, Aug, 72 Gerratt, May, 90 Feb, IFC Bless, Merrill J. Bateman, Nov, 50 Prayer for the Children, A, Jeffrey R. Prepare Every Needful Thing, Feb, 74 Journey Begins, The, Glen S. Blight, Sheila Moore Holland, May, 85 Prepare to Resist Temptation, Jul, 71 Hopkinson, Nov, IFC Searching for Garry, Jan, 64 Testimonies of Family Home Evening, AGING (see also ELDERLY) Living Water, Simon Dewey, Jan, OC BOOK OF MORMON Dec, 26 Golden Years, The, Boyd K. Packer, Looking Back at Nauvoo, Gary Smith, How Choice a Seer! Neal A. Maxwell, You Are a Child of God, Gordon B. May, 82 Aug, IFC Nov, 99 Hinckley, May, 117

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 71 CHOICES Easter in the Valley of the Sun, Apr, 38 DEATH Growing into the Priesthood, David B. Choosing Charity: That Good Part, God Had His Own Plans for Me, Fatherless and the Widows: Beloved of Haight, May, 43 Bonnie D. Parkin, Nov, 104 Rochelle Welty and Jan Pinborough, God, The, Thomas S. Monson, Aug, 2 How I Came Back: Personal Accounts In Good Company, Lisa Ann Jackson, Apr, 54 He Is Risen, Thomas S. Monson, Apr, 2 of Activation, Sep, 7 Oct, 34 Guided to Church, Yadamsuren Struggling with loneliness after the Prayer for the Children, A, Jeffrey R. Let Our Voices Be Heard, M. Russell Munkhtuya, Oct, 66 loss of a spouse, Feb, 28 Holland, May, 85 Ballard, Nov, 16 I Didn’t Find God—He Found Me, Words of Jesus: Death and Shepherds of Israel, The, Gordon B. Three Choices, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Nov, 78 Jochen A. Beisert, Jul, 67 Resurrection, Walter F. González, Hinckley, Nov, 60 Christensen, Barbara K. In Search of Treasure, Thomas S. Apr, 22 Show You Know, Coleen K. Menlove, Washing, Weeding, and Worshiping, Monson, May, 19 Working through My Grief, Catharine May, 115 Mar, 18 Inspirational Thoughts, Gordon B. Rasband, Jan, 28 Virtues of Righteous Daughters of Christensen, Craig C. Hinckley, Oct, 2 DEPRESSION God, The, James E. Faust, May, 108 Seek, and Ye Shall Find, May, 33 Liahona Was My Guide, The, Filipe S. Learning to Rely on the Lord, Sep, 52 Washing, Weeding, and Worshiping, CHRISTENSEN, SHIRLEY D. Zavale, Jan, 8 Dickson, John B. Barbara K. Christensen, Mar, 18 News, May, 126 Not Just Another Business, Yolanda Lead Me, Guide Me, Sep, 12 Way of the Master, The, Thomas S. Christensen, Shirley D. Zayas, Oct, 65 Didier, Charles Monson, Jan, 2 Clarion Call of Prophets, The, Nov, 32 Promise Me You Will Read, Lory M. Message of the Restoration, The, Nov, Eyring, Henry B. CHRISTIANITY Free, Jan, 71 72 Child and a Disciple, A, May, 29 Jerusalem, D. Kelly Ogden, Apr, 12 Receiving a Testimony of the Restored DISCIPLINE Enduring Testimony of the Mission of CHRISTMAS Gospel of Jesus Christ, Robert D. Washing, Weeding, and Worshiping, the Prophet Joseph, An, Nov, 89 Christmas with a Minister, Blaine K. Hales, Nov, 28 Barbara K. Christensen, Mar, 18 Gehring, Dec, 60 Red Knit Scarf, The, Hripsime DISHONESTY F Gifts of Christmas, The, Thomas S. Zatikyan Wright, Oct, 18 Honesty in Small Things, Marcos A. Monson, Dec, 2 Searching for Garry, Sheila Moore Aidukaitis, Sep, 28 FAITH Joy to the World, Larry Hiller, Oct, 6 Blight, Jan, 64 DIVINE NATURE Benediction, Gordon B. Hinckley, Loading Up the Little Red Wagon, CONVERT RETENTION Lead Me, Guide Me, John B. Dickson, May, 99 Annette Paxman Bowen, Dec, 42 Condition of the Church, The, Sep, 12 Choose Ye Therefore Christ the Lord, Neighborhood Concerts, Diane Gordon B. Hinckley, May, 4 Learning to Rely on the Lord, Sep, 52 Anne C. Pingree, Nov, 110 Robinson Haines, Dec, 64 Inspirational Thoughts, Gordon B. You Are a Child of God, Gordon B. Comfort from the Past, Sharon News, Dec, 66 Hinckley, Oct, 2 Hinckley, May, 117 Summerhays Hendrickson, Feb, 46 “Read Your Patriarchal Blessing!” Célia Cook, Quentin L. DIVORCE Commit Thy Way unto the Lord, Augusto de Souza, Dec, 62 Are You a Saint? Nov, 95 After Divorce: Help for Latter-day Saint Jerald L. Taylor, Jul, 54 Simplifying Christmas, Kerry Griffin Looking beyond the Mark, Mar, 40 Men, A. Dean Byrd, Aug, 58 Divine Love, Russell M. Nelson, Feb, 20 Smith, Dec, 65 Cooke, Wanda Jo DONATIONS (see TITHING) Does My Life Have a Purpose? Michael Trucker’s Gift, The, Norma J. Forsake Wrath, Aug, 71 Dunn, James M. Renker, Apr, 68 Broadhead, Dec, 63 COOPERATION Words to Live By, May, 35 Faith through Tribulation Brings Peace CHURCH MAGAZINES Day the Dishwasher Broke, The, DUTY (see RESPONSIBILITY) and Joy, Robert D. Hales, May, 15 Importance of the Family, The, L. Tom Melanie Silvester, Feb, 18 Feasting on the Word, Mar, 35 Perry, May, 40 COUNSELING E Fostering Faith in God, Jul, 45 Liahona Was My Guide, The, Filipe S. Learning to Rely on the Lord, Sep, 52 From Battlefield to Mission Field, Zavale, Jan, 8 COUPLE MISSIONARIES EASTER Alden M. Higgs, Jul, 24 Clegg, Gayle M. Empowerment of Humility, The, Easter in the Valley of the Sun, Apr, 38 God Had His Own Plans for Me, Light of His Love, The, May, 111 Richard C. Edgley, Nov, 97 Edgley, Richard C. Rochelle Welty and Jan Pinborough, COLONIZATION Impact of Couple Missionaries, The, Empowerment of Humility, The, Apr, 54 True Community: Latter-day Saints in Apr, 60 Nov, 97 I Didn’t Find God—He Found Me, San Bernardino, 1851–1857, Marilyn Our New Mission Life, Robert A. ELDERLY (see also AGING) Jochen A. Beisert, Jul, 67 Mills, Feb, 36 Hague, Mar, 73 Golden Years, The, Boyd K. Packer, If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear, COMFORT Repentance and Change, Dallin H. May, 82 Jan, 67 Comfort from the Past, Sharon Oaks, Nov, 37 Of Walkers, Wheelchairs, and Wisdom, Looking beyond the Mark, Quentin L. Summerhays Hendrickson, Feb, 46 COVENANTS Jean Hedengren Moultrie, Aug, 8 Cook, Mar, 40 Linked by Suffering, Adam C. Olson, Eternal Marriage, F. Burton Howard, ENDURANCE Lord Thy God Will Hold Thy Hand, Apr, 70 May, 92 Comfort from the Past, Sharon The, W. Craig Zwick, Nov, 34 Struggling with loneliness after the In Covenant with Him, Kathleen H. Summerhays Hendrickson, Feb, 46 Lord, I Believe; Help Thou Mine loss of a spouse, Feb, 28 Hughes, Nov, 108 Press Forward and Be Steadfast, Elaine S. Unbelief, James E. Faust, Nov, 16 COMMANDMENTS In Search of Treasure, Thomas S. Dalton, May, 105 Lynette’s Testimony, Leah Poole And That’s the Way It Is, H. David Monson, May, 19 Steadfast in Our Covenants, Susan W. Wright, Apr, 70 Burton, May, 48 Repentance and Change, Dallin H. Tanner, May, 100 Miracles Today, Nitochka Silva Calisto, We Believe All That God Has Revealed, Oaks, Nov, 37 Struggling with loneliness after the Mar, 70 L. Tom Perry, Nov, 85 Steadfast in Our Covenants, Susan W. loss of a spouse, Feb, 28 Our Struggle to “Be Fruitful,” Alan D. COMMENT Tanner, May, 100 There Is Hope Smiling Brightly before Harrison, Jun, 52 Feb, 79; Apr, 79; May, 78; Jun, 79; Sep, CREATION Us, Julie B. Beck, May, 103 Prayer for the Children, A, Jeffrey R. 79; Oct, 79; Dec, 70 Blooming with Beauty, Jun, 36 ENTERTAINMENT (see also MEDIA) Holland, May, 85 COMMITMENT CRITICISM It’s “Only” Violence, Brad J. Bushman, Rock-Solid Foundation for Marriage, A, Commit Thy Way unto the Lord, Forgiveness Will Change Bitterness to Jun, 62 Brent A. Barlow, Jun, 44 Jerald L. Taylor, Jul, 54 Love, David E. Sorensen, May, 10 Let Our Voices Be Heard, M. Russell Seeing the Promises Afar Off, Anne C. COMPASSION (see also CHARITY, CRUCIFIXION (see ATONEMENT) Ballard, Nov, 16 Pingree, Nov, 13 LOVE, SERVICE) CULTURE “Standard of Truth Has Been Erected, Struggling with loneliness after the Way of the Master, The, Thomas S. Repentance and Change, Dallin H. The,” Boyd K. Packer, Nov, 24 loss of a spouse, Feb, 28 Monson, Jan, 2 Oaks, Nov, 37 Erickson, Karla C. Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Condie, Spencer J. CURRICULUM John Taylor: Defender of Truth, Jan, 20 Uncertainty and Testing, The, Savior’s Visit to the Spirit World, The, Resource Guides, May, 121; Nov, 117 ETERNAL MARRIAGE Richard G. Scott, May, 75 Jul, 32 Teachings for Our Time, 2003, May, (see MARRIAGE) Sweet Power of Prayer, Russell M. CONFESSION 120; Nov, 116 EXAMPLE Nelson, May, 7 Atonement, Repentance, and Dirty CYNICISM “Come, Follow Me,” William W. Teaching by Faith, Robert D. Hales, Linen, Lynn A. Mickelsen, Nov, 10 Prayer for the Children, A, Jeffrey R. Parmley, Nov, 93 Sep, 20 CONVERSION (see also ACTIVA- Holland, May, 85 Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the Three Parables, James E. Talmage, TION, MISSIONARY WORK) World, An, Gordon B. Hinckley, Feb, 8 Aussie Pioneer, An, Sarah Martin, Aug, 64 D Nov, 82 Timing, Dallin H. Oaks, Oct, 10 Care for the Life of the Soul, Neal A. Gifts of Christmas, The, Thomas S. To the Women of the Church, Gordon Maxwell, May, 68 Dalton, Elaine S. Monson, Dec, 2 B. Hinckley, Nov, 113 Does My Life Have a Purpose? Michael Press Forward and Be Steadfast, Golden Years, The, Boyd K. Packer, Unprofitable Servant, The, W. Rolfe Renker, Apr, 68 May, 105 May, 82 Kerr, Oct, 44

