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

COVER STORY: What We Owe to Adam and Eve, p. 52 Using Agency Wisely, p. 8 Making Decisions That Shape Your Future, p. 12 How Teachers Touched Lives, p. 58 COURTESY OF SOTHEBY’S, MAY NOT BE COPIED NOT MAY COURTESY OF SOTHEBY’S, Tower of Babel, by Tobias Verhaecht “And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven. . . . Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth” (Genesis 11:3–4, 9). JANUARY 2006 • VOLUME 36, NUMBER 1

2 FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE The Master’s Blueprint President Thomas S. Monson 8 Using Agency Wisely Elder Donald L. Hallstrom 12 Making Major Life Decisions Kathleen Lubeck Peterson 17 He Offended Me! Name Withheld 20 Wilford Woodruff: Contending for the Faith Aaron L. West 26 God Moves in a Mysterious Way Using Agency William Cowper and 8 Wisely William B. Bradbury 27 For Newlyweds and Their Parents Richard B. Miller 32 The Restoration and Faith Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin 39 Thanks for Finding Me Nancy M. Hopkins 40 In the Beginning . . . 44 Blessed by My Callings Sheila Kindred 46 LESSONS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT Called of God Bishop Richard C. Edgley 50 THE FULNESS OF THE GOSPEL The Nature of the Godhead 52 GOSPEL CLASSICS Adam’s Role in Bringing Us Mortality President Joseph Fielding Smith 54 The Joyful Surprise of Motherhood Jean Knight Pace 58 A Lesson That Changed My Life 62 A Happy Gathering of Sisters Lilian DeLong For Newlyweds Called 27 65 VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE 46 and Their Parents The Purpose of Relief Society of God 66 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES 70 RANDOM SAMPLER 72 NEWS OF THE CHURCH ON THE COVER: Front: Painting by Jay Bryant Ward. Back: Photography by Steve Bunderson, posed by models.

AN OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CHURCH PUBLICATIONS ASSISTANT: Sally J. Odekirk $10 U.S. check or money order to Distribution Services, OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368. MARKETING MANAGER: Larry Hiller THE FIRST PRESIDENCY: Gordon B. Hinckley, TO CHANGE ADDRESS: Send both old and new address Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust MANAGING ART DIRECTOR: M. M. Kawasaki information to Distribution Services at the above address. Please allow 60 days for changes to take effect. QUORUM OF THE TWELVE: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, ART DIRECTOR: J. Scott Knudsen Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, DESIGN AND PRODUCTION STAFF: Calli R. Arroyo, SUBMIT MANUSCRIPTS OR ART TO: [email protected] Joseph B. Wirthlin, Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Collette Nebeker Aune, C. Kimball Bott, Thomas S. (e-mail) or Ensign Editorial, 50 E. North Temple St., Rm. 2420, Jeffrey R. Holland, Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Child, Colleen Hinckley, Jane Ann Peters, Tadd R. Peterson, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3220, USA. Unsolicited material is David A. Bednar Randall J. Pixton, Scott Van Kampen welcome, but no responsibility is assumed. For return, EDITOR: Jay E. Jensen include self-addressed, stamped envelope. ADVISERS: Monte J. Brough, Gary J. Coleman, PRINTING DIRECTOR: Craig K. Sedgwick The Ensign can be found on the Internet at www.lds.org. Yoshihiko Kikuchi DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR: Kris T Christensen Click on “Gospel Library.” MANAGING DIRECTOR: David L. Frischknecht © 2006 BY INTELLECTUAL RESERVE, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Text and visual material in the Ensign may be copied for EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Victor D. Cave The Ensign (ISSN 0884-1136) is published monthly by incidental, noncommercial church or home use. Visual SENIOR EDITORS: Richard M. Romney, Larry Hiller material may not be copied if restrictions are indicated in GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Allan R. Loyborg The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 E. the credit line with the artwork. Copyright questions should North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3220, USA. be addressed to Intellectual Property Office, 50 E. North MANAGING EDITOR: Don L. Searle Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah, and at Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3011; e-mail: The Joyful ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR: LaRene Porter Gaunt additional mailing offices. [email protected]. 54 SENIOR EDITORS: Linda Stahle Cooper, Judith M. Paller, Surprise Rebecca M. Taylor, Roger Terry POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Distribution Services, of Motherhood EDITORIAL STAFF: Susan Barrett, Ryan Carr, Monica L. TO SUBSCRIBE: By phone, call 1-800-537-5971 to order P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA. Dickinson, Jenifer L. Greenwood, Adam C. Olson using Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, or American SENIOR SECRETARY: Sara R. Porter Express. Online, go to ldscatalog.com. By mail, send CANADA POST INFORMATION: Publication Agreement #40017431

FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

The Master’s Blueprint

BY PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON First Counselor in the First Presidency hen Jesus ministered among men we are to build successfully. The words of at a time long ago and a place far instruction provided by the Apostle Paul give W away, He often spoke in parables, the assurance we need: “Know ye not that ye in language the people best understood. are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of MAGES Oftentimes He referred to home building God dwelleth in you?”5 in relationship to the lives of those who lis- When we remember that each of us is tened. Wasn’t He frequently known as “the literally a spirit son or daughter of God, carpenter’s son”?1 He declared, “Every . . . we will not find it difficult to approach our house divided against itself shall not stand.”2 Heavenly Father in prayer. He appreciates Later He cautioned, “Behold, mine house is the value of this raw material which we call a house of order, saith the Lord God, and life. “Remember the worth of souls is great In a very real sense, not a house of confusion.”3 in the sight of God.”6 His pronouncement we are builders of In a revelation given through the Prophet inspires purpose in our lives. eternal houses. We Joseph Smith at Kirtland, Ohio, December 27, There is a teacher who will guide our are apprentices to 1832, the Master counseled, “Organize your- efforts if we will but place our faith in Him— the trade—not selves; prepare every needful thing; and even the Lord Jesus Christ. He invites us: skilled craftsmen. establish a house, even a house of prayer, a “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are We need divine help house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of heavy laden, and I will give you rest. if we are to build learning, a house of glory, a house of order, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; successfully. a house of God.”4 for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall Where could any of us locate a more find rest unto your souls. suitable blueprint whereby he or she could “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is wisely and properly build a house to person- light.”7 ally occupy throughout eternity? It was said of Jesus that He “increased in In a very real sense, we are builders of eter- wisdom and stature, and in favour with God nal houses. We are apprentices to the trade— and man.”8 Do we have the determination to

LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH BY STEVE BUNDERSON, POSED BY MODELS, MAY NOT BE COPIED; RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHY BY BUSATH PHOTOGRAPHY AND © GETTY I PHOTOGRAPHY BUSATH BY PHOTOGRAPHY BE COPIED; RIGHT: NOT MAY MODELS, POSED BY STEVE BUNDERSON, BY PHOTOGRAPH LEFT: not skilled craftsmen. We need divine help if do likewise? One line of holy writ contains a

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 3 tribute to our Lord and Savior, of whom it was said, “[He] reasons why so few people are to be found who seem sen- went about doing good.”9 sible and pleasant in conversation is that almost everybody is thinking about what he wants to say himself rather than Examples of the Believers about answering clearly what is said to him.”16 Paul, in his epistle to his beloved Timothy, outlined a Third, be an example in charity. From Corinthians way whereby we could become our better selves and, at comes the beautiful truth, “Charity never faileth.”17 the same time, provide assistance to others who ponder Satisfying to the soul is the ready response the Church or ask the question, “How can I [find my way], except has made to disasters of nature in so many locations. some man should guide me?”10 Frequently we have arrived first on the scene following such The answer, given by Paul to Timothy, provides an disasters and with the most help. There are other organiza- inspired charge to each of us. Let us take heed of his wise tions which likewise respond in a generous fashion. counsel: “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in What is charity? Moroni, in writing a few of the words of conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”11 his father, Mormon, recorded, “Charity is the pure love of Let us examine this solemn instruction which, in a very Christ, and it endureth forever.”18 real sense, is given to us. One who exemplified charity in his life was President First, be an example in word. “Let your words tend to George Albert Smith (1870–1951). Immediately following edifying one another,”12 said the Lord. World War II, the Church had a drive to amass warm cloth- Do we remember the counsel of a favorite Sunday ing to ship to suffering Saints in Europe. Elder Harold B. School hymn? Lee (1899–1973) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Marion G. Romney (1897–1988), an Assistant to Oh, the kind words we give shall in memory live the Twelve, took President George Albert Smith to Welfare And sunshine forever impart. Square in Salt Lake City to view the results. They were Let us oft speak kind words to each other; impressed by the generous response of the membership Kind words are sweet tones of the heart.13 of the Church. They watched President Smith observing Consider the observation of Mary Boyson Wall, who the workers as they packaged this great volume of donated married Don Harvey Wall in the Salt Lake Temple in 1913. clothing and shoes. They saw tears running down his face. They celebrated their 81st wedding anniversary shortly After a few moments, President Smith removed his own before Don died at age 103, preceding her in death. In a new overcoat and said, “Please ship this also.” Church News article she attributed longevity in life and in The Brethren said to him, “No, President, no; don’t their marriage to speaking kind words. She said, “I think send that; it’s cold and you need your coat.” that helped us through because we [tried] to help each But President Smith would not take it back; and other and not say unkind words to each other.”14 so his coat, with all the others, was sent to Europe, Second, be an example in conversation. In a general where the nights were long and dark and food and conference in October 1987, President Gordon B. Hinckley clothing were scarce. Then the shipments arrived. declared: “Foul talk defiles the man who speaks it. If you Joy and thanksgiving were expressed aloud, as well have the habit, how do you break it? You begin by making as in secret prayer. a decision to change. The next time you are prone to use Fourth, be an example in spirit. The Psalmist wrote, words you know to be wrong, simply stop. Keep quiet or “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right say what you have to say in a different way.”15 spirit within me.”19 François de la Rochefoucauld observed, “One of the As a 17-year-old, I enlisted in the United States Navy

4 and attended boot camp in San Diego, I elected to stand fast. It seemed as though lder Harold B. California. For the first three weeks, one felt hundreds of men marched by me. Then I Lee, President as though the navy were trying to kill rather heard the sweetest words which the petty EGeorge Albert than train him on how to stay alive. officer ever uttered in my presence. He said, Smith, and Elder I shall ever remember the first Sunday at “And what do you men call yourselves?” He Marion G. Romney San Diego. The chief petty officer said to us, used the plural—men. This was the first observed workers “Today everybody goes to church.” We then time I knew that anyone else was standing as they packaged lined up in formation on the drill ground. behind me on that drill ground. In unison a great volume of The petty officer shouted, “All of you who we said, “We’re Mormons.” He scratched donated clothing are Catholics—you meet in Camp Decatur. his head, an expression of puzzlement on and shoes. After Forward, march! And don’t come back until his face, and said, “Well, go and find some- a few moments, three!” A large number marched out. He where to meet—and don’t come back until President Smith then said, “All of you who are of the Jewish three o’clock.” We marched away. One could removed his own faith—you meet in Camp Henry. Forward, almost count cadence to the rhyme learned new overcoat and march! And don’t come back until three!” in Primary: said, “Please ship A smaller contingent moved out. Then he this also.” Dare to be a Mormon; said, “The rest of you Protestants meet in Dare to stand alone. the theaters in Camp Farragut. Forward, Dare to have a purpose firm, march! And don’t come back until three And dare to make it known. o’clock!” There flashed through my mind the Fifth, be an example in faith. President thought, “Monson, you’re not Catholic. Stephen L Richards (1879–1959), First

ILLUSTRATED BY SAM LAWLOR BY ILLUSTRATED You’re not Jewish. You’re not a Protestant.” Counselor in the First Presidency, speaking

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 5 any years of faith, declared: “The recognition of power That shall be to you better than light and ago I higher than man himself does not in any safer than a known way.”21 Mattended a sense debase him. If in his faith he ascribes stake conference in beneficence and high purpose to the power Finally, be an example in purity. “Who Star Valley, Wyoming. which is superior to himself, he envisions a shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who I asked all those higher destiny and nobler attributes for his shall stand in his holy place? persons whom the kind and is stimulated and encouraged in “He that hath clean hands, and a pure stake president had the struggle of existence. . . . He must seek heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto blessed as children, believing, praying, and hoping that he will vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. confirmed, ordained, find. No such sincere, prayerful effort will go “He shall receive the blessing from the set apart, personally unrequited—that is the very constitution of Lord, and righteousness from the God of counseled, or the philosophy of faith.”20 Divine favor will his salvation.”22 otherwise blessed attend those who humbly seek it. As President David O. McKay (1873–1970) to please stand. Minnie Louise Haskins set forth this prin- observed: “The safety of our nation depends The outcome was ciple in a lovely poem: upon the purity and strength of the home; electrifying. and I thank God for the teachings of the . . . And I said to the man who stood at the Church in relation to home building, and the gate of the year: impression that kind parents have made, that “Give me a light, that I may tread safely the home must be the most sacred place in into the unknown!” the world. Our people are home-builders, and And he replied: they are taught everywhere, from childhood to “Go out into the darkness and put your old age, that the home should be kept pure hand into the Hand of God. and safe from the evils of the world.”23

6 Our Father’s Gratitude NOTES 1. Matthew 13:55. 17. 1 Corinthians 13:8. Many years ago I attended a stake conference in Star 2. Matthew 12:25. 18. Moroni 7:47. Valley, Wyoming, where the stake presidency was re- 3. D&C 132:8. 19. Psalm 51:10. 4. D&C 88:119. 20. In Conference Report, organized. The stake president who was being released, 5. 1 Corinthians 3:16. Oct. 1937, 35, 38. 6. D&C 18:10. 21. From “The Gate of the Year,” E. Francis Winters, had served faithfully for the lengthy 7. Matthew 11:28–30. in James Dalton Morrison, ed., term of 23 years. Though modest by nature and circum- 8. Luke 2:52. Masterpieces of Religious 9. Acts 10:38. Verse (1948), 92. stance, he had been a perpetual pillar of strength to 10. Acts 8:31. 22. Psalm 24:3–5. 11. 1 Timothy 4:12. 23. In Conference Report, everyone in the valley. On the day of the stake confer- 12. D&C 136:24. Apr. 1909, 66. ence, the building was filled to overflowing. Each heart 13. Joseph L. Townsend, “Let 24. 1 Timothy 4:12. Us Oft Speak Kind Words,” 25. Evan Stephens, “True to the seemed to be saying a silent thank-you to this noble Hymns, no. 232. Faith,” Hymns, no. 254. 14. Quoted in “Lives of Kindness, leader who had given so unselfishly of his life for the Service,” Church News, benefit of others. Sept. 21, 1996, 10. 15. “Take Not the Name of God in As I stood to speak, I was prompted to do something Vain,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 47. 16. Maxims (1959), 54. I had not done before, nor have I done so since. I stated how long Francis Winters had presided in the stake; then I asked all whom he had blessed or confirmed as IDEAS FOR HOME TEACHERS children to stand and remain standing. Then I asked all those persons whom President Winters had ordained, After prayerfully studying this message, share it using a set apart, personally counseled, or blessed to please method that encourages the participation of those you teach. stand. The outcome was electrifying. Every person Following are some examples. in the audience rose to his or her feet. Tears flowed 1. Discuss with family members the process of building a freely—tears which communicated better than could house. Read aloud the fourth paragraph. Invite them to share words the gratitude of tender hearts. I turned to examples of divine help they have received as “builders of President and Sister Winters and said, “We are wit- eternal houses.” nesses today of the prompting of the Spirit. This vast 2. Assemble a small “house” with wood, cups, or other throng reflects not only individual feelings but also the building blocks labeled with the six elements mentioned in gratitude of God for a life well lived.” No person who 1 Timothy 4:12. As each block is put in place, read what was in the congregation that day will forget how he or President Monson said about that element. Invite family she felt when we witnessed the language of the Spirit members to share why each piece is important. Have family of the Lord. members think of someone who has been “an example of the Here, in Francis Winters, was “an example of the believ- believers” to them. ers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in 3. Share the account of E. Francis Winters in the article, purity.”24 and bear testimony of the blessings of following the Master’s blueprint. True to the faith that our parents have cherished, True to the truth for which martyrs have perished, To God’s command, Soul, heart, and hand, Faithful and true we will ever stand.25

That each of us may do so is my humble prayer. ■

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 7 8 Using Agency Wisely

BY ELDER DONALD L. HALLSTROM the rightness of doing good. There would be Of the Seventy no test of strength, no development of charac- oral agency, the ability to choose ter, no growth of powers, no free agency. . . . for oneself, is fundamental to our There would also be an absence of joy, success, MHeavenly Father’s great plan of resurrection, eternal life, and godhood.”1 happiness. As the Lord told Adam, “It is given Like all of us, Toshio Kawada of the Obihiro unto [thy children] to know good from evil; Ward, Sapporo Japan Stake, has had to make wherefore they are agents unto themselves” crucial choices when faced with life’s difficul- (Moses 6:56). ties. He joined the Church in 1972, and he Correctly used, moral agency enables us to and his wife, Miyuki, were sealed in the Laie Correctly used, overcome obstacles, develop the characteris- Hawaii Temple in 1978. They have two sons. moral agency tics of godliness, and qualify for eternal life, Brother Kawada served as president of the enables us to “the greatest of all the gifts of God” (D&C Obihiro Branch, president of the Kushiro overcome obstacles, 14:7). Jacob stated, “Remember that ye are Japan District, and counselor in the Japan develop the free to act for yourselves—to choose the way Sapporo Mission presidency for many years. characteristics of everlasting death or the way of eternal life” More than 20 years ago, when his family of godliness, and (2 Nephi 10:23). was still very young, Brother Kawada was qualify for eternal It seems so simple. So why do we not make working for his father as a dairy farmer. life. right decisions every time? One reason is that Tragically, one day the large barn where they the consequences of our actions are not always kept their milk cows and all their equipment immediate, which is especially trying in a world burned down. Financially devastated, his father where we have been conditioned to expect went to the farmers’ union for a loan but was quick results. President Spencer W. Kimball turned down. Subsequently, his father and (1895–1985) stated: “If pain and sorrow and older brother filed for bankruptcy. Although total punishment immediately followed the not legally responsible, Brother Kawada felt doing of evil, no soul would repeat a misdeed. obligated to help pay back all the debts. If joy and peace and rewards were instanta- As Brother Kawada was pondering a solu- neously given the doer of good, there could be tion to his problem, he decided to plant car-

LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID STOKER DAVID BY PHOTOGRAPH LEFT: no evil—all would do good and not because of rots. He had grown potatoes, but he did not

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 9 SABBATH OBSERVANCE “Sometimes Sabbath observance is characterized as a matter of sacri- fice and self-denial, but it is not so. know how to grow carrots. He planted the seeds and . . . The Sabbath is a holy day in prayed earnestly for his carrots to grow. which to do worthy and holy things. Abstinence All this time, Brother Kawada faithfully served in the from work and recreation is important, but insuffi- Church, kept the Sabbath day holy, and paid his tithing. cient. The Sabbath calls for constructive thoughts When he and his family dressed in their best clothes and and acts. . . . To observe it, one will be on his knees went to their Sunday meetings, many neighbors scoffed at in prayer, preparing lessons, studying the gospel, them. It was difficult to lose one day a week in their fields, meditating, visiting the ill and distressed, writing especially at harvesttime. It was not always easy for them letters to missionaries, taking a nap, reading whole- to pay their tithing, but they offered it to the Lord obedi- some material, and attending all the meetings of ently and cheerfully. that day at which he is expected.” Fall came and Brother Kawada’s carrots turned out to President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985), “The Sabbath— be unusually sweet and large, with an exceptionally rich a Delight,” Tambuli, July 1978, 4; Ensign, Jan. 1978, 4. color. He had an abundant harvest and went to the farmers’ union for help, but they refused to sell his carrots through their distribution system. He fasted and prayed and felt inspired to try to find a produce distributor in Tokyo— something that is very difficult to do without introductions or connections. Brother Kawada was blessed to find a large distributor in Tokyo. Since then he has been very successful and has repaid all his father’s debts. He currently has a large agricul- tural operation with many employees, and he is teaching young farmers how to effectively organize their businesses. Even in exceptionally trying circumstances, Brother Kawada chose to be true to the promises he made in his baptismal, priesthood, and temple covenants. Although it would have been easy to rationalize working on the Sabbath, not serving in the Church, and not paying tithing until his problems were resolved, he was resolute in fol- TOSHIO KAWADA’S lowing the directive to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, TESTIMONY and his righteousness.” He then found that, indeed, “all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). hen we got married, my wife and I made I respect Toshio Kawada not simply because he over- a decision to keep the Sabbath day holy came hard times and became a successful farmer. Far more W even though we were farmers. I remember a impressive is that he made courageous choices during a dif- 1978 First Presidency Message by President Spencer W. ficult period, knowing they would not necessarily bring an Kimball. He talked of how he rejoiced when he saw immediate reward—or any temporal reward at all. His exam- machinery sitting idle in the fields on Sunday. He spoke ple of righteously using agency and steadfastly holding to of how keeping the Sabbath day holy was an expression everlasting principles is worthy of emulation. ■ of Latter-day Saints’ faith. (See “The Sabbath—a Delight,” NOTE Tambuli, July 1978, 1; Ensign, Jan. 1978, 2.) 1. The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball

(1982), 77. At the time, we shared machinery with other farmers. ONOGI TOKIO BY PHOTOGRAPHY

10 When you are working with others, it’s difficult to say you won’t work on the Sabbath. So we got out of combined farming and stopped raising potatoes.