72 Unspeakable Gift, The, Joseph B. One Family, Aug, 30 Inspirational Thoughts, Gordon B. Golden, Christoffel Jr. Wirthlin, May, 26 Phenomenon That Is You, The, James E. Hinckley, Oct, 2 Words of the Early Apostles: Grace, Virtues of Righteous Daughters of Faust, Nov, 53 Marriage That Endures, The, Gordon B. Oct, 48 God, The, James E. Faust, May, 108 Savior’s Visit to the Spirit World, The, Hinckley, Jul, 2 González, Walter F. War and Peace, Gordon B. Hinckley, Spencer J. Condie, Jul, 32 Strengthening the Inner Self, James E. Words of Jesus: Death and May, 78 That Happened to You? Lori Nicoles- Faust, Feb, 2 Resurrection, Apr, 22 With Fasting and Prayer, Ruth Davis, Aug, 26 Surety of a Better Testament, The, GOSPEL CLASSICS Rodriguez Sotelo, Apr, 69 Your Family History: Getting Started, James E. Faust, Sep, 2 Divinity of Jesus Christ, The, Orson F. Words of Jesus: Prayer, Keith B. Boyd K. Packer, Aug, 12 Way of the Master, The, Thomas S. Whitney, Dec, 6 McMullin, Jan, 48 Your Longing for Family Joy, Bruce C. Monson, Jan, 2 Family Home Evening: Counsel and a Words of the Early Apostles: Grace, Hafen, Oct, 28 First Presidency of the Church, 1915 Promise, First Presidency of the Christoffel Golden Jr., Oct, 48 FAMILY HOME EVENING Family Home Evening: Counsel and a Church, 1915, Jun, 12 FAMILY (see also MOTHERHOOD, Calling I Didn’t Know I Had, The, Promise, Jun, 12 Road to Financial Security, The, Mar, 30 PARENTHOOD) Jan Whitley Hansen, Mar, 6 Fitzpatrick, Denise Three Parables, James E. Talmage, Feb, 8 After Divorce: Help for Latter-day Saint Family Home Evening, Gordon B. Could We Let Our Children Choose? GRACE Men, A. Dean Byrd, Aug, 58 Hinckley, Mar, 2 Apr, 57 Our Thorns in the Flesh, Ray H. Wood, At Home with the Hinckleys, Oct, 22 Family Home Evening: Counsel and a Fleckinger, Emmanuel Feb, 31 Benediction, Gordon B. Hinckley, Promise, First Presidency of the My Father’s Medal of Courage, Sep, 64 Unprofitable Servant, The, W. Rolfe May, 99 Church, 1915, Jun, 12 FORGIVENESS Kerr, Oct, 44 Bring Him Home, Thomas S. Monson, Importance of the Family, The, L. Tom Atonement, Repentance, and Dirty Virtues of Righteous Daughters of Nov, 56 Perry, May, 40 Linen, Lynn A. Mickelsen, Nov, 10 God, The, James E. Faust, May, 108 Choose Ye Therefore Christ the Lord, No More Last-Minute Lessons, Kathy Finding Peace through Forgiveness, Words of the Early Apostles: Grace, Anne C. Pingree, Nov, 110 Rose, Dec, 65 Sep, 65 Christoffel Golden Jr., Oct, 48 Could I Feel Fulfilled as a Mother? Successful Family Home Evenings, Forgiveness Will Change Bitterness to GRANDPARENTS Jennifer West, Mar, 59 Jun, 7 Love, David E. Sorensen, May, 10 Golden Years, The, Boyd K. Packer, Day the Dishwasher Broke, The, Testimonies of Family Home Evening, Forsake Wrath, Wanda Jo Cooke, May, 82 Melanie Silvester, Feb, 18 Dec, 26 Aug, 71 GRATITUDE Did I Tell You . . . ? Susan W. Tanner, When Students Are the Teachers, Lifting the Burden, NaDene Cope Empowerment of Humility, The, May, 73 Russell G. Bulloch, Jan, 17 Simmons, Aug, 40 Richard C. Edgley, Nov, 97 Enriching Our Lives through Family FAMILY OF MANKIND Stand and Be Judged for What We Give Thanks in All Things, Dallin H. Home Evening, James E. Faust, Jun, 2 War and Peace, Gordon B. Hinckley, Really Are, Robert C. Oaks, Apr, 64 Oaks, May, 95 Family Home Evening, Gordon B. May, 78 Words of Jesus: Forgiveness, Cecil O. Injured in the Wilderness, Reed Hinckley, Mar, 2 Words to Live By, James M. Dunn, Samuelson Jr., Feb, 48 Tucker, Jun, 20 Family Is Ordained of God, The, Mar, 8 May, 35 FREE AGENCY (see AGENCY) Thank You, Mrs. Pfeil, Carl Nelson, Finding Grandpa Pablo, Raquel FAMILY PRAYER Free, Lory M. Jul, 69 Pedraza de Brosio, Sep, 18 Could We Let Our Children Choose? Promise Me You Will Read, Jan, 71 GRIEVING (see also DEATH) Forgiveness Will Change Bitterness to Denise Fitzpatrick, Apr, 57 FRIENDSHIP Working through My Grief, Catharine Love, David E. Sorensen, May, 10 FASTING Because Sally Smiled, Jennifer L. Rasband, Jan, 28 Importance of the Family, The, L. Tom With Fasting and Prayer, Ruth McQuade, Aug, 70 GROWTH, CHURCH Perry, May, 40 Rodriguez Sotelo, Apr, 69 E-Mail Investigator, The, Russell W. State of the Church, The, Gordon B. Intensive Family Care, Pamela FATHER IN HEAVEN (see GOD THE Wallace, Sep, 31 Hinckley, Nov, 4 Steenhoek, Mar, 71 FATHER) In Good Company, Lisa Ann Jackson, To the Ends of the Earth, Feb, 64 Let Our Voices Be Heard, M. Russell FATHERHOOD (see FAMILY, Oct, 34 Ballard, Nov, 16 PARENTHOOD) Inspirational Thoughts, Gordon B. H Mom, Are You There? Vickie Mason Faust, James E. Hinckley, Oct, 2 Randalls, Oct, 68 Dear Are the Sheep That Have Joy to the World, Larry Hiller, Oct, 6 Hafen, Bruce C. Prepare Family Members by Wandered, May, 61 Loading Up the Little Red Wagon, Your Longing for Family Joy, Oct, 28 Strengthening Them Spiritually, Devil’s Throat, The, May, 51 Annette Paxman Bowen, Dec, 42 Hague, Robert A. Mar, 67 Enriching Our Lives through Family Role of Members in Conversion, The, Our New Mission Life, Mar, 73 Red Knit Scarf, The, Hripsime Home Evening, Jun, 2 Dallin H. Oaks, Mar, 52 Haight, David B. Zatikyan Wright, Oct, 18 Lord, I Believe; Help Thou Mine Thomas L. Kane: Outrider for Zion, Growing into the Priesthood, May, 43 Reverence, Keith L. Smith, Jul, 60 Unbelief, Nov, 16 Lance B. Wickman, Sep, 56 Haines, Diane Robinson Searching for Garry, Sheila Moore Phenomenon That Is You, The, Nov, 53 Unjust Steward, The, Tsung-Ting Yang, When the Walls Came Down, Jan, 70 Blight, Jan, 64 Strengthening the Inner Self, Feb, 2 Jul, 28 Hales, Robert D. Seeking a Balanced Life, Donald L. Surety of a Better Testament, The, When the Walls Came Down, Diane Faith through Tribulation Brings Peace Hallstrom, Aug, 52 Sep, 2 Robinson Haines, Jan, 70 and Joy, May, 15 Successful Family Home Evenings, Jun, 7 Sustaining of Church Officers, The, Receiving a Testimony of the Restored Testimonies of Family Home Evening, May, 23; Nov, 23 G Gospel of Jesus Christ, Nov, 28 Dec, 26 Virtues of Righteous Daughters of Teaching by Faith, Sep, 20 That Happened to You? Lori Nicoles- God, The, May, 108 Garn, Daryl H. Hallstrom, Donald L. Davis, Aug, 26 FEAR Preparing for Missionary Service, Seeking a Balanced Life, Aug, 52 Trucker’s Gift, The, Norma J. Child and a Disciple, A, Henry B. May, 46 Hammond, F. Melvin Broadhead, Dec, 63 Eyring, May, 29 Gehring, Blaine K. Great Supper, The, Apr, 51 Vision of Missionary Work, The, Brian FELLOWSHIPPING (see also Christmas with a Minister, Dec, 60 Hansen, Aimee H. Jensen, Dec, 20 ACTIVATION, CONVERSION, GENEALOGY (see FAMILY HISTORY) Love in Every Stitch, Sep, 38 Your Longing for Family Joy, Bruce C. MISSIONARY WORK) GENERAL CONFERENCE Hansen, Jan Whitley Hafen, Oct, 28 Singular Living, Jun, 56 Ways to get more from general Calling I Didn’t Know I Had, The, Mar, 6 FAMILY COUNCILS FINANCES conference, Oct, 53 Hanson, Garth A. Family Councils, M. Russell and Church Auditing Department Report, GENEROSITY Building for Their Future, Dec, 38 Barbara Ballard, Jun, 14 Wesley L. Jones, May, 24 Road to Financial Security, The, Mar, 30 HAPPINESS FAMILY HISTORY FIRST PRESIDENCY Gerratt, D. Rex Singular Living, Jun, 56 Comfort from the Past, Sharon News, May, 75 Follow the Instructions, May, 90 Teaching Children Principles of Summerhays Hendrickson, Feb, 46 FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE GOALS Happiness, D. Michael Barrett, Feb, 14 Doctrine of Temple Work, The, David E. Enriching Our Lives through Family Vision of Missionary Work, The, Brian Harris, John A. Sorensen, Oct, 56 Home Evening, James E. Faust, Jun, 2 Jensen, Dec, 20 My First Church Assignment, Aug, 22 Finding Grandpa Pablo, Raquel Family Home Evening, Gordon B. GOD THE FATHER Harrison, Alan D. Pedraza de Brosio, Sep, 18 Hinckley, Mar, 2 Grandeur of God, The, Jeffrey R. Our Struggle to “Be Fruitful,” Jun, 52 Finding Links in the Chain, Aug, 18 Fatherless and the Widows: Beloved of Holland, Nov, 70 HEALING Impact of Couple Missionaries, The, God, The, Thomas S. Monson, Aug, 2 He Knows Us; He Loves Us, Sydney S. Blessed by Living Water, Kathleen H. Apr, 60 Gifts of Christmas, The, Thomas S. Reynolds, Nov, 76 Hughes, May, 13 My First Church Assignment, John A. Monson, Dec, 2 You Are a Child of God, Gordon B. Teaching, Preaching, Healing, Jeffrey R. Harris, Aug, 22 He Is Risen, Thomas S. Monson, Apr, 2 Hinckley, May, 117 Holland, Jan, 32

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 73 HEALTH Press Forward and Be Steadfast, Doctrine of Temple Work, The, David E. “I Am the True Vine,” Anthony R. Daniel, the Word of Wisdom, and My Elaine S. Dalton, May, 105 Sorensen, Oct, 56 Temple, Dec, 53 Testimony, Sergey Preobrazhensky, Receiving a Testimony of the Restored E-Mail Investigator, The, Russell W. Jerusalem, D. Kelly Ogden, Apr, 12 Mar, 22 Gospel of Jesus Christ, Robert D. Wallace, Sep, 31 Joy to the World, Larry Hiller, HEAVEN (see SPIRIT WORLD) Hales, Nov, 28 Entrusted with Her Care, Annette Oct, 6 HEAVENLY FATHER (see GOD THE Sure Foundation, A, Sheldon F. Child, Candland Alger, Jul, 66 Laborers, The, Henry F. Acebedo, FATHER) Nov, 8 Feasting on the Word, Mar, 35 Sep, 48 Hendrickson, Sharon Summerhays Teaching by Faith, Robert D. Hales, From Battlefield to Mission Field, Learning to Rely on the Lord, Sep, 52 Comfort from the Past, Feb, 46 Sep, 20 Alden M. Higgs, Jul, 24 Lifting the Burden, NaDene Cope HERITAGE Unspeakable Gift, The, Joseph B. Honoring the Lord’s Day, David Oscar Simmons, Aug, 40 Phenomenon That Is You, The, James E. Wirthlin, May, 26 Sarmiento, Jun, 69 Linked by Suffering, Adam C. Olson, Faust, Nov, 53 HOME How Could I Serve? Shirley Schardine, Apr, 70 Higgs, Alden M. At Home with the Hinckleys, Oct, 22 Jun, 23 New Testament Times at a Glance, From Battlefield to Mission Field, Bring Him Home, Thomas S. Monson, Lock the Back Door! Kelli Allen-Pratt, Chart 1: The Life of Jesus Christ from Jul, 24 Nov, 56 Aug, 73 Birth to the Final Week, Jan, 52 Hiller, Larry Choose Ye Therefore Christ the Lord, Song for Ryan, A, Luana Lish, Oct, 64 New Testament Times at a Glance, Joy to the World, Oct, 6 Anne C. Pingree, Nov, 110 Thank You, Mrs. Pfeil, Carl Nelson, Jul, 69 Chart 2: The Savior’s Final Week, HINCKLEY, GORDON B. Did I Tell You . . . ? Susan W. Tanner, Thanks to a Single Act, Brad Osgood, Apr, 26 News, Feb, 75; Jun, 74, 75; Jul, 75; May, 73 Feb, 69 Our Thorns in the Flesh, Ray H. Wood, Aug, 74; Sep, 75, 77, 78 Holy Place, Sacred Space, Dennis B. Unspeakable Gift, The, Joseph B. Feb, 31 Hinckley, Gordon B. Neuenschwander, May, 71 Wirthlin, May, 26 Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly, Benediction, May, 99 Importance of the Family, The, L. Tom Your Family History: Getting Started, The, Wilfredo R. López, Feb, 56 Condition of the Church, The, May, 4 Perry, May, 40 Boyd K. Packer, Aug, 12 Parable of the Talents, The, Ronald A. Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the HOME TEACHING INTEGRITY Rasband, Aug, 32 World, An, Nov, 82 Stand in Your Appointed Place, Are You a Saint? Quentin L. Cook, Priceless Parables, The, Frank F. Judd Jr., Family Home Evening, Mar, 2 Thomas S. Monson, May, 54 Nov, 95 Jan, 56 Inspirational Thoughts, Oct, 2 Thanks to a Single Act, Brad Osgood, Care for the Life of the Soul, Neal A. Savior’s Visit to the Spirit World, The, Let Us Live the Gospel More Fully, Feb, 69 Maxwell, May, 68 Spencer J. Condie, Jul, 32 Nov, 102 HONESTY (see INTEGRITY) Honesty in Small Things, Marcos A. Seek, and Ye Shall Find, Craig C. Loyalty, May, 58 HOPE Aidukaitis, Sep, 28 Christensen, May, 33 Marriage That Endures, The, Jul, 2 In Search of Treasure, Thomas S. In Search of Treasure, Thomas S. Stand and Be Judged for What We Shepherds of Israel, The, Nov, 60 Monson, May, 19 Monson, May, 19 Really Are, Robert C. Oaks, Apr, 64 State of the Church, The, Nov, 4 Press Forward and Be Steadfast, John Taylor: Defender of Truth, Karla C. Surety of a Better Testament, The, To the Women of the Church, Nov, 113 Elaine S. Dalton, May, 105 Erickson, Jan, 20 James E. Faust, Sep, 2 War and Peace, May, 78 Seeing the Promises Afar Off, Anne C. Repentance and Change, Dallin H. Teaching, Preaching, Healing, Jeffrey R. You Are a Child of God, May, 117 Pingree, Nov, 13 Oaks, Nov, 37 Holland, Jan, 32 HINCKLEY, MARJORIE P. Steadfast in Our Covenants, Susan W. Shepherds of Israel, The, Gordon B. Unjust Steward, The, Tsung-Ting Yang, News, Jun, 75 Tanner, May, 100 Hinckley, Nov, 60 Jul, 28 HINCKLEY, GORDON B. AND There Is Hope Smiling Brightly before Staying Power, L. Tom Perry, Jul, 40 Unprofitable Servant, The, W. Rolfe MARJORIE P. Us, Julie B. Beck, May, 103 IRAQ Kerr, Oct, 44 At Home with the Hinckleys, Oct, 22 Working through My Grief, Catharine News, Aug, 75 Unto the Least, Víctor Guillermo HISTORY, CHURCH Rasband, Jan, 28 ISLAM Chauca Rivera, Sep, 68 Emmeline B. Wells: A Fine Soul Who Howard, F. Burton Jerusalem, D. Kelly Ogden, Apr, 12 Way of the Master, The, Thomas S. Served, Carol Cornwall Madsen, Eternal Marriage, May, 92 Monson, Jan, 2 Jul, 16 Hughes, Kathleen H. J Words of Jesus: Chastity, Sheldon F. John Taylor: Defender of Truth, Karla C. Blessed by Living Water, May, 13 Child, Jan, 44 Erickson, Jan, 20 In Covenant with Him, Nov, 108 Jackson, Lisa Ann Words of Jesus: Death and Kirtland Restored, Dec, 30 HUMANITARIAN AID In Good Company, Oct, 34 Resurrection, Walter F. González, Mesa Arizona Temple: The Gathering News, Jan, 74; Jun, 76, 77; Nov, 123 Jensen, Brian Apr, 22 of Israel, Oct, 40 HUMANITARIAN PROGRAMS Vision of Missionary Work, The, Dec, 20 Words of Jesus: Forgiveness, Cecil O. Thomas L. Kane: Outrider for Zion, State of the Church, The, Gordon B. Jensen, Steven H. Samuelson Jr., Feb, 48 Lance B. Wickman, Sep, 56 Hinckley, Nov, 4 My Turn in the Nursery, Aug, 50 Words of Jesus: Humility, Athos M. True Community: Latter-day Saints in HUMILITY JERUSALEM Amorim, Mar, 48 San Bernardino, 1851–1857, Marilyn Empowerment of Humility, The, Jerusalem, D. Kelly Ogden, Apr, 12 Words of Jesus: On the Cross, Alain A. Mills, Feb, 36 Richard C. Edgley, Nov, 97 JESUS CHRIST Petion, Jun, 32 Walk Down Parley Street, A, James W. Words of Jesus: Humility, Athos M. Blessed by Living Water, Kathleen H. Words of Jesus: Prayer, Keith B. Petty, Aug, 42 Amorim, Mar, 48 Hughes, May, 13 McMullin, Jan, 48 HOLIDAYS (see CHRISTMAS, HUMOR Bridge Builder, The, Thomas S. Words of Jesus: Resurrection to EASTER) Slow to Anger, Gordon T. Watts, Feb, 59 Monson, Nov, 67 Ascension, D. Lee Tobler, Aug, 36 HOLINESS HYMNS Choose Ye Therefore Christ the Lord, Words of the Early Apostles: Grace, Holy Place, Sacred Space, Dennis B. Our Prayer to Thee, Russell M. Nelson Anne C. Pingree, Nov, 110 Christoffel Golden Jr., Oct, 48 Neuenschwander, May, 71 and Joseph Parry, May, IBC Christmas with a Minister, Blaine K. Johnson, Sharon Holland, Jeffrey R. Gehring, Dec, 60 Lesson for the Teacher, A, Feb, 70 Grandeur of God, The, Nov, 70 I Clarion Call of Prophets, The, Shirley D. Jolley, J. Kent Prayer for the Children, A, May, 85 Christensen, Nov, 32 Lost Coin, The, Jun, 29 Teaching, Preaching, Healing, Jan, 32 IMMORALITY (see MORALITY) “Come, Follow Me,” William W. Jones, Spencer V. HOLY GHOST INCLUSION Parmley, Nov, 93 Overcoming the Stench of Sin, May, 88 Blessed by Living Water, Kathleen H. When the Walls Came Down, Diane Divinity of Jesus Christ, The, Orson F. Jones, Wesley L. Hughes, May, 13 Robinson Haines, Jan, 70 Whitney, Dec, 6 Church Auditing Department Report, Compass in Heavy Fog, A, Lin Tsung- INDIVIDUAL WORTH “Draw Near unto Me,” Lindon J. May, 24 Ting, Sep, 67 He Knows Us; He Loves Us, Sydney S. Robison, Apr, 46 JOURNALS (see FAMILY HISTORY) Devil’s Throat, The, James E. Faust, Reynolds, Nov, 76 Faith through Tribulation Brings Peace JOY (see also HAPPINESS) May, 51 Lead Me, Guide Me, John B. Dickson, and Joy, Robert D. Hales, May, 15 Great Supper, The, F. Melvin Enduring Testimony of the Mission of Sep, 12 Finding Faith in Christ, Apr, 8 Hammond, Apr, 51 the Prophet Joseph, An, Henry B. Thanks to a Single Act, Brad Osgood, Gifts of Christmas, The, Thomas S. Unspeakable Gift, The, Joseph B. Eyring, Nov, 89 Feb, 69 Monson, Dec, 2 Wirthlin, May, 26 Guided to Church, Yadamsuren INFERTILITY Give Thanks in All Things, Dallin H. Your Longing for Family Joy, Bruce C. Munkhtuya, Oct, 66 Our Struggle to “Be Fruitful,” Alan D. Oaks, May, 95 Hafen, Oct, 28 He Knows Us; He Loves Us, Sydney S. Harrison, Jun, 52 Grandeur of God, The, Jeffrey R. JUDAISM Reynolds, Nov, 76 INSPIRATION (see also Holland, Nov, 70 Jerusalem, D. Kelly Ogden, Apr, 12 Lord, I Believe; Help Thou Mine SPIRITUALITY) How Choice a Seer! Neal A. Maxwell, Judd, Frank F., Jr. Unbelief, James E. Faust, Nov, 16 At the Bus Stop, Karen R. Merkley, Jan, 72 Nov, 99 Priceless Parables, The, Jan, 56