On Callings I was also the branch president. If I didn’t go to church on Sunday, I couldn’t fulfill my responsibilities. There were times I’d get up at 3:00 in the morning, milk the cows, feed the animals, and then go to church, do interviews, and get home at 5:00 in the evening. Then I would milk the cows again. By the time I finished everything it would be 10:00. I still remember those days when I’d rained or we took every Sunday off. We could sigh, “Finished at last.” make our own decisions. We could serve more easily in any calling we were called to. On Sacrifices to Keep the Sabbath In our business, we use a lot of part-time help. When Sometimes we worked until midnight on Saturday to we are really busy, our employees suggest that we work keep from breaking the Sabbath. We went to church the Sundays. I tell them that we just don’t work on Sundays. next day, often without much sleep. Once we came home When our workers know that, they work hard and rarely from church, and a cow had gotten caught in the pasture take days off. On Sundays the younger workers spend the fence and died. There were times when we had millions day with their children, and the older workers visit with of yen worth of damage to our cut hay because it had lain their grandchildren. in the rain on the Sabbath. We knew accidents didn’t hap- pen because it was Sunday. If you worry about that kind On Gratitude to the Lord of thing, you would never be able to keep the Sabbath. Obeying God’s commandments has been important to Accidents can happen anytime. us. We stood firmly by our decision to keep the Sabbath day holy and wouldn’t bend. As we did all that we could do, our On Faith and Endurance children learned that there is a God and He blesses us. Our When the barn burned and we lost our cattle, some children really do hear and remember. said, “I can’t believe you were able to get When our oldest son was serving in the through it.” We said we couldn’t do it any Japan Fukuoka Mission, the mission presi- other way than how we did. We just worried dent often introduced him by saying, “Elder about keeping the Sabbath and getting over Kawada’s father stopped growing potatoes the pain. We believed that God was watching so he could keep the Sabbath day holy. Elder over us and blessing us. Kawada was raised in a family like that.” We feel happy when we see our children. On Growing Carrots They come to church. They have served We planted carrots with great success. missions and married in the temple. We are Finally we were getting some kind of order grateful to our Heavenly Father, who knows in our lives. With carrots, it didn’t matter if it us and has blessed us. ■

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 11 MAKING MAJOR Whom should I marry? How much education should I pursue? LIFE Should I serve a mission? As a young DECISIONS adult, are you facing decisions like these?

12 “How do we make correct choices? A choice involves making a conscious decision. To make an intelligent decision we need to evaluate all available facts on both sides of an issue. But that isn’t enough. Making correct decisions in- BY KATHLEEN volves prayer and inspiration.”1 LUBECK PETERSON The Lord has given us a spiritual safety net that can strengthen decision making. That support may come rom the time that Cecilia through many means, including a patriarchal blessing, Otubuah of Accra, Ghana, counsel from parents, a father’s blessing, a bishop’s Fwas baptized, she wanted counsel, prayer, temple worship, scripture study, and to serve a full-time mission. But when she was old conversation with faithful friends. However such support enough to go, the decision was not easy. She was con- comes, it is usually accompanied by the whisperings of fused. Her friends and relatives told her it was a bad deci- the Holy Ghost. sion. She knew she would lose some friends if she went, and she would also lose her job. So she decided not to go. Marriage But through the promptings of the Holy Ghost, her President Gordon B. Hinckley has said that marriage mother’s encouragement, and personal prayer, Cecilia “will be the most important decision of your life. . . . once again remembered her strong feeling that she should Marry the right person in the right place at the right time.”2 serve a mission. Summer Bellessa, a successful model and actress in Los “I knew the Lord needed my help somewhere, and I was Angeles, California, had to face this decision several years ago. willing to go where He wanted me to go,” she said. “At last “When I was younger, I made some poor choices,” she I resigned from my work and went on a mission.” The Lord said. “I came to a crossroads. My mother encouraged me called her to serve among the people in Ibadan, Nigeria. to get my patriarchal blessing, and I decided to take the “Life hasn’t been easy, to say the least,” she said. “But steps to make myself worthy to receive this blessing. I know in whom I have trusted, and He will not let me “The day I got my patriarchal blessing was the first down. I rejoice that I have helped to bring souls to Christ.” time that I felt Heavenly Father knew my name, that He Young single adults face many important decisions, in- had a purpose for me, and that He knew what I needed. cluding marriage, education, career, mission, and even the That was the turning point that led me to choose a wor- choice to live the gospel. These challenges and choices can thy man who could take me to the temple,” she said. be daunting. President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in “When I eventually got engaged, my friends in the in-

ILLUSTRATED BY MARK THOMPSON; PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG DIMOND, © GETTY IMAGES, CORBIS, AND EYEWIRE CORBIS, © GETTY IMAGES, CRAIG DIMOND, BY PHOTOGRAPHY MARK THOMPSON; BY ILLUSTRATED the First Presidency, taught: dustry tried to get me to change my mind. They thought

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 13 Sometimes when we are faced with two or more decisions that could be right, we may need to exercise our judgment to obtain experience.

it was career suicide. They said I would never States Air Force Academy, he planned on going get anywhere in the industry if I was married. to medical school after graduation and becom- “But I prayed about it, and I knew that ing a heart surgeon. He worked hard, which no matter what happened with my career, placed him in the top 5 percent of his class. Heavenly Father approved of my marriage. Then, through a routine medical examina- Our sealing in the temple was the most tion, he was diagnosed with a relatively mild beautiful day of my life. This was the place eye problem that meant he would not be Heavenly Father wanted me to be,” she said. medically qualified to be an Air Force officer. He appealed the ruling. He was told that if he Education would forego serving a mission, he could In determining what vocation to pursue, have a waiver for his medical problem. Rick “Get all the education young adults must decide what field they chose the mission and left the academy you can. . . . I do not will study, how much education or training without any guarantee that he could return. care what you want they will obtain, and where they will seek this After his mission, he again began the to be as long as it is education. President Hinckley has encouraged process of reapplication to the academy. honorable. A car young adults: “Get all the education you can. However, he kept receiving promptings that he mechanic, a brick layer, . . . I do not care what you want to be as long should not return to the academy. He submit- a plumber, an electri- as it is honorable. A car mechanic, a brick layer, ted his application again despite those prompt- cian, a doctor, a lawyer, a plumber, an electrician, a doctor, a lawyer, a ings, and he was reappointed to the academy. a merchant, but not a merchant, but not a thief. . . . If it means sacri- “Finally, humbling myself, I united my will thief. . . . If it means fice, then sacrifice. That sacrifice will become with that of the Lord and declined the ap- sacrifice, then sacrifice. the best investment you have ever made, pointment to return to the academy,” he said. That sacrifice will be- for you will reap returns from it all the days “For the first time in months I felt peace come the best invest- of your lives.”3 concerning the matter. I did not know why ment you have ever Rick Zinke had to make several difficult de- it was so important for me not to return to made.”—President cisions, including the ones about education the academy. I could only trust that the Lord Gordon B. Hinckley and missionary service. Enrolled at the United knew more than I did.”

14 HELPS FOR HOME EVENING

Most Ensign articles can be used for family Several months later he home evening discussions, personal reflection, seeking. Tears filled my eyes as I sat learned that the Air Force or teaching the gospel in a variety of settings. there and thought, ‘What if I had slept Academy had instituted a new 1. Ask each family member, “What do you in? I would have missed that help.’ ” policy stipulating that its gradu- think you’ll be doing when you’re 25?” Identify ates must first spend an unspeci- with family members principles in the article that Answers to Prayer fied period of time in service with will help in making important decisions. Share per- At times, however intense the the Air Force before pursuing sonal examples of how making decisions with the pleading for inspiration, the answers graduate programs. That would Lord’s guidance has blessed you. seem not to come. Nonetheless, the have limited his ability to enter 2. Have your younger children dress up in Lord is ever mindful of those who medical school upon graduation. grown-up clothes and pretend they are older. petition Him. He would not have known when Discuss some of the decisions grown-ups must “We do not always receive inspira- or if he could pursue his goal to make. Teach family members that these deci- tion or revelation when we request become a heart surgeon. sions should involve prayer and inspiration. Find it,” said Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the “I have learned that the most examples in the article to illustrate how to obtain Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. effective way to make correct the Lord’s guidance in all of life’s pursuits. “Sometimes we are delayed in the re- decisions is to be living in such ceipt of revelation, and sometimes we a manner that the whisperings are left to our own judgment. We can- of the Spirit are recognizable,” not force spiritual things. . . . Our life’s he said. “The Lord will guide purpose to obtain experience and to those who act in faith, even develop faith would be frustrated if though they may not know our Heavenly Father directed us in the reason for such action.” every act, even in every important act. Rick is now attending Brigham We must make decisions and experi- Young University and applying to ence the consequences in order to medical school. develop self-reliance and faith.”4 Lisa Funk of Laguna Beach, Help through Institute California, has found that making Institute classes can be a tool important decisions is sometimes to help young adults receive in- © GETTY IMAGES not too complicated. spiration as they make choices in their lives. “If I don’t get a clear push in one direction or another Tagen Towsley of Pocatello, Idaho, said: “It seems right away, I assume it is one of those ‘it’s up to you’ deci- whenever I am burdened with a huge decision, there’s a sions,” she said. “I study it out in my mind and start to head talk given in sacrament meeting or a lesson in institute down the path of my own choosing. If I continue prayerfully, that deals with the decision I’m trying to make. I know the Lord will steer me in another direction if neces- “Recently I was considering a mission. I had many sary, when the time is right.” thoughts and impressions come to me, but I was doubting Michael McBride of Irvine, California, felt right about go- myself. I decided not to go to institute one morning because ing to graduate school and had narrowed his choice down I got home from work at 2:00 a.m. and would have had to to two of the schools that had accepted him. Each offered get up very early, but I changed my mind. When I got there, something unique. But he found it difficult to determine the Spirit whispered a confirmation of the answer I was which school was the right one to attend.

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 15 The Savior asked the rich young ruler to give up his posses- sions and “come, follow me” (Luke 18:22). Similarly, we all have to choose whether to follow the enticements of the world or to follow Christ. BY HEINRICH HOFMANN, COURTESY OF C. HARRISON CONROY CO., INC., MAY NOT BE COPIED NOT INC., MAY CO., COURTESY OF C. HARRISON CONROY HEINRICH HOFMANN, BY CHRIST AND THE RICH YOUNG RULER, CHRIST AND THE RICH YOUNG “I thought it out in my mind over and over, trying to with her branch president to ask for his counsel, and he reach a specific conclusion, and asked the Lord in ‘yes or was a powerful support. no’ fashion if it was right. But I felt that each choice was Ellice prayed. She learned to love the scriptures. At times the right place to go,” he said. she was discouraged, but she knew she was going in the “It finally hit me that my choice was not between right right direction. and wrong but between good and good. I realized it was “How did I stay strong and remain able to overcome not up to the Lord to tell me which school to attend. It my challenge? I allowed the Savior to carry me,” she said. was my choice, and I was to use my judgment.” “I know that it is through His Atonement that I was able to put my life right. I’m not perfect by any stretch of the Returning to Activity imagination, but I’m heading in the right direction and not At some point, all of us must decide what beliefs and looking back. I’m pressing ‘forward with a steadfastness in values will guide our lives and what our level of involve- Christ’ ” (2 Nephi 31:20). ment in the Church will be. Will we follow the enticements At times, making the right choices can be simple. At of the world? Or will we heed the Savior’s call to “come other times, it is a struggle. But through it all, you can find unto me”? comfort in knowing that as a member the Lord’s Church, Ellice Broderick of Gwent, Wales, was at a crossroads. you have spiritual resources to aid you in making your deci- “I had spent most of my life with one foot in the gospel and sions. The Lord is intimately concerned with your welfare, one foot in the world,” she said. “I needed to choose be- and He seeks to give you blessings overflowing throughout tween following the Savior or continuing on the road to eternity as you draw near to Him. ■ spiritual destruction. The decision I was to make was per- Kathleen Lubeck Peterson is a member of the Foothill Ward, North Salt Lake Utah Stake. haps the biggest decision of my life. With the Lord’s help, I NOTES decided I needed to become fully converted to the gospel.” 1. “Choices,” Ensign, May 2004, 53–54. Choosing to take the right path wasn’t easy, and nei- 2. “Life’s Obligations,” Ensign, Feb. 1999, 2. 3. Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley (1997), 172–73. ther was the repentance process that followed. She met 4. “Revelation,” New Era, Sept. 1982, 46.

16 HeHe ffendedffended Me!Me!

NAME WITHHELD

I didn’t want to hold a grudge, but how could I forgive him? couldn’t believe my ears. A priesthood leader was standing at the pulpit in sacrament meeting, not mentioning me by name but pub- I licly expressing his displeasure at the way I had handled a recent assignment with the youth. I remembered that when the calling came ILLUSTRATED BY STEVE KROPP BY ILLUSTRATED I hadn’t felt skilled or confident, but believing that the Lord could make something of a willing heart, I accepted, prayed fervently, put in long hours, and did my best. And here he was chastising me! I could feel the worried looks of con- cerned friends, and my eyes stung with angry tears. I wondered how I would get out of the meeting with my dignity intact. In the weeks that followed, I did some prayerful soul-searching. Trying to look at the situation objectively, I decided that the priesthood leader’s

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 17 comments had some merit. I was hurt and puzzled by his A Mess and a Message method of delivery, though. I had such a grudge in my Not long after this precious answer came, I was cleaning heart, and as it festered I became less and less comfort- the holiday closet in the attic. I spent several hours taking able. I tried hard to forgive and love this brother, but for- everything out, sorting, cleaning, and putting things back giveness just would not stay where I put it. neatly. By the end of the job I was tired, but suddenly I felt prompted to go to the opposite end of the attic and look in- Who Is Right? Who Is Wrong? side another closet. When I opened the door, things fell out. My husband gave me a beautiful priesthood blessing in It was a bigger mess than the holiday closet had been. My which he told me that Heavenly Father loved me and was normal inclination after a long day of cleaning would be to pleased with my efforts. “How can that be?” I wondered. slam the door shut and save it for another day. But some- “Am I the good person Heavenly Father thinks I am, or am thing told me to dig, so I did. I the bad person my leader seems to think I am?” My confi- I was rewarded when I pulled out a beloved old po- dence was shaken, but I didn’t want to let such a difficulty etry book. I patted it and vowed to read it soon, but the drive me out of the Church. I continued to pray, asking in Spirit impressed me, “No. Now.” I thought to myself, “Read sincerity of heart, “Who is right? Who is wrong?” poetry in the middle of a mess? A mother of nine doesn’t Looking back, I realize that I fully expected Heavenly have time for poetry!” But I obeyed the prompting, smiling Father to put an arm around my injured pride and tell me, guiltily as I thumbed through the worn pages. “Of course you are right!” I was, therefore, not prepared And there it was, the poem that had been the answer to for the sweet, simple answer that came. It was a phrase my prayer and had given me a spiritually reviving look at from a poem I had heard long ago that landed softly on my forgiveness: “The House by the Side of the Road” by Sam agitated soul: “They are good, they are bad, . . . so am I.”1 Walter Foss. I found special meaning in the last stanza: Although I couldn’t remember the rest of the poem or Let me live in my house by the side of the road— even its title, the message was clear. It’s here the race of men go by. I asked again, “Who is right?” This time I knew the an- They are good, they are bad, they are weak, swer: I am, and he is. “And who is wrong?” I am, and he is. they are strong, As I pondered this, the Spirit helped me understand that it Wise, foolish—so am I; didn’t matter who was right and who was wrong in this in- Then why should I sit in the scorner’s seat, stance. Being human, we all make mistakes from time to Or hurl the cynic’s ban? time, despite our best intentions. We’re basically good, but Let me live in my house by the side of the road sometimes our behavior isn’t. I realized that I needed to And be a friend to man. forgive because I had been forgiven many times, and it likely would not be long until I did something that would require forgiveness again. I decided to square my shoul- What Is It to Me? ders and support my priesthood leaders. These thoughts When Moroni was struggling with the worry that the made my heart soar free from the burden of the grudge I Gentiles would mock him for his perceived “weakness had carried for weeks. in writing” (Ether 12:23), he prayed that the Lord would give the Gentiles charity concerning his are bad, . . . so am I.” And I am reminded record-keeping efforts (see v. 36). A patient where my focus needs to be. Rather than found Savior taught him, “If they have not charity dwell on the faults of others, I need to focus special it mattereth not unto thee, thou hast been on my own efforts to be Christlike. I meaning faithful” (v. 37). I have learned that my house by the side of in the words of Likewise, the book of John tells us that the road is my own heart, in which the Savior poet Sam Walter Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him, invites me to live with gentle, hope-filled judg- Foss: “Let me and three times Peter assured the Savior he ment; He wants me to be a friend to man. The live in my house did. Peter was then told, “Feed my sheep” Savior asks me to leave grudges at the door- by the side of (see John 21:15–17). I was familiar with that step and invite everyone in, as He does. I am the road / And part of the story, but one day I read beyond it grateful for that answer and for the help. ■ be a friend to the end of the chapter and learned what NOTE to man.” 1. Sam Walter Foss, “The House by the Side of the happened just after those famous words were Road,” in One Hundred and One Famous Poems, spoken. The Savior told Peter that he would comp. Roy J. Cook (1958), 9–10. die the death of a martyr. Looking at John the Beloved, Peter then asked, “Lord, and what shall this man do?” Jesus answered him, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me” (see John 21:18–22). Now when I begin to be offended by one of my brothers or sisters, I think of the Savior reminding Moroni that he need only be concerned about the level of charity in himself. I can hear the Lord kindly warning Peter concerning his worry about John’s assignment rather than his own. I remember what the Spirit taught me: “They are good, they

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 19 Contending for the Faith While contending for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, President Woodruff taught principles relevant for our lives today.

BY AARON L. WEST you don’t contend for that Gospel that Jesus TEACHINGS OF PRESIDENTS OF THE CHURCH resident Gordon B. Hinckley has coun- WILFORD WOODRUFF Christ taught, and that His Apostles taught? Why seled us to “cultivate in [our] hearts do you not contend for that religion that gives a living and vibrant testimony of the unto you power before God, power to heal the P 1 restoration of the gospel.” As we strive to follow sick, to make the blind to see, the lame to walk, this counsel, we can learn much if we view the and that gives you the Holy Ghost and those Restoration through the eyes of one of President gifts and graces that have been manifest from Hinckley’s predecessors—Wilford Woodruff the creation of the world? Why do you not teach (1807–98), the fourth President of The Church of Jesus the people those principles that the ancient Patriarchs and Christ of Latter-day Saints. Prophets taught while they were clothed with the revela- tions of God? They had the administrations of angels; they Searching for the True Church had dreams and visions, and constant revelation to guide In the 1820s, Joseph Smith experienced the First Vision, and direct them in the path in which they should walk.” conversed with angels, translated the gold plates by the The people at the meeting must have been surprised power of God, and received priesthood authority. In a to hear such bold language from such a young man. neighboring state, a young man named Wilford Woodruff Immediately, the presiding minister tried to discount the was searching for the true Church. He said, “I believed . . . ideas Wilford Woodruff had shared. “My dear young man,” that the Church of God would be reestablished upon the he said, “you would be a very smart man, and a very useful earth, and that I should live to see it.”2 man in the earth, if you did not believe all those foolish Yearning to find the truth, Wilford Woodruff attended things. These things were given to the children of men in many religious meetings in the area around his home. At the dark ages of the world. . . . Today we live in the blaze of one such gathering, permission was given for anyone in the glorious gospel light, and we do not need those things.” the congregation to speak. Young Wilford stood, knowing Unconvinced by this minister’s comments, Wilford that 40 or more ministers of various churches were in replied, “Then give me the dark ages of the world; give attendance. He stepped into the aisle and said: me those ages when men received these principles.”3 “My friends, will you tell me why you don’t contend for Some time later, in a small schoolhouse, 26-year-old

the faith once delivered to the Saints? Will you tell me why Wilford Woodruff stood to speak in another meeting. This COURTESY OF LDS CHURCH ARCHIVES; BORDER © ARTBEATS C. R. SAVAGE, BY PHOTOGRAPH RIGHT:

20 ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 21 time he spoke in response to the testimonies of Elders that he was a stern, distant man. But Zera Pulsipher and Elijah Cheney, missionaries for The through a study of his life and teach- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He later ings, we can come to know him as a recounted: “[Elder Pulsipher] opened the door lively, compassionate, humble servant

for any remarks to be made. The house was of God—a man who went on his way AVAGE crowded. The first thing I knew I stood rejoicing, even in times of trial.6 In his face on top of a bench before the people, we see nobility and strength rather than ENCY BY C. R. S ENCY BY not knowing what I got up for. But sternness. And we find that his words, I said to my neighbors and friends, although more than a century old, are any- ‘I want you to be careful what you thing but distant. In fact, they are so relevant say as touching these men . . . and to our lives today that we would not be sur- their testimony, for they are servants of prised if we heard similar statements from the COURTESY OF LDS CHURCH ARCHIVES; ANDERSON, GEORGE EDWARD BY God, and they have testified unto us the truth— pulpit at the next general conference. principles that I have been looking for from my child- The following quotations highlight President hood.’ ”4 Wilford Woodruff was baptized and confirmed Woodruff’s testimony of the restored gospel. They are two days later, on December 31, 1833. taken from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, which is the Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief

Contending for the Faith Society curriculum for 2006 in 24 languages. ZERA PULSIPHER AND MARY ANN BROWN, When Wilford Woodruff stood and spoke to the minis- Restoration of the Gospel. “I thank God that I live in ters in his area, he referred to an excerpt from near the this day and age of the world, when my ears have heard end of the New Testament. He repeated Jude’s plea to the sound of the fulness of the gospel of Christ.”7 “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered “We have the privilege of walking in the light, we have unto the saints” (Jude 1:3). the privilege of comprehending and knowing the truth, of Wilford Woodruff’s use of this seldom-quoted passage knowing the way to be saved and exalted in the presence showed his keen biblical knowledge, which he had acquired of our Father and God. We are in a position to know his as he “learned verse after verse and chapter after chapter.”5 mind and will, through his servants the prophets. The Lord But his emphasizing of the verse revealed more than his has given unto us teachers and inspired men, men who are careful study—it revealed his determination to search for the inspired by the Spirit and power of God; clothed them

truth. He knew that “the faith which was once delivered unto with truth and endowed them with wisdom to teach us at OF FIRST PRESID BE COPIED; PHOTOGRAPH NOT MAY UNIVERSITY OF UTAH, LIBRARY, WILLARD MARRIOTT J. COURTESY OF SPECIAL COLLECTIONS, the saints” had been lost, and he contended earnestly to find all times the path we should walk in. This is a great bless- it. Once he did find it, he embraced it without hesitation. ing.”8 Having experienced the confusion brought about by Atonement of Jesus Christ. “It [has] been fully established the Great Apostasy, Wilford Woodruff rejoiced to learn what beyond all controversy, from the flood of testimony . . . from it truly meant to “live in the blaze of the glorious gospel the revelations of God, given in various dispensations and

light.” That light grew brighter and brighter for him as he ages of the world, and in different parts of the globe, that the WOODRUFF, PHOEBE WHITTEMORE CARTER cultivated and shared his testimony of the Restoration object of Christ’s mission to the earth was to offer himself as throughout his life. a sacrifice to redeem mankind from eternal death, and that it

was perfectly in accordance with the will of the Father that ALEXANDER RIDER, COURTESY OFBY BE COPIED; NOT MAY DIVISION, FROM OF CONGRESS PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS LIBRARY DETAIL Teachings of President Wilford Woodruff such a sacrifice should be made. He acted strictly in obedi- When we see pictures of President Wilford Woodruff with ence to his Father’s will in all things from the beginning, and CAMP-MEETING, PHOTOGRAPH BY JED A. BY CLARK; RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPH his prominent forehead and piercing eyes, we might assume drank of the bitter cup given him. Herein is brought to light, LEFT:

22 glory, honour, immortality, and eternal life, God, and it is that by which the sons of the Far left: Behind Wilford with that charity which is greater than faith or Most High administer unto the children of Woodruff are influences hope, for the Lamb of God has thereby per- men the ordinances of life and salvation, and in his conversion—a formed that for man which [man] could not those official acts will have their effect upon religious meeting and accomplish for himself.”9 those persons beyond the grave as well as in Zera Pulsipher, who “There is no being that has power to save this life. These are the true riches; they are baptized him. Left: the souls of men and give them eternal life, riches that will last to all eternity, and we have Wilford Woodruff’s except the Lord Jesus Christ, under the com- power through these blessings, conferred by wife Phoebe. Below: mand of His Father.”10 the gospel, to receive our bodies again and to The First Presidency The Prophet Joseph Smith. “I have felt to preserve our identity in eternity. Yes, we can in 1894—President rejoice exceedingly in what I saw of brother claim this by virtue of the holy priesthood.”13 Woodruff (center), Joseph, for in his public and private career he Keeping the Commandments. “There is no President George Q. carried with him the Spirit of the man or woman who has ever Cannon (left), and Almighty, and he manifested a lived on the earth and kept President Joseph F. greatness of soul which I had never the commandments of God Smith (right). seen in any other man.”11 “I will say myself that I do not believe there ever was a man . . . that was more closely united and associated with God the Father, and God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, than the Prophet Joseph Smith. The power of revelation was with him from the day that he was called to receive the Priesthood up to the time when he was martyred. The power of inspiration was with him day by day.”12 Priesthood. “When an apostle or president, bishop or any man holding the priesthood officiates, he administers by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ; then that priesthood has effect, and all the blessings that a servant of God bestows upon the children of men, will take effect both in this life and in that which is to come. If I have a blessing given to me by the holy priesthood, or if I receive a blessing from a patriarch, those gifts and blessings will reach into the other world; and if I am true to my covenants through this life, I can claim every blessing that has been con- ferred upon me, because that authority by which they were conferred is ordained of

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 23 work that lies before us, will see and feel that the responsi- bility that rests upon him concerning his own family, and especially in the rearing up of his children, is very great. “We want to save our children, and to have them par- take of all the blessings that encircle the sanctified, to have them receive the blessings of their parents who have been faithful to the fulness of the gospel.”18 Missionary Work. “Mankind in all ages search for happi- ness; they desire social and domestic peace; and when they think of the vast future, they desire to participate in the blessings that are spoken of as pertaining to that state of exis- who will be ashamed of, or sorry for it, when they go into tence; but they know not how to obtain them, except a ser- the presence of God.”14 vant of God comes along and points out the way of life.”19 Gift of the Holy Ghost. “Now, if you have the Holy “My whole life almost has been spent in this Church; and Ghost with you—and every one ought to have—I can say from the time I came into the Church I went on missions unto you that there is no greater gift, there is no greater and have never ceased altogether from that day to this. I blessing, there is no greater testimony given to any man have always rejoiced in this, and do to-day. When I die and on earth. You may have the administration of angels; you lay down my body, I do not want anybody to rise up and say may see many miracles; you may see many wonders in the that I have neglected my duty in trying to give him salvation earth; but I claim that the gift of the Holy Ghost is the as far as I could. I have always rejoiced in preaching the greatest gift that can be bestowed upon man. It is by this Gospel; I have rejoiced in administering the ordinances of power that we have performed that which we have. It is life and salvation at home and abroad, because I have known this that sustains us through all the persecutions, trials that this was the work of God, and I know it is to-day.”20 and tribulations that come upon us.”15 Temple and Family History Work. “What is gold and “Through all my life and labors, whenever I have been silver; what are the riches of this world? They all perish told to do anything by the Spirit of the Lord, I have always with the using. We pass away and leave them. But if we found it good to do it. I have been preserved by that have eternal life, if we keep the faith and overcome, we power. . . . Get the spirit of revelation with you. And when shall rejoice when we go upon the other side of the veil. I you get that you are safe, and you will do exactly what the rejoice in all these things. There is hardly any principle the Lord wants you to do.”16 Lord has revealed that I have rejoiced more in than in the Family Life. “We are all expecting to live together forever redemption of our dead; that we will have our fathers, our after death. I think we all as parents and children ought to mothers, our wives and our children with us in the family take all the pains we can to make each other happy as long organization, in the morning of the first resurrection and as we live that we may have nothing to regret.”17 in the Celestial Kingdom. These are grand principles. They “It is a great thing to know how to act so as to gain the are worth every sacrifice.”21 feelings and affections of our families, that will lead them “We want the Latter-day Saints from this time to trace in the path wherein they may be saved. This is a study and their genealogies as far as they can, and to be sealed to their a work that should not be laid aside by parents. . . . Many fathers and mothers. Have children sealed to their parents, times we may consider business so urgent that it must and run this chain through as far as you can get it.”22 crowd these things out of our minds, but this should not be. “No right feeling Latter-day Saint can think upon this sub- 23 Any man’s mind that is open, and who looks forward to the ject without being thrilled with heavenly joy.” LAKE TEMPLE JED A. OF SALT OF TICKET BY CLARK PHOTOGRAPH CARTER; PHOTOGRAPH CHARLES W. BY

24 Words of Warning and Encouragement NOTES President Wilford 1. “Recurring Themes of of the Church, 14. Looking back on the Church’s history and President Hinckley,” 12. Teachings of Presidents Woodruff (left) reaching forward to the Church’s destiny, Ensign, June 2000, 21. of the Church, 16. directed the laying 2. Quoted in Teachings 13. Teachings of Presidents President Gordon B. Hinckley exhorts us: “We of Presidents of the of the Church, 42–43. of the capstone of Church: Wilford 14. Teachings of Presidents are the beneficiaries of [the] great Restoration. Woodruff (2004), xix. of the Church, 214. the Salt Lake Temple 3. Quoted in Teachings 15. Teachings of Presidents during April 1892 . . . We can’t afford to be tawdry people. We of Presidents of the of the Church, 49. ought to stand a little taller, be a little better Church, 36–37; see 16. Teachings of Presidents general conference also 35. of the Church, 52. for the great inheritance which we have.”24 4. Millennial Star, Oct. 5, 17. Quoted in Teachings (below). One year 1891, 627; see also of Presidents of the More than 120 years ago, President Wilford Teachings of Presidents Church, 163. later, in April 1893, Woodruff gave a similar challenge to the Latter- of the Church, xix–xx, 18. Teachings of Presidents President Woodruff 37–38. of the Church, 167–68. day Saints. His words, both in warning and 5. Quoted in Teachings 19. Teachings of Presidents dedicated the Salt of Presidents of the of the Church, 92. encouragement, are just as true for us today: Church, 35. 20. Teachings of Presidents Lake Temple. 6. See Teachings of of the Church, 95. “What manner of men and women ought Presidents of the 21. Teachings of Presidents we to be, who are called to take part in the Church, 109, 153, of the Church, 192–93. 162, 218. 22. Teachings of Presidents great latter-day work? We should be men and 7. Teachings of Presidents of the Church, 177. of the Church, 10. 23. Teachings of Presidents women of faith, valiant for the truth as it has 8. Teachings of Presidents of the Church, 176. been revealed and committed into our hand. of the Church, 8–9. 24. “Excerpts from Recent 9. Teachings of Presidents Addresses of President We should be men and women of integrity to of the Church, 69–70. Gordon B. Hinckley,” 10. Teachings of Presidents Ensign, Mar. 1999, 72. God and to His holy Priesthood, true to Him of the Church, 74. 25. Teachings of Presidents and true to one another. We should not per- 11. Teachings of Presidents of the Church, 43–44. mit houses and lands, gold and silver, nor any of this world’s goods to draw us aside from pursuing the great object which God has sent us to perform. Our aim is high, our destiny is high and we should never disappoint our Father, nor the heavenly hosts who are watch- ing over us. We should not disappoint the millions in the spirit world, who too are watching over us with an inter- est and anxiety that have hardly entered into our hearts to conceive of. These are great and mighty things which God requires of us. We would not be worthy of salvation, we would not be worthy of eternal lives in the kingdom of our God, if anything could turn us away from the truth or from the love of it.”25 ■

Aaron L. West is a member of the Kaysville Second Ward, Kaysville Utah Central Stake.

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 25 GodMoves in a Mysterious Way

With dignity B = 58–69 Y !Y Y 23 B A C C A B Descant Y [Ah, ah. !Y Y 3 2 B C CC CC CC CC CC A BB 1. God moves in a mys - te - rious way His 2. Ye fear - ful Saints, fresh cour - age take; The 3. His pur - pos - es will rip - en fast, Un - 4. Blind un - be - lief is sure to err AndB # Y B C C C C C C A Y Y 23 A B

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won - ders to per - form; He plants His foot - steps in the clouds ye so much dread Are big with mer - cy and shall fold - ing ev - ’ry hour; The bud may have a bit - ter scan His works in vain; God is His own in - ter - pret - # C C B B A B C C C C C C YYY C C B B A B C C C C C C

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Text: William Cowper, 1731–1800 Psalm 107:23–31 Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816–68 Romans 8:28 Descant: Ralph B. Woodward, b. 1944 This hymn may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use.

A favorite hymn of President Wilford Woodruff

PHOTOGRAPHY © CORBIS IMAGES AND MASTERFILE USA CORPORATION When children marry, a fundamental shift should occur in their relationship BY RICHARD B. with their parents. MILLER Professor of Family Life, Brigham Young University

know a couple who recently had a significant disagree- be a distress in the marriage long after the couple had ment. Things said during the argument hurt both part- resolved the argument. I ners. But the problem was compounded when the wife called her parents and told them about the incident. Establishing Marital Boundaries She disclosed details of the argument, as well as some of It is important that newly married couples learn to her husband’s faults. The parents, feeling protective of develop appropriate relationships with their parents. their daughter, reacted negatively toward their son-in-law. Appropriate, in this sense, involves establishing definite While the wife received comfort and support from her marital boundaries. President Spencer W. Kimball parents, she unwittingly created a larger problem. (1895–1985) taught that couples should protect their Shortly afterward, the husband and wife cooled down, marriage relationship by not disclosing private marital took shared responsibility for the argument, and apologized issues to their parents—or anyone else. He said: “Being to each other. They forgave each other and became close human, you may someday have differences of opinion again. The negative actions of the day would have been for- resulting even in little quarrels. Neither of you will be so gotten except for the continued negative feelings of the unfaithful to the other as to go back to your parents or wife’s parents. Not being part of the “making-up” process friends and discuss with them your little differences. That between the couple, the parents were still upset with their would be gross disloyalty. Your intimate life is your own son-in-law. Their negative feelings toward him continued to and must not be shared with or confided in others. You ILLUSTRATED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY CARY HENRIE,MODELS CARY POSED BY BY AND PHOTOGRAPHED ILLUSTRATED ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 27 will not go back to your people talk to his father and invariably for sympathy, but will thresh out follow whatever counsel his fa- your own difficulties.”1 ther gave, regardless of his wife’s Sometimes, one spouse may opinion. This created tension in confide in his or her parents even their marriage because she re- when there hasn’t been an argu- sented him for caring more about ment. When making decisions, a his father’s opinion than about hers. husband or wife may confide in par- atter-day President Gordon B. Hinckley ents and rely more upon their advice prophets have taught that we need to “be fiercely than upon the spouse’s. Again, President L taught that loyal to one another” in marriage.3 Over Kimball taught that husbands and wives need couples need to the years I have found it helpful to ask myself to maintain appropriate boundaries around maintain appropriate the question, “Deep down inside, am I more the marriage. He said: “Your married life boundaries around concerned about my parents’ feelings about should become independent of her folks and their marriage and this issue than my spouse’s feelings?” In a his folks. You love them more than ever; you be fiercely loyal united marriage the husband and wife are cherish their counsel; you appreciate their to one another. always most concerned about each other’s association; but you live your own lives, being feelings. As we prayerfully seek help from governed by your decisions.”2 our Father in Heaven, problems can often be One couple struggled in their relationship resolved without hurting anyone’s feelings. because the husband valued his father’s opin- However, if a choice must be made, the ions more than he did his wife’s. When the spouse must take priority. President Ezra Taft couple was in the process of making a deci- Benson (1899–1994) said: “Nothing except sion, such as buying a new car, they would dis- God Himself takes priority over your [spouse] cuss it together, but then the husband would in your life.”4

28 Financial Independence after prayerfully considering the situation, paid part of the Another aspect of creating a strong marriage is becom- mortgage, covered the utility expenses, and shared gener- ing financially independent from both sets of parents. Al- ously from their gardens. Consistent with welfare princi- though parents may choose to assist their newly married ples, during this time of unemployment the husband children in becoming established, perhaps by helping fi- repainted the inside of his in-laws’ house. After several nance a college education or contributing to a down pay- months he was able to find stable employment, and the ment on their first home, married children should strive couple reestablished their independence, grateful for lov- to become financially independent as soon as possible. ing parents who helped them through a difficult period. There are times when married couples may need finan- cial assistance. It is important, though, not to provide too Adult-to-Adult Relationships much aid and overindulge adult children. Church welfare Marrying and leaving the parents’ home requires a funda- principles enunciated nearly 70 years ago provide impor- mental shift in the relationship between children and par- tant guidance to help parents who are wrestling with the ents. While parents of young children have a divine mandate issue of providing financial assistance to their married chil- to supervise and discipline their children, it is not appropri- dren. President Heber J. Grant ate for parents to control their (1856–1945) taught that the adult children. Instead, the welfare program was designed hierarchy of supervision and so that “independence, indus- control dissolves so that par- try, thrift and self respect be ents and their adult children once more established amongst are on equal footing. This our people.”5 shift allows parents and adult When parents give assistance children to develop relation- to married children, the primary ships that are built on mutual objective should be to encour- respect and friendship. age and facilitate independence. How do adult children and Providing long-term financial their parents create this funda- assistance that creates depend- mental shift in their relation- ence is not consistent with ship? I learned a key principle Church welfare principles. On the other hand, lthough parents in this process several years ago when I was short-term assistance providing a bridge to may choose teaching a workshop for married couples in adult children’s independence is consistent A to assist our stake. I taught the workshop three consec- with these principles. their newly married utive times as participants rotated among vari- One couple, married 15 years, enjoyed a children in becoming ous classes. The first two times I taught the comfortable lifestyle until the husband was laid established, any workshop, the primary audience was young off from his job. Hoping that it was just a tem- assistance should be couples in their 20s and early 30s. When I porary setback, they relied on their savings a short-term bridge taught the principle that relationships between and food storage for a few months. When he to the children’s adult children and parents should be nonhier- was unable to find employment, though, their financial archical, with parents no longer controlling situation became dire. Faced with losing their independence. their children, the members of the class be- home, taking their children out of school, and came very enthusiastic. A number of them moving to another location, they reluctantly raised their hand and said, “I want my parents asked their parents for help. Their parents, to treat me like an adult, but they won’t.”

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 29 The third workshop included a different group of par- An adult-to-adult relationship can be established only upon ticipants. Instead of people in their 20s, the class consisted the principle of reciprocity. almost exclusively of middle-aged adults who had adult When children are young, parents sacrifice considerably children of their own. Being in my late 20s myself, I was by giving to their children. Young children and adoles- worried about how the middle-aged parents would re- cents, of course, should be appreciative and express love spond to the principle that parents should allow their and gratitude to their parents, but most of the nurturing adult children to make their own decisions, become and acts of service flow toward the children. The relation- independent, and be treated like adults. ship between adult children and their parents, though, Sure enough, as soon as I started teaching this princi- needs to shift toward an adult-to-adult relationship in ple, several hands shot up—just as I had feared. As I called which children can give back. on them, I was somewhat surprised by the first person’s One couple was fortunate to have the wife’s parents comment. She said, “We would love to treat our married come to their home for the weekend to help paint the out- children like adults, but they send us very mixed mes- side of the house. As a sign of appreciation, the young cou- sages.” She continued: “Just a couple weeks ago, for ple took the parents out to dinner. In another family, the example, one of our married adult children got together and children said that we needed to planned a surprise birthday treat her and her husband more party for one of their parents. like adults. She accused us of still In both cases, the married chil- treating them like children. My dren acted like adults by treat- husband and I agreed to treat ing their parents like adults, them more like adults, but the thereby fostering adult-to-adult next day they called up and said relationships. These relation- that they were out of gas and ships are based on friendship wanted to borrow $20 from us. and mutual respect, with each A few days later they again told being concerned about the us to treat them like adults, but happiness and well-being of they called that very evening say- the other. Most important, ing that they were hungry and wanted to come ewlyweds these relationships are satisfying for both over for dinner. We would love to treat our mar- and their the parents and the adult children. ried children like adults, but they won’t act like Nparents can Some married children struggle with the adults.” After she finished her comments, sev- establish an adult-to- “Santa Claus syndrome,” viewing Mom and eral other people in the audience expressed adult relationship Dad as Santa Claus figures who are to shower similar feelings. only upon the love and gifts on their children with little ex- principle pectation of reciprocity. These children are Reciprocity of reciprocity. often unable to develop mutually satisfying This story reinforces the principle that rela- relationships with their parents. tionships between adult children and parents Of course, most young married couples don’t really change until there is reciprocity are unable to match the financial resources in the relationship. Relationships develop an of their parents, making them unable to re- equal footing when both people give to each ciprocate on a dollar-to-dollar basis. But the other, but when only one party gives and the principle of reciprocity isn’t necessarily about other takes, an unequal relationship develops. the amount of money exchanged, because

30 continued emotional dependence on children.”6 He also observed that sometimes parents can be just as damaging to a mar- parents “will not relinquish the hold they riage as financial dependence. Rather, reci- have had upon their children.”7 Wise parents procity is based more on mutual acts of ise parents will honor their children’s adulthood, foster service and caring. For example, as adult chil- honor their their independence, and respect their marital dren have conversations with their parents, W children’s boundaries, thereby giving their children the they can express interest, ask questions, listen adulthood, foster opportunity to establish strong marriages. empathetically, and offer encouragement, their independence, As married children shift their primary praise, and support. As adult children nurture and respect marital loyalty and strive for independence, they will friendships with their parents, there comes an boundaries, thereby be able to enjoy satisfying adult relationships emotional reciprocity in the relationship that giving their children with their parents and, having truly left is largely independent of financial reciprocity. the opportunity home, experience the joy of being one in to establish strong marriage. ■ Becoming Independent marriages. Richard B. Miller is a member of the Grove Creek Eighth Ward, Pleasant Grove Utah Grove Creek Unfortunately, some parents have a hard Stake. time letting their children grow up and be- NOTES come independent. President Kimball said: 1. Marriage (1978), 25. 2. “Oneness in Marriage,” Ensign, Oct. 2002, 45. “Well meaning relatives have broken up 3. “Life’s Obligations,” Ensign, Feb. 1999, 2, 4. 4. “To the Fathers in Israel,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 50. many a home. Numerous divorces are attrib- 5. In Conference Report, Oct. 1936, 3. utable to the interference of parents who 6. Marriage, 17. 7. Ensign, Oct. 2002, 45. thought they were only protecting their loved

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 31 THERestoration

ANDFaith

BY ELDER JOSEPH B. WIRTHLIN “Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the ca- Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles lamity which should come upon the inhabi- y father was a faithful member of the tants of the earth, called upon my servant Church. He influenced for good Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from Mmany people who were not mem- heaven, and gave him commandments; bers of our Church. One of them was Frank J. “And also gave commandments to others, Lucas. Mr. Lucas made the statement that that they should proclaim these things unto “many doctrines of your Church I can accept, the world; and all this that it might be ful- but not the story of the vision of Joseph Smith.” filled, which was written by the prophets— I will always remember my father’s re- “The weak things of the world shall come In all our efforts to sponse: “Mr. Lucas, if you can’t accept Joseph forth and break down the mighty and strong proclaim the good Smith’s story of the Father and the Son’s ones, that man should not counsel his fellow news of the gospel, appearance to him, you will never be able to man, neither trust in the arm of flesh— let us not forget the accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.” “But that every man might speak in the wonder and purposes I have given much thought to this statement name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the of the Restoration. over the years. My father was right. Without world; believing Joseph Smith’s story of the Restora- “That faith also might increase in the earth; tion, investigators will never join the true Church “That mine everlasting covenant might be of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That the established; heavens opened, that Joseph Smith saw and “That the fulness of my gospel might be talked with our Heavenly Father and His Be- proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto loved Son, Jesus Christ, is central to our faith. the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers” (D&C 1:17–23). Reasons for the Restoration Before we can understand the importance The Lord, in the preface to the Doctrine of the Restoration, however, we must have a and Covenants, stated the reasons for the knowledge and understanding of what hap- Restoration of the gospel in its fulness: pened to the primitive Church after the death

32 © GREG K. OLSEN, MAY NOT BE COPIED; BORDERS © CORBIS NOT MAY © GREG K. OLSEN, OSEPH SMITH’S FIRST VISION, J

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 33 of our Savior. Both sacred and secular writ attest to the fact Without Apostles, the Church lost its anchor and began to that there was a dissolution of the church that Jesus Christ drift on every wind of doctrine. Spiritual gifts disappeared, had established. We speak of the Apostasy not as an attack revelations ceased, the keys to the priesthood were lost, on any church. We have no interest in tearing down or ordinances changed. Ultimately, the purity of our Lord’s belittling any religious organization, but we must recognize gospel began to meld with other doctrines, beliefs, and and acknowledge the Apostasy because it leads irrevocably practices. Philosophies and political influences began to to the necessity of that which followed—the Restoration of infiltrate and transform the Church. the gospel of Jesus Christ. During the centuries that followed, the light dimmed The early Apostles knew that the Church of Jesus even further. President Thomas S. Monson, First Coun- Christ, established and conferred into their hands, would selor in the First Presidency, explained: “The dark ages one day languish and disappear from the face of the earth. of history seemed never to end. Was there to be no termi- To the Thessalonians Paul wrote: nation to this blasphemous night? Had a loving Father “Now we beseech you, brethren, . . . forgotten mankind? Would he send forth no heavenly “That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, messengers as in former days?”2 . . . as that the day of Christ is at hand. The church that once had been persecuted for its beliefs “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day now began to persecute others for theirs. At first a few shall not come, except there come great reformers began to speak out. a falling away first, and that man of When John Wycliffe completed the sin be revealed, the son of perdi- first English translation of the entire tion” (2 Thessalonians 2:1–3). Bible, those in authority did all they Paul also wrote to Timothy that could to destroy it. Many of Wycliffe’s “the time will come when they will followers were severely punished. not endure sound doctrine; but Jan Hus, another fearless reformer after their own lusts shall they who spoke against corruption in the heap to themselves teachers, church, was chained by the neck to a

having itching ears; stake and burned. THEODORE GORKA; BY “And they shall turn away During the days Thousands of others heroically their ears from the truth, and of Joseph’s searched for the truth and risked their all shall be turned unto fables” youth, the as they sought to worship God according JOSEPH SMITH AS A BOY, (2 Timothy 4:3–4). region around Palmyra to the dictates of their consciences.