74 JUDGING Our New Mission Life, Robert A. Grandeur of God, The, Jeffrey R. How Choice a Seer! Nov, 99 Atonement, Repentance, and Dirty Hague, Mar, 73 Holland, Nov, 70 Wondrous Restoration, The, Apr, 30 Linen, Lynn A. Mickelsen, Nov, 10 Promise Me You Will Read, Lory M. In Covenant with Him, Kathleen H. Maynes, Richard J. Choosing Charity: That Good Part, Free, Jan, 71 Hughes, Nov, 108 Words of the Early Apostles: Building Bonnie D. Parkin, Nov, 104 “Read Your Patriarchal Blessing!” Célia Let Us Live the Gospel More Fully, Up the Church, Sep, 44 Lesson for the Teacher, A, Sharon Augusto de Souza, Dec, 62 Gordon B. Hinckley, Nov, 102 McMullin, Keith B. Johnson, Feb, 70 Sacrament in the Attic, Gerard Van Light of His Love, The, Gayle M. Clegg, Words of Jesus: Prayer, Jan, 48 Stand and Be Judged for What We Zeben, Feb, 68 May, 111 McQuade, Jennifer L. Really Are, Robert C. Oaks, Apr, 64 Song for Ryan, A, Luana Lish, Oct, 64 Linked by Suffering, Adam C. Olson, Because Sally Smiled, Aug, 70 JUSTIFICATION Thank You, Mrs. Pfeil, Carl Nelson, Apr, 70 MEDIA Words of the Early Apostles: Grace, Jul, 69 Marriage That Endures, The, Gordon B. It’s “Only” Violence, Brad J. Bushman, Christoffel Golden Jr., Oct, 48 Thanks to a Single Act, Brad Osgood, Hinckley, Jul, 2 Jun, 62 Feb, 69 My Father’s Medal of Courage, Let Our Voices Be Heard, M. Russell K Trucker’s Gift, The, Norma J. Emmanuel Fleckinger, Sep, 64 Ballard, Nov, 16 Broadhead, Dec, 63 My Turn in the Nursery, Steven H. MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD Kerr, W. Rolfe When the Walls Came Down, Diane Jensen, Aug, 50 (see PRIESTHOOD) Unprofitable Servant, The, Oct, 44 Robinson Haines, Jan, 70 Rock-Solid Foundation for Marriage, A, MEMBERSHIP (see GROWTH, KEYS, PRIESTHOOD With Fasting and Prayer, Ruth Brent A. Barlow, Jun, 44 CHURCH) Priesthood, Keys, and the Power Rodriguez Sotelo, Apr, 69 Slow to Anger, Gordon T. Watts, Feb, 59 MEMBERSHIP, CHURCH to Bless, Merrill J. Bateman, Nov, 50 LEADERSHIP, CHURCH Stand and Be Judged for What We Could I Come Back? Susan L. KINDNESS General Authorities of The Church Really Are, Robert C. Oaks, Apr, 64 MacDonald, Dec, 13 I Can Make Rolls, Glenda Anderson, of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Strengthening the Inner Self, James E. MEN Dec, 45 May, 64; Nov, 64 Faust, Feb, 2 Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the Lesson for the Teacher, A, Sharon General Auxiliary Presidencies, Teaching Children Principles of World, An, Gordon B. Hinckley, Johnson, Feb, 70 May, 124; Nov, 120 Happiness, D. Michael Barrett, Nov, 82 Let Us Live the Gospel More Fully, News, Aug, 76 Feb, 14 Menlove, Coleen K. Gordon B. Hinckley, Nov, 102 Sustaining of Church Officers, The, Two People Building for Eternity, Don L. Show You Know, May, 115 KIRTLAND, OHIO James E. Faust, May, 23; Nov, 23 Searle, Jan, 10 MERCY Kirtland Restored, Dec, 30 LEADERSHIP TRAINING Words of the Early Apostles: Safely “Come, Follow Me,” William W. News, Apr, 76 Anchored by Love, H. Ross Parmley, Nov, 93 L LEARNING (see TEACHING) Workman, Dec, 56 Lifting the Burden, NaDene Cope LESS ACTIVE (see ACTIVATION) Your Longing for Family Joy, Bruce C. Simmons, Aug, 40 Lacayo, Jason LIFE Hafen, Oct, 28 Words of the Early Apostles: Grace, Never Give Up, Mar, 73 Words to Live By, James M. Dunn, LOYALTY Christoffel Golden Jr., Oct, 48 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES May, 35 Loyalty, Gordon B. Hinckley, May, 58 Merkley, Karen R. At the Bus Stop, Karen R. Merkley, LIGHT OF CHRIST At the Bus Stop, Jan, 72 Jan, 72 Light of His Love, The, Gayle M. Clegg, M MESA ARIZONA TEMPLE Because Sally Smiled, Jennifer L. May, 111 Mesa Arizona Temple: The Gathering McQuade, Aug, 70 Overcoming the Stench of Sin, MacDonald, Susan L. of Israel, Oct, 40 Christmas with a Minister, Blaine K. Spencer V. Jones, May, 88 Could I Come Back? Dec, 13 Mickelsen, Lynn A. Gehring, Dec, 60 Unspeakable Gift, The, Joseph B. Madsen, Carol Cornwall Atonement, Repentance, and Dirty Compass in Heavy Fog, A, Lin Tsung- Wirthlin, May, 26 Emmeline B. Wells: A Fine Soul Who Linen, Nov, 10 Ting, Sep, 67 LONELINESS Served, Jul, 16 Mills, Marilyn Does My Life Have a Purpose? Michael Fatherless and the Widows: Beloved MARRIAGE True Community: Latter-day Saints in Renker, Apr, 68 of God, The, Thomas S. Monson, At Home with the Hinckleys, Oct, 22 San Bernardino, 1851–1857, Feb, 36 Entrusted with Her Care, Annette Aug, 2 Creative ways for couples to continue MIRACLES Candland Alger, Jul, 66 Struggling with loneliness after the courtship, Jun, 50 Miracles Today, Nitochka Silva Calisto, Finding Peace through Forgiveness, loss of a spouse, Feb, 28 Eternal Marriage, F. Burton Howard, Mar, 70 Sep, 65 Lopes de Mendonça, Ricardo May, 92 “My Heavenly Father Loves Me,” Forsake Wrath, Wanda Jo Cooke, “My Heavenly Father Loves Me,” Loyalty, Gordon B. Hinckley, May, 58 Ricardo Lopes de Mendonça, Aug, 72 Aug, 71 Aug, 72 Marriage That Endures, The, Gordon B. MISSIONARY WORK (see also Guided to Church, Yadamsuren López, Wilfredo R. Hinckley, Jul, 2 ACTIVATION, CONVERSION) Munkhtuya, Oct, 66 Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly, Rock-Solid Foundation for Marriage, A, At the Bus Stop, Karen R. Merkley, He Took My Purse, Rebecca Thomas, The, Feb, 56 Brent A. Barlow, Jun, 44 Jan, 72 Jun, 70 LOVE (see also CHARITY, Seeking a Balanced Life, Donald L. Child and a Disciple, A, Henry B. Honoring the Lord’s Day, David Oscar COMPASSION) Hallstrom, Aug, 52 Eyring, May, 29 Sarmiento, Jun, 69 At Home with the Hinckleys, Oct, 22 Timing, Dallin H. Oaks, Oct, 10 Divinity of Jesus Christ, The, Orson F. I Didn’t Find God—He Found Me, Child and a Disciple, A, Henry B. Two People Building for Eternity, Don L. Whitney, Dec, 6 Jochen A. Beisert, Jul, 67 Eyring, May, 29 Searle, Jan, 10 Does My Life Have a Purpose? Michael Intensive Family Care, Pamela Choosing Charity: That Good Part, Your Longing for Family Joy, Bruce C. Renker, Apr, 68 Steenhoek, Mar, 71 Bonnie D. Parkin, Nov, 104 Hafen, Oct, 28 E-Mail Investigator, The, Russell W. Lesson for the Teacher, A, Sharon “Come, Follow Me,” William W. Marsh, David Brent Wallace, Sep, 31 Johnson, Feb, 70 Parmley, Nov, 93 Reading His Words Together, Sep, 34 Essential Role of Member Missionary Linked by Suffering, Adam C. Olson, Could We Let Our Children Choose? Martin, Sarah Work, The, M. Russell Ballard, Apr, 70 Denise Fitzpatrick, Apr, 57 Aussie Pioneer, An, Aug, 64 May, 37 Lock the Back Door! Kelli Allen-Pratt, Creative ways for couples to continue MARTYRDOM Finding Faith in Christ, Apr, 8 Aug, 73 courtship, Jun, 50 John Taylor: Defender of Truth, Karla From Battlefield to Mission Field, Lynette’s Testimony, Leah Poole Dear Are the Sheep That Have C. Erickson, Jan, 20 Alden M. Higgs, Jul, 24 Wright, Apr, 70 Wandered, James E. Faust, May, 61 MASK, CLATE W., JR. Guided to Church, Yadamsuren Miracles Today, Nitochka Silva Calisto, Did I Tell You . . . ? Susan W. Tanner, News, May, 126 Munkhtuya, Oct, 66 Mar, 70 May, 73 MATERIALISM Helping from Home, Dallas H. and Much Needed Rain, The, Juan Carlos Divine Love, Russell M. Nelson, Feb, 20 Cost of Riches, The, Lynn G. Robbins, Marjorie S. Bradford, Jul, 48 Rodríguez, Jun, 68 Essential Role of Member Missionary Jun, 24 Inspirational Thoughts, Gordon B. My Daughter’s Prayer, Kari Ann Work, The, M. Russell Ballard, Unjust Steward, The, Tsung-Ting Yang, Hinckley, Oct, 2 Rasmussen, Sep, 65 May, 37 Jul, 28 Joy to the World, Larry Hiller, Oct, 6 My Father’s Medal of Courage, Eternal Marriage, F. Burton Howard, Words of Jesus: Riches, William R. Lost Coin, The, J. Kent Jolley, Jun, 29 Emmanuel Fleckinger, Sep, 64 May, 92 Bradford, Feb, 52 Message of the Restoration, The, “My Heavenly Father Loves Me,” Fatherless and the Widows: Beloved MATURATION Charles Didier, Nov, 72 Ricardo Lopes de Mendonça, Aug, 72 of God, The, Thomas S. Monson, Building for Their Future, Garth A. My First Church Assignment, John A. Never Give Up, Jason Lacayo, Mar, 73 Aug, 2 Hanson, Dec, 38 Harris, Aug, 22 Not Just Another Business, Yolanda Finding Grandpa Pablo, Raquel Maxwell, Neal A. Never Give Up, Jason Lacayo, Mar, 73 Zayas, Oct, 65 Pedraza de Brosio, Sep, 18 Care for the Life of the Soul, May, 68 News, Jul, 76

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 75 Not Just Another Business, Yolanda Neuenschwander, Dennis B. Devil’s Throat, The, James E. Faust, Prayer for the Children, A, Jeffrey R. Zayas, Oct, 65 Holy Place, Sacred Space, May, 71 May, 51 Holland, May, 85 Preparing for Missionary Service, NEW TESTAMENT Divine Love, Russell M. Nelson, Feb, 20 PARENTING Daryl H. Garn, May, 46 Great Supper, The, F. Melvin Everything Good and Beautiful, Jan Could I Feel Fulfilled as a Mother? Realize Your Full Potential, Richard G. Hammond, Apr, 51 Pinborough, Mar, 62 Jennifer West, Mar, 59 Scott, Nov, 41 “I Am the True Vine,” Anthony R. Follow the Instructions, D. Rex Dear Are the Sheep That Have Red Knit Scarf, The, Hripsime Temple, Dec, 53 Gerratt, May, 90 Wandered, James E. Faust, May, 61 Zatikyan Wright, Oct, 18 Laborers, The, Henry F. Acebedo, Helping from Home, Dallas H. and Enriching Our Lives through Family Role of Members in Conversion, The, Sep, 48 Marjorie S. Bradford, Jul, 48 Home Evening, James E. Faust, Jun, 2 Dallin H. Oaks, Mar, 52 Looking beyond the Mark, Quentin L. Looking beyond the Mark, Quentin L. Entrusted with Her Care, Annette Stand in Your Appointed Place, Cook, Mar, 40 Cook, Mar, 40 Candland Alger, Jul, 66 Thomas S. Monson, May, 54 New Testament Times at a Glance, Rock-Solid Foundation for Marriage, A, Family Councils, M. Russell and State of the Church, The, Gordon B. Chart 1: The Life of Jesus Christ Brent A. Barlow, Jun, 44 Barbara Ballard, Jun, 14 Hinckley, Nov, 4 from Birth to the Final Week, Seeking a Balanced Life, Donald L. Teaching Children Principles of Three Parables, James E. Talmage, Jan, 52 Hallstrom, Aug, 52 Happiness, D. Michael Barrett, Feb, 14 Feb, 8 New Testament Times at a Glance, Stand and Be Judged for What We Washing, Weeding, and Worshiping, Vision of Missionary Work, The, Brian Chart 2: The Savior’s Final Week, Really Are, Robert C. Oaks, Apr, 64 Barbara K. Christensen, Mar, 18 Jensen, Dec, 20 Apr, 26 Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Parkin, Bonnie D. Words of Jesus: Resurrection to New Testament Times at a Glance, Uncertainty and Testing, The, Choosing Charity: That Good Part, Ascension, D. Lee Tobler, Aug, 36 Chart 3: The Early Apostles—Their Richard G. Scott, May, 75 Nov, 104 Young Men—Holders of Keys, Monte J. Lives and Letters, Jul, 37 Sweet Power of Prayer, Russell M. PARMLEY, WILLIAM W. Brough, Nov, 47 Parable of the Empty House, The, Nelson, May, 7 News, May, 127 MODESTY Victor D. Cave, Mar, 45 Three Parables, James E. Talmage, Feb, 8 Parmley, William W. Everything Good and Beautiful, Jan Parable of the Talents, The, Ronald A. Walk Down Parley Street, A, James W. “Come, Follow Me,” Nov, 93 Pinborough, Mar, 62 Rasband, Aug, 32 Petty, Aug, 42 PARTICIPATION Monson, Thomas S. Priceless Parables, The, Frank F. Judd Jr., We Believe All That God Has Revealed, When Students Are the Teachers, Bridge Builder, The, Nov, 67 Jan, 56 L. Tom Perry, Nov, 85 Russell G. Bulloch, Jan, 17 Bring Him Home, Nov, 56 Prophecy for Our Day, Carl B. Pratt, Your Family History: Getting Started, PATIENCE Fatherless and the Widows: Beloved Jan, 60 Boyd K. Packer, Aug, 12 Our Struggle to “Be Fruitful,” Alan D. of God, The, Aug, 2 Savior’s Visit to the Spirit World, The, Ogden, D. Kelly Harrison, Jun, 52 Gifts of Christmas, The, Dec, 2 Spencer J. Condie, Jul, 32 Jerusalem, Apr, 12 Realize Your Full Potential, Richard G. He Is Risen, Apr, 2 Surety of a Better Testament, The, Olson, Adam C. Scott, Nov, 41 In Search of Treasure, May, 19 James E. Faust, Sep, 2 Linked by Suffering, Apr, 70 Slow to Anger, Gordon T. Watts, Feb, 59 Stand in Your Appointed Place, May, 54 Teaching, Preaching, Healing, Jeffrey R. ON SITE Timing, Dallin H. Oaks, Oct, 10 Way of the Master, The, Jan, 2 Holland, Jan, 32 Blooming with Beauty, Jun, 36 PATRIARCHAL BLESSINGS MONTICELLO UTAH TEMPLE Unjust Steward, The, Tsung-Ting Yang, Finding Links in the Chain, Aug, 18 “Read Your Patriarchal Blessing!” Célia News, Feb, 75 Jul, 28 To the Ends of the Earth, Feb, 64 Augusto de Souza, Dec, 62 MORALITY Unprofitable Servant, The, W. Rolfe Osgood, Brad PEACE Care for the Life of the Soul, Neal A. Kerr, Oct, 44 Thanks to a Single Act, Feb, 69 Benediction, Gordon B. Hinckley, Maxwell, May, 68 Words of Jesus: Chastity, Sheldon F. May, 99 In Search of Treasure, Thomas S. Child, Jan, 44 P Blessed by Living Water, Kathleen H. Monson, May, 19 Words of Jesus: Death and Hughes, May, 13 Let Our Voices Be Heard, M. Russell Resurrection, Walter F. González, Packer, Boyd K. Faith through Tribulation Brings Peace Ballard, Nov, 16 Apr, 22 Golden Years, The, May, 82 and Joy, Robert D. Hales, May, 15 Loyalty, Gordon B. Hinckley, May, 58 Words of Jesus: Forgiveness, Cecil O. “Standard of Truth Has Been Erected, Finding Peace through Forgiveness, Repentance and Change, Dallin H. Samuelson Jr., Feb, 48 The,” Nov, 24 Sep, 65 Oaks, Nov, 37 Words of Jesus: Humility, Athos M. Your Family History: Getting Started, He Is Risen, Thomas S. Monson, Apr, 2 “Standard of Truth Has Been Erected, Amorim, Mar, 48 Aug, 12 News, May, 124 The,” Boyd K. Packer, Nov, 24 Words of Jesus: Prayer, Keith B. PAGEANTS Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Virtues of Righteous Daughters of McMullin, Jan, 48 Easter in the Valley of the Sun, Apr, 38 Uncertainty and Testing, The, God, The, James E. Faust, May, 108 Words of Jesus: Resurrection to PARABLES (see also PARABLES Richard G. Scott, May, 75 MORTALITY Ascension, D. Lee Tobler, Aug, 36 OF JESUS) Unspeakable Gift, The, Joseph B. Grandeur of God, The, Jeffrey R. Words of the Early Apostles: Grace, Three Parables, James E. Talmage, Feb, 8 Wirthlin, May, 26 Holland, Nov, 70 Christoffel Golden Jr., Oct, 48 PARABLES OF JESUS War and Peace, Gordon B. Hinckley, MOTHERHOOD (see also FAMILY, Words of the Early Apostles: Safely Great Supper, The, F. Melvin May, 78 PARENTHOOD) Anchored by Love, H. Ross Hammond, Apr, 51 Words of Jesus: Forgiveness, Cecil O. Could I Feel Fulfilled as a Mother? Workman, Dec, 56 “I Am the True Vine,” Anthony R. Samuelson Jr., Feb, 48 Jennifer West, Mar, 59 NEWS OF THE CHURCH Temple, Dec, 53 Pedraza de Brosio, Raquel Mom, Are You There? Vickie Mason Jan, 74; Feb, 75; Mar, 75; Apr, 76; May, Laborers, The, Henry F. Acebedo, Sep, 48 Finding Grandpa Pablo, Sep, 18 Randalls, Oct, 68 124; Jun, 74; Jul, 74; Aug, 74; Sep, Lost Coin, The, J. Kent Jolley, Jun, 29 PERPETUAL EDUCATION FUND To the Women of the Church, 74; Oct, 74; Nov, 121; Dec, 66 Parable of the Empty House, The, State of the Church, The, Gordon B. Gordon B. Hinckley, Nov, 113 Nicoles-Davis, Lori Victor D. Cave, Mar, 45 Hinckley, Nov, 4 MOTION PICTURES (see ENTER- That Happened to You? Aug, 26 Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly, Perry, L. Tom TAINMENT, MEDIA) The, Wilfredo R. López, Feb, 56 Importance of the Family, The, May, 40 Moultrie, Jean Hedengren O Parable of the Talents, The, Ronald A. Staying Power, Jul, 40 Of Walkers, Wheelchairs, and Wisdom, Rasband, Aug, 32 We Believe All That God Has Revealed, Aug, 8 Oaks, Dallin H. Priceless Parables, The, Frank F. Judd Jr., Nov, 85 MUSIC Give Thanks in All Things, May, 95 Jan, 56 PERSECUTION (see ADVERSITY) Come, Lord Jesus, Dec, 12 Repentance and Change, Nov, 37 Prophecy for Our Day, Carl B. Pratt, PERSEVERANCE Our Prayer to Thee, Russell M. Nelson Role of Members in Conversion, The, Jan, 60 Aussie Pioneer, An, Sarah Martin, and Joseph Parry, May, IBC Mar, 52 Unjust Steward, The, Tsung-Ting Yang, Aug, 64 Song for Ryan, A, Luana Lish, Oct, 64 Timing, Oct, 10 Jul, 28 God Had His Own Plans for Me, Oaks, Robert C. Unprofitable Servant, The, W. Rolfe Rochelle Welty and Jan Pinborough, N Stand and Be Judged for What We Kerr, Oct, 44 Apr, 54 Really Are, Apr, 64 PARENTHOOD (see also FAMILY, Never Give Up, Jason Lacayo, Mar, 73 Nelson, Carl OBEDIENCE MOTHERHOOD) Seeing the Promises Afar Off, Anne C. Thank You, Mrs. Pfeil, Jul, 69 And That’s the Way It Is, H. David Did I Tell You . . . ? Susan W. Tanner, Pingree, Nov, 13 Nelson, Russell M. Burton, May, 48 May, 73 PERSONAL HISTORIES Divine Love, Feb, 20 Benediction, Gordon B. Hinckley, Lead Me, Guide Me, John B. Dickson, (see FAMILY HISTORY) Personal Priesthood Responsibility, May, 99 Sep, 12 Peterson, Kathleen Lubeck Nov, 44 Bridge Builder, The, Thomas S. Our Struggle to “Be Fruitful,” Alan D. From Young Women to Relief Society, Sweet Power of Prayer, May, 7 Monson, Nov, 67 Harrison, Jun, 52 Mar, 24

76 Petion, Alain A. Intensive Family Care, Pamela PRIMARY Neighborhood Concerts, Diane Words of Jesus: On the Cross, Jun, 32 Steenhoek, Mar, 71 Fostering Faith in God, Jul, 45 Robinson Haines, Dec, 64 Petty, James W. Lord Thy God Will Hold Thy Hand, My Turn in the Nursery, Steven H. No More Last-Minute Lessons, Kathy Walk Down Parley Street, A, Aug, 42 The, W. Craig Zwick, Nov, 34 Jensen, Aug, 50 Rose, Dec, 65 PHILIPPINES Lost Coin, The, J. Kent Jolley, Jun, 29 Show You Know, Coleen K. Menlove, One-on-One Home Evenings, Velma Burgos Philippines Stake, Nenita Y. Much Needed Rain, The, Juan Carlos May, 115 Rice, Jul, 73 Ramirez, Apr, 75 Rodríguez, Jun, 68 You Are a Child of God, Gordon B. Our Family Heritage Month, Joan Pinborough, Jan My Daughter’s Prayer, Kari Ann Hinckley, May, 117 Meade, Mar, 69 Everything Good and Beautiful, Rasmussen, Sep, 65 PRIORITIES Picture This, Marlene Cameron Mar, 62 Our Struggle to “Be Fruitful,” Alan D. Cost of Riches, The, Lynn G. Robbins, Thomas, Apr, 72 Pinborough, Jan and Rochelle Welty Harrison, Jun, 52 Jun, 24 Planning for Family Unity, Carol L. God Had His Own Plans for Me, Apr, 54 Prepare Youth to Meet Opposition in Family Home Evening, Gordon B. Clark, Feb, 72 Pingree, Anne C. the World, Jun, 61 Hinckley, Mar, 2 Planning to Play, LaVerd and Flora Choose Ye Therefore Christ the Lord, Receiving a Testimony of the Restored “I Am the True Vine,” Anthony R. John, Apr, 73 Nov, 110 Gospel of Jesus Christ, Robert D. Temple, Dec, 53 Primary Idea, A, Becky Christensen, Seeing the Promises Afar Off, Hales, Nov, 28 Much Needed Rain, The, Juan Carlos Jun, 73 Nov, 13 Seek, and Ye Shall Find, Craig C. Rodríguez, Jun, 68 Ready-Made Family Home Evening, PIONEERS (see also HISTORY, Christensen, May, 33 Prepare Every Needful Thing, Feb, 74 Melodie Webb, Feb, 73 CHURCH) Sustaining Power of Faith in Times Three Choices, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Simplifying Christmas, Kerry Griffin Aussie Pioneer, An, Sarah Martin, of Uncertainty and Testing, The, Nov, 78 Smith, Dec, 65 Aug, 64 Richard G. Scott, May, 75 PROPHETS Six Ways to Get Your ZZZs, Florence Thomas L. Kane: Outrider for Zion, Sweet Power of Prayer, Russell M. Clarion Call of Prophets, The, Shirley D. Fairbanks, Mar, 68 Lance B. Wickman, Sep, 56 Nelson, May, 7 Christensen, Nov, 32 Step-Down Principle, The, Alena C. Walk Down Parley Street, A, James W. With Fasting and Prayer, Ruth Follow the Instructions, D. Rex Johnson, Sep, 72 