The great ecclesiastical histo- became embroiled in President Monson said further of these BE COPIED NOT MAY © COMMUNITY OF CHRIST, rian Dr. J. L. von Mosheim, in his religious fervor. Joseph great reformers, “Their contributions [were] outlines of ecclesiastical history, sought to find the truth. many, their sacrifices great—but they did not wrote: “It will easily be imagined, restore the gospel of Jesus Christ.”3 In the that unity and peace could not final analysis it was simply beyond the power PORTRAIT OF JOSEPH SMITH JR., PORTRAIT

reign long in the church, since it was composed of Jews of man to restore heavenly authority to the OF CONGRESS; LIBRARY COURTESY OF U.S. and Gentiles, who regarded each other with the bitterest earth. Without heavenly approbation, no amount of prayer, aversion. . . . Thus the seeds of discord and controversy no amount of study, no amount of piety could compel it. were early sown, and could not fail to spring up soon into animosities and dissensions, which accordingly broke out, Humble Beginnings and divided the church.”1 When the time came for the gospel to be restored, 1800S RELIGIOUS CAMP MEETING, LEFT: LEFT: In a surprisingly short time, the Church disassembled. whom did the Lord choose as His instrument on earth? REIER; MATTHEW BY PHOTOGRAPH RIGHT:

34 He chose Joseph Smith, a young boy, one beginning of spiritual knowledge. of nine living children in a family that contin- After Joseph offered a humble prayer for ually waged a struggle to make ends meet. guidance in the woods near his home, he said: Elder George A. Smith (1817–75) described “I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, his cousin Joseph as a plowboy, one who cul- “How shall I know above the brightness of the sun, which tivated the earth and had scarcely education which church is true?” descended gradually until it fell upon me. enough to read his Bible. is the universal “. . . When the light rested upon me I saw During the days of Joseph’s youth, the question that seekers two Personages, whose brightness and glory region around Palmyra became embroiled in of religious truth ask defy all description, standing above me in the religious fervor. Preachers and ministers of of themselves and air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by every sect fervently cried, “Lo, here!” and of the missionaries. name and said, pointing to the other—This is others, “Lo, there!” Some were contend- This question is the My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith— ing for the Methodist faith, some for the beginning of spiritual History 1:16–17). Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist. “In knowledge. From that day forward, Joseph Smith the midst of this war of words and tumult of learned line upon line. He turned himself opinions,” Joseph Smith wrote: “I often said to diligent study of God’s word, but he did to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties more than that; he sought knowledge and inspiration are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of from God Himself. Joseph communed with angels. He them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?” spoke with the great and righteous personalities of an- (Joseph Smith—History 1:10; see also v. 5 ). cient times. President John Taylor (1808–87) said that This is a universal question that seekers of religious Joseph Smith seemed to be as familiar with these an- truth ask. This is the question investigators will ask of cient prophets and patriarchs as we are with one another. themselves and of our missionaries. In the heart of one Abraham, John, Adam, Peter—Joseph knew them as you who is sincerely seeking the truth, this question is the know your good friends.4

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 35 Joseph Smith translated the Book of and substance of our faith and the restored Mormon. Through him the Church of Jesus gospel, let us not forget and neglect the Christ once again was established on the wonder and purposes of the Restoration.

earth. Keys of the priesthood were conferred Let us not be ashamed of the divine mission DEL PARSON BY BY KENNETH RILEY; BY upon his head. The ordinances of everlasting Joseph Smith learned of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Let us teach life and the mysteries of the kingdom of God line upon line. He with great faith and power the reality of the were given to man. sought knowledge Apostasy and of the need for the Restoration. The story of great trial and great triumph and inspiration. Let us not shy away from teaching the simple of the restored Church is simply a story He communed with truth of the reality of the First Vision and of great faith. Faith brought about the Res- angels, including of all that the Lord did by and through the toration, and the same faith sustains the righteous personalities instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph Smith. JOSEPH SMITH TRANSLATING THE BOOK OF MORMON, JOSEPH SMITH TRANSLATING

Restoration in our day until the Lord comes of ancient times such President Brigham Young (1801–77) OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD, RESTORATION again and proclaims the work is finished. as the angel Moroni. declared: “It was decreed in the councils of In December 2005 we celebrated the 200th eternity, long before the foundations of the © DEL PARSON; © DEL PARSON; anniversary of the Prophet’s birth. More than 12 million earth were laid, that [Joseph Smith] should be the man, in people are members of the Church he organized in 1830. the last dispensation of this world, to bring forth the word More than 12 million people alive today have entered the of God to the people and receive the fullness of the keys waters of baptism and, through the authority of the priest- and power of the Priesthood of the Son of God. The Lord hood that was conferred upon the head of Joseph Smith had his eye upon him, and upon his father, and upon his by heavenly messengers, received the gift of the Holy father’s father, and upon their progenitors clear back to BY CLARK KELLEY PRICE; RIGHT, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: FROM TOP: CLOCKWISE CLARK KELLEY PRICE; BY RIGHT, Ghost. Abraham, and from Abraham to the flood, from the flood to My dear brothers and sisters, in all of our efforts to Enoch and from Enoch to Adam. He has watched that family proclaim the good news of the gospel, to bring souls and that blood as it has circulated from its fountain to the unto Christ, and to testify of the divinity of the Lord Jesus

birth of that man. [Joseph Smith] was foreordained in eter- JOSEPH SMITH, VISION TO 5 LEFT: LEFT: Christ, whose mission and atoning sacrifice is the sum nity to preside over this last dispensation.” JOSEPH SMITH AND OLIVER COWDERY, JOHN THE BAPTIST APPEARING TO

36 A Man of Faith earnest. Oliver later said: “These were days that were Joseph Smith was a man of great faith, even as a youth. never to be forgotten. . . . Day after day I continued, un- Yet he was persecuted. “I soon found,” Joseph Smith interrupted, to write from his mouth, as he translated, related in his history, “. . . that my telling the story [of the with the Urim and Thummin, . . . the history, or record, First Vision] had excited a great deal of prejudice against called ‘The Book of Mormon.’ ” 6 me among professors of religion, and was the cause of Oliver was with Joseph when John the Baptist appeared great persecution, which continued to increase; and to restore the Aaronic Priesthood. He was with Joseph though I was an obscure boy, only between fourteen and when the Lord Himself appeared in the Kirtland Temple. fifteen years of age, and my circumstances in life such as He was with Joseph when to make a boy of no consequence in the world, yet men Peter, James, and John of high standing would take notice sufficient to excite the conferred upon them the public mind against me, and create a bitter persecution; Melchizedek Priesthood. He and this was common among all the sects—all united to was with Joseph when Moses, persecute me” (Joseph Smith—History 1:22). Elijah, and Elias conferred He was shot at, beaten, upon them many of the keys tarred and feathered, threat- of the Restoration. ened with death, ravaged by Of the eleven men who sickness, beset by legal entan- were witnesses to the Book glements, imprisoned and of Mormon, nine apostatized. chained, forced to listen to None of them, however, ever denied the taunts of the most vile and their testimony that they had seen the evil of men, and yet he only plates. Since the days of Joseph and spoke with greater conviction Joseph Smith and Oliver Hyrum, millions have raised their of the truth of what he had Cowdery received the voices to the growing chorus pro- seen and heard. Toward the Aaronic Priesthood (right) claiming that the gospel has end of his life, the Prophet and the Melchizedek been restored to earth again. Joseph wrote: “Deep water is Priesthood (right, above) Brothers and sisters, we what I am wont to swim in. It and translated the Book must testify that Joseph Smith all has become a second nature of Mormon (above). is a prophet of God, lest we fail to me” (D&C 127:2). in our stewardships as her- Brothers and sisters, we must gain faith like that alds of the Restoration of the of the founders of this great work. This is the work kingdom of God. We read in of the Lord. He will strengthen and guide us. And with Doctrine and Covenants 135:3: the Lord behind us, how can we fail? “Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has Those who sincerely seek to know the truth of the done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this Restoration, the truth of the Book of Mormon, and world, than any other man that ever lived in it. . . . He lived whether Joseph Smith was a prophet have many great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; witnesses to rely on. and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has Oliver Cowdery began work as Joseph’s scribe on 7 April sealed his mission and his works with his own blood.” 1829. He was 22 years of age. The Prophet was about one Brigham Young said, “I feel like shouting Hallelujah, all year older. These young men were the age of many of the time, when I think that I ever knew Joseph Smith, the our missionaries. They began the work of translation in Prophet.”7

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 37 In 1844 Josiah Quincy Jr., son of the president of Harvard and restored the gospel. Zion will not arise simply because University and himself later the mayor of Boston, visited we wish it to. It will arise because we will it to—because we Nauvoo. Later he wrote a book entitled Figures of the Past. apply our minds, our muscle, and our hearts in bringing it In it he commented about the Prophet. He said: “It is by no to pass. The work of creation requires all the best within us, means improbable that some future textbook, for the use of but what a great and noble goal to seek for Zion. generations yet unborn, will contain a question something In an editorial for the Times and Seasons in May 1842, like this: What historical American of the nineteenth century Joseph Smith said: “The building up of Zion is a cause that has exerted the most powerful influence upon the destinies has interested the people of God in every age; it is a theme of his countrymen? And it is by no means impossible that upon which prophets, priests and kings have dwelt with the answer to that interrogatory may be thus written: Joseph peculiar delight; they have looked forward with joyful antici- Smith, the Mormon prophet. And the reply, absurd as it pation to the day in which we live; and fired with heavenly doubtless seems to most men now living, and joyful anticipations they have sung and written and may be an obvious commonplace to their prophesied of this our day; . . . descendants. . . . The man who estab- we are the favored people that lished a religion in this age of free God has made choice of to debate, who was and is to-day bring about the Latter-day glory; accepted by hundreds of thousands it is left for us to see, participate as a direct emissary from the Most in and help to roll forward the High,—such a rare human being is Latter-day glory. . . . [This is] a not to be disposed of by pelting his work that God and angels have memory with unsavory epitaphs.”8 The work that began with contemplated with delight for The Apostle Paul wrote to the Joseph Smith, a humble generations past; that fired the Romans, “For I am not ashamed of plowboy, shown here with souls of the ancient patriarchs the gospel of Christ: for it is the his brother Hyrum, will and prophets; a work that is power of God unto salvation to be carried forward as destined to bring about the every one that believeth” (Romans we share our testimony destruction of the powers of 1:16). So too must we be bold in declaring that the God of the gospel with others. darkness, the renovation of the of heaven and earth once again speaks to man in our day. earth, the glory of God, and the What more welcome message can we impart than that a salvation of the human family.”9 loving Heavenly Father has revealed Himself to us in our My brothers and sisters, the work that began with a day, that He has imparted words of counsel and encour- humble plowboy in 1820 is not yet finished. This is our agement to us, that He has restored the priesthood, that day, it is our time, it is our turn to put our shoulders to the many of the precious mysteries of the kingdom of God grand wheel that was set in motion nearly 200 years ago. have been unveiled? We bring to the world good news— That you may go forth throughout the world and proclaim a message of rejoicing, a message of hope. the testimony of Joseph Smith and the restored gospel is my humble prayer. ■

This Is Our Day NOTES I bear you my testimony and witness that indeed Joseph 1. An Ecclesiastical History, Ancient and Modern, 2 vols. (n.d.), 1:34. 2. “The Way Home,” Ensign, May 1975, 15. Smith was a prophet of God, that he is working mightily in 3. Ensign, May 1975, 16. 4. See Deseret News, June 9, 1880, 280. heaven today to further the kingdom of God. He, along 5. Deseret News, Oct. 26, 1859, 266. with Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, 6. Times and Seasons, Nov. 1, 1840, 201. 7. Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe (1954), 458. BY THEODORE GORKA; PHOTOGRAPH BY STEVE BUNDERSON, POSED BY MODELS POSED BY STEVE BUNDERSON, BY THEODORE GORKA; BY PHOTOGRAPH Hyrum Smith, and hundreds of other great people and 8. (1926), 317. 9. History of the Church, 4:609–10. righteous souls, is counting on us to do this work and to Adapted from an address to new mission presidents, Provo emphasize the fact that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God Missionary Training Center, June 26, 2001. JOSEPH AND HYRUM, 38 BY NANCY M. HOPKINS

remembered my cousin Edward (name has been I changed). His father had died in World War II when Edward was remembrance he had only two years old. Eventually his of his father was his Purple Heart. mother remarried, and her new hus- I gave Edward some information about band adopted my young cousin. his ancestry and told him that he was named, in part, Edward’s surname was changed, and for his paternal grandfather. He vaguely remembered his because his stepfather was in the military, the family grandmother, his aunts, cousins, and me. moved from base to base until we all lost track of Edward. I sent Edward his family history. Some stories and pho- Fifty-nine years later I was strongly impressed to try to tographs were familiar to him, but others were new—flat- find my cousin. I contacted several other cousins, but no boat captains who plied the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to one knew where to find Edward. Searching the phone New Orleans, early settlers in the Western Reserve of Ohio, book of our Ohio hometown, I found one surname similar Indian scouts, and a great-grandfather who emigrated from to Edward’s. I sent a letter and received a response from Ireland with his large family. this man saying he had an e-mail that included the name of Last year I received a Christmas card from Edward, and a corporation in the East where Edward may have worked. following his signature he wrote, “Again, many thanks for I went to the Internet and searched for the company’s finding me.” As I read that sentiment, I wondered how Web site. Sure enough, there were Edward’s name and many of my deceased ancestors have felt the same way e-mail address! I was filled with excitement as I sent him when I have taken their names to the temple and per- an e-mail asking if he was my lost cousin. Finally a reply formed their ordinance work. When we “find” our ances- came: “Yes, I’m your cousin. I’ll call you later today.” As tors and learn about their lives and their stories, it is as if I read that short message, tears filled my eyes, and joy we come to know them in a very real way. Giving them the flowed from the bottom of my soul. After 59 years I had opportunity to accept the ordinances of the gospel creates reached out and found my cousin. Maybe I could renew an eternal bond between us. I don’t believe I’ll ever per- a family relationship that had been lost. form another vicarious temple ordinance without thinking When Edward called, he told me he had really only of Edward’s words: “Thanks for finding me.” ■ known one father—his stepfather. His mother had spoken Nancy M. Hopkins is a member of the Doylestown Ward, very little about his biological father, and the only Philadelphia Pennsylvania Stake. PHOTOGRAPHS AND DOCUMENTS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR; THE AUTHOR; BY AND DOCUMENTS PROVIDED PHOTOGRAPHS © CORBIS BOAT MISSISSIPPI FLAT PURPLE HEART © PHOTODISC; ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 39 ARTS In the Beginning... “ nd God said, let A there be Light: and there was light” (Genesis 1:3).

Thus begin the writings of Moses in the Old Testament. Latter-day Saints also find selections from MOses’s writings in the Pearl of Great Price, where there is often more detail than in the Genesis account.

Following are visual interpretations of the well-known Bible stories of the Creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Enoch, N oah and the Flood, and the Tower of Babel .

Division of the Firmament and Water, by Stanley Galli “And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven” (Genesis 1:6–8; compare Moses 2:6–8).

40 The Garden of Eden, by Stanley Galli Leaving the Garden of Eden, by Joseph Brickey “And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there “And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And a river Eden, . . . and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden went out of Eden to water the garden” (Genesis 2:8–10; compare Cherubims, and a flaming sword” (Genesis 3:22–24; compare Moses 3:8–10). Moses 4:28–31).

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 41 The Lord Fulfilleth All His Words, by Clark Kelley Price “And the Lord said unto Noah . . . I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth. And Noah did according unto all that the Lord commanded. . . . There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and female” (Genesis 7:1, 4–5, 9; compare Moses 8:16–30).

42 City of Zion Translated, by Del Parson “And the Lord called [Enoch’s] people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; . . . And it came to pass in [Enoch’s] days, that he built a city that was called the City of Holiness, even Zion. . . . And it came to pass that the Lord showed unto Enoch all the inhabitants of the earth; and he beheld, and lo, Zion, in process of time, was taken up into heaven” (Moses 7:18–19, 21; compare Hebrews 11:5 and Genesis 5:24). COURTESY OF SOTHEBY’S, MAY NOT BE COPIED NOT MAY COURTESY OF SOTHEBY’S,

Building the Tower of Babel, by Pieter Brueghel, the Elder “And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. . . . So the Lord scat- tered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city” (Genesis 11:5, 8).

Cain and Abel, by Robert T. Barrett “And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him” (Genesis 4:8; compare Moses 5:16–33).

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 43 BLESSED BY MY

BY SHEILA KINDRED CALLINGS

hen my children were Willing service opens he had felt impressed to do so and young, I didn’t think I had doors to blessings would leave the decision to me. Wenough time for Church It was a particularly challenging callings—especially in the Primary. we may not responsibility, and I didn’t see how Because I spent all day every day otherwise receive. I could do it on top of many other dealing with children, I longed for pressures in my life. I turned it a break on Sundays. I was sure what down. It wasn’t until some time I needed most was the company of later that it became apparent why other adults and adult ideas to stim- the bishop had felt inspired to ulate a brain I feared was deteriorat- extend such a call to me. That call- ing with overexposure to children’s ing would have given me the oppor- prattle. tunity to draw close to a daughter However, when I was called to who was about to face a difficult serve in the nursery, it seemed right, time in her life. Father in Heaven so I took a deep breath and plunged knew this. I did not. In my blind in. I thoroughly cleaned and organ- logic I did not accept a call that ized the meetinghouse toy closet. I was more organized would have prepared our family for future events. than I’d ever been, and it carried over into our home. The I came to realize that callings are needed blessings. I quality of my own children’s lives escalated, and I appreci- determined to accept all callings, no matter how challeng- ated them more. Our whole family was blessed. ing they seem or how incapable I feel. In recent years that Then I was called to serve as Primary president. I took resolve has been severely tested. another deep breath and plunged in. The nature of this My children are older now. Because they have at times calling was different from my nursery service, yet the bless- struggled with their testimonies, I have sometimes felt like ings still came. My own children became more involved a failure as a parent and unworthy to serve in Church call- with Primary as they helped me create visual aids and bul- ings. So when I was extended a call to serve as a stake mis- letin board displays. Sharing times were often recycled to sionary, I was surprised and grateful. As I taught in my new become favorite family home evening lessons. As I strug- calling, I often felt like a hypocrite for inviting people to gled and prayed for ideas of how to teach children, stories attend a church that one of my own children would not came to mind, which I began to write down. To my amaze- attend. At those times I’d try to remember that Heavenly ment, many of these stories have since been published. I Father knew about my family situation and called me to do may never have discovered that talent if I hadn’t accepted missionary work anyway. that calling. The blessings of missionary work have been amazing. One day the bishop came by and extended a new call- As a result of having the full-time missionaries over for fre- ing to me. He apologized and confessed that this calling quent meals and meetings, my children have developed didn’t seem reasonable to extend to me at that time, but friendships that have extended beyond the missionaries’

44 PHOTOGRAPHY BY (LEFT) STEVE BUNDERSON, (RIGHT) CRAIG DIMOND (LEFT) STEVE BUNDERSON, BY PHOTOGRAPHY

release dates. These fine returned missionaries are corre- It is true that when we are in the service of our sponding with my children and encouraging them to keep fellow beings we are only in the service of our God the faith. A vibrant young lady who was baptized following (see Mosiah 2:17). And I have learned that when we my initial contact with her has become another friend and are in the service of our God, He blesses our lives in a example to my children. She seems able to reach my chil- personal way. Heavenly Father knows our needs even dren in ways that I cannot. Who could have imagined that better than we do, and it is often through a calling that such longed-for blessings would result because I accepted He meets those needs. ■ a call in faith? Sheila Kindred is a member of the Ames Ward, Ames Iowa Stake.