Petty, Aug, 42 Rodriguez Sotelo, Apr, 69 Gerratt, May, 90 Taking Care of “Family Business,” PLAN OF SALVATION Words of Jesus: Prayer, Keith B. Gifts of Christmas, The, Thomas S. Cecelie Costley, Oct, 73 Give Thanks in All Things, Dallin H. McMullin, Jan, 48 Monson, Dec, 2 Tapping into Family History Societies, Oaks, May, 95 You Are a Child of God, Gordon B. Joseph Smith: Restorer of Truth, Rosalie West, Sep, 72 Lord Thy God Will Hold Thy Hand, Hinckley, May, 117 Dec, 16 Time Line for the Scriptures, A, Julie The, W. Craig Zwick, Nov, 34 Preobrazhensky, Sergey Message of the Restoration, The, Proud, Jun, 73 “Standard of Truth Has Been Erected, Daniel, the Word of Wisdom, and My Charles Didier, Nov, 72 Time to Brush, Tonya Winn Beutler, The,” Boyd K. Packer, Nov, 24 Testimony, Mar, 22 Sure Foundation, A, Sheldon F. Child, Jul, 72 Words to Live By, James M. Dunn, PREPARATION Nov, 8 Tips for Preparing Your Missionary, May, 35 Preparing for Missionary Service, We Believe All That God Has Revealed, Mbaba Manasseh S., Oct, 72 Working through My Grief, Catharine Daryl H. Garn, May, 46 L. Tom Perry, Nov, 85 Tips for Women Who Must Enter Rasband, Jan, 28 Ways to get more from general Words of the Early Apostles: Building the Workforce, Winnie Gardner, POETRY conference, Oct, 53 Up the Church, Richard J. Maynes, Jan, 68 These Shepherds, Sharon Price PREPAREDNESS Sep, 44 Using Church Magazines, Cynthia Mar Anderson, Apr, 11 Compass in Heavy Fog, A, Lin Tsung- PROTECTION Thomas, Oct, 73 POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER Ting, Sep, 67 He Took My Purse, Rebecca Thomas, Who Needs a Will? Mark Groesbeck, Polynesian Cultural Center Celebrates If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear, Jun, 70 Jun, 72 40 Years of Aloha, Richard M. Jan, 67 Lock the Back Door! Kelli Allen-Pratt, Rasband, Catharine Romney, Oct, 74 News, Dec, 67 Aug, 73 Working through My Grief, Jan, 28 PONDERING Prepare Every Needful Thing, Feb, 74 PURITY Rasband, Ronald A. Seek, and Ye Shall Find, Craig C. Prepare Family Members by Everything Good and Beautiful, Jan Parable of the Talents, The, Aug, 32 Christensen, May, 33 Strengthening Them Spiritually, Pinborough, Mar, 62 Rasmussen, Kari Ann PORNOGRAPHY Mar, 67 Words of Jesus: Chastity, Sheldon F. My Daughter’s Prayer, Sep, 65 Addicted to Romance Novels? Jul, 57 Prepare for Temple Worship, Apr, 74 Child, Jan, 44 REDLANDS CALIFORNIA TEMPLE Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the Prepare to Be Strong through Trials, President Hinckley Dedicates Redlands World, An, Gordon B. Hinckley, Aug, 67 Q California Temple, Cray Carlson, Nov, 82 Prepare to Meet God, Oct, 71 Nov, 122 Let Our Voices be Heard, M. Russell Prepare to Receive Personal QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RELIEF SOCIETY Ballard, Nov, 16 Revelation, Sep, 71 Creative ways for couples to continue Emmeline B. Wells: A Fine Soul Who Loyalty, Gordon B. Hinckley, May, 58 Prepare to Resist Temptation, Jul, 71 courtship, Jun, 50 Served, Carol Cornwall Madsen, Pratt, Carl B. Prepare Youth to Meet Opposition in Struggling with loneliness after the Jul, 16 Prophecy for Our Day, Jan, 60 the World, Jun, 61 loss of a spouse, Feb, 28 From Young Women to Relief Society, PRAYER PRIDE Ways to get more from general Kathleen Lubeck Peterson, Mar, 24 Benediction, Gordon B. Hinckley, Finding Peace through Forgiveness, conference, Oct, 53 In Covenant with Him, Kathleen H. May, 99 Sep, 65 Hughes, Nov, 108 Bridge Builder, The, Thomas S. Laborers, The, Henry F. Acebedo, R Renker, Michael Monson, Nov, 67 Sep, 48 Does My Life Have a Purpose? Apr, 68 Child and a Disciple, A, Henry B. Prepare to Meet God, Oct, 71 Randalls, Vickie Mason REPENTANCE Eyring, May, 29 PRIESTHOOD Mom, Are You There? Oct, 68 Atonement, Repentance, and Dirty “Come, Follow Me,” William W. Bring Him Home, Thomas S. Monson, RANDOM SAMPLER Linen, Lynn A. Mickelsen, Nov, 10 Parmley, Nov, 93 Nov, 56 Forefather’s Day, Ann Blackshear Could I Come Back? Susan L. Enduring Testimony of the Mission of Growing into the Priesthood, David B. Alldredge, Jun, 73 MacDonald, Dec, 13 the Prophet Joseph, An, Henry B. Haight, May, 43 Four Tips for Family Home Evening, Dear Are the Sheep That Have Eyring, Nov, 89 Injured in the Wilderness, Reed Lori Mortensen, Aug, 69 Wandered, James E. Faust, May, 61 Essential Role of Member Missionary Tucker, Jun, 20 From “Silver Question” to Golden Divine Love, Russell M. Nelson, Work, The, M. Russell Ballard, Loyalty, Gordon B. Hinckley, Contacts, Damaris Fish, Aug, 68 Feb, 20 May, 37 May, 58 From Your Meetinghouse to Your “Draw Near unto Me,” Lindon J. Follow the Instructions, D. Rex Personal Priesthood Responsibility, Home, Jeff Orr, Jan, 69 Robison, Apr, 46 Gerratt, May, 90 Russell M. Nelson, Nov, 44 Getting to Know You, Lois G. Kullberg, Great Supper, The, F. Melvin From Battlefield to Mission Field, Priesthood, Keys, and the Power to Jul, 73 Hammond, Apr, 51 Alden M. Higgs, Jul, 24 Bless, Merrill J. Bateman, Nov, 50 Ideas for Relief Society Music Training, Lost Coin, The, J. Kent Jolley, Jun, 29 He Took My Purse, Rebecca Thomas, Reverence, Keith L. Smith, Jul, 60 Jolene Stephens Picker, Aug, 68 Overcoming the Stench of Sin, Jun, 70 Sacrament in the Attic, Gerard Van Illustrated by Children, Linda Pratt, Spencer V. Jones, May, 88 I Can Pray to Heavenly Father Anytime, Zeben, Feb, 68 Feb, 72 Parable of the Empty House, The, Anywhere, Sydney S. Reynolds, Stand in Your Appointed Place, Inviting Extended Family, Regina Victor D. Cave, Mar, 45 May, 113 Thomas S. Monson, May, 54 Williams Klitgaard, Apr, 73 Prepare to Resist Temptation, Jul, 71 I Didn’t Find God—He Found Me, Young Men—Holders of Keys, Monte J. Involving Teens, Darlene Young, Repentance and Change, Dallin H. Jochen A. Beisert, Jul, 67 Brough, Nov, 47 Sep, 73 Oaks, Nov, 37

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 77 Three Choices, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Robison, Lindon J. SEEKING Simmons, NaDene Cope Nov, 78 “Draw Near unto Me,” Apr, 46 Seek, and Ye Shall Find, Craig C. Lifting the Burden, Aug, 40 Words of Jesus: Chastity, Sheldon F. Rodríguez, Juan Carlos Christensen, May, 33 SIMPSON, ROBERT L. Child, Jan, 44 Much Needed Rain, The, Jun, 68 SELF-CONTROL News, Jul, 78 RESPECT Slow to Anger, Gordon T. Watts, Feb, 59 SIN At Home with the Hinckleys, Oct, 22 S SELF-IMPROVEMENT Overcoming the Stench of Sin, Let Us Live the Gospel More Fully, Three Choices, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Spencer V. Jones, May, 88 Gordon B. Hinckley, Nov, 102 SABBATH Nov, 78 SINGLE ADULTS RESPONSIBILITY Honoring the Lord’s Day, David Oscar SELF-RELIANCE (see also WELFARE) Singular Living, Jun, 56 Personal Priesthood Responsibility, Sarmiento, Jun, 69 Prepare by Living Providently and To the Women of the Church, Gordon B. Russell M. Nelson, Nov, 44 Importance of the Family, The, L. Tom Paying Tithes and Offerings, Dec, 52 Hinckley, Nov, 113 Role of Members in Conversion, The, Perry, May, 40 True Community: Latter-day Saints in SINGLE PARENTHOOD (see also Dallin H. Oaks, Mar, 52 SACRAMENT San Bernardino, 1851–1857, Marilyn PARENTHOOD) Shepherds of Israel, The, Gordon B. Bring Him Home, Thomas S. Monson, Mills, Feb, 36 After Divorce: Help for Latter-day Saint Hinckley, Nov, 60 Nov, 56 SELF-WORTH Men, A. Dean Byrd, Aug, 58 RESTORATION Sacrament in the Attic, Gerard Van Learning to Rely on the Lord, Sep, 52 SISTERHOOD How Choice a Seer! Neal A. Maxwell, Zeben, Feb, 68 SERVICE (see also COMPASSION, From Young Women to Relief Society, Nov, 99 SACRIFICE CHARITY) Kathleen Lubeck Peterson, Mar, 24 Joseph Smith: Restorer of Truth, Are You a Saint? Quentin L. Cook, Nov, 95 Bridge Builder, The, Thomas S. In Covenant with Him, Kathleen H. Dec, 16 He Is Risen, Thomas S. Monson, Apr, 2 Monson, Nov, 67 Hughes, Nov, 108 Message of the Restoration, The, Holy Place, Sacred Space, Dennis B. Bring Him Home, Thomas S. Monson, SMITH, JOSEPH Charles Didier, Nov, 72 Neuenschwander, May, 71 Nov, 56 Enduring Testimony of the Mission of Priesthood, Keys, and the Power to SAFETY Choosing Charity: That Good Part, the Prophet Joseph, An, Henry B. Bless, Merrill J. Bateman, Nov, 50 Words of the Early Apostles: Safely Bonnie D. Parkin, Nov, 104 Eyring, Nov, 89 Prophecy for Our Day, Carl B. Pratt, Anchored by Love, H. Ross Condition of the Church, The, How Choice a Seer! Neal A. Maxwell, Jan, 60 Workman, Dec, 56 Gordon B. Hinckley, May, 4 Nov, 99 Receiving a Testimony of the Restored SAINTS IN Fatherless and the Widows: Beloved of Joseph Smith: Restorer of Truth, Dec, 16 Gospel of Jesus Christ, Robert D. Burgos Philippines Stake, Nenita Y. God, The, Thomas S. Monson, Aug, 2 Lord, I Believe; Help Thou Mine Hales, Nov, 28 Ramirez, Apr, 75 From Young Women to Relief Society, Unbelief, James E. Faust, Nov, 16 “Standard of Truth Has Been Erected, SALT LAKE CITY Kathleen Lubeck Peterson, Mar, 24 Wondrous Restoration, The, Neal A. The,” Boyd K. Packer, Nov, 24 Church to Move Campuses, Invest in Great Supper, The, F. Melvin Maxwell, Apr, 30 Wondrous Restoration, The, Neal A. Redevelopment, Lisa Ann Jackson, Hammond, Apr, 51 Smith, Keith L. Maxwell, Apr, 30 Dec, 68 Growing into the Priesthood, David B. Reverence, Jul, 60 RESURRECTION SAMUELSON, CECIL O., Jr. Haight, May, 43 Sorensen, David E. He Is Risen, Thomas S. Monson, Apr, 2 News, May, 128 Helping from Home, Dallas H. and Doctrine of Temple Work, The, Oct, 56 Savior’s Visit to the Spirit World, The, Samuelson, Cecil O., Jr. Marjorie S. Bradford, Jul, 48 Forgiveness Will Change Bitterness to Spencer J. Condie, Jul, 32 Words of Jesus: Forgiveness, Feb, 48 How Could I Serve? Shirley Schardine, Love, May, 10 There Is Hope Smiling Brightly before Sarmiento, David Oscar Jun, 23 Sotelo, Ruth Rodriguez Us, Julie B. Beck, May, 103 Honoring the Lord’s Day, Jun, 69 I Can Make Rolls, Glenda Anderson, With Fasting and Prayer, Apr, 69 Words of Jesus: Death and Schardine, Shirley Dec, 45 SPIRIT OF THE LORD (see Resurrection, Walter F. González, How Could I Serve? Jun, 23 Laborers, The, Henry F. Acebedo, Sep, 48 HOLY GHOST) Apr, 22 Scott, Richard G. Lesson for the Teacher, A, Sharon SPIRIT WORLD Words of Jesus: Resurrection to Realize Your Full Potential, Nov, 41 Johnson, Feb, 70 Savior’s Visit to the Spirit World, The, Ascension, D. Lee Tobler, Aug, 36 Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Loading Up the Little Red Wagon, Spencer J. Condie, Jul, 32 REVELATION Uncertainty and Testing, The, May, 75 Annette Paxman Bowen, Dec, 42 SPIRITUALITY Message of the Restoration, The, SCRIPTURE STUDY (see also My Father’s Medal of Courage, Care for the Life of the Soul, Neal A. Charles Didier, Nov, 72 NEW TESTAMENT) Emmanuel Fleckinger, Sep, 64 Maxwell, May, 68 Prepare to Receive Personal Enduring Testimony of the Mission of My Turn in the Nursery, Steven H. Cost of Riches, The, Lynn G. Robbins, Revelation, Sep, 71 the Prophet Joseph, An, Henry B. Jensen, Aug, 50 Jun, 24 We Believe All That God Has Revealed, Eyring, Nov, 89 Of Walkers, Wheelchairs, and Wisdom, Prepare Family Members by L. Tom Perry, Nov, 85 Feasting on the Word, Mar, 35 Jean Hedengren Moultrie, Aug, 8 Strengthening Them Spiritually, REVERENCE Follow the Instructions, D. Rex Personal Priesthood Responsibility, Mar, 67 Reverence, Keith L. Smith, Jul, 60 Gerratt, May, 90 Russell M. Nelson, Nov, 44 Strengthening the Inner Self, James E. Teaching Children Principles of My Daughter’s Prayer, Kari Ann Phenomenon That Is You, The, James E. Faust, Feb, 2 Happiness, D. Michael Barrett, Rasmussen, Sep, 65 Faust, Nov, 53 STANDARDS Feb, 14 New Testament Times at a Glance, Realize Your Full Potential, Richard G. “Standard of Truth Has Been Erected, Reynolds, Sydney S. Chart 1: The Life of Jesus Christ from Scott, Nov, 41 The,” Boyd K. Packer, Nov, 24 He Knows Us; He Loves Us, Nov, 76 Birth to the Final Week, Jan, 52 Road to Financial Security, The, Mar, 30 Show You Know, Coleen K. Menlove, I Can Pray to Heavenly Father Anytime, New Testament Times at a Glance, Chart Serving: The Desire That Never Grows May, 115 Anywhere, May, 113 2: The Savior’s Final Week, Apr, 26 Old, Sharon Barber, Feb, 26 STATISTICS RICHES New Testament Times at a Glance, Shepherds of Israel, The, Gordon B. Statistical Report, 2002, F. Michael Cost of Riches, The, Lynn G. Robbins, Chart 3: The Early Apostles—Their Hinckley, Nov, 60 Watson, May, 25 Jun, 24 Lives and Letters, Jul, 37 Singular Living, Jun, 56 Steenhoek, Pamela Unjust Steward, The, Tsung-Ting Yang, Reading His Words Together, David Strengthening the Inner Self, James E. Intensive Family Care, Mar, 71 Jul, 28 Brent Marsh, Sep, 34 Faust, Feb, 2 SUBMISSIVENESS Words of Jesus: Riches, William R. Realize Your Full Potential, Richard G. Struggling with loneliness after the Empowerment of Humility, The, Bradford, Feb, 52 Scott, Nov, 41 loss of a spouse, Feb, 28 Richard C. Edgley, Nov, 97 RIGHTEOUSNESS Receiving a Testimony of the Restored Three Choices, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Teaching, Preaching, Healing, Jeffrey R. Are You a Saint? Quentin L. Cook, Gospel of Jesus Christ, Robert D. Nov, 78 Holland, Jan, 32 Nov, 95 Hales, Nov, 28 Two People Building for Eternity, Don L. SUFFERING (see ADVERSITY) Care for the Life of the Soul, Neal A. Surety of a Better Testament, The, Searle, Jan, 10 SUSTAINING Maxwell, May, 68 James E. Faust, Sep, 2 Unto the Least, Víctor Guillermo Sustaining of Church Officers, The, Personal Priesthood Responsibility, Three Choices, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Chauca Rivera, Sep, 68 James E. Faust, May, 23; Nov, 23 Russell M. Nelson, Nov, 44 Nov, 78 Words of the Early Apostles: Building Show You Know, Coleen K. Menlove, SCRIPTURES Up the Church, Richard J. Maynes, T May, 115 Forsake Wrath, Wanda Jo Cooke, Aug, 71 Sep, 44 Words to Live By, James M. Dunn, Sure Foundation, A, Sheldon F. Child, Young Men—Holders of Keys, Monte J. TABERNACLE CHOIR May, 35 Nov, 8 Brough, Nov, 47 Choir Carries Audiences on a “Cloud Rivera, Víctor Guillermo Chauca Teaching Children Principles of SHUMWAY, W. DOUGLAS of Sound,” Taralyn Trost, Oct, 75 Unto the Least, Sep, 68 Happiness, D. Michael Barrett, Feb, 14 News, May, 127 TALENTS Robbins, Lynn G. Searle, Don L. Silvester, Melanie Parable of the Talents, The, Ronald A. Cost of Riches, The, Jun, 24 Two People Building for Eternity, Jan, 10 Day the Dishwasher Broke, The, Feb, 18 Rasband, Aug, 32

78 Staying Power, L. Tom Perry, Jul, 40 Clarion Call of Prophets, The, Shirley D. V WORD OF WISDOM Talmage, James E. Christensen, Nov, 32 Daniel, the Word of Wisdom, and My Three Parables, Feb, 8 Could I Come Back? Susan L. Van Zeben, Gerard Testimony, Sergey Preobrazhensky, Tanner, Susan W. MacDonald, Dec, 13 Sacrament in the Attic, Feb, 68 Mar, 22 Did I Tell You . . . ? May, 73 Daniel, The Word of Wisdom, and My VIOLENCE WORK Steadfast in Our Covenants, May, 100 Testimony, Sergey Preobrazhensky, It’s “Only” Violence, Brad J. Bushman, Day the Dishwasher Broke, The, Taylor, Jerald L. Mar, 22 Jun, 62 Melanie Silvester, Feb, 18 Commit Thy Way unto the Lord, Jul, 54 Enduring Testimony of the Mission of VIRTUE (see also CHASTITY) Road to Financial Security, The, Mar, 30 TAYLOR, JOHN the Prophet Joseph, An, Henry B. Virtues of Righteous Daughters of Teaching Children Principles of John Taylor: Defender of Truth, Karla C. Eyring, Nov, 89 God, The, James E. Faust, May, 108 Happiness, D. Michael Barrett, Erickson, Jan, 20 Growing into the Priesthood, David B. VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE Feb, 14 TEACHING Haight, May, 43 If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear, Washing, Weeding, and Worshiping, Building for Their Future, Garth A. How I Came Back: Personal Accounts Jan, 67 Barbara K. Christensen, Mar, 18 Hanson, Dec, 38 of Activation, Sep, 7 Prepare by Living Providently and Workman, H. Ross Clarion Call of Prophets, The, Shirley D. I Can Pray to Heavenly Father Anytime, Paying Tithes and Offerings, Dec, 52 Words of the Early Apostles: Safely Christensen, Nov, 32 Anywhere, Sydney S. Reynolds, Prepare Every Needful Thing, Feb, 74 Anchored by Love, Dec, 56 Could We Let Our Children Choose? May, 113 Prepare Family Members by WORKS Denise Fitzpatrick, Apr, 57 Let Us Live the Gospel More Fully, Strengthening Them Spiritually, Words of the Early Apostles: Grace, Dear Are the Sheep That Have Gordon B. Hinckley, Nov, 102 Mar, 67 Christoffel Golden Jr., Oct, 48 Wandered, James E. Faust, May, 61 Lynette’s Testimony, Leah Poole Prepare for Temple Worship, Apr, 74 WORLDLINESS Lead Me, Guide Me, John B. Dickson, Wright, Apr, 70 Prepare to Be Strong through Trials, Are You a Saint? Quentin L. Cook, Sep, 12 Prayer for the Children, A, Jeffrey R. Aug, 67 Nov, 95 Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly, Holland, May, 85 Prepare to Meet God, Oct, 71 WORSHIP The, Wilfredo R. López, Feb, 56 Realize Your Full Potential, Richard G. Prepare to Receive Personal Doctrine of Temple Work, The, David E. Reading His Words Together, David Scott, Nov, 41 Revelation, Sep, 71 Sorensen, Oct, 56 Brent Marsh, Sep, 34 Receiving a Testimony of the Restored Prepare to Resist Temptation, Jul, 71 Prepare for Temple Worship, Apr, 74 Resource Guides, May, 121; Nov, 117 Gospel of Jesus Christ, Robert D. Prepare Youth to Meet Opposition in Repentance and Change, Dallin H. Teaching by Faith, Robert D. Hales, Hales, Nov, 28 the World, Jun, 61 Oaks, Nov, 37 Sep, 20 Sure Foundation, A, Sheldon F. Child, Sacrament in the Attic, Gerard Van Teaching Children Principles of Nov, 8 W Zeben, Feb, 68 Happiness, D. Michael Barrett, Surety of a Better Testament, The, Washing, Weeding, and Worshiping, Feb, 14 James E. Faust, Sep, 2 Wallace, Russell W. Barbara K. Christensen, Mar, 18 Teaching, Preaching, Healing, Jeffrey R. Teaching by Faith, Robert D. Hales, E-Mail Investigator, The, Sep, 31 WORTHINESS Holland, Jan, 32 Sep, 20 WAR And That’s the Way It Is, H. David