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 45 Called of

BY BISHOP RICHARD C. EDGLEY First Counselor in the God Presiding Bishopric

Receiving a calling often leaves us feeling inadequate. Like Moses, we will probably ask ourselves, “Who am I that I should do this?”

46 LESSONS FROM THE

OLD TESTAMENT

he early prophets took great measures to record “Thou Art My Son” important history, revelation, prophecy, and spiri- We will set the stage by first going to chapter 1 in the Ttual events. Five thousand, two thousand, or even book of Moses in the Pearl of Great Price. Before Moses two hundred years ago, recording events was no small received the assignment to lead the children of Israel out task. Computers, word processing, and typewriters were of captivity, the Lord prepared him. We read that Moses not even dreamed of at the time. was “caught up into an exceedingly high mountain, And Consider the laborious work of pounding out gold he saw God face to face” (vv. 1–2). Through this experi- plates that could be inscribed upon, ence Moses learned of his relation- bound, and then preserved for fu- ship to God and heard the words ture generations. Consider the “Behold, thou art my son” (v. 4). time-consuming work of meticu- Imagine the shock and amazement lously engraving upon the plates. that Moses, this man raised in the Consider the creation of the pa- pagan environment of Pharaoh’s pyri and then their careful pres- court, must have experienced when ervation so that they could be he learned from God Himself that passed down from generation to he was a son of God. generation, codified, and bound God then explained that Moses as holy scripture—the word of was “in the similitude of mine Only God. All this was done that we Begotten; and mine Only Begotten is may know God, that we may un- and shall be the Savior, for he is full derstand who we are and what our of grace and truth” (v. 6). And then relationship with Him is, and that the Lord showed Moses the majesty we may know the commandments When we question our ability to effectively of His works. Armed with this knowl- and sacred ordinances that bring serve in a calling, we can be comforted edge and understanding, Moses was us joy and happiness in this life by the knowledge that the Lord will help us. prepared for his assignment. He was and the life hereafter. also prepared for temptation. When From the Book of Mormon we learn that we are to Satan approached him, Moses was able to reject him, saying: “liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit “I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten. and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23). This counsel applies to our . . . Get thee hence, Satan” (vv. 13, 16). study of the Old Testament, which we will be focusing Moses knew who he was, he knew who Heavenly Father on in our Gospel Doctrine classes this year. The Savior and Jesus Christ were, and he knew the source of his Himself frequently used passages now found in the Old strength. Testament to witness of Himself, confound His enemies, BY JOSEPH BRICKEY, MAY NOT BE COPIED; RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN LUKE BY PHOTOGRAPH BE COPIED; RIGHT: NOT MAY JOSEPH BRICKEY, BY and establish His doctrine. “Who Am I, That I Should Go unto Pharaoh?” To illustrate how we may liken the Old Testament to Now let’s read about Moses’s call as recorded in Exodus ourselves, let us consider an important concept that is of the Old Testament. Although Moses was raised in taught in this book of scripture. It concerns how we are Pharaoh’s court, apparently his mother tutored him and MOSES SEEING JEHOVAH, to accept callings. taught him about his Hebrew lineage. He knew the ill-treated LEFT:

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 47 After all, the Hebrews did not see him as their brother but rather as an oppressor aligned with Pharaoh, and Pharaoh saw Moses as a traitor whose life he sought. To give Moses assurance about what seemed an almost insurmountable task, the Lord told Moses to cast his staff upon the ground. The staff immediately turned into a serpent. The Lord then gave other signs to

demonstrate His power and assure Moses that ANDERSON HARRY BY with the Lord’s help he was equal to the task (see Exodus 4:2–9). Moses made another attempt to express his feel- ings of inadequacy. He explained that he was “slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.” In response, the Lord BY JOSEPH BRICKEY, MAY NOT BE COPIED NOT MAY JOSEPH BRICKEY, BY

said, “Who hath made man’s mouth?” He explained that THE MINISTRY, MOSES CALLS AARON TO He would “be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” When Moses still expressed his uncertainty, the Lord assigned Aaron, Moses’s brother, to be Moses’s MOSES OVERCOMES SATAN, MOSES OVERCOMES mouthpiece (see Exodus 4:10–16). Moses was prepared for temptation. When Satan appeared Undoubtedly Moses was comforted. He understood to him, Moses was able to say, “Get thee hence.” that the Lord was on his side and that he would be able to perform the task. Hebrew slaves were his brothers. After Moses slew an Egyptian for “smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren” We Can Receive Divine Help (Exodus 2:11), he fled to the land of Midian. Now, what is the application for us today? Most of us Some time thereafter, the Lord appeared to Moses “in have been or will be called to positions in the Church. a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush” (Exodus 3:2; see Some of us will be called to positions that seem far above also footnote a). The Lord said, “Moses, Moses . . . draw our abilities. Like Moses, we may see a flood of personal not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the inadequacies or obstacles that could prevent our accom- place whereon thou standest is holy ground” (Exodus plishing what we have been asked to do. Like Moses, 3:4–5). At this point the Lord identified himself, saying, “I we will probably ask ourselves, “Who am I that I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of should do this?” Some of us may even feel “slow of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:6). The Lord then speech.” We may think there are others more qual- issued a call to Moses with these words: “I will send thee ified, more worthy, or even more available. But unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the the difference between us and others who may children of Israel out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10). be more qualified is that we are the ones who Moses responded, “Who am I, that I should go unto were called. And so to the question of “Who Pharaoh?” (Exodus 3:11). am I that I should do this?” the answer is One cannot fault Moses for this reaction to this call. simply, “You are the one who was called.”

48 answer with assurance: “I am a child of God, created in the similitude of the Only Begotten. Like Moses, I can do this with the Lord’s help.” President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency, has a favorite saying, which he has attributed to President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973): “Whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies.”1 The Apostle Paul gave further assurance, declaring, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). This is just one example of how we can liken the events in the Old Testament to ourselves in our day. As we study the Old Testament this year—and as we serve in our call- ings—let us remember the great love the Lord has for us. If Because of Moses’s uncertainty, the Lord we will turn to Him, He will help us in our callings, and He assigned Aaron to be his mouthpiece. In this illustration, will also enlighten our minds that we may know how to Moses is shown ordaining Aaron to the Aaronic Priesthood. liken the principles of the Old Testament to ourselves in our day. ■ In Doctrine and Covenants 121 the Lord explains: NOTE 1. “Who Honors God, God Honors,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 50. “Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? “Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men” (vv. 34–35). I believe the Lord is saying here that He calls, but we decide if we are chosen. HELPS FOR HOME EVENING Every member of the Church has been baptized, and Most Ensign articles can be used for family home evening thus, in a very real sense, we have all been called. As ex- discussions, personal reflection, or teaching the gospel in a plained in the sacramental prayer on the bread, we have variety of settings. been called to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus 1. Ask family members to share an experience when they Christ and to keep His commandments (see Moroni 4:3). were asked to do something and felt overwhelmed. Teach family We have been called to stand for righteousness and de- members about Moses’s call, his feelings of inadequacy, cency in a wicked and degenerate world. We have been and how he overcame them with the Lord’s reassurance. called to make and keep covenants. We have been called to Use the teachings from the article to discuss how we will be be children of righteousness. But we ourselves determine made equal to our tasks as we faithfully serve. if we will be one of the chosen. We choose. 2. Use the article to recount the events associated with the Whether receiving a formal call to serve in the Church call of Moses. Invite family members to each choose one of or whether receiving the above-mentioned calls at bap- these events and draw a picture of it. Have them explain their tism, we should know that we can receive divine help pictures and share what they learned from the experience to accomplish our tasks, just as Moses did. When we Moses had. Bear testimony that we will receive divine help as ask ourselves, “Who am I that I should do this?” we can we answer the call to serve.

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 49 THE FULNESS OF THE GOSPEL

The Nature of the Godhead

The first in a series of of the Godhead are three articles explaining separate and distinct basic beliefs of the beings. We also testify restored gospel, that God the Father is doctrines unique not just a spirit but is a to The Church glorified person with a of Jesus Christ of tangible body, as is his Latter-day Saints. resurrected Son, Jesus Christ. . . . In contrast, he Church of Jesus many Christians reject Christ of Latter-day the idea of a tangible, T Saints has many personal God and a beliefs in common with Godhead of three sepa- other Christian churches,” said Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the rate beings. They believe that God is a spirit and that the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “But we have differences, Godhead is only one God. In our view, these concepts are and those differences explain why we send missionaries evidence of the falling away we call the Great Apostasy.”2 to other Christians, why we build temples in addition to Not long after the deaths of the Savior’s New Testament churches, and why our beliefs bring us such happiness and Apostles, ideas from Greek philosophy began transforming strength to deal with the challenges of life and death.”1 plain and precious gospel truths. Conflicting doctrines regarding the nature of deity led Emperor Constantine to Three Separate Beings convene a churchwide council in Nicaea in A.D. 325. The “In common with the rest of Christianity,” Elder Oaks resulting Nicene Creed eliminated the concept of deity as continued, “we believe in a Godhead of Father, Son, and separate beings by declaring Jesus Christ to be “one sub- Holy Ghost. However, we testify that these three members stance with the Father.”

50 “Other councils followed,” Elder Oaks explained, “and of the nature of God flows the from their decisions and the writings of churchmen and Latter-day Saint belief regarding philosophers there came a synthesis of Greek philosophy s the Bible our nature and potential. The and Christian doctrine. . . . The consequences persist teaches, we, Prophet Joseph Smith once in the various creeds of Christianity, which declare a A like Adam, taught: “It is the first principle Godhead of only one being.”3 are created “in the of the gospel to know for a image of God.” certainty the character of God, Divine Truth Restored . . . and that He was once a man The truth concerning the nature of the Godhead was like us. . . . When you climb up a ladder, you must begin restored in the spring of 1820 when Joseph Smith entered at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the Sacred Grove. As he prayed, a pillar of light appeared, the top; and so it is with the principles of the gospel—you which he described as being “above the brightness of the must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the sun. . . . When the light rested upon me,” he recorded, “I principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all you have passed through the veil before you will have description, standing above me in the air. One of them learned them.”5 spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) taught: “God the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph the Eternal Father . . . is the literal Parent of our Lord and Smith—History 1:16–17). Joseph learned during this Savior Jesus Christ, and of the spirits of the human race. . . . vision, among other truths, that God the Father and His We are God’s children.”6 Son, Jesus Christ, are separate, glorified individuals and The belief that we are created in the image of our that we, as the Bible teaches, are created “in the image Eternal Father “does not mean that we claim sufficient of God” (Genesis 1:27). spiritual maturity to comprehend God,” observed Elder President Gordon B. Hinckley has said, “The experience Oaks. “Nor do we equate our imperfect mortal bodies to of Joseph Smith in a few moments in the grove on a spring his immortal, glorified being. But we can comprehend day in 1820, brought more light and knowledge and under- the fundamentals he has revealed about himself and the

BY DEL PARSON BY standing of the personality and reality and substance of other members of the Godhead. And that knowledge is

ADAM, ADAM, God and his Beloved Son than men had arrived at during essential to our understanding of the purpose of mortal centuries of speculation.”4 life and of our eternal destiny as resurrected beings after In 1843 Joseph Smith summarized what he had learned mortal life. through direct revelation about the Godhead: “The Father “In the theology of the restored church of Jesus has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son Christ, the purpose of mortal life is to prepare us to realize also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, our destiny as sons and daughters of God—to become but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost like Him.”7 ■ could not dwell in us” (D&C 130:22). NOTES 1. “Apostasy and Restoration,” Ensign, May 1995, 84. BY TOM HOLDMAN, MAY NOT BE COPIED; RIGHT: NOT MAY HOLDMAN, TOM BY 2. Ensign, May 1995, 84. 3. Ensign, May 1995, 85. The Nature of Man 4. In Conference Report, Apr. 1960, 82. Not only do we know that God possesses a glorified body 5. History of the Church, 6:305–7. THE FIRST VISION, THE FIRST VISION, 6. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith (1998), 354.

LEFT: LEFT: of flesh and bones, but from this restored understanding 7. Ensign, May 1995, 85–86.

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 51 Adam’s Role in Bringing Us Mortality

BY PRESIDENT JOSEPH FIELDING SMITH They Opened the Door (1876–1972) Adam did only what he had to do. He par- Tenth President of the Church took of that fruit for one good reason, and hen Adam was placed in the Garden that was to open the door to bring you and of Eden, he was in the presence of me and everyone else into this world, for WGod our Eternal Father. He talked Adam and Eve could have remained in the with the Father and the Father with him. But Garden of Eden; they could have been there something happened, and it had to happen: to this day, if Eve hadn’t done something. Adam partook of certain fruit. My Bible, the One of these days, if I ever get to where I Joseph Fielding Smith King James Version, [speaks in a commenta- can speak to Mother Eve, I want to thank her was long noted for the tor’s note] of Adam’s Fall [as] “man’s shameful for tempting Adam to partake of the fruit. He depth of his knowledge fall.” Well, it wasn’t a shameful fall at all. accepted the temptation, with the result that of the gospel and the Adam came here to bring mortality upon children came into this world. . . . If she hadn’t scriptures. He served the earth, and that resulted in the shutting had that influence over Adam, and if Adam as a member of the out from the presence of the Eternal Father had done according to the commandment first Quorum of the Twelve of both Adam and Eve and their posterity. given to him, they would still be in the Garden Apostles for more than The Son of God comes upon the scene from of Eden and we would not be here at all. We 55 years before he that time henceforth as our Redeemer. . . . It wouldn’t have come into this world. So the was sustained as is the Savior who stands between mankind commentators made a great mistake when a counselor in the and our Heavenly Father. . . . The Son is the they put in the Bible . . . “man’s shameful fall.” First Presidency in mediator between mankind and the Eternal Well, that was what the Lord expected October 1965 and then Father. You seldom hear a prayer that isn’t Adam to do, because that opened the door to as Church President in offered to our Heavenly Father in the name mortality; and we came here into this mortal 1970. In October 1967, of His Beloved Son, and that’s right. Christ world to receive a training in mortality that he spoke of the blessing came into this world to represent His Father. we could not get anywhere else or in any for mankind that is He came into this world to teach mankind other way. We came here into this world to known as the Fall who His Father is, why we should worship partake of all the vicissitudes, to receive the © CORBIS IMAGES BACKGROUND DEL PARSON; BY of Adam. Him, how we should worship Him. He per- lessons that we receive in mortality from or in formed the greatest work that was ever per- a mortal world. And so we become subject to formed in this mortal world by the shedding pain, to sickness. We are blessed for keeping of His blood, which paid a debt that mankind the commandments of the Lord with all that owes to the Eternal Father, and which debt He has given us, which, if we will follow and

we inherited after the Fall of Adam. be true and faithful, will bring us back again AND EVE TEACHING THEIR CHILDREN, ADAM

52 into the presence of God our Eternal Father, as sons and We are in the mortal life to get an experience, a training, daughters of God, entitled to the fulness of celestial glory. that we couldn’t get any other way. And in order [for us] to become gods, it is necessary for us to know something Privileged to Be Mortal about pain, about sickness, and about the other things that That great blessing of celestial glory could never have we partake of in this school of mortality. come to us without a period of time in mortality, and so we So don’t let us, brethren and sisters, complain about came here in this mortal world. We are in school, the mortal Adam and wish he hadn’t done something that he did. I school, to gain the experiences, the training, the joys, and want to thank him. I am glad to have the privilege of being the sufferings that we partake of, that we might be educated here and going through mortality, and if I will be true and in all these things and be prepared, if we are faithful and faithful to the covenants and obligations that are upon me true to the commandments of the Lord, to become sons as a member of the Church and in the kingdom of God, I and daughters of God, joint heirs with Jesus Christ; and in may have the privilege of coming back into the presence His presence to go on to a fulness and a continuation of the of the Eternal Father; and that will come to you as it will seeds forever, and perhaps through our faithfulness to have to me, sons and daughters of God entitled to the fulness the opportunity of building worlds and peopling them. of celestial glory. ■ Brethren and sisters, let’s thank the Lord, when we pray, An October 1967 general conference address; subheads added; punctuation, capitalization, and spelling modernized. for Adam. If it hadn’t been for Adam, I wouldn’t be here; you wouldn’t be here; we would be waiting in the heavens as spirits pleading for somebody . . . to pass through a cer- tain condition that brought upon us mortality. The JoyfulSurprise BY JEAN KNIGHT PACE of Motherhood

hen our first son, Mark, was born, I was quite As a newlywed, I had bought into shocked to discover that motherhood was the the idea that motherhood would be Wmost satisfying and fulfilling thing I had ever ex- dull, stifling, and all-consuming. perienced. Now that I have a few years of mothering under How wrong I was! my belt, I have become troubled that it was such a shock— that I hadn’t expected it to be wonderful. Somehow I had received the impression that motherhood would only be time-consuming, underappreciated, dull, nonstimulating, and simply not enough to make one fully happy. The scriptures tell us that “children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). I wonder if many in my genera- tion know this—not just in their minds because it is part of Latter-day Saint doctrine, but in their hearts as well. I know that not everyone will have the chance to marry and have children in this life. For this reason and others, it is not appropriate for women to set their sights only on marriage and motherhood. Nevertheless, I’m alarmed at the growing tendency of some women—even

54 in the Church—to show more interest in their careers to dismiss some of the common myths about motherhood than in motherhood, or to fear motherhood so much that we may be tricked into swallowing. that they do not look forward to taking this step with yth Myth number one: Before you have gladness. M children, you need to do everything else in That is how I was. I planned to have children some- life that is important to you, because after you be- day, because I knew that is what Latter-day Saints were come a mother, you’ll never be able to do that again. supposed to do, but I wasn’t excited about the prospect This is the most common thing I heard in the later at all. In fact, when my husband and I were engaged stages of my pregnancy. What a terrifying phrase—“never and newly married, I had such a negative idea of what be able to do that again”—as if I were going to have a terri- motherhood was going to be that I secretly hoped I ble and disabling accident instead of becoming responsible wouldn’t be able to have children—at least for a few for one of Heavenly Father’s spirit children. years. When I unexpectedly became pregnant with my Truth: Even with a child, a mother can make time for son just two months after I’d been married, I felt angry herself and some goals outside of her children. It isn’t the and depressed. will of the Lord that all of the individual parts of our lives I think it was difficult for me to look forward to mother- end with children. It is true that I can’t do as much as fast ing because of some common myths and misconceptions as I did without children, and I imagine that this will in- perpetrated by magazines, the media, ideas of social “free- creasingly be the case as I have more children. But it is also dom” for women, and even some of the negative jokes, true that having children has helped me develop in other anecdotes, and warnings passed on by mothers themselves. ways. I like to think of it as getting a second degree, a new

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN BY PHOTOGRAPHY Perhaps many young women feel as I felt, so I would like job, or a promotion—because really, that’s what it is.

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 55 Myth number two: When you have THE VITAL ROLE OF WIFE AND MOTHER Myth children, you won’t be able to progress “Beware of the subtle ways Satan intellectually. employs to take you from the plan Truth: As a mother, you will read books, learn to build of God and true happiness. One of things, and learn more about nutrition and health, budget- Satan’s most effective approaches ing, taxes, cooking, and running a home. You will learn to is to demean the role of wife and teach. Some women even learn to quilt, sew, crochet, do art- mother in the home. This is an work, and do many other things. I have also learned some attack at the very heart of God’s plan to foster even more important lessons—one of which has been to love between husband and wife and to nurture relax and enjoy quiet times with my son. children in an atmosphere of understanding, peace, yth Myth number three: You will lose your- appreciation, and support. Much of the violence M self to your children. that is rampant in the world today is the harvest Truth: You will lose yourself to love. Not having a baby of weakened homes. Government and social plans for fear of losing yourself would be like saying, “Don’t will not effectively correct that, nor can the best ever make any friends, and certainly never, ever fall in efforts of schools and churches fully compensate for love, because both of these things will take time and will the absence of the tender care of a compassionate change your life.” I did not resist falling in love, but I did mother and wife in the home.” mentally resist parenthood. I was convinced that having Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 74. this baby so early on was going to ruin my carefully plot- ted life. He did not ruin my life—in fact, in many ways he

56 saved it. What I mean is this: We are going to lose our lives to something. I had lost mine to school goals, ca- reer dreams, plans, and other people’s demands and expectations for what my life should be. I had listened to the world and its requirements for me as a modern woman. Mark brought me back to myself and to God. He brought me back to the saving fundamentals of faith, hope, and charity. First Corinthians 13:13 does not say, “And now abideth enough money to travel, a great body, and a successful career, these three; but the greatest of these is a successful career.” It doesn’t even say this for men, because even though the proclamation on the fam- ily designates fathers as the main providers, their pri- mary and most important job is also in the home and with the family. I have learned more about the gospel and about myself from getting married and having a child than I experience, the strength children provide makes it easier learned from four years of seminary, seven years of under- (and more fun) for a marriage to endure as well. graduate and graduate work, and from my mission. These I hope that my generation and those who are younger other steps were important for my growth, maturity, and are not afraid to learn that marriage and parenthood are knowledge. They were important so that when I did have the most beautiful things—that they are the buds of that children, there would be certain things I could teach charity which “never faileth” (see 1 Corinthians 13:8). I them. But I have come to realize they were steps leading hope that mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfa- me on to bigger and better things, and one of those big- thers let their children and grandchildren hear about the ger and better things is having a righteous family. beauties of their responsibilities, not just the tasks and the Myth number four: Having children will pressures and the sacrifices. The Lord promises the faith- yth stunt your relationship with your spouse. ful the chance to be with a family through eternity, work- M Truth: It will add another dimension to it. ing with them and loving them. To my knowledge He I won’t say there aren’t times when I wish for a little more does not bind us to anything else so completely. “But time with my husband and a little more money to use whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether when we do have time together, or that it’s always easy to there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be agree on how to be a parent. But Mark has had a wonder- knowledge, it shall vanish away” (1 Corinthians 13:8). ful binding effect on us. He has given us a common goal. Our jobs will not be eternal; much of our formal educa- Many couples take a class or start a hobby together to im- tion will be forgotten; our Church callings will come to prove their relationship. A baby is like the ultimate class an end. Only our eternally linked families, the knowledge and the ultimate hobby. A class will not last so long, will not we have gained, and the Christlike love we have devel- be so funny, will not be so beautiful, so challenging, so liv- oped will never fail. ■ ing. It will not be something you have created together. Jean Knight Pace is a member of the Sierra Ward, Lancaster It will not look like you. It will not love you. And in my California Stake.

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 57 CHANGEDALessonThat MY LIFE Members around the world responded to a call for stories about lessons that blessed lives. These are just a few of the many responses we received. We hope these experiences will inspire you, remind you of lessons you have learned, and help you in your responsibilities as a teacher.

Bricks own responsibility to be more charitable in my interactions Early in our marriage my husband and I relocated for his with others. And where my own shortcomings are con- schooling. In our new ward I worked closely with a woman cerned, I am more appreciative of those who are liberal whose manner I found brusque and insensitive. Looking for with “mortar” in their dealings with me. sympathy, I complained to my husband, lamenting that such Lee Ann Fairbanks, Moses Lake 10th Ward, Moses Lake Washington Stake a woman would be in a leadership position in the ward. Rather than offering the sympathy I expected, my husband presented an informal but valuable lesson on the impor- I Knew That He Knew tance of love and tolerance. My first Sunday in church was in early 1995. All my In the Church, he said, we are all working together to life I had spent weekends in stadiums and gymnasiums. build the kingdom of God. He suggested that individual I love sports! I was even studying sports. But in January members are like bricks. None of us “bricks,” however, 1995 I came in contact with The Church of Jesus Christ is perfectly sound. Under close scrutiny each is flawed— of Latter-day Saints. The sister missionaries invited me a gouge here, a bump there. When we are placed side to attend church, and I went. by side with other bricks, there is seldom a perfect fit. It was a fast and testimony meeting. I sat on a massive Invariably there are gaps or wobbles where others’ imper- wooden pew, one sister missionary to my right, the other fections come into contact with our own. Without the to my left. But I encountered only unfamiliar faces, un- “mortar” of love, tolerance, patience, and forgiveness, familiar music, unfamiliar proceedings, and unfamiliar our efforts to build the kingdom would come to naught. words. I had never partaken of the sacrament before and As our family has grown and my experiences in helping was preoccupied with finding out the appropriate con- to build the kingdom have broadened, I have often duct. I felt very uncomfortable. I said to myself, “It will

reflected on this simple lesson. I am reminded of my be over at some point, and then I will get out of here and ROBERT A. BY MCKAY ILLUSTRATED

58 never come back.” But the meeting concluded with the other subjects. But something peculiar happened. I sud- announcement that all should remain in the chapel for denly knew that everything he said was true. I knew that a lesson by the mission president, President Charles W. he knew more things that were true as well. I knew that Dahlquist II, who now serves as Young Men general presi- I wanted to know what he knew. I knew that I wanted to dent. So most people, including the sister missionaries, have in my life what he had as an anchor in his life. It is remained seated, and I could not simply sneak out incon- hard to find words to describe this experience. I simply spicuously, as I had planned. Since I did not have the knew that he knew. courage to tell the missionaries how awful I was feeling, I looked around stealthily to see if anybody had noticed I decided to endure. anything unusual, for I had the impression that something President Dahlquist stood in front. He began by asking wonderful had happened. what we would do with a good book we had just read. Because of his lesson I attended church again—and My answer was, “Read it again, recommend it to others, again. My baptism was on March 2, 1996, approximately one or give it as a gift.” year after this experience. He spoke about Today I have five wonderful the Book of children and a wonderful, Mormon, then eternal husband. Sitting between two about a few I recall often and with grati- sister missionaries, tude this lesson. I could not sneak out Barbara Hopf, Stade Branch, inconspicuously as Hamburg Germany Stake I had planned. But then something wonderful happened. A Testimony The Stains of Sin of the Godhead When I was a Laurel more than 15 years ago, our stake The lesson that most Young Women president was a real heroine to me and many affected my life was a other girls. Her beautiful, curly brown hair impressed me, Primary lesson. It was but she was also smart and articulate, a spiritual woman, a so long ago that I don’t returned missionary, and a newlywed. She wore nice mod- remember the teacher’s est clothes, showing us how attractive we could be without name, but the lesson compromising our standards. I remember her personifying penetrated my soul so every dream I had ever dreamed for my own future. deeply that I have never Once she was the speaker at a fireside for the Young forgotten it. Women. When we entered the chapel, we saw her gor- When I was five geous white wedding gown displayed in a prominent years old I learned that place. What can be more exciting than a wedding dress God was my Heavenly when you’re a dreaming 16-year-old? I imagined a fireside When I was five years Father and that Jesus Christ about boys and our bright futures. old a Primary teacher was my Savior and Redeemer. But when our Young Women president started speaking, taught me that God I learned that They love all it became clear that this was not her plan. She started talk- was my Heavenly people and that I could speak ing about chastity and how important it was to keep our- Father and that Jesus with God whenever I needed selves morally clean. She stood at the pulpit with notes and Christ was my Savior to because He always listens to a pen and talked emphatically about these crucial matters. and Redeemer. my prayers. My faith increased, All of a sudden the unthinkable happened. She ges- something within my heart tured as she spoke and somehow flipped ink from her grew, and little by little I gained fountain pen across the wedding dress. The ink made a testimony of the Godhead. a big stain on the white fabric. We were devastated. With the pure intent of a small child, I started praying I don’t remember exactly what she said next. It was with greater fervor, and I had many wonderful experi- something about our being as clean and pure as her white ences with prayer. dress and that sexual transgressions, however small they I attended church for more than a year. Then other might seem, would stain us just as the ink had stained the events made my going to church difficult. But I never dress. I recall never ever wanting to be anything but clean stopped praying. and pure. It was a decision I had already made subcon- I was finally able to join the Church when I turned sciously, but now it was unforgettably engraved upon my 20 years old. I was baptized with the sincere feelings of heart. a child who says to her Father, “I’m coming back home.” After she had made her point about remaining clean or The seed was planted when I was a child and then becoming clean, she informed us that the ink was invisible germinated when I became an adult. I don’t know whether ink from a prank store and that it would disappear in a cou- that teacher knows how much she helped me. But her ple of minutes. She hadn’t tried it before, so we all sat there lesson transformed my soul and kept my feet on the sure hoping it would work. It did. path, even while I had no contact with the Church for Since that day this object lesson has had a special place 14 years. in my mind. I want to appear before my Heavenly Father as pure as that white dress. Estela Santana Leitão Cavalcante, Praia Grande Ward, Praia Grande Brazil Stake Anja Klarin, Borås Ward, Göteborg Sweden Stake

60 The Power and Spirit of the Atonement The next Sunday we all sat in the room with our books. I always believed in God the Eternal Father and in His Each of us had been assigned to study part of the book and Son, Jesus Christ. Ever since I was young I felt the desire explain it to the class. Our teacher orchestrated the reading to be closer to Them, but I didn’t know how. of scriptures and our explanations. The Spirit influenced us In May 2000 I had my first contact with The Church of in a magnificent way. Everyone was crying when we talked Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I had just turned 17 when about Gethsemane and Calvary. It was the most amazing I met the missionaries. They knocked on my friend’s door, thing I have ever seen in a gospel class. I had never before and she invited me to hear them. After listening to the dis- understood with such profound feeling the power and spirit cussions and attending sacrament meeting, my friend and of the Atonement. I, as well as my father, mother, and younger brother, were At the end of class we sang baptized. a hymn and had a simple We were well received into the ward organizations. I was Our teacher orches- prayer. We were very moved. in Young Women. I was very happy and loved our Young trated the reading I am grateful for the Atone- Women president, Maria José, who always helped me grow of scriptures and ment and for the plan of salva- spiritually. At about the time I finished the Young Women our explanations. tion. I am especially grateful program, Maria José became my Sunday School teacher. The Spirit influenced for the love and concern of One Sunday she notified us that the following week we us in a magnificent our teacher, who wanted us would be studying the atoning way. to feel the Holy Ghost bear sacrifice of Jesus Christ and witness of the gospel and the invited each of us to bring a Atonement. ■ copy of Jesus the Christ by Elaine Cristina Farias de Oliveira, James E. Talmage. Panatis Ward, Natal Brazil Potengi Stake

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 61 AHappy Gathering of Sisters Relief Society home, family, and personal enrichment meetings help sisters worldwide fill their hearts and homes with love and charity.

BY LILIAN DELONG In this setting, there is a lot of Relief Society General Board laughter, hugging, and even dancing. n Lutsk, Ukraine, an oven warms Always, these sisters sing hymns to- the tiny kitchen where 16 sisters gether, demonstrating their love for the Ihave gathered to make cookies hymns of the Church. The singing contin- © PHOTOSPIN OF FLOWER and cakes. The oven sits on the floor and ues as those who live far away board the bus the sisters sit nearby, sharing not only the for the three-hour ride home. warmth of the oven but also the warmth of being What a wonderful example of how enrichment together. This is what they call “sisters night,” a happy meeting reinforces what President James E. Faust, Second gathering you might know better as home, family, and Counselor in the First Presidency, taught when he said personal enrichment meeting. Relief Society is a place of learning, serving, and socializing.1 It seems to fit the picture that Sister Bonnie D. Parkin, Relief Society general president, describes of home, fam- ily, and personal enrichment meeting as a place “where hearts and hands are joined together in a safe, relaxed, and enjoyable environment.” Sister Parkin explains: “Women of all ages and stages of life can feel a sense of belonging as they participate in activities that build spiritual strength, develop personal skills, strengthen home and family, and exercise charity through service. In these meetings bonds of sisterhood are strengthened, new and less-active members are fel- lowshipped, and missionary opportunities abound.”

Learning Through the flexibility of home, family, and per-

sonal enrichment meeting, sisters can share and learn PHOTOGRAPH INC.; RIGHT: GRAPHICS, © DYNAMIC OF FLOWER PHOTOGRAPH LEFT: AS NOTED; EXCEPT COURTESY OF LILIAN DELONG, PHOTOGRAPHY together no matter what their situation or age. In the rain forest of southeastern Nigeria, young women and Relief Society sisters dressed in brightly colored clothing and sisters. “Our hope,” Sister Perkins explains, “is head ties gather outside the simple Church that we will increase our influence here, in our meetinghouse to learn how to make patterns own town, as we reach out to share our light.” Left: Sisters in Lutsk, for blouses and dresses. Using empty cement Ukraine, share the bags as drafting paper, the Relief Society sisters Socializing warmth of being gather around the table, listening attentively to Home, family, and personal enrichment together in home, the young women who are teaching this new meeting is a wonderful place to socialize and family, and personal skill. After drafting their patterns, then cutting establish the sisterhood necessary to create a enrichment meeting. the material, they take turns using a treadle sense of belonging among members of Relief Above: In Nigeria, sewing machine to complete their outfits. Society and visitors. This is exemplified in sisters gather to an enrichment meeting held in Benidorm, learn to make Serving Spain—a resort town where travelers are con- patterns for blouses In the Juneau Second Ward, Juneau Alaska stantly coming and going. One evening sis- and dresses. Stake, the sisters feel a sense of community ters from Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Norway, even though they are separated by distance. Sweden, Switzerland, England, Scotland, and On the first Sunday of the month, Relief Spain meet together for an enrichment meet- Society presidency member Sandy Perkins ing. On this particular night the sisters from asks, “How can we take the light of the gospel Switzerland teach the others how to make to the community?” She answers her own greeting cards that can be used for vari- question by describing the upcoming enrich- ous occasions. It is a simple design, eas- ment meeting. The Relief Society presidency ily mastered while the sisters visit and has invited a panel of local leaders, represent- strengthen friendships. ing a handful of the services and charitable pro- As the sisters work together, their grams in the area, to share their needs with the friendliness and sincerity soon overcome

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 63 language barriers. The sister missionaries have Such a promise has been made. Sister Parkin brought some investigators who are chatting said: “Come to Relief Society! It will fill your happily with the others. When these investi- homes with love and charity; it will nurture gators visit the little branch again on Sunday, and strengthen you and your families.”2 they already feel they belong to the group. An invitation is open to you, as it is to It is a simple activity, but this enrichment all women. meeting accomplishes the goals of learning, Maria Jasmine Juan, living in Manila, serving, and socializing. Some of the sisters might Philippines, away from her family, is among those have thought, “I don’t need to go. I have plenty of greeting who choose to come to Relief Society. “I was very lonely cards.” But the greeting cards are only a small part of the and missed my mother,” she says. “I knew that if I would benefit of attending enrichment meeting this night. go to Relief Society, I would be all right. As the sisters Sometimes we attend to get something out of it. Other welcomed me to enrichment meeting, I times we’re there to give to others, if only a listening ear, a word of encouragement, or a welcoming hand of friendship. ENDURING CONCEPTS “I believe the four great endur- Come to Relief Society ing concepts of [Relief Society] In today’s world, increasing numbers of women are are: First, it is a divinely estab- employed. Other members of Relief Society face challenges lished sisterhood. Second, it is that include the time commitment of single parenting, is an organizationa placewhose of basic learning. charter Third, is to it the necessity of traveling long distances to meet with the serve others. Its motto is ‘Charity never faileth.’ Saints, and the economic implications of traveling and par- Fourth, it is a place where women can socialize ticipating. For some, attending enrichment meeting may be and establish eternal friendships.” a difficult choice. When asked what would inspire her to President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “You Are All Heaven Sent,” attend enrichment meeting, a busy full-time student and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 111. Liahona single mother of seven replied, “I would have to be prom- and ised that my family would be blessed.”

Maria Jasmine Juan (center) as a missionary. realized there was a whole room full of ‘mothers.’ ” In Relief Society you’ll find a safe place where joys and sorrows can be shared, a place where visiting and laughing strengthen bonds of friendship, and a cordial place where visitors are welcome. Come and be a part of the Lord’s organization for women. Like the oven in that tiny kitchen in Ukraine, home, family, and personal enrichment meet- ing will warm your heart and then your home. ■ Lilian DeLong is a member of the South Weber First Ward, South Weber Utah Stake. NOTES 1. See “You Are All Heaven Sent,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 111. 2. “How Has Relief Society Blessed Your Life?” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2004, 35. VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE

by the most effective individual ener- gies” (“Female Relief Society,” Deseret The Purpose of Relief Society Evening News, Apr. 18, 1868, 2).

Prayerfully select and made, divinely authorized, divinely How Can You Enjoy the Blessings read from this message instituted, divinely ordained of God of Belonging to Relief Society? the scriptures and to minister for the salvation of the Anne C. Pingree, second counselor teachings that meet the souls of women and of men. . . . Make in the Relief Society general presi- needs of the sisters you visit. Share [Relief Society] first, make it foremost, dency: “When the sisters of Relief your experiences and testimony. make it the highest, the best and the Society look ‘with an eye single to Invite those you teach to do the same. deepest of any organization in exis- the glory of God’ (D&C 4:5), they tence in the world. You are called by can experience rich spiritual insights Why Relief Society? the voice of the Prophet of God to do and share deep spiritual strength Blessings of Belonging to Relief it, to be uppermost, to be the greatest together. . . . Connections forged Society: The Relief Society serves and the best, the purest and the most among covenant women in Relief under the guidance of the priesthood devoted to the right” (Teachings of Society can indeed enlighten, enliven, as the Lord’s organization for sisters Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. and enrich the journey of life because in the Church. The purpose of Relief Smith [1998], 184). we can help each other learn how to Society is to assist priesthood leaders Bonnie D. Parkin, Relief Society put the Lord first in our hearts and in in carrying out the mission of the general president: “We have been our lives” (“Walking towards the Light Church by helping sisters and families given an organization to build our of His Love,” Liahona and Ensign, come unto Christ. The Relief Society faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, to feel Nov. 2004, 112–13). helps sisters and their families receive his love, and to extend that love to President Gordon B. Hinckley: all essential priesthood ordinances, all. The Relief Society is that organi- “My dear friends of the Relief Society, keep the associated covenants, and zation” (“Transforming Transitions,” whatever your circumstances, wher- qualify for exaltation and eternal life. in The Rock of Our Redeemer: ever you may live, may the windows of The following objectives support Talks from the 2002 BYU Women’s heaven be opened and blessings come the purpose of the Relief Society: Conference [2003], 45). down upon you. May you live with 1. Build faith in the Lord Jesus Eliza R. Snow (1804–87), former love for one another. May you reach Christ and teach the doctrines of Relief Society general president: down to lift up those whose burdens the kingdom of God. “What is the object of the Female are heavy. May you bring light and 2. Emphasize the divine worth Relief Society? I would reply—to do beauty to the world” (“To the Women of each sister. good—to bring into requisition every of the Church,” Liahona and 3. Exercise charity and nurture capacity we possess for Ensign, Nov. 2003, 115). ■ those in need. doing good, not only 4. Strengthen and protect families. in relieving the poor 5. Serve and support each sister. but in saving souls. 6. Help sisters become full par- United effort will ticipants in the blessings of the accomplish incal- priesthood. culably more President Joseph F. Smith (1838– than can be 1918): “This organization is divinely accomplished ILLUSTRATED BY SHANNON CHRISTENSEN BY ILLUSTRATED LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

I had been taught to pray as a child and had always said my daily prayers, Nowhere to Land but never had I needed the Lord’s By Kenneth B. Smith help more than on that day. I asked n January 1951 we lived in sufficient to take us to Gambell and Heavenly Father to tell me what to

Fairbanks, Alaska, just 100 miles back to Nome with enough to fly 30 do. I had a wife and three children GREGG THORKELSON BY ILLUSTRATED I(160 km) south of the Arctic extra minutes. back in Fairbanks, and my copilot and Circle. I was a United States Air Force We took off at 10:00 a.m. A few crew chief also had families. We knew pilot and had been ordered to Nome, stars were visible through the scat- we would never see our families again Alaska, for two weeks to ferry freight tered clouds. We arrived at Gambell unless Heavenly Father helped us. to various sites. on schedule—just as the Arctic sun After praying and flying for nearly an During the Alaskan winters the was peeping over the horizon— hour, I had the feeling that I must daylight hours are very short, so landed, and started unloading cargo land somewhere in the vicinity of the operations requiring daylight had to the delight of the troops. Nome airport so that maybe someone to be conducted in a narrow window By the time we were ready to take could find us if we survived a crash when the sun was above the hori- off again, it was getting dark. And just landing. zon. In January there was just after takeoff we received an urgent Nome radio had notified the less than one hour of daylight at call from the weather station at Alaskan Air Command of our midday. I was delivering cargo to a Gambell telling us we should check predicament and received an small outpost at Gambell, a native the weather at Nome. As we flew we urgent inquiry about my village on St. Lawrence Island, radioed Nome and learned that an intentions. When just a few miles off the Chukchi Arctic blizzard was moving in. They I advised Nome Peninsula of Siberia and about 200 were expecting clouds at ground that I would land miles (320 km) across the Bering level with visibility of less than one there, they quickly Sea from Nome. mile (1.6 km) within an hour. The responded that it St. Lawrence Island had no airfield Nome airport had no radar instru- would be impossible at that time, so we used a frozen lake ment landing system. Under those with the existing weather near the coast. With 19 inches (48 cm) conditions the airport was closed conditions. But they of ice on the lake it was safe to land for landing. With only a half hour offered no a loaded C47 transport. But there of extra fuel, we would be unable to alternative. was no lighting available, so we reach an alternate airport. And with had to plan our arrival for sunrise, a massive storm bearing down, there about 11:30 a.m., and our departure would be no airports in northern before sunset at 12:30 p.m., one Alaska where we could land anyway. hour later. Needless to say, our situation was The weather reporter had assured precarious. Because the outside tem- me the weather would be fine all day, perature was -40° F (-40° C) with wind so I elected to take less than a full gusting to 35 mph (55 km/h), any load of fuel in order to carry another attempt to bail out with parachutes 1,000 pounds (450 kg) of cargo to would have meant nearly instant the men at Gambell. Our fuel was death.

66 As we neared Nome, I told the over the airfield but had no idea First, He told me where to attempt radio operator we would attempt as exactly where. to land despite all protests from the many low approaches as fuel would I knew it was now or never. I was ground. Second, by some process allow to see if we could find an expecting a crash and pos- unknown to me, He opening in the clouds. We made sibly an explosion. Instead, e made guided me onto that three such approaches and saw the airplane landed in the three runway. nothing but blinding snow. On our middle of the runway and Wlow I have a testimony fourth approach I saw a red light for came to a stop without any approaches to see of the power of prayer. a fraction of a second. Then as we problem. if we could find Nothing is impossible reached our minimum altitude I The odds against such an opening in for the Lord. I know saw a white light in front of me for a landing were astronom- the clouds. We He will help us if we a fraction of a second, just long ical. There was no way saw nothing but earnestly seek Him and enough for me to line up where I I could have put that blinding snow. strive to be obedient to had seen it. I was pretty sure I was airplane down like that His teachings. ■ without the Lord’s help. Kenneth B. Smith is a member of the Morningside How did He help me? Fifth Ward, St. George Utah Morningside Stake.

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 67 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

A Gift for My Father Don’t Open By Silvia Girard the Door! hen I was a little girl just came into our lives. We learned By Janet Dunne two years of age, my that families can be forever, that a W father died in a tragic link in our family chain that had he night was freezing, with accident. I had a sister who was been left hanging by itself could snow coming thick and fast. seven and a brother who was six. be joined to the rest of the family. T I was warm and safe in our Life became very hard for my Through temple ordi- home, and our three children were mother, who had to face nances, my father sleeping soundly. My husband was life alone with her could be baptized attending a bishopric meeting at the three little chil- by proxy and chapel some five miles (8 km) away. dren. For some sealed to his At about 8:30 there was an unexpected reason she parents and I knock at the door. Immediately I felt decided to tell me could eventu- strongly impressed that I was not to that my daddy ally be sealed open the door. This certainty—this had gone away to him. warning of danger—had never before on a trip. Maybe she My husband was bap- come to me so strongly. was so sad that she tized for my father, and we had I was therefore quite stunned to didn’t have the courage to tell me all the necessary temple ordinances hear my husband’s brother answer the truth. performed. The Spirit of the Lord my query as to who was there. My So I kept waiting to see him and brought great joy to us. The anguish husband’s only brother, Michael, a hear his sweet voice and be wrapped I had gone through as a child didn’t member of the Church, lived 70 miles in his arms. My birthday would come, seem to matter when I compared (110 km) away. We had a very good and I would wait. Christmas would it with this great joy and blessing. relationship with him, and it was not come, and I would wait. Knowing that families can be eternal surprising that he would visit, possi- Then one day I learned the truth was better than all the Christmases or bly expecting to stay a few days, as from a neighbor girl who was my age. birthdays my father and I could have he had done many times before. It It was devastating; I cried so hard. I spent together. wasn’t even surprising that he hadn’t started noticing other children with Today my father is sealed to his called, since the phone lines were their fathers even more than before. parents, and they, in turn, are sealed down because of the weather. I It seemed so cruel. to their parents. As a result of the should have felt safe and relieved, The years went by, and I was bap- happiness I have experienced, I dedi- and it would have been normal for tized into The Church of Jesus Christ cate a great part of my time to doing me to welcome him into our home of Latter-day Saints. I married a good family history so I can help families on this cold winter night. man who wasn’t a member of the be joined together. Temple work I could not understand the strong Church. But he gained a testimony brings the most wonderful blessings feelings I had or why I heard myself and decided to be baptized. into our lives. ■ asking him to travel to the chapel to Through our membership in the meet my husband. After a stunned Silvia Girard is a member of the Spencer Church, a most wonderful blessing Fifth Ward, Magna Utah Central Stake. silence my brother-in-law explained in

68 a rather strange manner that he had I saw that, far from being angry, he trip to the chapel, Steve lost inter- traveled by train, then had caught the was actually smiling. est and said he would go and find bus to our home, and now the snow “I’m so glad you did not let us in some ‘action’ somewhere else.” was getting quite deep. last night,” he said. I had no idea until I will never know what might have A powerful prompting continued then that he had not been alone. He befallen our family or me that winter to impress upon me that I must not, proceeded to tell me how he had met night. I will just be eternally grateful for any reason, open the door. I Steve, an old school friend, on the to have learned one of the most calmly explained that I was sorry and train, and it had taken him some time valuable lessons here on earth—to repeated my request for him to travel to realize that Steve was high on drugs. obey the promptings of the Holy to the chapel to meet my husband. By then Michael had already told him Spirit. Even when there appears to be For the remainder of the evening where he was going. Steve became no logical rea- I reflected on my actions. Poor more and more aggressive during the son, we will be hen I Michael had traveled several hours journey. He explained he urgently kept safe by rely- heard the by train and bus, and on a cold winter needed money and a place to sleep. ing on that still, W knock, evening I had turned him away. How He forcibly accompanied Michael to small voice. ■ immediately I felt could anyone be so uncaring? Yet at our home with what my brother-in- Janet Dunne is strongly impressed a member of the the same time I was unable to deny law could describe only as “the most Leeds Fourth that I was not to Ward, Leeds the strong witness that I was in dan- evil of intentions.” England Stake. open the door. ger and must not open my door. “So, you see,” said Michael, “I It was late and I was almost stood outside the door, praying asleep when my husband returned that you would not let us in. By home. We discussed the situation the time we set off on the long very briefly, my husband confirming that his brother had met him and was now sleeping downstairs. I no longer felt any fear and slept very soundly. The next morning I puzzled over how I could explain my actions to Michael. Would he be angry with me? I took a deep breath and walked into the kitchen to pre- pare breakfast. “Michael, about last night . . . ,” I began but stopped when

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 69 RANDOM SAMPLER

in a particu- Protecting Your larly humid climate, con- Food Storage sider providing ventilation to avoid hether you are just starting moisture buildup. your food storage or have • Keep rodents Wyour year’s supply, the fol- and insects out. Instead of leaving dry lowing tips from the Church’s welfare goods in the original packaging, con- Web site—providentliving.org—will sider storing them in number 10 cans, Our Sabbath help you protect your foil pouches, glass canning jars, PETE supplies: (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic Picture Book • Avoid bottles, and plastic buckets. heat and • Rotate. Generally, wet-pack ommy, what can we do on sunlight. items can be Sunday?” my daughters Optimum kept for two Mused to ask. “Here, let me tempera- to three show you” is what I now tures are 70 years. say. By photographing degrees or Dry-pack my youngsters doing ap- cooler. goods have propriate Sabbath activi- Freezing varying ties, I created a simple should “best if picture book. Even my be used by” children who can’t yet avoided for wet-pack items. Storage at recom- read can see that temperatures below freezing may be mendations. participating detrimental to the germination qual- Referring to a in family ity of some seeds. retail product’s label, home • Protect which usually includes evening, reading scriptures (with help against mois- a company’s toll-free from Mom), and making crafts are ture. Food con- number, can also help some of the many appropriate Sunday tainers should you decide how soon pleasures. To help us keep our focus not come in di- products should be on the Savior, we placed a picture of rect contact rotated. Him on the first page of our book. with con- For more informa- Sunday is also special for our family crete floors tion, consult your because the children can choose our or walls. Instead, ward or branch dry- activities. They have my undivided at- place them on pack specialist or visit tention, and we truly enjoy our time shelves or providentliving.org. together on the Sabbath. raised plat- Cheryl Winward Panoussi, Granger West forms. If you live Third Ward, Salt Lake Granger West Stake

70 LEFT: ILLUSTRATED BY JOE FLORES; RIGHT: ILLUSTRATED BY BETH WHITTAKER nity coursesfor languageinstruction. ber maywanthelpinlocating commu- clarification. Sometimesthenew mem- translators, ifneeded,foroccasional their languageabilityandoffer tofind assess home visitsyoucaninformally ward andcommunity. Throughthese the future.Helporientthemto their testimony, andtheirhopesfor through food,song,dance,ordisplay. aged memberstosharetheirheritage meeting. Awardactivityalsoencour- the wardnewsletterandatsacrament ences inthatmeeting,aswell their testimoniesandpersonalexperi- national sisterswereinvitedtoshare Strangers andForeigners.” Theinter- a speciallessonentitled“NoMore tural differencesinawardorbranch. one whentherearelanguageandcul- might helpothersbetterincludeevery- sights Igainedfromthisexperience as asecondlanguage.Someofthein- English my wardwhowerelearning request, Itriedtohelpthesistersin from othercountries.At mybishop’s we welcomeourbrothersandsisters to ourChurch’sworldwideunitythat members. cultures. B Gaps Language Bridging • Visitthenewinternational • Increaseawarenessofother guage wespeak,itisessential Welcome. Wilkommen.ienvenidos. Our ReliefSocietyplanned Learn oftheirconversion, Learn No matterwhatlan- and measures. cooking, andexplainingweights the doctor, shopping, grocery ing gospelvocabulary, goingto Some ofthetopicsincludedlearn- based onthesisterswhoattended. friendships. Theactivitiesvaried, culture,andestablish our country’s conversational English,introduce hometo practice ing inamember’s organized aweekly, gather- informal language andEnglish. adults andyouthinboththeir native ward offeredChurchmaterials to language. their nativelanguageandsecond • Provide lesson materialsin • Invitethemtoyourhome. than just read more needed to children that the and Iagreed my husband progress, but were slowlymaking asafamilyand Mormon reading theBookof scriptures. We hadbeen their appreciationforthe help ourchildrenincrease husband andIwantedto coupleofyearsago,my A Family ScriptureTime FAMILY HOMEEVENINGHELPS When possible,our easily incorporate children’s ages,youcould tivity. Dependingonyour our toddlerenjoyedtheac- was surprisedthateven children areyoung,andI Our the BookofMormon. readingfrom taking turns floor andspentanhour onthe selves comfortable nearby, wemadeour- living room.Withsnacks set ofscripturestothe ket, pillow, andtheirown we hadthembringablan- a fewversesattime.So family discus- topics or sions as We We the receiver. boththegiverand ceptance willlift ing withloveandanattitude ofac- brothers andsisters.Aboveall,serv- backeasilyandaccurately.to report comments, thushelpingthenewsister ing leadertouseclearquestionsand suggested waysforhervisitingteach- prepare asimpledialogueandalso teaching supervisor. We helpedher accepted acallingtobevisiting cate inEnglishonthetelephone,she hensive aboutherabilitytocommuni- Portuguese-speaking sisterwasappre- Provo Utah EastStake Florence E.G.Hawkinson,Provo Fifth Ward, There are many ways to serve our There aremanywaystoserve • Involvethem. our homeandhelping was feelingtheSpiritin gether. Butthebestpart to- the BookofMormon our familygoalofreading helped ustoprogresswith young learners. scripture readerstohelp $6.00) orotherillustrated (item no.35666000;U.S. Book ofMormonStories use selectionsfrom reading, andyoucould questions arisefromthe children recognizethat special feeling. Jennifer Dale,Riverview Ward, MesaArizona Our scriptureactivity ENSIGN Though one JANUARY 2006 Maricopa North Stake North 71 should offer a safe, relaxed, First Presidency Announces New Guidelines and engaging environment where sisters learn and for Enrichment Meetings and Activities share ways to strengthen homes, families, and individ- eginning January 1, Home, Family, and Personal two additional meetings per uals,” the First Presidency 2006, new guidelines Enrichment Meetings year. One of these meetings directed. Relief Society lead- Bfrom the First Home, family, and per- should be in conjunction ers are encouraged to keep Presidency take effect for sonal enrichment meetings with the annual broadcast of the activities flexible in order Relief Society home, family, are for all sisters to meet to- the general Relief Society to help the sisters meet and personal enrichment gether. The statement from meeting. their home, family, and other meetings. The guidelines in- the First Presidency directed obligations. More informa- dicate that enrichment meet- that each ward or branch Home, Family, and Personal tion regarding home, family ings take place quarterly and Relief Society presidency Enrichment Activities and personal enrichment that enrichment activities should carry out four enrich- Home, family, and per- meetings and activities is should be scheduled accord- ment meetings per year. sonal enrichment activities available in the Church ing to the needs or interests Enrichment meetings are to are for sisters with similar Handbook of Instructions, of the sisters. The changes take place during the week, at situations, needs, or inter- Book 2: Priesthood and are intended to provide times other than on Sunday ests. Enrichment activities Auxiliary Leaders (1998), greater flexibility for individ- or on Monday evening. One are less structured than en- pages 204–5. ■ ual units and also to place a of the four meetings ought to richment meet- greater emphasis on the center on the commemora- ings and serve home and family. tion of the March 17, 1842, as a means of “The purposes of home, organization of the Relief friendshipping family, and personal enrich- Society. The stake or district and support. ment are to strengthen Relief Society presidency “The activities faith in Jesus Christ and to is responsible for one to teach parenting and home- making skills,” said the First Presidency statement outlining the guidelines. “Enrichment is a time for sisters to socialize, learn, and be uplifted.” The First Presidency lists three parameters to con- sider when planning any enrichment gath- ering: know the needs and interests of Relief Society members, consult with priesthood leaders, and be prayerful and purposeful in plan- ning activities. Also, all sisters ought to feel appropriately in- cluded and welcome. PHOTOGRAPH BY MATTHEW REIER MATTHEW BY PHOTOGRAPH Guideline changes for enrichment meetings and activities take effect this month.

72 “We’re trying to really give are applicable for all lives and New Joseph Smith Film a feeling for the Prophet circumstances. Joseph Smith in perhaps a “Joseph was totally dedi- Portrays Prophet different way than he’s been cated, and he didn’t always viewed in the past—not only get a fair shake with things,” as Exemplar his prophetic persona, but his Brother Munns said. “In his By Nicole Seymour, Church Magazines personal life and the trials he life came a lot of adversity, irst Presidency input, learn “more in-depth of the had to endure,” said Lyle right from the beginning. And historically accurate Prophet so that their testi- Shamo, managing director of yet Joseph was not deterred in Fscript and sets, vivid mony is not shallow, but the Audiovisual Department his quest for truth and for his cinematography, and a spiritu- very solid.” He feels that There are several life les- desire to do what Heavenly ally minded cast and crew all everyone who views the sons that can be learned Father wanted him to do.” played a role in the creation film will be affected. “There from Joseph Smith’s example, of the new feature film on the is a spiritual impact to the Brother Munns said. For in- Playing the Prophet Prophet Joseph Smith now film. You can’t know of the stance, the way Joseph han- After an extensive nation- playing at the Legacy Theater Prophet Joseph and not be dled adversity and the way wide search for a temple- at Temple Square. The new changed.” he fulfilled his life’s mission worthy member to represent film, which succeeds The the Prophet, Nathan Mitchell, Testaments of One Fold and who previously played the One Shepherd and Legacy, adult Joseph in the recent also began showing at some Church film The Restoration, visitors’ centers at Church his- was again chosen to play the torical and temple sites in role of the Prophet. Two December. other actors played the role Under the direction of of Joseph at age seven and the First Presidency, Joseph as a teenager. Smith The Prophet of the After receiving the role, Restoration was released Brother Mitchell was struck December 17, 2005, in time by a line from the hymn for the 200th anniversary “Praise to the Man” (Hymns, of the Prophet’s birthday. no. 27): “Millions shall know ‘Brother Joseph’ again.” A Prophet’s Life “I realized that if this film The 65-minute film depicts is to be one of the means events from Joseph Smith’s by which millions come to life, beginning with his youth know the Prophet, then first in Vermont and ending with I had to know him,” Brother his Martyrdom in Illinois at Mitchell said. age 38. It helps members and He began extensive re- others to become acquainted search of Joseph Smith’s with Joseph Smith as a man character by reading books of character, said Ron Munns, and Joseph’s journals and the film’s producer. papers and by speaking with Elder Ronald T. Halverson Church history professors of the Quorum of the Seventy, and others. an assistant executive “My feelings about the director in the Audiovisual Prophet Joseph are so special Department, said the film’s to me that I wanted to do portrayal of the Prophet him justice,” he said. “I just

Joseph’s character, difficul- JOHN LUKE BY PHOTOGRAPH hope that the audience can ties, and accomplishments Nathan Mitchell portrays Joseph Smith in the recently have some of those same re- will encourage viewers to released movie about the Prophet. alizations and that they can

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 73 start to understand Joseph. www.lds.org/events. the nutritional value. The benefit from the product. The Then they will begin to un- Telephone reservation re- Church began manufacturing mother is taught how to pre- derstand his love of the quests will be taken at 1-866- Atmit in 2003 and since then pare the porridge and how Savior, and they will really LDS-TIKS (1-866-537-8457, has produced almost 1,500 to administer it periodically feel his testimony.” toll-free in the U.S.) or at 570- tons (1350 tonnes) at the throughout the day. After a 0080 (local calls in the greater Church’s Welfare Services week, the child is brought in Making the Movie Salt Lake City area). ■ dairy processing facility in again and assessed. The Lord was mindful of Salt Lake City. “We find that within three the production of this film, During that time, Atmit has to four weeks some children Brother Munns said, citing in- been distributed to Uganda, really respond,” said the di- stances when snow seemed Atmit to Sudan, South Africa, Haiti, rector of Humanitarian to come on cue or when rain the Rescue Gaza, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Emergency Response for the may not have been planned and Sri Lanka. Church, Garry Flake, who vis- for a particular scene but hen the Church re- Children are particularly ited hard-hit areas of Niger in made it better. ceived a request susceptible to malnourish- late August 2005. “For others Throughout the filming Wfrom Catholic Relief ment, as their young bodies it takes longer. Our goal is to process, the Spirit was pres- Services (CRS) in August 2005 have not yet been able to feed them just long enough ent, said Brother Munns. He to help send aid to Niger, an store a reserve of nutrients. with this supplement that said it was often obvious that African nation facing major For that reason, Atmit is they can then get back to the the Lord enhanced the tal- food shortages because of given specifically to children type of food the rest of the ents of the cast and crew. crop-devastating locust at- age five and younger. family is eating.” Brother Munns said the tacks and severe drought, the Mothers bring children in As part of a scheduled trip consecrated efforts of hun- Church responded immedi- to be measured and weighed to Africa, Brother Flake made dreds went into the produc- ately with its largest ever air to determine whether they a stop in Niger to witness the tion. The movie’s director, shipment of Atmit. The are malnourished enough to distribution of the Atmit. “It Gary Cook, was also the Church provided 80,000 principal screenwriter. T. C. pounds (36 tonnes) of the Christensen was the codirec- specialized porridge made for tor and director of photogra- those suffering from severe phy. The Mormon Tabernacle malnourishment. Since then, Choir, the Orchestra at subsequent shipments have Temple Square, and Church been made and will continue composers Merrill Jenson and according to need. Arlen Card also combined In Ethiopian, atmit means their talents in a powerful “thin, nourishing porridge.” way for the film’s soundtrack, The Church began using Brother Munns said. Atmit as a life-saving food The movie was filmed supplement during the at the LDS Motion Picture Ethiopian famine of 2003. It Studio in Provo, Utah; on lo- is an easily assimilated food cation at Church history sites made especially for children in New York and in Nauvoo, and the elderly—and it has Illinois; in a historical village saved tens of thousands of in Canada; and along the lives. It contains 50 percent Mississippi River in Michigan. fine oatmeal flour, 25 percent Initially, the film will be of- nonfat milk, 20 percent sugar, fered in five languages in ad- and 5 percent vitamins and dition to English. minerals. After Church repre- Admission to the movie is sentatives received the for- free, but advance reservations mula in Ethiopia, they took it will be required. Online reser- to nutritionists at Brigham Atmit is a nutritional supplement produced by the Church to vations will be accepted at Young University to optimize save the lives of the severely malnourished.

74 was a very sobering experi- intervention with the Atmit this role of warrior, even will find a way eventually to ence to see malnourished nutritional supplement has though the war must indeed turn the course of political children, but an uplifting feel- to be one of the finest hu- be fought. War has a frighten- events to his purposes.” ing to realize the Church is manitarian interventions that ing ability to numb our Although young men and there so quickly with such we do in the world. I think Christian sensitivities.” women involved in military an effective product that has it is really what the Savior The messages on the DVD service are in a challenging now been proven to make would have done—to help help to assure servicemen position, President Hinckley a difference for so many these children who are so and women that the gospel said they are also in a posi- children,” he said. malnourished to live a will bring them the peace suf- tion of influence and honor. Brother Flake said: “This happy, normal life.” ■ ficient for them to handle “Your effort to live the gospel their burdens. can do wonders,” he said. Elder Wickman said the “You can influence others New DVD Reaches Out Book of Mormon is a source to change their ways and im- of perspective and spiritual prove their lives, and you will to Members in the Military strength and pointed out be blessed in the process.” new DVD, Let Not how in the Book of Mormon The speakers encouraged Your Heart Be some of the most righteous, members to stay worthy and A Troubled: A Message noble figures are soldiers who keep the Spirit by clinging to of Peace for Latter-day Saints serve as role models for the their scriptures, by attending in Military Service, has re- latter days. church services regularly, by cently been released for He pointed out that with praying frequently, and by at- members of the Church serv- a righteous foundation, the tending the temple whenever ing in their countries’ armed honorable warriors in the possible. forces. The DVD addresses Book of Mormon had en- “Even in seasons of con- the spiritual and emotional hanced strength and insight. flict, the gospel is a message difficulties that confront mili- President Hinckley said on “[The Book of Mormon] tells of peace and love,” President tary personnel, including the the DVD. “You have taken us that service on the battle- Hinckley said. “It is a comfort difficult separation from fam- upon yourselves an obligation field in time of war does not and a strength, even in cir- ily, the challenging atmos- that frequently requires great by itself remove one from the cumstances where man’s in- phere of military life, and sacrifice. Whether you serve ranks of the righteous,” Elder humanity to man is plainly the emotional burden that in combat or in a support Wickman said. “Mormon and evident.” accompanies combat. role, your life is not your Moroni saw and participated “[War] is dreadful,” Frank The DVD, released in own. You have given your in a carnage so widespread Clawson, director of Military September 2005 and distrib- allegiance to the nation of and terrible that the experi- Relations for the Church, told uted to priesthood leaders which you are citizens. We ences you and I have had the Church magazines while and chaplains in English- commend you for your will- pale in comparison. . . . They explaining the reasons for speaking areas, contains re- ingness to do so.” were soldiers because they creating the DVD. “Anyone marks by President Gordon B. Elder Oaks quoted had to be, because their peo- who has a sensitive heart and Hinckley and President Boyd President Hinckley, who re- ple needed them, because it knowledge of God and Christ K. Packer, Acting President of marked about some individu- was the right thing to do. Is wants to know how war and the Quorum of the Twelve als’ quest for peace but also not that also the case with their participation in it affects Apostles. It also includes mes- their obligation to fight for you, my beloved friends?” their status with God.” sages given during a fireside their governments. “I believe Elder Wickman advised Brother Clawson said he for members of the military that God will not hold men those who are in the armed thinks the DVD brings a great by Elder Robert C. Oaks of and women in uniform re- forces not to get caught up in deal of comfort for those in- the Presidency of the Seventy sponsible as agents of their the politics of war. “Do not volved with the armed forces. and Elder Lance B. Wickman government in carrying for- despair because there are “I think that often our emo- of the Seventy. Both men ward that which they are some who question the right- tional and spiritual sensitivi- drew on their own military legally obligated to do,” ness of the cause in which ties are harmed during war, experiences. President Hinckley said. you are enlisted to fight and and I think this video will “We are all indebted to Elder Oaks warned: “Never for which you may sacrifice help [those so affected] to those of you who serve,” become too comfortable in so much,” he said. “The Lord reconnect with God.” ■

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 75 Selected musical works annual event. Some scripts Cultural Arts and Music are presented during one of may be selected for distribu- two events. The Relief tion through the Church’s Submissions Deadlines Society entries are presented distribution centers. in the Relief Society Music Scripts may be dramas, Approaching Festival, held in the Assembly comedies, musicals, readers’ Hall on Temple Square each theaters, oratorios, or even he deadline for mem- themselves in a manner October. All remaining se- poetry. The scripts should be bers of the Church to that conveys their gratitude lected entries are presented suitable for ward/branch or Tsubmit uplifting musi- for and testimonies of the in the Church Music Festival stake/district use, be a mini- cal and theatrical works is gospel. each February. mum of one act long, teach only a few months away. Music submission guide- gospel principles in uplifting Music submissions are due Music Submissions lines can be found by visiting ways, be doctrinally correct, on March 31, 2006, and cul- The submission system www.lds.org/churchmusic and be Church-oriented and tural arts submissions are provides a way for musical and clicking on “Share your accurate if historically based. due on April 1, 2006. works to be evaluated regu- musical talents.” Submissions are welcome in Accordinging to the Music larly. Each year, about 50 musi- all languages. and Cultural Arts Division of cal works are recognized Cultural Arts Submissions Submissions should the Priesthood Department, through this evaluation In November 2005 the include: the purpose of the submis- process. Of those, some are Cultural Arts Submission 1. Two copies of the script sion program is threefold: to recognized on the Church Presentation took place for and any applicable music on encourage members to de- music Web site, and others are the first time at the Assembly 8 1/2 x 11 inch (22 x 28 cm) velop their talents, to recog- sent on to the Church maga- Hall on Temple Square. A cast paper. nize the ability of members zines for possible publication. of actors representing mem- 2. A statement signed by to seek and create music and Each author retains the copy- bers of any ward or branch all contributors that says, scripts that are wholesome right to the musical piece and showcased excerpts from “The work submitted, enti- and uplifting, and to encour- is sent a letter regarding the selected scripts. The presen- tled ______, is my original age members to express status of his or her work. tation will continue as an work, is owned by me, and conforms to the submission rules.” 3. A cover letter with the piece’s title; author’s name, address, phone number, and e-mail address; central theme; synopsis; and cast requirements. The names of all contribu- tors should appear on the cover letter, script, and signed statement. Authors of productions accepted by the committee may be asked to grant the Church a nonexclu- sive, perpetual license for un- limited use. Send submissions to: Church Theatrical Script Submission, 50 East North Temple Street, Room 2082,

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTINA SMITH BY PHOTOGRAPH Salt Lake City, Utah, 84150- Actors representing members of a typical ward perform one of several theatrical works 6070, USA. For more informa- presented at the Assembly Hall on Temple Square. tion, call 1-801-240-6492. ■

76 Digitizing Church History By Walter Cooley, Church Magazines

hile Church histori- ans, archivists, and Wlibrarians plan for a new Church History Library in Salt Lake City, they also face another task—transi- tioning into a digital age in which information from li- braries and archives is stored The temple Web site has information in four languages on each temple’s history and schedule. and accessed without physi- cal walls. Church Offers Temple Information Online In 1995, as users began to use the Internet more By Chad Phares, Church Magazines widely, Elder Joseph B. long with the world the site emphasizes the im- with dates when the temples Wirthlin of the Quorum wide boom in temple portance of temples within were dedicated. A world of the Twelve Apostles de- Aconstruction that the the Church as well as in the map allows users to click on scribed the future of storing Church has seen in the last lives of its members. Third, it an area of the world to see information online: “This decade, a surge has also oc- assists in encouraging temple which temples have been an- is an age of digital informa- curred in the use of technol- ordinance participation by nounced or completed. tion. Our computers have ogy. The growth of temples providing information that In addition to English, the become windows through and technology together has is easy to access. site is available in Spanish, which we can gaze upon a allowed the Church to fill a The site can be useful for German, and Portuguese. world that is virtually with- need through the creation people who want to learn The site is updated when new out horizons or boundaries. of a section of the Church’s more about temples or sim- information is announced Literally at the click of a but- Web site devoted to ply check the schedule of a or becomes available. A feed- ton, we can browse through temples. temple they want to visit. back link is also available to the digitized libraries of uni- By visiting www.lds.org/ In addition to allowing visitors. versities, museums, govern- temples or clicking on visitors to find general infor- In addition to addressing ment agencies, and research the “Temples” link on mation about the temples, the needs of members, the institutions located through- www.lds.org, visitors may the site offers users an op- site also caters to members out the world” (“Windows access resources that explain portunity to read brief back- of other faiths who may have of Light and Truth,” Ensign, the importance of temples, ground information on each questions about the temple. Nov. 1995, 75). list schedules for each tem- temple, view photos of com- The Frequently Asked The Church has already ple, and give locations and pleted temples, and even re- Questions page answers begun to use the Internet to directions. view the progress made on questions concerning the increase access to its library, The “Temples” link was temples under construction functions of temples, what museum, and archives for created in the beginning of by seeing photos through- temples are like inside, the people all over the world. 2002 to better fulfill three out the construction differences between temples Information previously avail- purposes. First, the Web site process. and meetinghouses, and able only in Salt Lake City allows Church members to Visitors to the site may other questions that may can now be found online access an official source of view a chronological list of be helpful to members of through interpreted and temple information. Second, all completed temples along other faiths. ■ database Web sites.

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 77 Interpreted Sites and Art. Robert Davis, senior Web site that includes a 10 years, advancing technol- While many historians and museum curator, said online search engine for census, ogy dictates that digitized archivists digitize millions exhibits increase the number vital records, and interna- documents be moved to of pages of documents, the of visitors who can view the tional genealogical indexes. a more current electronic Church’s digitizing efforts are museum’s collections beyond medium. However, archivists more targeted. Steven Olsen, the almost 400,000 museum Preserving History and librarians agree that in- associate managing director visitors in Salt Lake City each Interpreted sites and data- creasing access to members of Church history in the year. He said online exhibits base sites help librarians and throughout the world is Family and Church History are of most benefit to mem- historians increase access worth the trade-off. Department, said the Church bers living outside the United for patrons. They also help “Clearly we recognize that digitizes documents and in- States, who may never have archivists preserve original the Church’s library, archives, formation to be packaged the opportunity to visit. documents. When these and museum have extraordi- around a theme and posted “The farther away you get documents are digitized and nary resources that can bless online in what are called in- from Utah, the harder it is to made available online, they the lives of members and oth- terpreted sites. come to the museum,” said are handled less frequently, ers around the world,” said Brother Olsen said inter- Brother Davis. “But you can extending the life of the origi- Brother Olsen. “We recognize preted sites help members see what the Church is about nal document. the Internet is going to be the find useful information by the through these sites.” Creating digital documents means to accomplish wider way the sites are organized. isn’t without challenges. Every access for members.” ■ “For someone who is not Database Sites versed in historical research, Interpreted sites are only an interpreted site helps him the beginning of attempts to Hispanic Saints Gather or her get information much use the Internet to increase quicker,” he explains. access, Brother Olsen said. at Family History Conference Two recent examples The Church also uses data- By Adam C. Olson, Church Magazines of interpreted sites are base sites to display historical lose to 200 Hispanic know anything about what’s www.josephsmith.net, a new records online. Latter-day Saints gath- available to them at the li- Web site about Joseph Smith, An online index from the Cered at the Church’s brary, Family History Centers, and “Rembrandt: The Biblical Church History Library shows Family History Library on or on the Internet. We try to Etchings,” an online exhibit the differences between a October 15, 2005, for the from the Museum of Church database site and interpreted eighth annual Hispanic History and Art. site. Family History Brother Olsen said joseph The Mormon Pioneer Conference. smith.net includes the most Overland Travel, 1847–1868 The conference, reliable information about the Index contains the names of cohosted by the BYU Prophet’s life and ministry. individuals and companies Center for Family Visitors can view information that crossed the plains be- History and Genealogy by theme or go to the re- tween 1847 and 1868. Unlike and Legado Latino, is source center to find a spe- an interpreted site, the index held each year to help cific fact, quotation, painting, displays a catalog of informa- Hispanic members learn photograph, or virtual tour tion. The index includes a what resources the listed under one of 26 topics. search engine and displays Church has made avail- The site was launched in information contained within able to them and help mid-July 2005 with more than the collection. Unlike an inter- them conquer any fears 10,000 visitors viewing its preted site, an index is not that keep them from do- pages on the first day. The typically designed to preselect ing their family history. site currently averages almost information around a theme. “The Church has put

2,500 visitors per day. Online database sites are a lot of effort into provid- C. OLSON ADAM BY PHOTOGRAPH “Rembrandt: The Biblical tools that can be used for a ing family history re- José Sanchez teaches Etchings” is the 10th online variety of reasons, including sources,” said Carlos Alvarez, Hispanic members how exhibit created by the research and family history. president of Legado Latino. to prepare names using Museum of Church History Familysearch.org is a database “But many people don’t TempleReady.

78 be a bridge to show them Editorial, 50 East North Era” (October 2005). It was of what’s available.” Call for Temple Street, Salt Lake City, the story of a girl who wanted Brother Alvarez said it is Utah, 84150-3220, USA. to buy a teen magazine that important for members to Articles Clearly mark your submission all the girls in school were understand that they don’t “Living Away from Home,” reading, but she decided not have to live in Salt Lake City re you living away and at the top of your sub- to because she realized that to have access to Church from home for the mission, write your name, her joy and happiness came family history resources. A first time? Or have address, telephone number, from the New Era. Earlier “Family History Centers you lived with roommates e-mail address, and ward and that week my sister and I had are critical to the Church’s for several years as a student stake (or branch and district). thought about buying a teen family history program. If I or young professional? While we cannot ac- magazine because we thought can get to a Family History Random Sampler would like knowledge receipt of indi- it would be fun to see all the Center, I’ll find missionaries to hear your best tips for liv- vidual responses, authors stars and the styles, but as I or members trained to be ing with roommates, as well whose submissions are read the article I knew this consultants, printers, and as other ideas that have selected for publication was my answer. I shouldn’t film readers. They help with helped you successfully will be notified. If you buy the magazine and waste the equipment, Internet branch out on your own. would like your manuscript my money. Instead, I should access, and the Church’s Please send your submis- returned, enclose a self- read the New Era more often FamilySearchTM and sion (300 words or less) by addressed, stamped enve- and be filled with its joy and TempleReady programs, March 15, 2006, to ensign@ lope and allow up to a happiness. I would like to and they have the ability to ldschurch.org or to Ensign year. ■ thank the girl who sent you request microfilm from the her story and tell her that she Family History Library in Salt made a big impact on my life. Lake City that I can keep for False Beliefs about Thank you so much. I always up to three months.” Comment Mental Illness look forward to getting the Only the Lord Knows Members who attended Thank you so much for Ensign and the New Era the conference could find The article “Not Enough your article “Myths about every month. classes on how to prepare for Tithing” in the October Mental Illness” by Elder Sami S. names for TempleReady, 2005 Ensign touched my heart Alexander B. Morrison in the Arizona how to use a census, how and caused me to remember October issue. As one who to use Personal Ancestral an experience I had several has experienced bouts of de- Teaching with the Spirit File, what is available on years ago when I served as pression over the years, I am Thank you for the the Internet, how to inter- bishop in our ward. A family grateful for this clear explana- September 2005 article est youth in family history, came in to see me. They tion of false beliefs about “Teaching the Gospel with how to use civil records, placed on my desk a sheet of mental illness among mem- Power.” The principles of and how to breathe life into paper showing their total in- bers of the Church and the teaching with the Spirit out- family histories. come and their total expenses. offering of helpful, correct lined by Brother Roylance The Family History Library These totaled themselves out. information. Some of my fam- were explained so beautifully, maintains the world’s largest But their list of expenses did ily members have harbored and as I have enjoyed being a repository of genealogical not include tithing. So I chal- similarly incomplete under- teacher in various Church po- resources with vital records lenged them to pay tithing. standings, which have cre- sitions over the years, I identi- from more than 110 coun- Much later they returned ated complications during fied with many of them. On a tries. There are more than to my office. There had not my times of distress. I appre- personal note, I had the privi- 4,000 branches of the library, been an increase in their in- ciate that this difficult topic lege to attend several classes called Family History Centers, come. Their total bills were was addressed in such a taught by Brother Roylance at in more than 70 countries. still the same. Added to their compassionate manner. the San Diego State College “I really believe that by list, however, was tithing. To Name Withheld Institute, and they changed knowing where we came this day, neither they nor I my life. It was wonderful to from, we gain a sense of can tell how they managed Sticking with the New Era have those familiar feelings who we are. And that means it. Only the Lord knows. I was reading through the again as I read this article. something,” said Brother George H. London Ensign one day when I came Bonnie Northcutt Alvarez. ■ California across “A Look at the New Utah

ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 79 MAKING THE MOST see “Wilford Woodruff:

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • JANUARY 2006 OF THIS ISSUE Contending for the Faith,” JANUARY 2006 page 20.

Choices, Choices “This Is Our Day” The Nature of the Godhead • One of the greatest “The work that began with The first in a series of gifts Heavenly Father a humble plowboy in 1820 is short articles about basic doc- has given us is the gift not yet finished,” says Elder trines of the restored gospel of agency. “Correctly Joseph B. Wirthlin of

COVER STORY: What We Owe to Adam and Eve, p. 52 used,” writes Elder the Quorum of Using Agency Wisely, p. 8 Donald L. Hallstrom the Twelve Making Decisions That Shape Your Future, p. 12 How Teachers of the Seventy, Apostles. Touched Lives, p. 58 “moral agency “This is enables us to our day, it is overcome obstacles, our time, it develop the characteristics is our turn of godliness, and qualify to put our What We Owe Adam and Eve for eternal life.” See page 8. shoulders Adam and Eve faced a most • Young adults face many to the grand important decision: to partake important decisions—whom wheel that The Nature of the Godhead, p. 50 or not to partake. One choice to marry, what career to pur- was set in motion nearly 200 would have thwarted God’s sue, how much education years ago.” To read more examines the nature of the plan for His children. The to obtain, whether or not to about the Restoration of the Godhead and our relation- other opened “the door to serve a mission. How do you gospel through the Prophet ship to Them. See page 50. bring you and me and every- make sure you’re making the Joseph Smith, see page 32. one else into this world.” To right decision? See page 12 Home Teachers, read more about “Adam’s Role for some ideas to help. Improve Your Teaching Visiting Teachers in Bringing Us Mortality,” see In “A Lesson That Changed Find the monthly mes- this month’s Gospel Classic Feeling Inadequate My Life,” members from sages on pages 2 and 65. by President Joseph Fielding in Your Calling? around the world tell how Smith, page 52. • Have you ever received teachers touched their lives. GOSPEL TOPICS a calling and felt like Moses? See page 58. Agency, 8, 12 Motherhood, 54 Apostasy, 32 Music, 26 For Newlyweds “Who am I, that Arts, 40 Obedience, 2, 44, 68 and Future Mothers I should go Atonement, 58 Old Testament, 8, • How can newlyweds unto Pharaoh?” Callings, 44, 46 40, 46, 52 Charity, 62, 65, 71 Parenthood, 27 develop appropriate relation- he asked the Contending for the Faith Chastity, 58 Peace, 68 While contending for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, President Woodruff taught principles relevant for our lives today. Children, 70 Plan of Salvation, 52 ships with their parents and Lord. Bishop BY AARON L. WEST you don’t contend for that Gospel that Jesus TEACHINGS OF PRESIDENTS OF THE CHURCH resident Gordon B. Hinckley has coun- WILFORD WOODRUFF Christ taught, and that His Apostles taught? Why seled us to “cultivate in [our] hearts do you not contend for that religion that gives a living and vibrant testimony of the unto you power before God, power to heal the Church History, 20 Prayer, 17, 66 P 1 restoration of the gospel.” As we strive to follow sick, to make the blind to see, the lame to walk, yet establish their own inde- Richard C. Edgley this counsel, we can learn much if we view the and that gives you the Holy Ghost and those Restoration through the eyes of one of President gifts and graces that have been manifest from Hinckley’s predecessors—Wilford Woodruff the creation of the world? Why do you not teach Courage, 26 Preparedness, 70 (1807–98), the fourth President of The Church of Jesus the people those principles that the ancient Patriarchs and Christ of Latter-day Saints. Prophets taught while they were clothed with the revela- tions of God? They had the administrations of angels; they pendent family? For counsel teaches us that Searching for the True Church had dreams and visions, and constant revelation to guide Decision-making, Primary, 58 In the 1820s, Joseph Smith experienced the First Vision, and direct them in the path in which they should walk.” conversed with angels, translated the gold plates by the The people at the meeting must have been surprised power of God, and received priesthood authority. In a to hear such bold language from such a young man. neighboring state, a young man named Wilford Woodruff Immediately, the presiding minister tried to discount the 12 Prophets, 20 was searching for the true Church. He said, “I believed . . . ideas Wilford Woodruff had shared. “My dear young man,” that can help in forging that the Church of God would be reestablished upon the we can receive he said, “you would be a very smart man, and a very useful earth, and that I should live to see it.”2 man in the earth, if you did not believe all those foolish Yearning to find the truth, Wilford Woodruff attended things. These things were given to the children of men in Example, 2 Protection, 66, 68 many religious meetings in the area around his home. At the dark ages of the world. . . . Today we live in the blaze of one such gathering, permission was given for anyone in the glorious gospel light, and we do not need those things.” strong relationships, see divine help in the congregation to speak. Young Wilford stood, knowing Unconvinced by this minister’s comments, Wilford that 40 or more ministers of various churches were in replied, “Then give me the dark ages of the world; give 3 Faith, 2, 32, 44 Relief Society, 62, attendance. He stepped into the aisle and said: me those ages when men received these principles.” “My friends, will you tell me why you don’t contend for Some time later, in a small schoolhouse, 26-year-old

the faith once delivered to the Saints? Will you tell me why Wilford Woodruff stood to speak in another meeting. This COURTESY OF LDS CHURCH ARCHIVES; BORDER © ARTBEATS C. R. SAVAGE, BY PHOTOGRAPH RIGHT: “For Newlyweds and Their our callings, even 20 ENSIGN JANUARY 2006 21 Fall of Adam, 52 65 Parents,” page 27. as Moses did. Family History, 39 Restoration, 32 Family Home Sabbath, 70 • Some newly married See page 46. Wilford Woodruff Evening, 71 Scriptures, 71 women may be wary about • Sheila Kindred learned The course of study Family Relations, Self-Reliance, 70 27, 68 Service, 44 having children because of through accepting callings— this year for Melchizedek Forgiveness, 17 Sisterhood, 62 common myths and miscon- and turning one down—that Priesthood and Relief Society God, 26, 50 Smith, Joseph, 32 ceptions perpetrated in the the Lord gives us callings not focuses on the teachings of Holy Ghost, 58, 68 Teaching, 58 Jesus Christ, 2 Temple Work, 39, media and in society in gen- just so we can serve but also one of this dispensation’s Learning, 58 58, 68 eral. “The Joyful Surprise of so He can bless us in specific greatest missionaries. To Love, 58, 62 Trust, 26 Marriage, 27 Worldwide Motherhood” dispels several ways. See her story, “Blessed read about President Wilford Missionary Work, Church, 62, 71 of these myths. See page 54. by My Callings,” on page 44. Woodruff’s life and teachings, 32 Young Adults, 12

80 Elder Wilford Woodruff, by Filippo Pistrucci While a missionary in London, 33-year-old Wilford Woodruff responded to his wife Phoebe’s request to get his “portrait taken.” He wrote, “I took my last Sitting for my Portrait with Mr Pistrucci. He says it is an exact likeness.” Recently restored, it is the earliest known image of Wilford Woodruff. 4 02269 01000 2 26901 Jan 06 A Mortality,” p.52. See PresidentJosephFielding Smith, “Adam’s Role inBringingUs Father.”privilege ofcomingbackintothepresenceEternal member oftheChurchandinkingdomGod,Imay havethe faithful tothecovenantsandobligationsthatareuponmeasa being hereandgoingthroughmortality, and andifIwillbetrue world. .Iwanttothankhim.amgladhavetheprivilegeof door to bring you and me and everyone elseintothis door tobringyouandmeeveryone fruit foronegoodreason,and thatwastoopenthe fruit dam did only what he had to do. He partook ofthat dam didonlywhathehadtodo.Hepartook