Teachings for Our Time, 2003, May, Testimonies: “Choose That Good Part,” News, May, 124 Burton, May, 48 120; Nov. 116 Nov, 107 War and Peace, Gordon B. Hinckley, Are You a Saint? Quentin L. Cook, To the Ends of the Earth, Feb, 64 Thomas, Rebecca May, 78 Nov, 95 Washing, Weeding, and Worshiping, He Took My Purse, Jun, 70 Watson, F. Michael Essential Role of Member Missionary Barbara K. Christensen, Mar, 18 TIMING Statistical Report, 2002, May, 25 Work, The, M. Russell Ballard, When Students Are the Teachers, Mom, Are You There? Vickie Mason Watts, Gordon T. May, 37 Russell G. Bulloch, Jan, 17 Randalls, Oct, 68 Slow to Anger, Feb, 59 Preparing for Missionary Service, TEENAGERS (see YOUTH) Timing, Dallin H. Oaks, Oct, 10 WELFARE Daryl H. Garn, May, 46 TELEVISION (see MEDIA) TITHING Road to Financial Security, The, Mar, 30 Receiving a Testimony of the Restored TEMPLE SQUARE Condition of the Church, The, WELLS, EMMELINE B. Gospel of Jesus Christ, Robert D. Blooming with Beauty, Jun, 36 Gordon B. Hinckley, May, 4 Emmeline B. Wells: A Fine Soul Who Hales, Nov, 28 Temple, Anthony R. He Knows Us; He Loves Us, Sydney S. Served, Carol Cornwall Madsen, Shepherds of Israel, The, Gordon B. “I Am the True Vine,” Dec, 53 Reynolds, Nov, 76 Jul, 16 Hinckley, Nov, 60 TEMPLES Not Room Enough to Receive It, Welty, Rochelle and Jan Pinborough Wright, Hripsime Zatikyan Doctrine of Temple Work, The, David E. Dec, 46 God Had His Own Plans for Me, Red Knit Scarf, The, Oct, 18 Sorensen, Oct, 56 Prepare by Living Providently and Apr, 54 Wright, Leah Poole Eternal Marriage, F. Burton Howard, Paying Tithes and Offerings, Dec, 52 West, Jennifer Lynette’s Testimony, Apr, 70 May, 92 Road to Financial Security, The, Mar, 30 Could I Feel Fulfilled as a Mother? Holy Place, Sacred Space, Dennis B. Tobler, D. Lee Mar, 59 Y Neuenschwander, May, 71 Words of Jesus: Resurrection to Whitney, Orson F. Lord, I Believe; Help Thou Mine Ascension, Aug, 36 Divinity of Jesus Christ, The, Dec, 6 Yang, Tsung-Ting Unbelief, James E. Faust, Nov, 16 TOLERANCE Wickman, Lance B. Unjust Steward, The, Jul, 28 Marriage That Endures, The, Gordon B. Christmas with a Minister, Blaine K. Thomas L. Kane: Outrider for Zion, YOUNG ADULTS Hinckley, Jul, 2 Gehring, Dec, 60 Sep, 56 In Good Company, Lisa Ann Jackson, Phenomenon That Is You, The, James E. TRANSITION WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Oct, 34 Faust, Nov, 53 From Young Women to Relief Society, Fatherless and the Widows: Beloved YOUNG WOMEN Pieces of History, Pieces of Light, Kathleen Lubeck Peterson, Mar, 24 of God, The, Thomas S. Monson, From Young Women to Relief Society, Jul, 8 TRUST Aug, 2 Kathleen Lubeck Peterson, Mar, 24 Prepare for Temple Worship, Apr, 74 Lord Thy God Will Hold Thy Hand, Struggling with loneliness after the YOUTH President Hinckley Dedicates Redland The, W. Craig Zwick, Nov, 34 loss of a spouse, Feb, 28 Condition of the Church, The, California Temple, Cray Carlson, Tsung-Ting, Lin Wirthlin, Joseph B. Gordon B. Hinckley, May, 4 Nov, 122 Compass in Heavy Fog, A, Sep, 67 Three Choices, Nov, 78 Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the Savior’s Visit to the Spirit World, The, Tucker, Reed Unspeakable Gift, The, May, 26 World, An, Gordon B. Hinckley, Spencer J. Condie, Jul, 32 Injured in the Wilderness, Jun, 20 WISDOM Nov, 82 Seeing the Promises Afar Off, Anne C. Golden Years, The, Boyd K. Packer, Prepare Youth to Meet Opposition in Pingree, Nov, 13 U May, 82 the World, Jun, 61 TEMPTATION WOMEN (see also MOTHERHOOD, Teaching by Faith, Robert D. Hales, Addicted to Romance Novels? Jul, 57 UNCONDITIONAL LOVE RELIEF SOCIETY) Sep, 20 Devil’s Throat, The, James E. Faust, Divine Love, Russell M. Nelson, Emmeline B. Wells: A Fine Soul Who Young Men—Holders of Keys, Monte J. May, 51 Feb, 20 Served, Carol Cornwall Madsen, Brough, Nov, 47 Our Thorns in the Flesh, Ray H. Wood, UNITY Jul, 16 Feb, 31 Day the Dishwasher Broke, The, Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the Z Prepare to Resist Temptation, Jul, 71 Melanie Silvester, Feb, 18 World, An, Gordon B. Hinckley, Words of Jesus: Riches, William R. “Draw Near unto Me,” Lindon J. Nov, 82 Zavale, Filipe S. Bradford, Feb, 52 Robison, Apr, 46 To the Women of the Church, Liahona Was My Guide, The, Jan, 8 TESTIMONY True Community: Latter-day Saints in Gordon B. Hinckley, Nov, 113 Zwick, W. Craig Child and a Disciple, A, Henry B. San Bernardino, 1851–1857, Marilyn Wood, Ray H. Lord Thy God Will Hold Thy Hand, Eyring, May, 29 Mills, Feb, 36 Our Thorns in the Flesh, Feb, 31 The, Nov, 34

ENSIGN DECEMBER 2003 79 MAKING THE MOST Did You Know? OF THIS ISSUE You could pay to have a DECEMBER 2003 gourmet treat delivered to a friend or loved one once a The Journey Home can have. Learn what par- month for a year. But for far She had been ents can do to help children less money, you could send excommunicated 20 develop this capability. See a far more valuable and spir- long, bitter years ago. “Building for Their Future,” itually nourishing Christmas Was it still possible page 38. present—a gift subscription to gain a testimony to one of the Church maga- and return to the Missionary Minded zines. That friend at work Church? See One ward’s experience who occasionally asks ques- “Could I Come shows how taking mission- tions about the Church? Back?” page 13. ary work more seriously can That less-active family bring gratifying results. See you’ve been visiting? That Simplify Your Holidays “Catching the Vision of child or other family mem- It’s easier to have a Missionary Work,” page 20. ber who needs strengthen- Family Home Evening Ideas more spiritual Christmas ing? They are all perfect • New at holding family season if it’s also a more candidates for a gift sub- home evening? Or think relaxing season. You’ll find scription. Every the children aren’t paying helpful ideas in Random month the maga- attention? Or don’t have Sampler on page 65. zine will be a whole- kids in the home anymore? some, inviting Other families share their Avoiding Shipwreck presence in the home. encouraging experiences in Like John of old, we live Gift subscriptions “Testimonies of Family in a time of growing dark- are available through Home Evening,” page 26. ness and spiritual danger. your ward maga- • Talk about tithing. Elder H. Ross Workman of zine representa- Members from around the the Seventy tells how the tive or your local world tell how their lives light of the Spirit and a Church distribu- were blessed by living this love of God and fellowman Speaking tion center. In North principle. See “Not Room safeguard us. See “Safely of Christmas and America you can order Enough to Receive It,” Anchored by Love,” page 56. Missionary Work . . . by phone at 1-800-537-5971 page 46. There’s a wonderful gift using Visa, MasterCard, or Blueprint for you can give friends and American Express. Or order Especially for Christmas Competent Children neighbors of other faiths, on-line at ldscatalog.com. • Surrounded by The ability to make one that will help you share strangers, this family good decisions is your testimony in a power- GOSPEL TOPICS loaded up their little one of the most ful way. See the sidebar Activation, 13 Friendshipping, 64 red wagon and moved important skills a article on page 19. Adversity, 53 Illness, 45 Blessings, 46 Jesus Christ, 2, 6, some hearts. See young person Charity, 63 12, 16, 53 page 42. Home Teachers, Children, 38 Kirtland, 30 • Lunch with Visiting Teachers Christmas, 2, 42, 60, Missionary Work, 62, 63, 64, 65 20, 60 a minister, a Find the monthly Church History, 30 Music, 12 Christmas bless- messages on page 2 and Commitment, 53 Obedience, 56 ing, a trucker’s page 52. Compassion, 45 Parents, 38 Death, 45 Patriarchal gift—see three Decision Making, Blessings, 62 heartwarm- 38 Peace, 56 ing stories Faith, 20 Prayer, 20 Families, 26 Priorities, 53 beginning Family Home Repentance, 13 on page 60. Evening, 26, 65 Service, 42, 45 Family Traditions, 42 Teaching, 38, 65 Fellowship, 20 Testimony, 6, 16 Forgiveness, 13 Tithing, 46, 52 80 Building the Kirtland Temple, by Walter Rane In late 1832 and early 1833 the Lord told the Saints to “establish . . . a house of God” (D&C 88:119). In June 1833 the Lord said: “It is my will that you should build a house. If you keep my commandments you shall have power to build it” (D&C 95:11). ith the birth of the babe in Bethlehem, DENMARK FREDERIKSBORG IN HILLERØD, MUSEUM AT HISTORIC COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL BOTH CARL HEINRICH BLOCH, BY there emerged a great endowment, Wa power stronger than weapons, a

wealth more lasting than the coins of Caesar. OF JESUS, THE BIRTH This child was to be the King of kings and Lord of lords, the promised Messiah––even Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” See President Thomas S. Monson, “The Gifts of Christmas,” p. 2. BY CARL HEINRICH BLOCH; BACK: BACK: CARL HEINRICH BLOCH; BY MARY AND THE ANGEL, FRONT: DETAIL FROM DETAIL FRONT: