THE ENSIGN OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • SEPTEMBER 2008
Learning by the Spirit, p. 24 Be a Missionary All Your Life, p. 44 Staying Active When a Spouse Is Not, p. 58 How Do You Feel about the Ensign? p. 79
COURTESY OF THE MUSEUM OF CHURCH HISTORY AND ART, FROM THE 2006 INTERNATIONAL ART COMPETITION, ART FROM THE 2006 INTERNATIONAL AND ART, OF THE MUSEUM CHURCH HISTORY COURTESY 36" X 48" NOT BE COPIED. ORIGINAL OIL ON CANVAS DALL, MAY © 2005 ROSE DATOC
Joseph and Emma, by Rose Datoc Dall On January 20, 1840, Joseph Smith wrote to his wife, Emma, from Chester County, Pennsylvania: “My dear Emma, my heart is entwined around you and those little ones. I want you to remember me. Tell all the children that I love them” ( Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 242). Contents SEPTEMBER 2008 70-6.&Н/6.#&3
Hope and Healing in Recovering from Abuse, p. 36
THE ENSIGN OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS tSEPTEMBER 2008
Learning by the Spirit, p. 24 Be a Missionary All Your Life, p. 44 Staying Active When a Spouse Is Not, p. 58 How Do You Feel about the Ensign? p. 79
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ON THE COVER MESSAGES FEATURE ARTICLES Photograph by Jerry Garns FIRST PRESIDENCY “My Dear and Beloved Companion”: MESSAGE 10 The Letters of Joseph and Emma Smith $"30-$03/8"--."%4&/ Be One The love Joseph and Emma expressed through their letters 4 13&4*%&/5 sustained them through many challenges. )&/3:#&:3*/( We can experience unity in My Father, My Hero this life and qualify to have it 16 (3&()6%/"-- forever in the world to come. When a stranger called my dad a hero, I began to realize what I could learn from him. VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE Spiritual Promptings 18 Inspiration from the Holy Ghost can bless The Gospel of Jesus and protect us. 65 Christ Teaches the Eternal Potential of the Toothpaste on the Mirror Children of God 23 #3:$&31&5&34&/ Small things have a way of growing large when we dwell on them.
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 1 44 55
The Power of Diligent Learning Primary Songs Blessed Me 24 ELDER JAY E. JENSEN 55 JENNIFER A. LYNN Get more out of your Church classes by learning how to learn. It was not until after my stroke that I realized the long- reaching effects my calling had in my life. Chalk It Up 29 ROBB JONES Questions and Answers Often underappreciated, the chalkboard can be a powerful 58 What are some ways I can strengthen myself and teaching tool. progress spiritually when my spouse is not supportive of my Church activity? My Neighbor’s Magazine 35 LAURA PILCHER Ensign Reader Survey I knew little about the Latter-day Saints until the mailman 79 Do you have feedback to offer about the Ensign ? We accidentally delivered an Ensign magazine to our mailbox. want to hear from you. Hope and Healing in Recovering from Abuse 36 SARAH E. MILLER DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL? A therapist suggests answers to some questions commonly The Ensign invites you to submit how-to articles for Random asked by those who have been abused. Sampler. (See page 66 for examples.) Articles should not exceed 500 words and might focus on any of these topics related to A Time of Harvest practical gospel living: Joys of the harvest portrayed in art. 40 Н5FBDIJOHJEFBTGPSIPNFPSDIVSDI FTQFDJBMMZGPSGBNJMZIPNF Be a Missionary All Your Life evening 44 ELDER QUENTIN L. COOK Н1FSTPOBMPSGBNJMZԣOBODJBMNBOBHFNFOUUJQT Our challenge is to share the eternally signifi cant gospel so our Н(FOFSBMIFBMUIBOEQIZTJDBMԣUOFTTUJQT brothers and sisters can fi nd peace, happiness, and exaltation. Н)PNFQSPEVDUJPOBOETUPSBHFJEFBT Н(PTQFMSFMBUFEIPMJEBZUSBEJUJPOTUIBUCVJMEUFTUJNPOZ Coming to Church, Becoming Converted Please label submissions “Random Sampler” and send them by 50 DALE M. VALENTINE /PWFNCFS I asked seven converts what single factor contributed most to :PVDBOԣOEUIJTBOEPUIFSDBMMTGPSBSUJDMFTPOMJOFBUIUUQ their conversion. Their answers surprised me. ensign.lds.org. Ensign.BHB[JOF8SJUFSTД(VJEFMJOFTBSFQPTUFE on the same page under “Resources.” I Do My Part, and God Does the Rest Send submissions to [email protected] or Ensign &EJUPSJBM &/PSUI 52 JENNY PIDERIT DE LA MAZA 5FNQMF4USFFU 3PPN 4BMU-BLF$JUZ 65 64"*ODMVEFZPVS What Mother taught me about perseverance in our callings. OBNF BEESFTT UFMFQIPOFOVNCFS FNBJMBEESFTT XBSE PSCSBODI BOETUBLF PS EJTUSJDU #FDBVTFPGUIFWPMVNFPGTVCNJTTJPOTXFSFDFJWF XFDBOOPUBDLOPXMFEHF Casual Gratitude SFDFJQU"VUIPSTXIPTFXPSLJTTFMFDUFEGPSQVCMJDBUJPOXJMMCFOPUJԣFE*GZPV XPVMEMJLFZPVSNBOVTDSJQU QIPUPT BSU PSPUIFSNBUFSJBMSFUVSOFE QMFBTFJODMVEF 54 ARLENE CALKINS BTFMGBEESFTTFE TUBNQFEFOWFMPQF As my grandson screamed from a burn, I wanted to suffer in his place. Then I remembered who had suffered in my place. THE ENSIGN CAN BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET AT http://ensign.lds.org 2 SEPTEMBER 2008 VOLUMEН/6.#&R 9
AN OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS The First Presidency: Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook, D. Todd Christofferson Editor: Spencer J. Condie Advisers: Gary J. Coleman, Kenneth Johnson, Yoshihiko Kikuchi, W. Douglas Shumway Managing Director: David L. Frischknecht Editorial Director: Victor D. Cave Graphics Director: Allan R. Loyborg Managing Editor: Don L. Searle Assistant Managing Editor: LaRene Porter Gaunt Senior Editors: Linda Stahle Cooper, Larry Hiller, Michael R. Morris, 50 66 Judith M. Paller, Joshua J. Perkey Assistant Editor: Melissa Merrill Editorial Staff: Susan Barrett, Ryan Carr, Jenifer L. Greenwood, R. Val Johnson, USING THIS ISSUE DEPARTMENTS GOSPEL TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE Adam C. Olson, Laurel Teuscher Editorial Intern: Megan Tate Wyman Sing Primary songs. In Activation, 52, 58 Jesus Christ, Senior Secretary: Christy Banz LESSONS FROM THE Atonement, 36, 54 36, 67 “Primary Songs Blessed Me” BOOK OF MORMON Callings, 55, 67 Joseph Smith, 10 Managing Art Director: Children, 54, 67 Journals, 71 M. M. Kawasaki (p. 55), Author Jennifer Lynn Art Director: J. Scott Knudsen Men of a Sound Church Magazines, Learning, 24, 29, 65 talks about the power of music in Senior Designers: C. Kimball Bott, 32 Understanding 35 Love, 4, 10, 71 Colleen Hinckley her life. Did you know that you DANIEL K JUDD Compassion, 54 Marriage, 4, 10, Design and Production Staff: What does it mean to become Conversion, 35, 23, 58 Cali R. Arroyo, Collette Nebeker Aune, can order the Primary songbook, 44, 50, 52 Missionary Work, Thomas S. Child, Eric P. Johnsen, men and women of “a sound 44, 50 Scott M. Mooy, Jane Ann Peters, as well as recordings of the music Courage, 62 Scott Van Kampen understanding?” Divine Nature, 65 Music, 55, 66 (with or without words) online? Endurance, 10 Parenthood, 10, Printing Director: Craig K. Sedgwick Distribution Director: Randy J. Benson Visit www.ldscatalog.com. Looking to the Lord Faith, 58, 62 16, 58, 65 62 MARY N. COOK Family, 66 Peace, 62 © 2008 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. Remember your conversion. Let the Lord expand your Family History, 68, Primary, 52, 55 All rights reserved. The Ensign (ISSN 69, 70 Prophets, 32 0884-1136) is published monthly by The Several articles in this issue focus vision. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Family Home Repentance, 32 50 E. North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, on the power of personal conver- Evening, 67 Reverence, 67 UT 84150-3220, USA. Periodicals Postage RANDOM Fatherhood, 16 Sacrament, 4 Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah. sion (see pp. 44, 50, 52, and 58). SAMPLER 66 Fellowship, 66 Scriptures, 32 To subscribe: By phone, call Think about your own conver- Reaching out to a ward, to Fidelity, 10 Self-Reliance, 40 1-800-537-5971 to order using Visa, sion and record your thoughts grandchildren, and in a Forgiveness, 23, 36 Service, 16, 62 MasterCard, Discover Card, or American choir; helping children be Friendship, 67 Single Adults, 62 Express. Online, go to ldscatalog.com. By about the strength it has brought Gratitude, 71 Spirituality, 58 mail, send $10 U.S. check or money order to reverent. Healing, 36 Talents, 40 Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt to your life. Holy Ghost, 4, Teaching, 24, 29 Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA. Build family relationships. It LATTER-DAY SAINT 18, 32 Testimony, 32, 35 To change address: Send both old and VOICES Hope, 36 Unity, 4, 66, 70 new address information to Distribution can be easy to take for granted 68 Services at the above address. Please allow Latter-day Saints from Humility, 16 Work, 40 60 days for changes to take effect. the people closest to us, but that Inspiration, 18 around the world share their Text and visual material in the Ensign may need not be the case. See pages testimonies of family history. be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use. Visual material may not 4, 10, 16, 23, and 58 for ideas NEWS OF THE be copied if restrictions are indicated in the credit line with the artwork. Copyright on and examples of nurturing 73 CHURCH COMING IN questions should be addressed to Intellectual relationships. OCTOBER Property Office, 50 E. North Temple Street, Look for articles on: Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3011; e-mail: [email protected]. Н1SPUFDUJOHPVSGBNJMJFTJO POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the last days. Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Н5IFCMFTTJOHTPGWJTJUJOH Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA. UFBDIJOH Canada Post Information: Publication Н#FDPNJOHDPOWFSUFE Agreement #40017431
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 3 FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE
BY PRESIDENT HENRY B. EYRING of Adam and Eve had become subject to the BeFirst Counselor in the First Presidency Onetemptations of Satan. With skill, hatred, and he Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, cunning, Satan pursues his goal. It is the said of those who would be part of His opposite of the purpose of our Heavenly TChurch: “Be one; and if ye are not one Father and the Savior. They would give us ye are not mine” (D&C 38:27). And at the perfect union and eternal happiness. Satan, Creation of man and woman, unity for them Their enemy and ours, has known the plan of in marriage was not given as hope; it was a salvation from before the Creation. He knows command! “Therefore shall a man leave his that only in eternal life can those sacred, joy- father and his mother, and shall cleave unto ful associations of families endure. Satan We need the hope his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis would tear us from loved ones and make us that we can 2:24). Our Heavenly Father wants our hearts miserable. And it is he who plants the seeds experience unity to be knit together. That union in love is not of discord in human hearts in the hope that in this life and simply an ideal. It is a necessity. we might be divided and separate. qualify to have it The requirement that we be one is not All of us have felt something of both union forever in the world for this life alone. It is to be without end. The and separation. Sometimes in families and per- to come. And we first marriage was performed by God in the haps in other settings we have glimpsed life need to know how garden when Adam and Eve were not subject when one person put the interests of another that great blessing to death. He placed in men and women from above his or her own, in love and with sacrifice. will come so that we the beginning a desire to be joined together And all of us know something of the sadness can know what we as man and wife forever to dwell in families and loneliness of being separate and alone. We must do. in a perfect, righteous union. He placed in don’t need to be told which we should choose. His children a desire to live at peace with all We know. But we need the hope that we can those around them. experience unity in this life and qualify to have But with the Fall it became clear that living it forever in the world to come. And we need WARD BRYANT JAY BY in unity would not be easy. Tragedy struck to know how that great blessing will come so
early. Cain slew Abel, his brother. The children that we can know what we must do. AND EVE, ADAM
4
he Our Natures Can Change sacramental The Savior of the world spoke of that unity T prayer can and how we will have our natures changed to remind us every make it possible. He taught it clearly in the week of how the gift prayer He gave in His last meeting with His of unity will come Apostles before His death. That supernally through obedience beautiful prayer is recorded in the book to the laws and of John. He was about to face the terrible ordinances of the sacrifice for all of us that would make eter- gospel of Jesus Christ. nal life possible. He was about to leave the Apostles whom He had ordained, whom He loved, and with whom He would leave the keys to lead His Church. And so He prayed to His Father, the perfect Son to the perfect Parent. We see in His words the way families will be made one, as will all the children of our Heavenly Father who follow the Savior dwell with the Father and His Son in eternity. and His servants: The ministry of the apostles and prophets in “As thou hast sent me into the world, even that day, as it is today, was to bring the children so have I also sent them into the world. of Adam and Eve to a unity of the faith in Jesus “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that Christ. The ultimate purpose of what they they also might be sanctified through the truth. taught and of what we teach is to unite fami- “Neither pray I for these alone, but for lies: husbands, wives, children, grandchildren, them also which shall believe on me through ancestors, and finally all of the family of Adam their word; and Eve who will choose the way of unity. “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, You remember the Savior prayed, “For their art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be sakes”—speaking of the Apostles—“I sanctify one in us: that the world may believe that myself, that they also might be sanctified thou hast sent me” (John 17:18–21). through the truth” (John 17:19). The Holy In those few words He made clear how Ghost is a sanctifier. We can have Him as our the gospel of Jesus Christ can allow hearts to companion because the Lord restored the be made one. Those who would believe the Melchizedek Priesthood through the Prophet truth He taught could accept the ordinances Joseph Smith. The keys of that priesthood are and the covenants offered by His authorized on the earth today. By its power we can make servants. Then, through obedience to those covenants which allow us to have the Holy ordinances and covenants, their natures Ghost with us constantly. would be changed. The Savior’s Atonement Where people have this Spirit with them, in that way makes it possible for us to be we may expect harmony. The Spirit puts the sanctified. We can then live in unity, as testimony of truth in our hearts, which unifies we must to have peace in this life and to those who share that testimony. The Spirit of
6 God never generates contention (see 3 Nephi 11:29). This remember Him. We do that every time we pray in His name. Spirit never generates the feelings of distinction between Especially when we ask for His forgiveness, as we must do people which lead to strife.1 Heeding the Holy Ghost leads often, we remember Him. At that moment we remember
DIMOND to personal peace and a feeling of union with others. It uni- His sacrifice that makes repentance and forgiveness possi- fies souls. A unified family, a unified Church, and a world at ble. When we plead, we remember Him as our advocate peace depend on unified souls. with the Father. When the feelings of forgiveness and peace come, we remember His patience and His endless love. Companionship of the Holy Ghost That remembering fills Even a child can understand what to do to have the our hearts with love. Holy Ghost as a companion. The sacramental prayer We also keep our tells us. We hear it every week as we attend our sacra- promise to remember ment meetings. In those sacred moments we renew the Him when as families we covenants we made at baptism. And the Lord reminds us pray together and when of the promise we received as we were confirmed mem- we read the scriptures. At bers of the Church—the promise that we might receive family prayer around a the Holy Ghost. Here are those words from the sacramen- breakfast table, one child tal prayer: “They are willing to take upon them the name may pray for another to be of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his com- blessed that things will go well that day in a test or in some mandments which he has given them; that they may performance. When the blessings come, the child blessed always have his Spirit to be with them” (D&C 20:77). will remember the love of the morning and the kindness of We can have His Spirit by the Advocate, in whose name the prayer was offered. Hearts keeping that covenant. First, we will be bound in love. promise to take His name upon We keep our covenant to remember Him every time we us. That means we must see gather our families to read the scriptures. They testify of the ourselves as His. We will put Lord Jesus Christ, for that is and always has been the mes-
BY WALTER RANE, COURTESY OF THE MUSEUM OF CHURCH HISTORY AND ART; PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROBERT CASEY, MATTHEW REIER, AND CRAIG MATTHEW ROBERT CASEY, BY ILLUSTRATIONS PHOTO AND ART; RANE, COURTESY OF THE MUSEUM CHURCH HISTORY WALTER BY Him first in our lives. We will sage of prophets. Even if children do not remember the want what He wants rather than words, they will remember the true author, Jesus Christ. what we want or what the world Third, we promise as we take the sacrament to keep His teaches us to want. As long as commandments, all of them. President J. Reuben
IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME, we love the things of the world Clark Jr. (1871–1961), a counselor in the first, there will be no peace in us. Holding First Presidency, as he pled for unity in a an ideal for a family or a nation of comfort general conference talk—and he did so through material goods will, at last, divide many times—warned us against being them.2 The ideal of doing for each other what selective in what we will obey. He put it the Lord would have us do, which this way: “The Lord has given us nothing that follows naturally from taking His is useless or unnecessary. He has filled the name upon us, can take us to a Scriptures with the things which we should spiritual level which is a touch of do in order that we may gain salvation.” heaven on earth. President Clark went on:
FROM LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH BY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN; DETAIL FROM DETAIL WELDEN C. ANDERSEN; BY PHOTOGRAPH FROM LEFT: Second, we promise always to “When we partake of the
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 7 Sacrament we covenant to obey and keep his command- be an invitation to unity. Failure to give it when moved ments. There are no exceptions. There are no distinctions, upon by the Holy Ghost will lead to discord. no differences.”3 President Clark taught that just as we If we are to have unity, there are commandments we repent of all sin, not just a single sin, we pledge to keep all must keep concerning how we feel. We must forgive and the commandments. Hard as that sounds, it is uncompli- bear no malice toward those who offend us. The Savior set cated. We simply submit to the authority of the Savior and the example from the cross: “Father, forgive them; for they promise to be obedient to whatever He commands (see know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). We do not know the Mosiah 3:19). It is our surrender to the authority of Jesus hearts of those who offend us. Nor do we know all the Christ that will allow us to be bound as families, as a sources of our own anger and hurt. The Apostle Paul was Church, and as the children of our Heavenly Father. telling us how to love in a world of imperfect people, includ- The Lord conveys that authority through His prophet ing ourselves, when he said, “Charity suffereth long, and is to humble servants. Then faith can turn our call as a home kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not teacher or a visiting teacher into an errand from the Lord. We go for Him, at His command. An ordinary man and a teenage junior companion go into homes expecting that IDEAS FOR HOME TEACHERS the powers of heaven will help them assure that families After prayerfully studying this message, share it using a are united and that there is no hardness, lying, backbiting, method that encourages the participation of those you teach. nor evil speaking (see D&C 20:54). Faith that the Lord calls Following are some examples: servants will help us ignore their limitations when they 1. On separate pieces of paper, write the three promises reprove us, as they will. We will see their good intent more we make each week as we partake of the sacrament. As you clearly than their human limitations. We will be less likely hold each paper up, discuss what the promise means and to feel offense and more likely to feel gratitude to the how we can fulfill it. Master, who called them. 2. Before your visit, cut a paper heart into three pieces and label them Change, Companionship, and Faith. Begin by Barriers to Unity explaining that we are to become unified and of one heart. There are some commandments which, when broken, Then lay down the “Change” piece. Read or explain what destroy unity. Some have to do with what we say and some President Eyring meant by changing our natures, and have the with how we react to what others say. We must speak no ill family give examples of changing. Repeat the same process of anyone. We must see the good in each other and speak with the other two pieces. Having completed the heart puzzle, well of each other whenever we can.4 ask the family for ways that they can become of one heart. At the same time, we must stand against those who speak 3. Read, or have family members read, parts of the contemptuously of sacred things, because the certain effect first two sections of the message. Talk about how a family, of that is to offend the Spirit and so create contention and although made up of individuals, can be united. Show that confusion. President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) a single piece of thread can be easily broken but that many showed the way to stand without being contentious as he threads wrapped together are stronger. Emphasize that a lay on a hospital gurney and asked an attendant who, in a family is stronger when united. moment of frustration, took the name of the Lord in vain: “ ‘Please! Please! That is my Lord whose names you revile.’ “There was a deathly silence, then a subdued voice whispered, ‘I am sorry.’”5 An inspired, loving rebuke can
8 38:42) and love God with all your “heart, . . . e must might, mind, and strength” (D&C 59:5) are forgive not suggestions but commandments. And Wand bear they are necessary to the companionship of no malice toward the Spirit, without which we cannot be one. those who offend us. The other warning is to beware of pride. The Savior set the Unity which comes to a family or to a people example from the softened by the Spirit will bring great power. cross: “Father, With that power will come recognition from forgive them; for the world. Whether that recognition brings they know not what praise or envy, it could lead us to pride. That they do.” would offend the Spirit. But there is a protec- tion against pride, that sure source of dis- unity. It is to see the bounties which God pours upon us not only as a mark of His favor puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, but an opportunity to join with those around seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, us in greater service. A husband and his wife thinketh no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:4–5). And learn to be one by using their similarities to then he gave solemn warning against reacting understand each other and their differences to the faults of others and forgetting our own to complement each other in serving one when he wrote, “For now we see through a another and those around them. In the same glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know way, we can unite with those who do not in part; but then shall I know even as also I am accept our doctrine but share our desire to known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). bless the children of our Heavenly Father. The sacramental prayer can remind us We can become peacemakers, worthy to every week of how the gift of unity will come be called blessed and the children of God through obedience to the laws and ordi- (see Matthew 5:9). nances of the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we God our Father lives. His beloved Son, keep our covenants to take His name upon Jesus Christ, is the head of this Church, us, to remember Him always, and to keep all and He offers to all who will accept it the His commandments, we will receive the com- standard of peace. May we all live panionship of His Spirit. That will soften our worthy of that standard. ■ hearts and unite us. But there are two warn- NOTES ings which must come with that promise. 1. See Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. (1939), 131. First, the Holy Ghost remains with us only 2. See Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye in Holy COURTESY OF THE MUSEUM OF CHURCH HISTORY AND ART; PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY MATTHEW REIER MATTHEW BY ILLUSTRATIONS PHOTO AND ART; COURTESY OF THE MUSEUM CHURCH HISTORY if we stay clean and free from the love of the Places (1974), 97. 3. In Conference Report, Apr. 1955, 10–11. things of the world. A choice to be unclean 4. See David O. McKay, in Conference Report, Oct. 1967, 7–8. will repel the Holy Ghost. The Spirit dwells 5. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: only with those who choose the Lord over Spencer W. Kimball (Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society course
THE CRUCIFIXION OF CHRIST, the world. “Be ye clean” (3 Nephi 20:41; D&C of study, 2006), 157.
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 9 “My Dear and Beloved COMPANION” THE LETTERS OF JOSEPH AND EMMA SMITH BY CAROL CORNWALL MADSEN Though life was diffi cult for Joseph and Emma, they loved and supported each other through their letters. uring the 17 years of their being held prisoner in Independence, Dmarriage, Joseph and Emma Missouri, he began a letter, “My dear Smith endured many hard- and beloved companion of my ships. Joseph traveled extensively for bosom in tribulation and affl iction.” 3 the Church and was often obliged to He keenly felt the sacrifi ce of being fi nd safety among friends to avoid angry absent from his family. He wrote to mobs or numerous legal harassments. While Emma: “If you want to know how much I he was away, Joseph and Emma wrote consistently want to see you, examine your feelings, how much to one another, and though only some of those letters you want to see me. . . . I would gladly walk from here to have survived, their content and the context in which they you barefoot and bareheaded . . . to see you and think it were written tell a powerful story. Despite the extraordi- great pleasure, and never count it toil.” 4 nary and challenging circumstances Joseph and Emma Joseph was concerned for Emma’s welfare. When neces- suffered on behalf of their faith, the deep and abiding love sity required him to take a trip to New York in 1832 while , BOTH © LIZ LEMON SWINDLE, they felt for each other and for their children never failed Emma was expecting their fourth child, he wrote: “I feel as them. if I wanted to say something to you to comfort you in your peculiar trial and present affl iction. I hope God will give “My Heart Is Entwined around Yours” you strength that you may not faint. I pray God to soften WHILE EMMA SLEEPS Joseph frequently wrote of his love and affection for the hearts of those around you to be kind to you and take 5
Emma and his children. “The thoughts of home, of Emma the burden off your shoulders as much as possible.” RIGHT: AND FAR
and Julia, rush upon my mind like a fl ood and I could wish About two years later, while marching westward to for a moment to be with them,” 1 Joseph wrote from New Missouri with Zion’s Camp, Joseph was gratifi ed to hear York in 1832. In another letter he wrote, “My heart is from Emma that all was well at home. In response to her MY BELOVED EMMA 2 LEFT: LEFT: entwined around yours forever and ever.” In 1838, while letter, he wrote, “I sit down in my tent to write a few lines 19, 1834, HANDWRITING OF LETTER TO EMMA, MAY NOT BE COPIED; TOP LEFT: MAY ARTS, FOUNDATION MALM BY MICHAEL T. ILLUSTRATION OF COMMUNITY CHRIST ARCHIVE; RIGHT: JOSEPH SMITH, COURTESY
10 his time line places the T letters that are quoted in the article in their historical context. January 18, 1827 Joseph and Emma were married at South Bainbridge, New York. April 6, 1830 The Church was organized at Fayette, New York. January–February 1831 Joseph and Emma moved to Kirtland, Ohio, the new gathering place for the Latter- day Saints. October–November 1832 Joseph traveled with Newel K. Whitney to New York and Massachusetts. Emma gave birth to their fourth child, Joseph Smith III, a few weeks later on November 6—the day Joseph returned.
October 13, 1832, Letter from Joseph (New York City) to Emma (Kirtland) May–June 1834 Zion’s Camp, led by Joseph Smith, began its march from Kirtland, Ohio, to Clay County, Missouri, to assist the exiled Missouri Saints. May 19, 1834, Letter from Joseph (Richmond, Indiana) to Emma (Kirtland) March 27, 1836 The Kirtland Temple was dedicated.
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 11 Though Joseph and to you to let you know that you are on my Emma’s letters deeply touched Joseph. Emma often faced mind and that I am sensible of the duties of On one occasion he wrote, “I hope you will diffi cult and sometimes a husband and father. . . . The few lines you continue to communicate to me by your threatening situations, wrote . . . gave me satisfaction and comfort.” 6 own hand, for this is a consolation to me to such as when Joseph converse with you in this way in my lonely was attacked by a “A Sweet Morsel to Me” moments.” 8 On another, he wrote, “I received mob in Missouri, they Emma did not always have notice before your letter, which I read over and over again; found solace in each Joseph was forced to leave home to escape it was a sweet morsel to me.” 9 other’s love. Their illegal arrests or mob action. “I cannot tell The separations that caused Joseph and letters convey a sense you my feelings when I found I could not see Emma such anxiety for each other’s welfare of love, hope, and you before you left,” she wrote on one such extended to their concern for their children. faith in each other. occasion in 1837, “yet I expect you can realize While in prison in Independence, Joseph them.” His unexpected fl ight worried their wrote: “Those little children are subjects of family as well. “The children feel very anxious my meditation continually. Tell them that about you because they don’t know where you Father is yet alive.” 10 Later that month he have gone.” Her reliance on God, she often wrote: “O God, grant that I may have the noted, provided her comfort at such times: “I privilege of seeing once more my lovely verily feel that if I had no more confi dence in family. . . . To press them to my bosom and God than some I could name, I should be in kiss their lovely cheeks would fi ll my heart a sad case indeed, but I still believe that if we with unspeakable gratitude.” 11 humble ourselves and are as faithful as we can When measles affl icted one of the board- be, we shall be delivered from every snare that ers in her Kirtland, Ohio, home, Emma was may be laid for our feet.” 7 particularly anxious. “Neither of your little
12 LEFT: COLD MISSOURI NIGHT, © JOSEPH BRICKEY, MAY NOT BE COPIED; TOP RIGHT: LETTER TO EMMA, NOVEMBER 12, 1838, HANDWRITING OF JOSEPH SMITH, COURTESY OF COMMUNITY OF CHRIST ARCHIVE; RIGHT: EMMA’S HYMNS AND FAR RIGHT: MAJESTY IN CHAINS, BOTH © LIZ LEMON SWINDLE, FOUNDATION ARTS, MAY NOT BE COPIED come tothem,” doing allhecantogetaway fromthemobto loves love, themwithaperfect andheis those littlefellows forget me. Tell themFather would forget him. “I want you [to]notlet erly. “Do teach themallyou canthat they theirchildrenprop- thoughts onhowtoraise was inLiberty. around your neck.” sayand whatthoselittleprattlers thatcling even ifoldMajor[thefamilydog]isalive yet he responded, “and tellmeallyou canand for morenews. “Write tomealongletter,” the room.” assistance ofachairhewillrunallaround saw inyour life. Heissostrongthatwiththe “is oneofthefi at thattime. BabyAlexander, justayear old, that onlythree-year-old Frederickwas ailing circumstances were, andpleasedtoreport of herchildren, diffi was clearlyhappyin thecompany newsfor Joseph.had cheerful She welfare byletter. ThistimeEmma ofhischildren’sobliged tolearn “Write toMeaLongLetter” home soon.” they found outyou were notcoming hardly pacifyJuliaandJosephwhen they allrememberyou, andIcould sick. You mustrememberthem, for for you tobeathomewhentheyare added: “I wishitcouldbepossible Joseph in1837andthenpoignantly boys have ever hadthem,” shewrote Joseph often fretted that his children Josephoftenfrettedthathischildren Joseph also shared with Emma his JosephalsosharedwithEmma his HerletteronlywhettedJoseph’s desire In1839Josephonceagainwas 13
12
15 nest littlefellows you ever he wrote to Emma while he hewrotetoEmmawhile 14 cult astheir
might besaved.” “Tell them Iaminprisonthattheirlives stood thepurposebehindhisincarceration. wanted tomake hischildrenunder- certain ders melessworthy ofyour friendship?” He my beingcastintoprisonbythemobren- “Dear Emma,” hewrote, “do you thinkthat Emma felt about hisstatusasaprisoner. Jail andherownhorrifi ings ofseparation. Herpatientsuffering, her to Quincy, Illinois, onlyintensifi Of great concern to Joseph was how toJosephwas how Ofgreatconcern they begininrightpaths.” to formtheiryoung andtendermindsthat before themandteachingrightthings yourself inhonorandsobriety preserving is greatresponsibilityrestinguponyou in and mindtheirmother. MydearEmma, there them Fathersays theymustbegoodchildren tious tothem, butlistentotheirwants. Tell “Be tenderandkindtothem;don’tbefrac- may have goodminds,” hecounseled her. Emma’s three visits toJosephinLiberty 17
c fl c 16 ight fromMissouri
ed herfeel- ENSIGN testimony ofthegospel. her faithinJosephand However, Emmamaintained turned againstJoseph. members oftheChurch Saints inKirtland,andmany hardships fortheLatter-day contributed toeconomic ArlMy 1837 April–May to Emma(FarWest) from Joseph(Independence) Missouri. removed tothejailatLiberty, end ofNovember, theywere to Richmond,Missouri.Atthe Missouri, andafewdayslater taken fi leaders werearrestedand Joseph andotherChurch order concerningtheSaints. issued anextermination Governor LilburnW. Boggs violence; subsequently, Missourians eruptedinto Latter-day Saintsand 1838 October–November Missouri. from KirtlandtoFarWest, 1838 January–March unknown) (Kirtland) toJoseph(location 1837, LettersfromEmma were well. Emma, sheandthechildren conditions werediffi Quincy, Illinois.Although West. Theyfl to leavetheirhomeinFar forced Emmaandthechildren 1839 February/March Emma (FarWest) from Joseph(Richmond)to Joseph andEmmamoved
A mobofMissourians fi national A November4,1838,Letter the between Tension April 25,1837, andMay3, November 12,1838,Letter rsttoIndependence, SEPTEMBER 2008
edtorefugein nancialcrisis
cultfor
13 One of the things unremitting anxiety, her fears for the future, weighed on her, Emma could still say to that kept Joseph and her irrepressible love for Joseph found Joseph, “I shall live and am yet willing to suf- going during his voice in the long letter she wrote when she fer more if it is the will of kind heaven that I long absences from reached safety in Quincy. “The walls, bars, should for your sake.” 20 Emma—particularly and bolts, rolling rivers, running streams, ris- Joseph too felt overwhelming feelings during his fi ve-month ing hills, sinking valleys, and spreading prai- as he faced imprisonment in Missouri. “O incarceration in ries that separate us and the cruel injustice Emma,” he pleaded, “do not forsake me nor Liberty Jail—was the that fi rst cast you into prison and still holds the truth, but remember me; if I do not meet hope that he would you there, with many other considerations, you again in this life, may God grant that we see his family again. places my feelings far beyond description,” 18 may meet in heaven. I cannot express my To his great joy, Emma she lamented. feelings; my heart is full. Farewell, O my kind was able to bring Later in the same letter she wrote: “No and affectionate Emma. I am yours forever, their children to one but God knows the refl ections of my your husband and true friend.” 21 see him. mind and the feelings of my heart when I left our house and home and almost all of “May God Bless You All” everything that we possessed excepting our Joseph and Emma continued to endure little children and took my journey out of the separations, loneliness, and fear, particularly state of Missouri, leaving you shut up in that during the days leading to the fi nal scene lonesome prison. But the refl ection is more in Carthage. Joseph wrote the last letters of than human nature ought to bear, and if God their surviving correspondence. On June 23, does not record our sufferings and avenge 1844, as Joseph sought safety across the river our wrongs on them that are guilty, I shall be against the gathering fury of a determined sadly mistaken.” 19 Despite how this injustice mob, he promised Emma, “If God ever opens
14 LEFT: JOSEPH SMITH IN LIBERTY JAIL, © GREG K. OLSEN, MAY NOT BE COPIED; TOP RIGHT: LETTER TO EMMA, MARCH 21, 1839, HANDWRITING OF JOSEPH SMITH, COURTESY OF LDS CHURCH ARCHIVES; RIGHT: FAMILY VISITS LIBERTY JAIL, © JOSEPH BRICKEY, MAY NOT BE COPIED; FAR RIGHT: GOING AS A LAMB, © LIZ LEMON SWINDLE, FOUNDATION ARTS, MAY NOT BE COPIED such commitmentexacted. ◼ thepersonalstrugglesandsacrifi portray appointed. Andfi monumental missiontowhich theyhadbeen ing hand, andtheircommitmenttofulfi dren, theirunwavering faithinGod’s overrul- and Emmafelt for oneanotherandtheirchil- reveal theabidinglove Joseph andconcern lettersarefew innumber,surviving they dimension oftheirrelationship. Thoughthe to oneanotherthatconvey thedeephuman it istheprivateconversations oftheirletters people.lives ofthesetwo But extraordinary booksshowthecomplexities inthe history ing tofear.” the truthcomesout, we have noth- Joseph assuredhiswife that “when to Carthage, thealways-solicitous where hewas arrestedandtaken later, having toNauvoo, returned Latter-day Saints. my friends. was to “give my love tothechildrenandall parent ofsafety.” Hisfi emphatically assuredher, “but cautionisthe death], butIanticipatenosuchextreme,” he it. arrive Shouldthelastextreme [meaninghis requires, andnopower hasarighttoforbid lives oftheirhouseholdswhenever necessity men toprotecttheirlives andthe he declared. “It isthedutyofall is oneprinciplewhicheternal,” wrote reassuringlytoEmma. “There day ofJune27, 1844, Josephagain Washington” explained, was to “get tothecityof will seeyou again.” Hishope, he a doorthatispossiblefor me, I Andthustheircorrespondenceended. The Butthiswas nottobe. Two days 23 .
22 Even ontheill-fated .
toseekrelieffor the . May Godblessyou all.” nally, their lettersvividly nal requestofEmma ll the the ll 24 ces ces
1. NOTES
2. 20. 1. 19. 1. 18. 17. 17. 1. 16. 6. 4. 1. 15. 5. 3. 1. 14. 2. 1. 13. 1. 12. 1. 11. 1. 10. 9. 8. 7. 7. 2. 24. 2. 23. 2. 22. 2. 21. Apr. 4, 1839, in Apr. 4, 1839, in Apr. 4, 1839, in Apr. 25, 1837, Joseph SmithLetterbooks, box 2, Oct. 13, 1832, in Mar. 9, 1839, Joseph SmithLetterbooks, box 2, Mar. 9, 1839, Joseph SmithLetterbooks, box 2, Mar. 9, 1839, Joseph SmithLetterbooks, box 2, Mar. 21, 1839, in May 19, 1834, in Oct. 13, 1832, in Nov. 4, 1838, in Mar. 21, 1839, in Nov. 12, 1838, in Mar. 9, 1839, Joseph SmithLetterbooks, box 2, May 3, 1837, Joseph SmithLetterbooks, box 2, Nov. 12, 1838, in Nov. 4, 1838, in Nov. 12, 1838, in May 19, 1834, in June27, 1844, in June25, 1844, in June23, 1844, in Nov. 4, 1838, in folder 2. folder 2. folder 2. folder 2. been modernized. capitalization, inthelettershave andpunctuation Relief Societycourseofstudy, 2007), 241. Spelling, Church: JosephSmith folder 2. Salt Lake City, Utah. The ChurchofJesusChristLatter-day Saints, folder 2(Apr. 20, comp. DeanC. Jessee(2002), 341. Personal Writings, Teachings: JosephSmith, Personal Writings, Teachings: JosephSmith, Teachings: JosephSmith, Teachings: JosephSmith, 1837–Feb. 9, 1843), Church Archives, Teachings ofthe ofPresidents Teachings: JosephSmith, Personal Writings ofJosephSmith, Personal Writings, Personal Writings, Teachings: JosephSmith, Personal Writings, Teachings: JosephSmith, Teachings: JosephSmith, Teachings: JosephSmith, Personal Writings, Personal Writings, (Melchizedek Priesthood and Priesthood and (Melchizedek 464. 464. 340–41. 449. 630. 620. 616. 242. 245. 245. 244. 245. 242. 241. 241. 241.
ENSIGN Emma (Quincy) from Joseph(LibertyJail)to (Liberty Jail) Emma (Quincy)toJoseph Jn 1844 June sealed foreternity. 1843 28, May fi organized withEmmaasits 1842 17, March (later calledNauvoo),Illinois. family movedtoCommerce escape fromLibertyJail.The Quincy afterbeingallowedto 1839 April/May (Quincy) Joseph (LibertyJail)toEmma Emma (Nauvoo) Joseph (CarthageJail)to Emma (Nauvoo) Joseph (CarthageJail)to Emma (Nauvoo) Joseph (Safety, Iowa)to face chargesagainstthem. went toCarthage,Illinois, from mobviolenceandthen Hyrum fl Jail. were martyredatCarthage 1844 27, June rstpresident. March 9,1839,Letterfrom March 21,1839,Letter Joseph andhisbrother Joseph andEmmawere The ReliefSocietywas Joseph joinedEmmain April 5,1839,Letterfrom
Joseph andHyrumSmith June27, 1844,Letterfrom June25,1844,Letterfrom June 23,1844,Letterfrom
edtoIowaescape
SEPTEMBER 2008
15 My Father, Hero BY GREG HUDNALL
Dad was always serving others, and I resented always having to go along.
grew up in Illinois in a small farming community on even be allowed on the road. Sometimes Dad had to work I the main road to Nauvoo. Although I was raised in the for hours before the cars would run, but he never com- Church, I was a somewhat rebellious teenager, strug- plained. Even though I grumbled a lot, he just listened and gling with my identity and my relationship with my father. nodded his head and smiled. He wasn’t a bad person; in fact, everyone seemed to like I remember one cold, windy January night quite clearly. It him. It’s just that I felt a little embarrassed by him because was so cold that before we went to bed we had plugged an he was a farmer who had not fi nished eighth grade. Besides electric heater on the car engine so that it would start in the that, my dad was always serving other people. For me, morning. I was snug in my warm bed when the phone rang. that was the problem: he was always helping others, and I It was the branch president asking my dad to help another hated it because he took me along. family from out of town whose car had broken down. I just We were the only members of the branch for many lay in bed, hoping it was a bad dream. Just once I wanted miles. Since my dad was a mechanic, the branch president my dad to say, “Sorry, President, but my kids are sleeping often called to ask him to assist stranded Church members and I am in my warm house. Could you fi nd someone else?” whose cars had broken down. Many times my dad would Instead, he said, “Of course we will help, President.” get me out of bed late at night, grab his tools, extra gas, Well, my dad got me out of bed, we gathered our things, blankets, and even food to go help the weary travelers. unplugged the heater, and set out. Dad drove while I slept I resented these late night trips because I just wanted most of the way. Inside the car it was warm; outside the to sleep. I’d even sleep in the car on the way there. When temperature was below zero and the roads were covered we arrived, I reluctantly gave up my warm seat so the tired with snow. When we found the stranded car, a woman got but grateful family could get warm. My dad always man- out and walked towards us. She told us how she and her
aged to fi x these cars, some of which I thought shouldn’t three children were traveling to see her parents in Nauvoo. BY DANIEL LEWIS ILLUSTRATION
16 I remember thinking that she was crazy to be out on the the people around us who truly serve one another. road with small children in such bad weather. Next she told the story of how once she was traveling My dad immediately went to work on the car while I with her family when her car broke down. She didn’t have stood there complaining about having to be outside in the the ability to get the car fi xed. She was scared. After offer- cold when all I wanted to do was sleep. The family sat ing a prayer, she called the local branch president, who in our warm car while we froze. After about four hours sent out help. the woman’s car fi nally sputtered to life and began to She then talked about her hero. He was a person who run well enough that it could fi nish the trip. The sun was had left his family and his warm bed on a cold night to serve rising when we woke the mother and her children. She someone he didn’t even know. Her hero had saved her fam- expressed her gratitude to my father, and then she and her ily that night. Then she gave his name. It was my father. children went on their way. We went home, and I didn’t I was stunned as tears ran down my face, and I realized think much about it for a long time. she was right; my dad was a hero. He was a man who con- Two years later I started turning my life around and stantly helped others, even at great personal sacrifi ce. The became more active in the Church. I attended a youth service he offered made a big difference in other people’s conference at the University of Illinois, where the key- lives. Suddenly I was really proud of my dad. That night my note speaker talked about the heroes in our lives. She dad became my hero too. explained that our society would have us believe that Years have passed. I have gained some of the things that movie stars, athletes, and musicians are the heroes of our were important to me in my youth: an education and the day because of their fame and greatness. But the truth, she respect of my peers. But I have also gained something I argued, is that making a lot of money and being famous didn’t expect when I was young: a desire to serve my fel- do not make them heroes. The true heroes in our lives are lowmen. That came from my hero, my dad. ◼
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 17 E of experiencesinwhichthisgiftblessedtheirlives. eachday andcomfort sonal inspiration ofourlives. tohaveproviding each ofustheopportunity per- the HolyGhost” (BibleDictionary, “Holy Ghost,” 704), well enoughtoreallycommunicate. As anewmissionary, Icouldn’t speakSamoan Thefollowing storiesfromChurchmemberstell whenever oneisworthy, thecompanionshipof Ghost afterbaptism. It “is therighttohave, very Latter-day Saintisgiven thegiftofHoly
room fi meetingina when Ihadtoconductasacrament inFitiuta,a newmissionary Manua, AmericanSamoa, sacrament inEnglishandpassedit. sacrament Ithenstoodandlooked at well enoughtoconverse withthepeople. because IcouldnotunderstandtheSamoanlanguage meeting. Ifastedandprayed fervently, deeplyconcerned was bedriddenwithanillnessandcouldn’tconductthe SpeakingWords IDidn’t Understand Unmistakablespiritualpromptingsattendedmeas WhenSunday came, mycompanionandIblessedthe Aviu, theonlySamoanpriesthoodholderinvillage, lled withcuriousvillagersnotofourfaith.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY DAN BURR; PHOTOGRAPH OF SKY BY ROBERT CASEY the congregation. I knew what I wanted to communicate. I failed. The congregation was puzzled when I couldn’t I tried to open with traditional, polite greetings in Samoan, but speak Samoan clearly. the words didn’t come out right. I stopped and closed my eyes, Pride stopped me from being receptive to the Spirit that feeling I’d have to speak in English. As I began speaking again, time. This experience helped me learn that promptings will I had a sensation that my mouth was several inches in front come to me only if I pray humbly and rely on the Spirit. of me, speaking in Samoan. The animated expressions on the Blaine L. Gale, Utah faces in the congregation showed they understood my words. After the meeting my companion told me that our Church Trapped Outside in the Cold members said they were happy to hear my talk and that I I was the wrestling coach for a small high school in was speaking perfect Samoan. Alaska, and when we traveled for tournaments we often I acknowledged the gift in my prayers that night. As the fol- slept in the hosting school. lowing Sunday approached, Aviu was still unable to leave his During one particular excursion, I got up in the night to sickbed. I again fasted and prayed and had the same use the restroom, but it was locked. Luckily I had propped experience as the previous Sunday. I was humbled, open the door that led to our sleeping quarters because it recognizing again the feeling of being a tool in the locked automatically when closed. Otherwise I would have Lord’s hands. been locked in a very cold hallway with the only exits The third Sunday approached with Aviu still sick. leading to the frigid -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees C.) This time I felt confi dent the Spirit would prompt me. outside air. I returned to our sleeping quarters, closed I wasn’t anxious. I didn’t fast or pray with the the door, and went back to sleep. same urgency as before. I felt proud to have About 2:00 a.m. I awoke with the thought, received the gift of tongues. But this time “What if one of the wrestlers got trapped
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 19 I propped open the door in case one of the wrestlers got trapped in the cold.
in that hallway?” I jumped up and saw an empty sleeping bag. I ran to the hallway, mak- ing sure the door was propped open behind me. I ran to the front door of the school building and saw no one, but I propped open the door. Then I checked the back door and still saw no one. When I returned to our sleeping quarters, I found that George had gotten back inside through a door I had left open. He was sitting on his sleep- ing bag shivering uncontrol- lably. He had been outdoors in subzero temperatures for nearly half an hour wearing only underwear and socks.
20 HELPS FOR HOME EVENING 1. Wrap a small empty box as a present. Explain that it Anyone familiar with extreme could have been enough to push represents the Holy Ghost. Let a family member unwrap it. cold temperatures knows that the door open. Several weeks’ Read the fi rst paragraph of the article. Explain that we can- one can go into hypothermia worth of food would have spilled not see the Holy Ghost, but His infl uence can be a great gift quickly if unclothed. The results out the back, a loss our poor in our lives. Let family members share examples of prompt- could have been devastating if student budget could not have ings in their lives from the Holy Ghost. Challenge family George had been outside even replaced. I am grateful the Lord members to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. a few more minutes. I put him was watching out for our needs. 2. Have family members read the stories of people in his sleeping bag, covered S. Jill Wirtz, Wisconsin receiving spiritual promptings. Discuss why the Holy Ghost him with my sleeping bag, and was available to these individuals and how He helped sat with him until he stopped One Scripture them. Have young children draw pictures of how the Holy shivering and fell asleep. Although I had not been Ghost prompted these people or how the Holy Ghost might I had been praying for more active in the Church for nearly prompt them in the activities of their lives. guidance from the Holy Ghost 18 years, I had decided to say in my life, and I recognized this experience as a prompting daily prayers. On one particular morning, each time I drifted of the Spirit. I know now that if I pray for spiritual guidance, out of sleep, I would say a silent prayer asking my Heavenly I will receive it. Father to help me wake up and stop being unhappy. I was Steven A. Wolfe, Alaska weighed down by sadness and hopelessness, which I had often felt throughout the past year or so, but today was Check the Rear Door particularly diffi cult. One way I distinguish my own thoughts from the Then I heard a voice speak very clearly, “ Psalm 24:7 .” I promptings of the Holy Ghost is by recalling how I feel hadn’t thought about the scriptures in years. I got dressed when I think about my testimony of the Savior. If I feel the and headed toward my bookshelf, but I began to doubt. same about spiritual promptings as I do when I think of my I didn’t make it to the bookshelf until later that day when testimony—warm and sure—then I know I need to obey. sheer curiosity got me to open the scriptures. I read the I fi rst experienced this one day when I received an passage carefully: “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be impression to check the rear door hatch on our van. I had ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall just loaded our three daughters into their car seats while come in.” the grocery clerk placed several weeks’ worth of grocer- “What a coincidence,” I thought. “Does God speak to ies into the back of our van and slammed the hatch door. people this way?” I decided to search for further answers I dismissed the feeling to stop and check the door, and in the scriptures. One passage stood out to me: drove away. But the thought persisted. “Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if As I compared the feelings I had about the persistent ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, thought to how I feel when I think about my testimony of neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into Jesus, I realized the warm and sure feelings were the same. the light, but must perish in the dark. I felt the guidance was from the Holy Spirit, so I stopped to “For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in check the hatch door just before we reached a steep hill. by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto Not believing there would be anything to discover, I was you all things what ye should do” ( 2 Nephi 32:4–5 ). surprised to fi nd that, although the door was completely From that passage I learned I needed to ask, knock, closed, the 20-year-old latch was jammed and not secure. If enter by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost in order to I had driven up the hill, the force of the tilting grocery sacks know all things I should do.
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 21 It was such a small thing— “How can we eliminate one passage of scripture. It the possibility of pneumo- was such a small voice, one nia?” I asked. that seemed it could have been He clearly did not my own thought. I could have want to test her, but I shrugged off the experience as insisted. His tone was my mind playing tricks on me, strong when he said, “She but instead I continued to ask, would have to be X-rayed knock, enter, and receive— at the hospital, and she is here a little and there a little. I clearly ill and needs bed have been an active member rest. Don’t drag her out of the Church since this experi- anymore. Let her rest.” ence and have also received my I felt guilty when we temple endowment. left his offi ce. Doctors are Kristi Gatti, Texas professionals. I wondered if I had overreacted, but A Mother’s Intuition I had learned to trust my My daughter Stacey became ill feelings, so I decided to a few days before her 14 th birth- have her X-rayed. day. When her condition did not The X-ray found pneu- improve over the weekend, my monia in her left lung. husband took her to the doctor The doctor prescribed an the following Monday. She was antibiotic, and we thought diagnosed with the fl u, and over that would be the end of the next two days her condition it. It wasn’t. worsened. She coughed all night Her condition wors- and burned with fever. ened so much that I felt Something seemed terribly “Could she have pneumonia?” I asked. I should take Stacey to wrong, and I wondered what The doctor shook his head no. the hospital immediately. the problem could be. I felt I When we arrived, the heard someone whisper, “She has pneumonia.” emergency room doctor told us to take her home. Because I didn’t know the symptoms of pneumonia but knew of the promptings I had already received, we refused and the disease could be deadly. I immediately called our doc- asked for another opinion from the pediatrician on duty. I tor and scheduled an appointment for the same morning. felt peace the moment I saw him. He prescribed a differ- At 10:00 a.m. our daughter had a fever of 105 degrees ent medication and admitted her to the hospital with acute Fahrenheit (40.6 degrees C.). After checking her again, pneumonia. Within three days Stacey was well enough to the doctor maintained that Stacey had only the fl u. return home, and two weeks later she was healthy again. I “Could she have pneumonia?” I asked. He shook his head believe the promptings I received from the Spirit had prob- no. I asked him to check her lungs. He did so reluctantly and ably saved her life.
answered my searching look with a noncommittal shrug. Diana Loski, Pennsylvania ◼
22 Toothpaste on the Mirror BY BRYCE R. PETERSEN she missed him more than she had anticipated. It was lone- Small things have a way of growing large some living alone in that big house; her partner of 62 years when we dwell on them. was gone. She started talking about him more frequently. As the days turned to weeks and then to months, I vis- learned some very good lessons from Mom and Dad, ited Mom daily. During one visit her eyes turned watery as I but the best one I ever learned was about six months she told me of a mistake that she regretted. She reminded after Dad died. me of the toothpaste and how adamant she had been that Toward the end of my parents’ lives, there were times he was slothful in neglecting to clean up his mess. She had they really didn’t get along very well. Dad was not active been so angry over such a small thing. in the Church, and Mom was impatient with him. They Mom admitted that on the fi rst cleaning day after Dad seemed to wear on each other’s nerves some of the time. died, there was toothpaste on the mirror. She cleaned the The arguments weren’t really serious, but I always felt mirror, but on the second cleaning day, there was more pressured to take sides, a position I didn’t like. toothpaste on the mirror. The same thing happened on the Small offenses have a way of growing large when we third and fourth cleaning days as well. dwell on them. One of Mom’s common complaints was that Mom realized that she had blamed Dad for the tooth- Dad splashed toothpaste on the mirror when he brushed paste on the mirror for many years, but it had been both his teeth and would never clean it off. It drove her crazy, of them splashing toothpaste. She felt terrible that for years and she couldn’t let it go. I tried to explain that in the grand she had been so upset about such a small thing. She freely scheme of life, toothpaste on the mirror wasn’t a very big admitted that her anger had hurt her much worse than it thing. She wasn’t mollifi ed. I wished they could get along had affected Dad. better, that they could overlook small things and not be so I learned from this experience the need for forgiveness critical of each other and be more forgiving, but that didn’t and tolerance in our relationships, and I honestly try to be happen very often. more forgiving in my own. It seems such a waste of time to Dad died in the spring of 1991. It was a time of grief, fret about small offenses. There are more important things PHOTOGRAPH BY CRAIG DIMOND, POSED MODEL
especially for Mom. She realized after he was gone that to worry about than toothpaste on the mirror. ◼
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 23 The Power of Diligent Learning BY ELDER JAY E. JENSEN Of the Presidency of the Seventy
n the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord each of us is a dual being: a personage of counsels, “Wherefore, now let every man both body and spirit. Because we are spiritual I [and woman] learn” and learn “in all dili- beings, it is essential that we learn by the gence,” for he or she that learns not “shall power of the Spirit. not be counted worthy to stand” (D&C 107:99–100). Learning by the Spirit The scriptures contain 144 references to The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, learning. Consider some of them: “All things whatsoever God in his “Yet learned he obedience by the things infinite wisdom has seen fit and which he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). proper to reveal to us . . . are Make the most of the “Learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in revealed to our spirits precisely as many opportunities thy youth to keep the commandments of though we had no bodies at all; and you have to learn. God” (Alma 37:35). those revelations which will save our “Learn to be more wise than we” (Mormon spirits will save our bodies.”1 9:31). In the Doctrine and Covenants, the “Learn of me, and listen to my words” Lord further emphasizes His divine pat- (D&C 19:23). tern for teaching and learning: “Seek learning, even by study and also by “Why is it that ye cannot understand and faith” (D&C 88:118). know, that he that receiveth the word by the “Study and learn, and become acquainted Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by with all good books, and with languages, the Spirit of truth? tongues, and people” (D&C 90:15). “Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that “[Seek] diligently to learn wisdom and to receiveth, understand one another, and both find truth” (D&C 97:1). are edified and rejoice together” (D&C As we consider the mandate of such divine 50:21–22). admonitions, it is important to reflect on Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of how gospel learning occurs. Gospel learning the Twelve Apostles emphasized the blessings requires careful reasoning, study, and prayer. of following this pattern by explaining what it
However, it is important to remember that means to understand and be edified: “The GARNS JERRY BY ILLUSTRATIONS PHOTO
24 ospel learning G requires careful reasoning, study, and prayer.
verb understand refers to that which is heard. It is the the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto same message to all. Edified concerns that which is the hearts of the children of men.” This is a powerful prom- communicated by the Holy Ghost. The message can be ise. Yet it is fulfilled only if we invite the Savior into our lives. different and tailored by the Spirit to the needs of each The Savior stands at the door and knocks (see individual.”2 Revelation 3:20). The Holy Ghost stands at the door and In 2 Nephi 33:1, Nephi reminds us of another aspect of knocks (see 2 Nephi 33:1–2). All we have to do is use our learning by the Spirit: “When a man speaketh by the power of agency and invite Them in.
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 25 isten not only to what is said L but also to what is not said: the unspoken promptings of the Holy Ghost. Inviting Diligent Learning yourself and for the teacher. The teacher may In the February 2007 worldwide leadership not say something quite right. He or she may training meeting on teaching and learning, be weak and feeble in words and expression. President Boyd K. Packer, President of the But the Holy Ghost is not, and each of us can Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, provided pray for ourselves and for the teacher: “Oh, specific counsel on how we can invite such Father, the teacher does not know the load diligent learning. I would like to summarize and burden that I currently carry. Help him a few of the things I learned from President or her to teach me directly.” When you start Packer about learning. doing that as a learner, you start getting First, President Packer taught that being answers. diligent learners means we want to learn. We Third, and this is so significant: listen. In show this desire when we are teachable and particular, President Packer encourages us when we can be taught without resenting it. to listen to those who are experienced: “I When we resent instruction and correction, learned early on that there is great value in we offend the Spirit and limit our opportuni- listening to experience in older people. . . . ties for growth and progress. I remember in the Quorum of the Twelve, Second, we need to pray—particularly LeGrand Richards didn’t walk as fast as the in specifics. Pray formally and informally for other Brethren, and I would always wait and
26 open the door for him and walk back to the building with the prelude music. Don’t seek out somebody to talk him. One day one of the Brethren said, ‘Oh, you’re so kind to. Come as a diligent learner, and prepare yourself to to take care of Brother Richards.’ And I thought, ‘You don’t receive revelation. know my selfish motive’—as we would walk back, I would Further, we can make a commitment to accept the just listen to him. I knew that he could remember Wilford responsibility for learning no matter how well the teacher or Woodruff, and he would speak.”3 speaker can teach. Several years ago President Spencer W. Further, listen not only to what is said but also to what is Kimball (1895–1985) remarked: “Testimony meetings are not said: the unspoken promptings of the Holy Ghost. Each some of the best meetings in the [Church] in the whole is important. Hopefully, you are always sensitive to what is month, if you have the spirit. If you are bored at a testi- not said by the teacher. If you are, the Holy Ghost will tailor mony meeting, there is something the matter with you, the message to your needs. and not the other people. You can get up and bear your Fourth, as you listen, it is important to organize what testimony and you think it is the best meeting in the you learn. Take what you have heard, and then make it month; but if you sit there and count the grammatical yours by writing it down and expanding it. If you really errors and laugh at the man who can’t speak very well, want to ensure that you’ve got it, find somebody to you’ll be bored. . . . Don’t forget it! You have to fight for whom you may teach it. Generally speaking, until you a testimony. You have to keep fighting!”5 can articulate what you’ve learned, you haven’t really Now that is a very powerful observation. learned it. Make the effort to organize what you learn; it will be worth it. s we arise early to study, pray, ponder, and listen, Preparing to Learn A revelation will come. In addition to what we do in class, we can do many things to invite diligent learning even before we come to class. President Packer counseled: “Arise from your bed early . . . and then reflect in the morning when your mind is clear. That’s when the ideas come.”4 I know that is true. As we arise early to study, pray, ponder, and listen, revelation will come. Also, be punctual to your meetings, particu- larly sacrament meet- ing, one of the most spiritual meetings in the Church. As you come, be reverent; leave yourself open to revela- tion. Come and listen to want to follow the example of the I Savior, a master teacher. But what made Him a master teacher? He was first a learner.
Making the Most of Opportunities Elder Hanks continued: Above all, stay at it. President Packer was very emphatic “Back came the letter from Dr. Agassiz: ‘Dear Madam, about this in his interview. Don’t give up. Be persistent in this is the best article I have ever seen on the subject. If learning. Make the most of the many opportunities you you will kindly change the three words marked with aster- have to learn. isks, I will have it published and pay you for it.’ Many years ago Elder Marion D. Hanks, while an “A short time later there came a letter that brought Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke $250, and penciled on the bottom of this letter was this of the power of making the most of our opportunities to query: ‘What was under those bricks?’ She had learned the learn. Elder Hanks told a story about Louis Agassiz, a dis- value of time and answered with a single word: ‘Ants.’ He tinguished naturalist, who was approached by an obscure wrote back and said, ‘Tell me about the ants.’ . . . spinster woman who insisted that she had never had a “After wide reading, much microscopic work, and deep chance to learn. In response, Dr. Agassiz asked her to study, the spinster sat down and wrote Dr. Agassiz 360 consider the chances for learning that she already had: pages on the subject. He published the book and sent “ ‘What do you do?’ he asked. her the money, and she went to visit all the lands of her “ ‘I skin potatoes and chop onions.’ dreams on the proceeds of her work.”6 “He said, ‘Madame, where do you sit during these Now there’s something very fundamental about that, to interesting but homely duties?’ invite diligent learning and not be content with mediocrity. “ ‘On the bottom step of the kitchen stairs.’ We can become better learners, and by being better “ ‘Where do your feet rest?’ learners, we will be better teachers. I want to follow the “ ‘On the glazed brick.’ example of the Savior, a master teacher. But what made Him “ ‘What is glazed brick?’ a master teacher? He was first a learner. May the Lord bless “ ‘I don’t know, sir.’ each of us as we follow Him and become better learners. ■ “He said, ‘How long have you been sitting there?’ NOTES “She said, ‘Fifteen years.’ 1. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society course of study, 2007), 475. “ ‘Madam, here is my personal card,’ said Dr. Agassiz. 2. “To Understand and Live Truth” (an evening with Elder Richard G. ‘Would you kindly write me a letter concerning the nature Scott, Feb. 4, 2005), http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,5344-1-2783- 8,00.htm. of a glazed brick?’ ” 3. “Principles of Teaching and Learning,” Liahona, June 2007, 52; Ensign, June 2007, 84. The woman took the challenge seriously. She read all she 4. Liahona, June 2007, 52; Ensign, June 2007, 84. could find about brick and tile and then sent Dr. Agassiz a 5. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society course of study, 2006), 75.
36-page paper on the subject. 6. “Good Teachers Matter,” Ensign, July 1971, 61–62. BARRETT ROBERT T. BY ILLUSTRATION
28 Chalk It Up to Learning
The chalkboard can enhance Basic Guidelines your teaching—when you use In addition to the guidelines in Teaching, it properly. No Greater Call (see pp. 162 and 182), I have found the following helpful in using the chalk- s a teacher, I am always looking for board or whiteboard to teach the gospel. effective ways to engage my students • Keep it simple. In the February 2007 A in the lesson. I thought I was making worldwide leadership training meeting, Elder good use of the chalkboard or whiteboard Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the until I saw the board in the classroom next Twelve Apostles reminded teachers that visual door. There, neatly displayed in the center, aids are aids. He said: “They are not a substi- was a simple statement of doctrine, a picture, tute for a lesson. Use them in a way that you and two questions along with instructions would use spice in cooking—to flavor, to for the students to answer the questions. heighten, to accentuate, to enrich. A map or a As the class members came in, I watched painting or a video clip or a key point written BY ROBB JONES Church Curriculum as they looked in their scriptures for answers on the board—these can often make the Development to the two questions. They even discussed difference between a good lesson the doctrine with each other. And all this and a great lesson.”1 activity was happening before the start of • Prepare. Before you class! teach your lesson, organize on I was impressed. Here was a teacher using a paper what you want to put on simple tool to engage his students in learning the board. during a time that was normally wasted. He • Write legibly. In Teaching, No still greeted his students and gathered them Greater Call (item no. 36123), teachers for an opening prayer, but when the lesson are encouraged to “write clearly and large began, the Spirit of the Lord had already enough for all to see, making sure the touched the hearts of many of the students. material is well spaced, orderly, and easy They were prepared for a wonderful experi- to read.”2 You may want to invite a class
ILLUSTRATIONS AND CHALK PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC P. JOHNSEN; CHALKBOARD FRAME © PHOTOSPIN; PHOTOGRAPHS BY CAMILLA COMBS BY PHOTOGRAPHS FRAME © PHOTOSPIN; CHALKBOARD JOHNSEN; ERIC P. BY AND CHALK PHOTOGRAPH ILLUSTRATIONS ence in the scriptures. member to help you.
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 29 If you’re looking for something new to help others learn the gospel, you might start by taking a fresh look at something old— THE CHALKBOARD! Matthew 5:14–16
onsider drawing C simple pictures on the board and inviting students to read What to Write lesson or a phrase that represents the lesson. a scripture to Here are several ways to use the chalk- This will help students think about the lesson determine the board or whiteboard so class members have before class starts. relationship a more meaningful experience: • A question. Write a question on the between the Write messages to class members: board that you will ask later in the lesson. pictures. • Greet students by writing, “Welcome to You could even ask students to write down Class” or “Have a Great Day.” a response before class starts. This will • Compliment individuals for their school produce more meaningful discussions. or Church achievements. For example: • A drawing. Many students are visual “Congratulations on achieving the Duty to learners. Consider drawing or having a stu- God Award.” dent draw simple pictures of people, objects, • Have the quorum or class president or events on the board. For example, you write announcements for upcoming activities. could draw a candle on a candlestick holder, Create interest and enhance the lesson by a bushel, and a hill. Then you could invite writing: students to read Matthew 5:14–16 and deter- • The lesson title. Write the title of the mine the relationship between the objects.
30 USE THE CHALKBOARD TO FOCUS ATTENTION “I think that no teaching aid surpasses, and few equal, the chalkboard: first, because it is simple to use, and next, because it is univer- sally available—everywhere in the world you can get a chalkboard. You can use it to focus the eyes of your students while the main lesson is presented audibly. As you talk, you can put just enough on the board to focus their attention and give them the idea, but never so much that the visual aid itself distracts them.” President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Teach Ye Diligently (1975), 266.
a topic, such as why temples are important to them. • Student surveys. If you are teaching a lesson on Church standards, you could write the words “Word of Wisdom,” “Honesty,” and “Morality” in three columns. You could place check marks under the standards that class members think are most difficult for people to live. Then ask them to share their feelings. • Students’ answers. Use the board to have stu- dents write their answers to a question. Suppose you were giving a lesson on the Holy Ghost. You could have students write their answers to this question: “What truths does God reveal to us through the Holy Ghost?” • An outline. The board can be used to organize the lesson into small parts that are easy for students to under- Effective Teaching Using a Simple Tool stand. For example, if you were teaching Mosiah 11:1–15 Of course, these are only some of the many ways about wicked King Noah, his priests, and the burdens he you can facilitate learning by using the chalkboard or put on his Nephite people, you could write on the board whiteboard. You can think of other ways, adapting “Noah,” “Priests,” and “People.” As students discover the them to your class and topic. ■ characteristics of each group, you or a student could write NOTES the characteristics under each title. 1. “Teaching and Learning in the Church,” Liahona, June 2007, 71; Ensign, June 2007, 103. Increase student participation by writing: 2. Teaching, No Greater Call (1999), 162. • Students’ thoughts. Invite students to come to the board and write short phrases that represent their thoughts about
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 31 LESSONS FROM THE lma rejoiced upon A seeing that his formerly rebel- lious friends “were BOOK OF MORMON still his brethren in the Lord” and that “they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth.”
32 LESSONS FROM THE BOOK OF MORMON MEN OF A SOUND
UNDERSTANDING BY SHERI LYNN BOYER DOTY BY SHERI LYNN BY DANIEL K JUDD much prayer, and fasting” ( Alma 17:3 ). First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency НЗ)BEUIFTQJSJUPGQSPQIFDZ BOEUIF spirit of revelation” ( Alma 17:3 ). he scriptural account of the sons of Н4PVHIUGPSЗBQPSUJPOPG
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 33 discovered that Iwhile there was certainly value in inviting ward members to speak of leader, teacher, father, or husband I knew in sacrament meet- leadership meetings came alive as we fol- the Lord wanted me to be. With all my heart ing on topics such lowed the examples of the sons of Mosiah I wanted to bless my family and my ward as honesty, friend- and “searched the scriptures diligently, that by being a man “of a sound understanding” ship, patience, and [we] might know the word of God” (Alma ( Alma 17:2 ) like the sons of Mosiah and like kindness, there was 17:2). I discovered a much greater measure the many leaders and teachers who had even greater power of the Spirit in my own life, in my relation- blessed my life. in inviting them ships with my family, and in helping ward Despite working hard to serve, I began to teach doctrinal members with diffi cult challenges. My dis- to be discouraged, feeling that I wasn’t principles from the couragement turned to joy, and my health helping my family and ward members scriptures. problems improved dramatically. PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTINA SMITH in the ways they needed to be I had previously come to love the helped. My discouragement scriptures as a missionary and deepened, and my physi- as a seminary and institute cal health declined. teacher, but I’m not sure I During these diffi cult had ever fully realized the days I discovered the great power they have to following counsel from President Ezra Taft Benson change lives—including my own. I discovered that while (1899–1994): “Often we spend great effort in trying to there was certainly value in inviting ward members to increase the activity levels in our stakes. We work dili- speak in sacrament meeting on topics such as honesty, gently to raise the percentages of those attending sacra- friendship, patience, and kindness, there was even greater ment meetings. We labor to get a higher percentage of power in inviting them to teach doctrinal principles from our young men on missions. We strive to improve the the scriptures—doctrines such as faith in the Lord Jesus numbers of those marrying in the temple. All of these Christ, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. are commendable efforts and important to the growth Our ward leadership meetings became important discus- of the kingdom. But when individual members and sions on how we could better help ward members study families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and understand the scriptures and the words of the living and consistently, these other areas of activity will auto- prophets. matically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment I bear testimony that the scriptures, the teachings of will be strengthened. Families will be fortifi ed. Personal latter-day prophets, and the infl uence of the Holy Ghost revelation will fl ow.” 2 will assist each of us as we follow the examples of the President Benson’s words pricked my heart and invited sons of Mosiah and become men and women of “a sound me to set a course that would change my life. I realized understanding.” I pray that each of us will consider what that while I might have been working hard to serve others, we can do to more faithfully follow the example of the I hadn’t been serving in the way the Lord had intended. sons of Mosiah, who, by searching the scriptures dili- I felt a growing desire to study and truly immerse myself gently, obtained the understanding necessary to become in the scriptures and to encourage my family and ward “instrument[s] in the hands of God to bring some soul[s] to members to do the same. repentance” (Alma 29:9). ◼
The changes I was hoping for weren’t instant, but I was NOTES surprised at how quickly things began to turn around. Our 1. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young (Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society course of study, 1997), 21. sacrament meetings, priesthood and auxiliary classes, and 2. Ezra Taft Benson, “ The Power of the Word, ” Ensign, May 1986, 81.
34 M y Neighbor’s Magazine
BY LAURA e had A year and a half later we received a job transfer to another PILCHER Wbecome dis- state, but before we left, Tom talked to us about the Church. I satisfi ed with truly believe the Ensign was delivered to our house for a pur- the church we were attending and decided it was time to pose. The entire issue was devoted to the family, which was fi nd another congregation of our faith. When we bought the very reason we had been searching for another church. our fi rst home in a nearby town, it was the perfect oppor- As a result, I was able to listen to the plan of salvation with tunity to attend another church. an open heart because I had felt the truth of the gospel in the One day the mailman accidentally delivered an Ensign pages I had read a year and a half earlier in the Ensign. magazine to our mailbox. It belonged to our new neigh- I gained a testimony and was baptized four months bors, Tom and Jan Smith, and that was how we learned they later. After my husband’s baptism, we were sealed for time were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day and eternity in the Washington D.C. Temple, and we have Saints. I did not know anything about the LDS Church since raised four children in the gospel. Our son and his except what I had learned in school about the Mormon wife were sealed in the Atlanta Georgia Temple and are Trail, so I was curious to fi nd out all I could. I kept the raising their son in the Church. Ensign for a week and read it cover to cover. That particular Now, many years later, the Ensign is a staple in our
issue featured articles on the family. I was overjoyed to fi nd home. It is a blessing to our family to have such inspir- a church that believed what I did—that families are impor- ing articles and artwork available at our fi ngertips every tant and that it is our responsibility to care for them. I took month. I will forever be grateful to the Lord that the mail- the Ensign to Tom and Jan when I had fi nished reading it, man delivered the Ensign to our home and opened our
ILLUSTRATION BY STEVE KROPP ILLUSTRATION but I did not tell them I had kept it for a week. door to the blessings of the gospel. ◼
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 35 Hope & Healing in Recovering from Abuse
BY SARAH E. MILLER Those struggling with the results of abuse Saint psychotherapist living and practicing in the United can receive peace through the gospel Kingdom, I have witnessed this scenario repeatedly over of Jesus Christ. the years as I have counseled abused Church members in a professional capacity. s a child, Emma (name has been changed) was Many of my clients, like Emma, currently live faithful A abused. Now, as a 33-year-old mother of four, she lives but continue to struggle with the effects of abuse in quietly weeps in my office. “I don’t understand,” their past. In some cases, they perceive Heavenly Father as she stammers. “I try to be faithful, pay an honest tithe, remote, stern, critical, or condemning. They assume that attend church, and serve in callings. Why do I feel so they “deserved” the abuse, that it was somehow their worthless? Why can’t I feel God’s love?” As a Latter-day fault. In other cases, they feel as though their experiences
36 ABOVE: PHOTOGRAPH BY JED CLARK; BACKGROUND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBERT CASEY know thatGod 11:28).(Matthew TheSavior’s promiseofrestcanhelpvictims ye thatlabourandareheavy laden, andIwillgive you rest” that they intervention asanindication oftheirpersonalunworthiness. them toafateofabuse. Theyperceive alackofdivine thataloving Godwouldasserting never have abandoned “Why DidHeLetThis Happen?” “Why Clients frequently come to me feeling angry orresentful, Clients frequentlycometome feeling angry can forgive, andthattheirwounds does love them, thatthey ask. doIfeel sounwor-“Why “What’s wrongwithme?” they develop feelings ofinadequacy. selves withothermembersand because theycomparethem- ing totheseindividuals, often activity canseemoverwhelm- power oftheSavior. Church place thembeyond thehealing beckoned, “Come untome, all have been abusedwhenhe The Savior includedthosewho burdens andfacilitatehealing. can ultimatelyrelieve such the power oftheAtonement may persistfor awhile, but Christ. Theeffects ofabuse through thegospelofJesus canreceivehood trauma peace the resultsofabuseorchild- that matter—strugglingwith anyone, day for Saints—or how todoso. times theyareunsureabout find hopeandrest, butsome- relationships, theyareeagerto mental illnesses, orbroken such asaddictions, self-hatred, thy?” Facedwithramifications I amconvincedthatLatter- can can feel Hislove, behealed. I give menfor thee, andpeoplefor 43:4). thy life” (Isaiah hast beenhonourable, andIhave loved thee:therefore will unbounded: “Since thou wast preciousinmysight, thou that we areHischildren, we canfeel thatHislove for usis about whowe areinrelationship toHim. Whenwe learn be, canbechanneledtohelpusknowGodandlearn God loves herandiswithintimesofneed. hearkened totheSpirit’s whisperingsandcametoknowthat sent angelswhostoodsentinel. Insearchingfor answers, she had trulywatched over herthatnight—thatHeineffect had pected, gentleanswer cametohermind, thatHe confirming God, didn’tyou helpus?Wherewere“Why you?” Anunex- and somehowslept. ing. Cold, exhausted, andfearful, theyhuddledtogether they discovered build- asecludedstairwell inanapartment wandered thedarkstreetssearchingfor aplacetorest, andthreatenedtokillthem.had explodedinrage Asthey to fleefromtheirhomelateonenight. Theirstepfather case whereayoung brotherandsister, twins, were forced and accepttheSavior’s love. Forexample, Iknowofa I askthemtovisualizeHeavenly Father listeningtoand ties: a think aboutthepeopletheyknow whohave loving quali- isadifficult challenge. terms father,respectful earthly sothinkingaboutGodinsuch vidually. Somehave never experiencedakind, loving, and cannot, atleastinitially, fathomHiscaringfor themindi- intellectual basis, manypeople whohave suffered abuse destructive resultsofothers’ actsagainstyour will.” [But] theLord you.willfully toviolatethecommandmentsandharm . . . Twelve Apostleshassaid, canbesomewhochoose “There However, ElderRichardG. ScottoftheQuorum “Why AmIUnabletoFeelHisLove?” “Why Our mortal experiences,Our mortal however difficulttheymay Years later, asanadult, oneofthosechildrenquestioned tosearchforHealing occurswhenindividualslearn To thisbarrier, helptranscend Ioftenaskclientstofirst Even thoughtheymay knowaboutGod’s love onan spouse, abishop, orotherChurchleaders. Next, has provided a way for you toovercome the ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 1 37 BY HARRY ANDERSON, COURTESY OF PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION, INC. PRESS PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION, OF PACIFIC ANDERSON, COURTESY BY HARRY NOT MY WILL BUT THINE BE DONE,
responding to their prayers in ways that their he journey men, particularly fathers, who live righteously spouse, bishop, or leaders might respond. With Tof recovery and according to gospel standards. By serving practice, the Spirit teaches them, and they begin from abuse in a fatherly role, bishops become healing instru- to feel Heavenly Father’s tremendous love and can be long and ments as they afford sensitive counsel, positive compassion, often for the fi rst time. As Jeremiah lonely, but I have examples, and effective priesthood leadership wrote: “I know the thoughts that I think towards witnessed the unde- devoid of unrighteous dominion. Others can you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not niable power of the assist in the recovery process by refl ecting the of evil, to give you an expected end. Savior’s Atonement to Savior’s love and sacrifi ce in how they serve “Then shall you call upon me, and ye shall go renew lives. selfl essly. and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. “And ye shall seek me, and fi nd me, when ye shall “How Can I Forgive?” search for me with all your heart” ( Jeremiah 29:11–13 ). Forgiveness is often diffi cult because offenders may deny Bishops play an especially vital role in the process their behavior or avoid acknowledging it. Regardless of how of helping the abused feel God’s love. Though not all the offender responds—even if the perpetrator does not aggressors are male, when this is the case, subsequent admit responsibility—the person who has been abused can relationships with males may be awkward or diffi cult. To choose to forgive. It is important to note that forgiveness restore healthy attitudes, victims need to see examples of does not necessarily mean forgetting the offense, trusting
38 the offender, or even associating with him or her. However, suffer—and those charged with the responsibility to help it does mean letting go of self-destructive anger. them—are not alone. The saving principles of the gospel To help the abused person forgive, leaders, friends, and have the power and capacity to heal wounded souls. family members can acknowledge the gravity of the offense, Not only does the Atonement wash the sins of repentant allowing the innocent person to work through his or her offenders, but it also reconciles with God all who may anger and pain. Much abuse involves the denial of feelings feel estranged from His love, including the abused and and truth, so people who have been abused need to be their families. heard and have their feelings validated if they are to truly President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the recover and regain self-worth. When the person who has Twelve Apostles, has taught that it is often necessary to “walk been abused is pressured to forgive, he or she may feel an to the edge of the light, and perhaps a few steps into the dark- added measure of guilt, taking the blame not only for the ness, and . . . the light will appear and move ahead of you.” 2 abuse itself but also for being unable to forgive. Allowing In other words, it takes faith to move forward. But when we the person time to forgive can be a lengthy process, but it is exercise faith in His omnipotence, we begin to feel the aton- critical to healing. ing power of the Savior, who bore our pain in Gethsemane. Some may fear that their loved one might become stuck We become free to receive refreshing inner peace born of at this stage or obsessed with unhealthy rage. However, spiritual renewal that arises from the Atonement’s cleansing although needlessly extending this painful process can be and healing power. unproductive, insisting on forgiveness before feelings have been adequately acknowledged may cause withdrawal and Hope in His Sacrifi ce may impede healing. Bishops and other supportive mem- The Savior’s sacrifi ce provides tremendous hope on bers can facilitate healing by empathetically allowing the the path of recovery from abuse: “He hath sent me to hurt to fi nd its expression and then offering Christlike love. heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives . . . to set at liberty them that are bruised” ( Luke “How Can My Wounds Heal?” 4:18 ). Through prayer, faith, scripture study, hearkening Some members feel so unclean, unworthy, or damaged to the Spirit, counseling with priesthood leaders, and that they live on the fringes, never allowing the blessings receiving support from friends or relatives, those who of the Atonement to heal their distress. They believe that have been abused can see a road to complete healing. their hurt can never be mended or that their pain is greater Many times I have counseled Latter-day Saints recover- than the Savior’s ability to heal. Satan is the author of these ing from the trauma of abuse, I can testify that though lies, for “we believe that through the Atonement of Christ, recovery may seem diffi cult and fraught with temporary all mankind may be saved” ( Articles of Faith 1:3 ; emphasis setbacks, the Savior offers solace to aching hearts, heals added). Through patience, charity, spiritual awareness, and wounded souls, and changes sorrow into joy. All who prayer, Church leaders can reach even the most troubled have been hurt can receive relief through the Atonement souls, dispelling negative ideas, instilling hope, and foster- of Him who knows and has experienced all: “He will take ing self-worth. upon him their infi rmities, that his bowels may be fi lled The journey of recovery from abuse can be long and with mercy . . . that he may know . . . how to succor his lonely. However, through my work I have witnessed the people” ( Alma 7:12 ). ◼ undeniable power of the Atonement to renew and revital- NOTES ize lives. In the advent of abuse, people feel helpless in 1. “Healing the Tragic Scars of Abuse,” Ensign, May 1992, 31. 2. Quoting Harold B. Lee in Lucile C. Tate, Boyd K. Packer: A Watchman not knowing what to do or where to turn. But those who on the Tower (1995), 138.
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 39 Above: Harvest Time he season for harvesting, preparing, and in savings. The best welfare program is our own in France, by James T. Harwood preserving is captured on these pages in welfare program.” 2 Oil on canvas, T the works of Latter-day Saint artists and in President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985): 17⅜" x 31", courtesy of the Springville the words of latter-day prophets. “We encourage you to grow all the food that Museum of Art President Thomas S. Monson: “Oh, the joy of you feasibly can on your own property. Berry harvest time! Picture the scene of ward mem- bushes, grapevines, fruit trees—plant them if bers canning peaches, sorting eggs, or cleaning your climate is right for their growth. Grow vegetables, all for the use of those who are in vegetables and eat them from your own need. Brows are sweat-lined, clothing is soiled, yard.” 3 ◼ bodies are tired—but human souls are refreshed NOTES and lifted towards heaven.” 1 1. Thomas S. Monson, “The Bishop—Center Stage in Welfare,” Ensign, Nov. 1980, 90. President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008): 2. Gordon B. Hinckley, “To Men of the Priesthood,” Ensign, “The best place to have some food set aside is Nov. 2002, 58. 3. Spencer W. Kimball, “Family Preparedness,” Ensign, May within our homes, together with a little money 1976, 124.
40 Left: The Harvester, by Greg K. Olsen Oil on canvas, 24" x 36", © Greg K. Olsen, may not be copied Right: Agriculture: The Farm Worker, by Mahonri M. Young Bronze, 46½" tall, courtesy of the Museum of Church History and Art Bottom: The Faithful Gardener, by Emma Allebes Sewn fabric quilt, 51" x 39", courtesy of the Museum of Church History and Art, from the Seventh International Art Competition
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 41 Above: Laborers in the Right: Preserving Vineyard, by J. Kirk Posterity, by Lori Nicholas Richards Oil on canvas, 30" x 24", Oil on canvas, 105" x 73", courtesy of the Museum private collection of Church History and Art, from the Sixth International Art Competition
42 Below: Hearts Filled with Below: By Their Fruits Gratitude, by A. D. Shaw Ye Shall Know Them, Oil on panel, 30" x 24", by Linda Etherington courtesy of the Museum of Oil on panel, 30" x 40", Church History and Art, courtesy of the Museum of from the Sixth International Church History and Art, Art Competition from the Sixth International Art Competition
Left: Servants of the Last Harvest, by David Koch Oil on canvas, 40" x 30", courtesy of the Museum of Church History and Art, from the Seventh International Art Competition
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 43 BY ELDER QUENTIN L. COOK Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
n 1842 John Wentworth, editor of the for it, and two sister missionaries responded. I Chicago Democrat, wrote to Joseph They were surprised that he was only 13 and Smith requesting information about the had requested the Book of Mormon. He was Church. The Church had been organized impressed with what they taught and what 12 years earlier and had just over 20,000 he felt, but after discussions with his family, members. The Prophet Joseph replied he decided to become a priest in the Catholic and concluded his response by using the Church. As he prepared to be a priest, he For the Savior’s “Standard of Truth” as a preface to what remained interested in The Church of Jesus mandate to share the we know today as the thirteen Articles of Christ of Latter-day Saints. gospel to become part Faith. As I tour missions, I fi nd that many He studied at the Graduate Theological of who we are, we missionaries memorize the Standard of Union in Berkeley, California. He became need to make member Truth. It conveys in a concise way what acquainted with many who take the position missionary work a must be accomplished: we are not Christians, but he also associ- way of life. “No unhallowed hand can stop the work ated with the students at the Latter-day Saint from progressing; persecutions may rage, institute of religion at Berkeley. He decided Be amobs mayMissionary combine, armies may assemble, to write a master’s thesis on why some
calumny may defame, but the truth of God people maintain that we are not Christians. will go forth boldly, nobly, and indepen- This was primarily an academic pursuit. He dent, till it has penetrated every continent, became a priest in the Dominican order and visited every clime, swept every country, had assignments in Arizona and then at the and sounded in every ear; till the purposes University of Washington. There he came in of God shall be accomplished, and the contact with our missionaries. Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” 1 After being taught by them and praying sincerely, he received inspiration that he Becoming Effective Missionaries should resign as a Catholic priest and be bap- I believe that we are on the threshold tized and confi rmed into the Church of Jesus of the most signifi cant missionary success Christ. His letter of resignation expressed his to date. love and appreciation for the Catholic Church The conversion of Jordan Vajda, a fi ne and then stated: young man who had been a Catholic priest, “Why am I doing what I am doing? To put is instructive. When he was in grade school, it most simply: I have found a fuller truth and he had Latter-day Saint friends in his class goodness and beauty in The Church of Jesus who shared with him their love of the gos- Christ of Latter-day Saints. After years of study pel. At age 13 he found an offer from the and refl ection, I have come to believe that Church for a free Book of Mormon. He sent the LDS Church is the only true and living
44 All Your Life
Church of Jesus
Christ, guided and led by liv- ing apostles and prophets. “I believe that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, called soul-searching. At and ordained for this, the dispensation of the fullness of this point in my life, at this times. I love the Book of Mormon; I believe it to be the moment, as I look forward to and prepare for my word of God for us in these latter days. convert baptism, I have found a happiness greater than I “I can no longer deny my feelings, my heart, my ever imagined possible.” 2 conscience. I cannot deny the confi rming witness of This good man is active in the Church, has been to the PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVID STOKER, EXCEPT AS NOTED; PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVID BLACK-AND-WHITE PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT CASEY BLACK-AND-WHITE PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT the Holy Ghost, which has come after much prayer and temple, teaches the Gospel Doctrine class in his ward, and
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 45 has a management position in a hospital share the joyous, eternally significant gos- in Seattle. pel with our brothers and sisters so they The gospel truly changes people’s lives. can find peace, happiness, and exaltation. Last year I met the missionaries who taught With this in mind, how can we be more a family of five in South Carolina. The effective missionaries? father of this wonderful African-American First, be a missionary all your life. family was born and raised in Newark, President David O. McKay (1873–1970) New Jersey. His father had abandoned his taught that “every member is a mission- mother when he was very young. He said ary.” 4 That is as true today as when it was his “angel mother” worked hard every day first declared. of her life to keep them from being home- peaking President Gordon B. Hinckley Preach less. He cannot remember one fun day as Sof (1910–2008) said it this way: “Great is our My Gospel, a child or as a teenager. He stated, “Other work, tremendous is our responsibility than the love of my mother, I felt very much President Boyd K. in helping to find those to teach. The Lord has alone in this world.” He served in the United Packer said it laid upon us a mandate to teach the gospel to States Navy on the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk, “was designed every creature.” 5 where he learned discipline, organization, and beyond the veil The Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “After order. He met and married his sweetheart, and and put together all that has been said, the greatest and most they have three children. They came in contact here.” important duty is to preach the Gospel.” 6 with the missionaries, and he subsequently wrote: Second, overcome feelings of hesitancy or “The missionaries taught us to pray. They taught us about inadequacy. The account of the first missionary to serve the Restoration. They taught us about revelation and truth. outside of North America in this dispensation is inspiring. As they bore their testimonies, my heart became softened In June of 1837 in the Kirtland Temple, the Prophet and I saw in their eyes the truth of what they said. In my Joseph Smith whispered to Heber C. Kimball that the Spirit whole life I have never seen such sincerity and love. On of the Lord had spoken that Heber should “go to England May 5, 2006, my family was baptized into The Church of and proclaim [the] Gospel, and open the door of salvation Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Now I really do believe that to that nation.” 7 I have found my place in this world.” 3 At the time, Heber C. Kimball was 36 years old. He The requirements for baptism are set forth in Doctrine had been a member of the Church for five years and an and Covenants 20:37: “All those who humble themselves Apostle for two years. He had a wife and small children. before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth He was the first missionary called to serve outside of North with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before America. A financial panic had swept over the country the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and the Church in 1837. It was not an auspicious time and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus for Joseph or Heber to commence such a project. But, as Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and Joseph said, the Spirit of the Lord had directed the action. truly manifest by their works that they have received of Heber recorded his reaction: “O, Lord, I am a man of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be stammering tongue, and altogether unfit for such a work; received by baptism into his church.” how can I go to preach in that land?” 8 When you think of these two accounts and realize Almost everyone who attempts missionary work feels that there were more than 279,000 converts who met the inadequate in some way. The idea of such a mission was requirements for baptism last year, you get some idea of almost more than Heber could bear, but his faith and obedi- the significance of missionary work. Our challenge is to ence prevailed. He stated: “However, all these considerations
46 did not deter me from the path of duty; the moment I understood the will of my Heavenly Father, I felt a determination to go at all hazards, believing that He would support me by His almighty power, and endow me with every qualifi cation that I needed; . . . I felt that the cause of truth, the Gospel of Christ, outweighed every other consideration.” 9 Think of the challenge of e a good being a missionary and opening Bexample. a new country without members, Church Very buildings, a mission home, or any funds! often people are Despite these feelings of inadequacy, Elder receptive to being Kimball worked hard and was humble. He and taught because charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” his companions were very successful. they have had a (1 Timothy 4:12 ). It is not enough to preach Third, do not be discouraged because mis- positive experi- the gospel. One must also live the gospel. Very sionary work is hard. The New Testament tells ence with a mem- often people are receptive to being taught of the Apostle Paul’s visit to Athens. Paul wanted ber of the Church. because they have had a positive experience to proclaim the message of the resurrected Christ. with a Church member. Certain philosophers invited Paul to Mars’ Hill. I know a graduate of Brigham Young Acts 17:21, describing Paul’s audience, states: “For all the University who is a great example, loves people, loves the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in Lord, and has a great desire to be everyone’s friend and nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.” share the gospel. He points out that there is a mirror qual- Doesn’t that sound like the world we live in now? When ity to conversation. If we talk about the weather, people the Athenians realized that Paul was speaking of the risen respond by talking about the weather. If we talk about Savior, some of them mocked him, and the more polite sports, they respond by talking about sports. This friend but still not interested said, in verse 32, “We will hear thee says he asks people he meets about their school and listens again of this matter.” Missionaries in our own time experi- intently. After they respond by asking him about his school, ence this kind of rejection every day. he tells them about BYU and then shares his testimony of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve the gospel. Then, in a positive way, he offers to let them Apostles, in speaking about how hard missionary work is learn more from the missionaries. He has been very suc- and has been, said: “I am convinced that missionary work cessful in sharing the gospel. He has also remained on is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience. excellent terms with his friends who do not respond to his Salvation never was easy. We are The Church of Jesus invitation, because he genuinely loves them and is inter- Christ, this is the truth, and He is our Great Eternal Head. ested in them. How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was Elder Clayton M. Christensen, who is a professor at never, ever easy for Him?” 10 Harvard Business School and an Area Seventy, indicated: “I Fourth, be a good example and take every opportunity have learned to use terms that associate me with Mormonism to share the gospel. Paul counseled Timothy, “Be thou in my conversations—comments about my mission to Korea, an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in my children’s missions, my assignments in the Church, my
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 47 commenced this effort in an address UPBMM(FOFSBM"VUIPSJUJFT)FDBMMFE for the missionaries to learn the doctrine and teach the principles by the Spirit in their own words and avoid rote recitations of here are the discussions. The First Tmany Presidency subsequently among “raised the bar” on mission- your friends who ary worthiness standards and would respond to JOTUSVDUFEUIF.JTTJPOBSZ&YFDVUJWF the gospel if you Council to bring forth the new guide to mission- would have the ary service. faith to share the Every member of the First Presidency and having attended message of the Quorum of the Twelve participated to a signifi - Brigham Young University, Restoration with DBOUEFHSFF5IF.JTTJPOBSZ&YFDVUJWF$PVODJM and so on. These comments open the door for a them. under the direction of Elder M. Russell Ballard, conversation about the Church. Most who notice and the Missionary Department were inspired in that I have opened this door choose not to walk their efforts. It literally felt as if the windows of through it. A few do, however, usually saying, ‘So you’re a heaven were opened and the Lord’s inspiration poured out Mormon?’ I then ask if they’d like to learn more about us.” 11 to bring forth this great resource. I was deeply touched when President Boyd K. Packer, An Account of Our Progress President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaking The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve are of Preach My Gospel, said it “was designed beyond the veil the missionary committee of the Church and oversee all and put together here.” 12 aspects of missionary work. Let me give you some num- .PSFUIBONJMMJPODPQJFTPGPreach My Gospel have bers describing what has been accomplished under their been acquired by members of the Church. I hope you will direction since 1995. all become familiar with this great missionary guide. It will Н"QQSPYJNBUFMZ NJTTJPOBSJFTIBWFFOUFSFE help strengthen you to live worthily. І UIFNJTTJPOԣFME XIJDISFQSFTFOUTNPSFUIBOQFS cent of the missionaries who have ever served in this Blessings of Missionary Work—and the Charge dispensation. There are great blessings, including eternal joy, in help- Н"CPVU DPOWFSUTIBWFCFFOCBQUJ[FE XIJDI JOHUPCSJOHTPVMTVOUP$ISJTU TFF%$ "NPOHUIF is the equivalent of more than one-fourth of the total cur- blessings of being a full-time missionary are the lifelong rent membership of the Church. relationships you develop with missionary companions. Н5IFUPUBMOVNCFSPGNJTTJPOTJOUIF$IVSDIIBT Other blessings of serving a mission are having the oppor- JODSFBTFEGSPNUP tunity of being nurtured under the guidance of a mission Н5IFOVNCFSPGDPOWFSUTDPOUJOVFTUPJODSFBTF president who has been called by inspiration; developing I am very enthusiastic about where we are at this time gospel knowledge and study habits that will serve you in missionary work. But we can still do better. well throughout your life; and achieving the enormous Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service was strength that comes from doing something that is very ԣSTUJOUSPEVDFEJO0DUPCFS1SFTJEFOU)JODLMFZ DIBMMFOHJOH)BWJOHJODSFBTFEGBJUIJOUIF-PSE+FTVT$ISJTU
48 HELPS FOR HOME EVENING and the Restoration of His gospel is As I see missionaries all over 1. As a family, read the paragraphs following a most significant blessing. the world teaching investigators in Elder Cook’s question “How can we be more But the most important reason for so many languages, it is inspir- effective missionaries?” Write this question going on a mission and being com- ing to reflect on Doctrine and down so all can see it; then list under the ques- mitted to missionary work throughout Covenants 90:11: “For it shall come tion the four answers that he gives. your life is that it is doctrinally what to pass in that day, that every man 2. Read the story of Jordan Vajda. Invite the Savior has asked us to do. shall hear the fulness of the gospel family members to share how they gained a tes- The last chapters of Matthew, in his own tongue, and in his own timony of the gospel. Make a list of friends and Mark, and Luke; the last two chapters language, through those who are family who are not members of the Church, and of John; the first eight verses of Acts; ordained unto this power.” set a goal to be a good example to them. Pray for and the first chapter of Revelation Missionary work is not just opportunities to share the gospel. contain the only New Testament one of the 88 keys on a piano accounts of the risen Christ. Suppose that is occasionally played; it is for a minute that you had been a disciple of the Savior dur- a major chord in a compelling melody that needs to be ing His life here on earth. Suppose you had believed His played continuously throughout our lives if we are to teachings. Can you imagine how wonderful it would have remain in harmony with our commitment to the gospel been to actually behold the risen Lord? Can you imagine of Jesus Christ. how attentive you would have been to His message? My specific challenge to each of you is to make a com- There may have been other things the risen Lord taught mitment to be a missionary for the rest of your life. There that were not recorded, but the overwhelming message in are many among your friends who would respond to the each of the accounts was to preach His gospel. gospel if you would have the faith to share the message The next-to-last verse in Matthew is a good example: of the Restoration with them. What we desperately need “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in is for member missionary work to become a way of life the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy in order for the Savior’s mandate to share the gospel to Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). become part of who we are. We could go to almost any part of the Book of Mormon I pray that we all will follow the Savior’s counsel and for the same message. Think of Alma and his lifelong com- the prophetic counsel of all of the prophets of this dispen- mitment to bring souls unto repentance even when he was sation to preach the gospel throughout our lives. ◼ the head of state. Adapted from a Brigham Young University devotional address given What about missionary work in this dispensation? I am March 13, 2007. For the full text, please see speeches.byu.edu. NOTES particularly impressed with section 112 of the Doctrine 1. “The Wentworth Letter,” Ensign, July 2002, 31. 2. Jordan Vajda to the Very Reverend Robert Corral, OP, June 21, 2003. and Covenants. There is much that could be said about 3. Personal correspondence. section 112, but verse 21 is particularly significant for 4. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay (Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society course of study, 2003), 53. those preparing to serve missions. It states: “And again, I 5. Gordon B. Hinckley, “Find the Lambs, Feed the Sheep,” Ensign, May 1999, 107. say unto you, that whosoever ye shall send in my name, 6. History of the Church, 2:478. by the voice of your brethren, the Twelve, duly recom- 7. In Orson F. Whitney, The Life of Heber C. Kimball (1945), 104. 8. In Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball, 104. mended and authorized by you, shall have power to open 9. In Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball, 104. 10. Jeffrey R. Holland, “Missionary Work and the Atonement,” Ensign, the door of my kingdom unto any nation whithersoever ye Mar. 2001, 15. shall send them.” 11. Clayton M. Christensen, “My Ways Are Not Your Ways,” Ensign, Feb. 2007, 58. That describes our missionaries today. Every missionary is 12. Boyd K. Packer, “One in Thine Hand” (address delivered at new mission presidents’ seminar, Provo Missionary Training Center, June 22, 2005), 4. called to serve by the prophet and assigned to a field of labor 13. See Richard G. Scott, “Now Is the Time to Serve a Mission!” Ensign, by one of the Twelve Apostles. May 2006, 88.
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 49 Coming to Church,
50
BY DALE M. VALENTINE Six ways to help investigators feel the Spirit while at church.
everal years ago seven men—all converts to the Teach investigators what to expect. The fi rst meeting the SChurch—were presented for ordination to the schoolteacher attended was sacrament meeting. The friend Melchizedek Priesthood during stake conference. who brought him to church had prepared him by explaining Following the session they were asked to bring their in advance what to anticipate. Consequently, he attended the wives and meet with the stake presidency. I also made my meeting without worrying about the unexpected. Because he way to the stake offi ces. At the time, I was serving as the was prepared, he enjoyed the services and the people. mission president of the Texas South Mission, and I too Live your religion. Several of the converts were amazed wanted to meet these new converts. that the members seemed so dedicated to living all of the When I arrived, they were already there waiting. We commandments. Of course the members weren’t perfect, introduced ourselves. The group included a businessman, but these men sensed their genuine efforts to be obedient. a lawyer, a medical doctor, a schoolteacher, a physicist, a They noted that it was easier to attend church knowing salesman, and an air force offi cer. that the members lived what they believed. Soon the stake clerk appeared and announced that the Share unique truths. When investigators come to stake presidency was tied up with an unexpected prob- church for the fi rst time, they are excited to learn about the lem; there would be a short delay. Sensing this to be an Church. Learning that the Church has an unpaid ministry opportunity for meaningful feedback on the conversion or that living oracles guide the members is often surpris- process, I informally asked these men what single factor or ing to investigators. “But keep the information simple,” the event contributed most to their conversion to the Church. lawyer observed. “Intricate explanations and deep doctrine Their answers surprised me because they were essen- only confuse investigators.” tially the same. With only slight variations, they all said the Bear your testimony. The informal testimonies that turning point in their conversion came the fi rst time they several members shared were very powerful in the lives of attended a Latter-day Saint church service. these men. When members testifi ed of the restored truths So I asked what impressed them most about our ser- of the gospel, the Holy Ghost bore witness of their verac- vices and what members could do to help investigators. ity. It is diffi cult for investigators to dispute the feelings that What they mentioned taught me a great deal: come as a result of those testimonies. Be united and dedicated. The converts were impressed That night I drove back to the mission home and by the spirit of love and true fellowship the members demon- mentally recapped the details of our conversation. I was strated. They often felt a very real and genuine spirit of unity grateful that I had met these men and had learned from among the members and a dedication to keeping the Sabbath their conversions. As I pondered their experiences, the day holy. The lawyer said, “I wanted to be a part of it.” Spirit testifi ed of the importance of bringing investigators Focus on people. Making sure investigators meet mem- to church and of recognizing their needs. As we strive to bers is also important. The air force offi cer observed, “The do this, we become more instrumental in paving the way BY HOWARD POST BY HOWARD real warmth of the members will be more impressive to for investigators to enter into the fold of God. ◼
WORSHIP, investigators than the physical surroundings of the church.” Dale M. Valentine has passed away since submitting this article.
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 51 I Do My Part, and God Does the Rest BY JENNY PIDERIT DE LA MAZA
am a young adult now, but an experience She regularly visited children who were less active, whom she lov- I had when I was a little girl has helped me ingly called “my little darlings.” Often we would find these children I all my life. I’m from playing in the street, and Mama would stop the car and say in a cheer- Renaico, a small town ful voice, “Hey, see you at church on Sunday.” Most of them said OK. in Chile. I remember But on Sunday it would be just Mama and me. with some emotion Sometimes I got frustrated when those children didn’t come to when my mother, church. I would say, “That’s enough, Mama. They don’t want to come.” Ruby, was the president of But she, in her loving way, would reply, “I need to be responsible in my the Primary. We had a small calling and persevere.” branch then; I was the only child One day the unbelievable happened. who attended. She would teach the A boy named Carlos came to class. When we got to church on church and said, “See, Sunday morning, she would say, “Good morning, Jenny. I’m your Primary teacher.” This phrase was repeated every week. We would have an opening prayer and sing a song, and then she would proceed with the lesson.
52 Sister Ruby, I told you I would come.” Well, mother’s love for the children was at least now there were two of us. This made returned. More than 10 years have passed my mother’s face shine with joy, and every since she was released, and the Church time Carlos came to class, she would say to is larger here now, but nobody has ever me, “See, sweetheart, we need to be persis- surpassed her achievement of getting tent, and God will do the rest.” 35 children to attend! One day Carlos started coming with a I am the Primary president now. boy named Alexis. The three of us loved I love these little children, who have playing together, and we are still friends taught me so much. I’m so grateful today. From that day, more and more for this wonderful calling and for my children started coming. mother’s example of perseverance. My mother was released from her calling I know that Heavenly Father lives after two years. When she left the Primary, and that it is true what my 35 children were attending every week. mother says: “I do my part,
ILLUSTRATION BY NATALIE MALAN NATALIE BY ILLUSTRATION How wonderful it was to see that my and He does the rest.” ■
hen my mother Wsaw children playing, she would stop the car and cheerfully invite them to church.
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 53
BY ARLENE CALKINS My mind raced. There had to be something I could do. As my grandson screamed from a I felt I needed to fi nd a quiet place to pray. I went into the Casual Gratitudebathroom, closed and locked the door, and knelt beside serious burn, I wanted to suffer in his place. the bathtub. I thanked Heavenly Father for the knowledge that I could come to Him at any time, plead my case, and he morning to return home had arrived. My children, receive an answer. I told Him about the accident involv- Tgrandchildren, and I had been on vacation to a family ing my grandson and the hot curling iron. I spoke to Him, reunion and were getting ready to leave. As I was choking on tears, of the pain of this small child. I did not preparing myself for the day, I decided I wanted to curl understand why it was necessary for the baby to suffer. my hair, so I called my daughter’s motel room and asked He was only fi ve months old. If it was necessary for some- if I could borrow her curling one to suffer, I would do it. I asked Him to pass the pain iron. She said she had just to me, and I would bear it for the baby. fi nished using it and it Immediately, I felt calm. A still, sweet was still hot, so she’d voice came into my mind: “I have bring it right over. already done that. There is I looked out no need.” Instantly, I under- the motel room stood. The lesson was for window and me to learn, not the baby. saw her coming I opened the door with the curling to the bathroom and iron in one hand looked at my grand- and my fi ve-month- son. He ceased crying old grandson, Tyler, in in that instant and, in fact, the opposite arm. Just as they never cried once all the way came to the door, the baby grabbed home. My daughter looked at me the hot iron. I tore open the door as and said, “What did you do?” I told her I had he screamed in pain. Immediately, done nothing. The Lord had done it all. blisters raised on his tender skin. Tyler bears no scars on his hand, but the We ran his tiny hand under cold Master does. And each time I see a painting water and fi lled a wet rag with ice or a statue of the Master’s hands, I am
ILLUSTRATION BY DILLEEN MARSH ILLUSTRATION to apply to the burn. My son ran to a brought to tears. I will never look upon nearby drugstore to see if there was the Atonement with such casual grati- anything we could get to relieve the tude again. Those scars are there for pain. Nothing. me, my grandson, and for you. ◼
54 Primary Songs
BlessedBY JENNIFER A. LYNN Me
I didn’t expect to benefit from my move. Yet in those dark, lonely hours, experiences from my calling as a music leader. Now it’s hard previous calling as a Primary music leader gave me hope. to think of a way I haven’t benefited. I have always loved music and felt strength in the words of the hymns. Yet prior to my stroke, when I was he has only 24 hours to live, and called to be the ward’s Primary music leader, I was very
ILLUSTRATIONS BY PHYLLIS LUCH AND RICHARD HULL PHYLLIS LUCH BY ILLUSTRATIONS even if she makes it, she will apprehensive. How was I supposed to make a difference Sbe paralyzed from the eyes in the children’s lives? My music education background down with no chance of recov- had taught me to set goals in my teaching, so I ery.” This was the bleak decided to try to help the
CHILDREN’S SONGBOOK verdict doctors pre- children feel the Spirit as sented to my family in March 2004. At only 30 years of age, I had suf- fered a stroke that left me unable to
ILLUSTRATIONS BY BETH WHITTAKER, EXCEPT AS NOTED; AS NOTED; EXCEPT BETH WHITTAKER, BY ILLUSTRATIONS speak or
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 55 hen my we sang. When we sang songs such as “I rang true in my heart, and I often felt that oldest son, Lived in Heaven,”1 I was astonished by the I was the benefactor of the Spirit that the WZach, was strong presence of the Holy Ghost in the children invited. I could sense my testimony baptized, I was able room and by the children’s deep, thoughtful growing, and I truly felt blessed by the Lord. to use my right hand questions about the lyrics. The blessings of my calling as Primary to plunk out a song One of my favorite teaching methods music leader were not limited to the Primary while my husband was using American Sign Language (ASL). room, though. With the calling came the supported me at the I found that the children understood the need to practice and play the music at home piano bench. songs better when we discussed how the so I would be prepared each Sunday. As a signs offered a visual representation of the result, my own children’s love for Primary words. I really enjoyed hearing the children music increased. The words of these songs sing and watching them sign brought a peaceful, calm spirit, comforting “I’m Trying to Be like our children when they were hurt and Jesus.”2 The message lulling them to sleep each night.
56 They insisted on listening to the Children’s Songbook and I have been able to regain far more abilities than the CDs3 in the car—even if the ride was just a short one— doctors expected I ever would. I have a small amount of and consequently began to memorize many of the songs. movement in my right arm, which allows me to type on my However, it was not until after my stroke computer and operate a powered wheelchair. that I was aware of the far-reaching effects of he words and I use a modified form of ASL—which I first this music in my life. With so much recent melody of learned in my Primary calling—to communi- experience singing Primary songs, I found TPrimary songs cate. Because of this, I can still “sing” Primary they were what kept me going during my may be simple, but songs with my children and express my feel- trials. During my darkest hours I would pray the message and the ings to family and friends. and sing “A Child’s Prayer”4 in my head. As power of each one Before my stroke I had always planned on I cried out like the child of the first verse, are clear. singing at my children’s baptisms. In August “Heavenly Father, are you really there?” He 2005 my oldest child, Zach, was baptized. I would mercifully answer by reassuring me was able to use my right hand to plunk out that I was not alone and that He was there, “When I Am Baptized”6 while my husband as stated in the second verse of the song. supported me at the piano bench. It felt What a strength and reassurance! good to express my deepest feelings about During the recovery process, my husband baptism through music and in a way that and children came to my hospital room to Zach would understand. hold family home evenings and frequently When I began serving as a Primary music sang “Love Is Spoken Here.”5 That was the last song I had leader, I did not think the calling would benefit me. Yet taught in Primary, and it was wonderful to hear my chil- it plainly has! The Primary songs have blessed me with a dren sing it, knowing that I had planted those seeds. As better understanding of gospel principles, a strengthened they sang, I could relate to the mother in the song, pray- testimony, the ability to communicate with my family, ing on her knees (how I wished that I too could kneel!). and the strength to persevere. The words and melody Her pleas to Heavenly Father were also mine. I also of Primary songs may be simple, but the message and shared the same gratitude for priesthood authority in the power of each one are clear. my home. While I could not voice these thoughts to my We may not always understand why the Lord has given family, the Primary song voiced these feelings for me. us a particular assignment. Even so, we must trust the It has been nearly four years since I suffered my stroke, Lord and put our faith in Him and His promptings. I am so grateful I was a Primary music leader before my stroke! The songs I can no longer sing can still communicate my feelings of the gospel to others. Every time I hear my chil- dren sing Primary songs, I know that their testimonies are being strengthened and that they share my love for the Lord and His gospel. ■
NOTES 1. Children’s Songbook, 4. 2. Children’s Songbook, 78–79. 3. Item no. 50428. 4. Children’s Songbook, 12–13. 5. Children’s Songbook, 190–91. 6. Children’s Songbook, 103.
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 57 What are some ways I can strengthen myself and progress and ponder the scriptures and pray. spiritually when my spouse is not supportive of my Church Such times of concentrated spiritual activity? feasting will give you strength and sustain you through diffi cult times. have discovered a few things I that have helped me as I have struggled in my situation. Pray. This simple act is a phe- nomenal source of strength. The love and support that Heavenly Father pours into my heart has sustained me in diffi cult times. I have found it important to pray for my husband. I also pray for the capacity to remain calm and loving rather than giving in to resentment and anger. Prayer has helped me to grow spiritually as I learn to depend on the Lord for things I cannot control. Attend the temple. Whether you are endowed or not, attend the temple regularly if you can. I have found that simply being at the temple has given me additional strength and fi lled me with peace. Find time to be alone. It can be diffi cult to feel the Spirit when your spouse is not supportive of Church activity. Feeling the promptings of the Holy Ghost is essential to personal growth. Find a regular time each day to be alone so that you can study
58 Go to church and take the sacrament. Seek priesthood blessings. I have husband was working. We had family Even if you can participate in no other found priesthood blessings to be a prayer and read our scriptures in the Church activity, try to make Sunday tremendous source of comfort. They morning after he’d gone to work, and worship mandatory for yourself. Taking have given me strength to hold fi rm we always prayed for him. the sacrament will remind you of the to my beliefs and encouragement to I drove the children to Mutual or covenants you made and will help you continue progressing. arranged rides so that the activities remember the importance of the gos- Remember that growth is personal, did not interrupt my husband’s sched- pel in your life. Associating with other so don’t compare yourself to others; ule. When there was a fi reside, I would ward members on Sunday allows you instead, look at where you have been tell him what time we were leaving to build friendships with others who and where you are now. and when to expect us home, and I share your beliefs. Nichole Gray, Iowa promised we’d bring him a treat if the Make friends in the ward and invite refreshments included chocolate. them over to your house to socialize I also marked all Church activities with you and your family. Encourage and meetings on the family calendar your friends not to actively proselyte so there were no surprises. After a few your spouse. Rather, they should simply months he came to accept and even be people with whom you can share expect our activity. Eventually he even friendships and recreational activi- encouraged our children to be ready ties, such as watching movies, playing on time. games, or talking about life and other Our children were eventually interests. As your spouse comes to baptized at ages 14 and 15, after their know and enjoy the company of other father gave permission. By adapting Latter-day Saints, he or she will likely our activity to accommodate my hus- become more open to your member- band’s needs and feelings, the peace ship and Church attendance. of the Spirit fi lled our home. I fi nd Peter Conti-Brown, California courage in knowing that Heavenly My husband was not active for a Father knows me and is aware that period of 14 years. During the fi rst I try to do my best every day. seven years, while attending church Name Withheld regularly with our children, I felt as if I Although my husband and I were were walking on eggshells with regard married in the temple, he has not to our Church participation. It was very been active for most of our 25 years stressful for all of us. together. In the beginning, I attended After seven years I decided to church feeling resentful that my hus- pursue regular Church participation, band wasn’t with me. I later realized but I made sure to coordinate with my that my negative thoughts created dis- husband’s schedule. For instance, after couragement, frustration, and self-pity, consulting with my husband, instead which blocked the Spirit. I decided of holding family home evenings on that this was not how I wanted to live Monday night, my children and I held and tried diligently to be cheerful and
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBERT CASEY, POSED BY MODELS CASEY, PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBERT family home afternoon while my optimistic. Instead of thinking about
ENSIGNENSIGN SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER 20082008 5959 It is our “family home day.” STRENGTH THROUGH Over the years, my husband has ADVERSITY become more and more tolerant of “The restored my Church activity. He knows it is gospel of Jesus important to me and appreciates Christ gives us help that I try to be considerate of in knowing how his needs and that I value our to qualify for the time together. strength of the Lord as we deal with Connie Thompson, Texas adversity. It tells us why we face tests Because my wife is not a in life. And, even more importantly, member of the Church, my it tells us how to get protection and activity and spiritual strength help from the Lord.” have to be self-motivated. This President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor can be challenging because the in the First Presidency, “In the Strength of the Lord,” Ensign , May 2004, 16. person who is closest to me is not yet interested in some of the things the qualities my husband lacked, that are most important to me. In I started praying for him. I focused on turn, there is a responsibility to keep the good qualities I already enjoyed myself strong but also help her real- about my husband. My suggestion is ize that great joy exists through to pray for your marriage and then act living the gospel. As I’m on your prayers by showing support and appreciation to your spouse. Name Withheld To strengthen I make an effort to be consider- myself ate of my nonmember spouse’s time spiritually, at home by carefully planning my I focus on Church participation. I fulfi ll Church the basics. responsibilities while he is at work. For example, I do my visiting teach- ing and prepare Primary lessons during the day. I attend the temple during the week with other sisters who are in similar situations. Relief Society home, family, and personal enrichment meeting is usu- ally my only night away from home. My husband doesn’t mind, especially when I bring him some leftover des- sert! I reserve Saturdays just for him.
60 able to keep myself strong, there is with audiotapes that my young chil- an increased likelihood that the latter dren enjoyed listening to before going can be accomplished. to sleep at night. They each had a To strengthen my spirituality, I’ve small picture of Jesus Christ near their found there is signifi cant value in beds as a quiet reminder to follow His being consistent with the basics. These example and pray to Heavenly Father. include scripture study, prayer, attend- We enjoyed Church music and ing meetings, and magnifying Church Primary songs in the car as I drove callings. Consistently adhering to basic them to school and other activities. practices has allowed me to receive I talked to my children about spiritual strength and revelation and has ulti- things as we went through our daily mately helped me to gracefully endure activities. This was our time to share the challenges life places before me. our thoughts, experiences, feelings, Remaining consistent also helps and testimonies with each other. from a missionary perspective. I am When my children were old enough better able to do what’s right and for me to leave them at home, I began remain strong spiritually, thereby attending the temple each month. setting a good example and being After consulting with my hus- These temple visits provided me better able to lift and inspire those band, my children and I held time to deeply refl ect and ponder on around me. family home “afternoon” while spiritual matters. In the temple I felt Name Withheld my husband was working. comforted concerning my situation My husband served a mission and and received the strength to carry on. we married in the temple, but he Most important, I counseled with became less active after our marriage. SHARE YOUR IDEAS my Heavenly Father each day. Through He didn’t care to participate in fam- personal revelation I was given direc- n upcoming Questions and Answers ily home evening, family or couple tion on how to manage my diffi cult A feature will focus on the following prayer, temple attendance, or even situation and help my children to live question: scripture reading. In fact, it created gospel standards. I no longer felt alone The Christmas season can seem confl ict when I tried to include these in my efforts to raise my children in the hectic, but the angels sang of “peace activities in our home. I had agency to gospel. Although my marriage contin- on earth.” In what ways do you fi nd make my own choices, but I needed ued to deteriorate and eventually ended peace in your celebration of Christmas? to do so carefully so as not to con- in divorce, I developed a deep trust If you’d like to contribute your ideas tribute to the contention between us. in my Savior in my hour of need. My and experiences, please label them I found other ways to strengthen my children have strong testimonies and “holiday preparations” and follow the children and myself spiritually that did have now served missions and married submission guidelines under “Do You not create confl ict in our home. in the temple. In seeking the guidance of Have a Story to Tell?” in the contents I read the scriptures privately and the Lord, I found I could have a gospel- pages at the beginning of the maga- made sure our children had access to centered home and achieve happiness zine. Please limit responses to 500 the scriptures. I also purchased adap- despite our circumstances. words and submit them by October 17. tations of the scriptures for children Name Withheld ◼
ENSIGNENSIGN SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER 20082008 6161 LESSONS FROM THE
BOOK OF MORMON
As I look to the Lord, He expands my Looking to the Lord limited, mortal BY MARY N. COOK I made an interesting discovery that vision to an First Counselor in the Young Women day. When I looked down, my vision was General Presidency eternal limited to a narrow stretch of pavement. perspective. hile my husband and I were serv- Trudging along, I saw the same narrow ing in the Asia Area, we would view of pavement, pavement, pavement. W often walk up Wan Chai Gap, But when I looked up, I had a gorgeous a trail near our home in Hong Kong. The view ahead of me. I saw trees with bright ascent is steep and difficult to climb, particu- yellow flowers. I saw birds flying and sing- larly on hot, humid summer days. ing melodious songs. I saw Tai Chi students One Saturday I noticed that I wasn’t enjoy- rhythmically opening colorful fans as part ing our walk, which seemed more like punish- of their exercise routine. Soon we reached ment than exercise. Looking down at the our goal, Stubbs Road, and beyond that pavement for nearly the entire walk, I felt as I saw bright blue skies and fluffy white though we were never going to reach the top. clouds.
62 Looking to the Lord to the Lord when they faced difficult circumstances. In the When we look down, focusing on the narrow view of book of Alma we read: our circumstances, we may miss seeing many of the oppor- “They had many afflictions; they did suffer much, both in tunities the Lord has in store for us. Do we allow our cir- body and in mind . . . and also much labor in the spirit. . . . cumstances to limit our view, or do we look up to the “And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in Lord, who can expand our vision? the wilderness, and they fasted much and prayed much Challenges—such as poor health, loss of a loved one, that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit accident, divorce, or financial reversals—are a part of to go with them, and abide with them, that they might be everyone’s life. We all encounter unplanned difficulties. an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were possi- Responding positively to those difficulties is a great ble, their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the challenge. truth, to the knowledge of the baseness of the traditions of In For the Strength of Youth, the First Presidency prom- their fathers, which were not correct” (Alma 17:5, 9). ises: “The Lord will make much more out of your life than Then, rather than focus on their afflictions, they looked you can by yourself. He will increase your opportunities, for ways to be instruments in the hands of God to lift and expand your vision, and strengthen you. He will give you bless others. In answer to their fasting and prayers and the help you need to meet your trials and challenges.”1 their faith and works, the Lord gave them the help they
PHOTOGRAPH OF SISTER COOK BY BUSATH PHOTOGRAPHY; ILLUSTRATIONS BY SAM LAWLOR BY ILLUSTRATIONS PHOTOGRAPHY; BUSATH OF SISTER COOK BY PHOTOGRAPH The sons of Mosiah understood this principle and looked needed in their difficult circumstances.
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 63 I didn’t wait to be included; I looked for opportunities to be included.
Courage to Go Forth Through visiting teaching and Relief Society activities, I was 37 years old when I was sealed to my husband I became friends with many women, and they often in the Salt Lake Temple. My single years presented many included me in their family activities. But I didn’t wait to unique challenges. I had always thought that I would be be included; I looked for opportunities to be included. married and have children by age 25, but I found myself I volunteered to watch their children, and I invited their in circumstances that were far different from my plans. families to dinner. Their children became my children. Many times I found myself looking down at the pave- I also realized that the best place to love and be loved ment, focusing on me and my circumstances. My perspec- is within your own family. My brother had three children, tive was narrow. Life seemed hard and unfair. I became and I became interested in their lives, schoolwork, and discouraged. I lost my self-confidence. activities. I remember a significant point in my life when, like Because I was contributing, my self-confidence the sons of Mosiah, I looked to the Lord. I had always improved, and I found life to be more interesting and remained active in the Church and had a “knowledge of fulfilling as I looked to the Lord. Just as I saw the trees, the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Timothy 3:7), but I desired flowers, birds, and people along the path when I looked more. I made the decision to be more diligent in my scrip- up on Wan Chai Gap, looking to the Lord helped me see ture study, to be more prayerful, and to live more worthy new opportunities for my life. of the guidance of the Spirit. I longed to be an “instrument As I continue to look to the Lord, I recognize that He in the hands of God,” as were the sons of Mosiah. expands my limited, mortal vision to an eternal perspective. It “took courage to go forth” (Alma 17:12) and look for Through answers to prayers, I have learned that the Lord new opportunities. I set professional goals and enrolled in knows me, loves me, and is aware of me and of my circum- a graduate program to improve my job situation. I chose stances. This knowledge has given me the faith that He will to move from a singles ward into a family ward. I became continue to help me meet future trials and challenges as I involved, attending family picnics and dinners and pro- look to Him for opportunities and “choose righteousness grams for adults. I joined the ward choir. I came to know and happiness, no matter what [my] circumstances.”2 ■ the bishop well. He was a wise and caring man who NOTES 1. For the Strength of Youth (2001), 42. extended callings to me that blessed my life. 2. For the Strength of Youth, 5.
64 VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE
President John Taylor (1808–87): THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST “Our main object is eternal lives and exaltations; our main object is to pre- TEACHES THE ETERNAL POTENTIAL pare ourselves, our posterity and our OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD progenitors for thrones, principali- ties and powers in the eternal worlds . . . ; that . . . they and we might be Teach the scriptures By developing a mother heart, each prepared, having fulfilled the meas- and quotations that girl and woman prepares for her ure of our creation on the earth, to meet the needs of the divine, eternal mission of mother- associate with the intelligences that sisters you visit. Bear hood” (“A ‘Mother Heart,’ ” Liahona exist in the eternal worlds; be admit- testimony of the doctrine. Invite those and Ensign, May 2004, 76). ted again to the presence of our you teach to share what they have felt Father, whence we came, and partici- and learned. What Can Help Me Reach My Eternal pate in those eternal realities which Potential? mankind, without revelation, know What Is My Eternal Potential? Elder M. Russell Ballard of the nothing about. We are here for that Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “God Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “A expresses his love for us by providing woman’s richest rewards will come the guidance we need to progress as she rises to fulfill her destiny as a and reach our potential. . . . He who devoted daughter of God. To all faith- knows most about us, our potential, ful Saints He has promised thrones, and our eternal possibilities has given kingdoms, principalities, glory, immor- us divine counsel and commandments tality, and eternal lives. (See Rom. 2:7; in his instruction manuals—the holy D&C 75:5; 128:12, 23; 132:19.) That scriptures” (“God’s Love for His is the potential for women in The Children,” Ensign, May 1988, 59).
BY HARRY ANDERSON HARRY BY Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day President Henry B. Eyring, First Saints. It is exalting, everlasting, and Counselor in the First Presidency:
JESUS CHRIST, divine” (“Woman—Of Infinite Worth,” “The purpose of God’s creations Ensign, Nov. 1989, 22). and of His giving us life is to allow purpose; . . . we are building temples Julie B. Beck, Relief Society gen- us to have the learning experience for that purpose; we are receiving eral president: “Oh, that every girl necessary for us to come back to endowments for that purpose” and woman would have a testimony Him, to live with Him in eternal life. (Teachings of Presidents of the of her potential for eternal mother- That is only possible if we have our Church: John Taylor [Melchizedek hood. . . . Female roles did not begin natures changed through faith in Priesthood and Relief Society course on earth, and they do not end here. the Lord Jesus Christ, true repen- of study, 2001], 8–9). A woman who treasures mother- tance, and making and keeping Doctrine and Covenants 78:18: hood on earth will treasure mother- the covenants He offers all of His “Be of good cheer, for I will lead you hood in the world to come, and Father’s children through His Church” along. The kingdom is yours and the ‘where [her] treasure is, there will (“Education for Real Life,” Ensign, blessings thereof are yours, and the [her] heart be also’ (Matthew 6:21). Oct. 2002, 16). riches of eternity are yours.” ■ PHOTOGRAPH OF HOUSTON TEXAS TEMPLE BY BRYAN KUNTZ; BORDER: DETAIL FROM BORDER: DETAIL KUNTZ; BRYAN TEXAS TEMPLE BY OF HOUSTON PHOTOGRAPH ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 65 RANDOM SAMPLER
RANDOM SAMPLER
much money. I just brainstormed ideas magnifying glasses and picked apricot “GRAMMA” or found activities in books. blossoms to make “popcorn” balls SCHOOL A few of our favorites included while we sang “Popcorn Popping” dancing while I played the piano, (Children’s Songbook, 242). We picked everal years ago I had the baking goodies, making play dough, autumn leaves, carved pumpkins, and Simpression that my grandchil- and exploring nature. We also learned told stories (while wearing homemade dren wouldn’t live near me for the alphabet and sounds of each letter, costumes) about pilgrim ancestors. long, and I wanted to spend lots of which helped the children We even had dress-up parties wearing constructive time with them while I become early Great-Grandma’s hats and outfi ts. could. With their mothers’ permission, readers. We My feeling that the grandchildren I invited the children over to my house studied would move away proved to be true. twice a week for two hours each time. insects Fortunately, I had taken pictures of We called it “Gramma” school. under all our activities so I could make a We started our days together with simple keepsake scrapbook for each prayer and talked about Heavenly child. Now that I’m the “too-far-away Father. We emphasized good values, Grandma,” as one grandchild puts it, enjoyed scripture stories, and colored I travel for visits, plan reunions, religious pictures. And that was for and use the telephone, starters. The possibilities of what we recordings, could do together were endless. I mail deliv- didn’t spend a lot of time prepar- ery, and ing, nor did e-mail to I spend keep in
66 FAMILY HOME EVENING HELPS
problem (or at least curb throughout their albums. it), I came up with a useful Now on Sundays, my family-night activity. I children eagerly anticipate gave each child a small, the time they have to view touch. I love being a grandma and am inexpensive photo album, their special books. Not grateful for the knowledge that fami- to be enjoyed only during only does our family ben- lies can be eternal. Helping Children sacrament meeting. I efi t, but everyone seated Barbara R. Matson, Washington Remember Him then provided various near us can focus better ow do you convince pictures of the Savior for too. The key part of our H four young children them to cut out and paste Sunday worship can and “HI, I’M NEW” to sit reverently during should be spiritually edify- Church meetings? For a ing for everyone, n our fi rst six years of marriage, my long time, my attempts including our husband and I moved fi ve times, to do so were in little ones. I vain. And my so we had a lot of practice getting solution— to know people in each new ward. toys—was We quickly learned that if we waited often the for others to make us feel at home we cause of our might have to wait a long time. But it distractions. wasn’t that way when we did our part. In an Here are some ideas for getting to attempt to know people in a new ward. remedy the Show up. Though it may seem intimidating to attend a new ward, Clean up. When you attend our congregation. And they sing with go the fi rst Sunday you’re there. The activities and complete the service you spirit and enthusiasm even though longer you wait, the harder it will be. signed up for, stay a little longer to they have not rehearsed together Along with your Sunday meetings, do help clean and put things away. This even once. How do they do it? They your best to support home, family, and shows you are interested in being part participate in our ward “instant” choir. personal enrichment activities, youth of the ward family. It also gives you To attend practices before or after activities, and other ward get-togethers. the opportunity to meet more people. the meeting block or during the week
Speak up. Don’t be afraid to offer Meet up. Introduce yourself to the would not be feasible for many in our your insights during class. Sharing your new bishop as soon as possible. We ward. So our music leader, Sister Julie thoughts and life experiences within found it helpful to pay tithing on our Lynch, chooses a favorite hymn and the context of the lessons is an excel- fi rst visit. It opens the door for con- gives the ward a few weeks to prac- lent way to let others get to know you. versation and demonstrates commit- tice it at home. On the third Sunday, Sign up. There are many oppor- ment to gospel covenants. everyone who wants to participate tunities to serve in your new ward. Josi Kilpack, Utah makes their way to the choir seats. Whether it’s taking someone a meal, Instant choirs aren’t intended to saying a class prayer, making a dessert, OUR WARD’S replace traditional rehearsals and per- or helping to clean the meetinghouse, formances where they are feasible. But be eager to volunteer. This not only “INSTANT” CHOIR the idea might be considered one of gives you the opportunity to serve, but hen our ward choir sings several options to help “every ward and it also puts you in contact with others Win sacrament meeting, it branch in the Church . . . have a choir who wouldn’t have known to ask for sometimes seems there that performs regularly” ( Hymns, x). Gayle Spjut, Kentucky
LEFT: ILLUSTRATION BY JOE FLORES; RIGHT: ILLUSTRATION ILLUSTRATION BY JOE FLORES; RIGHT: ILLUSTRATION LEFT: your BY BETH WHITTAKER help otherwise. are more people in the choir than in
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 67 I DIDN’T GIVE UP BY CARLOS A. DEL LONGO
year after my baptism in 1963 in Argentina, I was A called to serve as branch clerk. One day I came across some wrote about priest sent them blank family group records and pedi- 30 letters to to me, but the records gree charts. Without any training, I I Udine, Italy, proved these men were not began filling out the sheets with the and surrounding related to me. help of my mother. She remembered towns, but none I wrote again—asking this the names of her ancestors and my of the replies time if the priest had any father’s, as well as the important confirmed what I information on my grand- dates in their lives, back to the fourth was looking for. father. He referred me to the generation. She even remembered city hall, so I wrote a letter some of the people in the fifth gener- town and the sur- there. My heart leaped with ation and one person in the sixth. rounding towns. None joy when I received a sheet of I felt the desire to go further in of the replies con- paper containing the names my search, and I worked to verify the firmed what I was looking for. and important dates pertaining to my information my mother had given me. In 1988 a branch of the family his- grandparents, great-grandparents, When I learned the purpose of family tory library opened in Rosario, and second great-grandparents, and many history work, I immediately began I was called to work as a librarian. It other family members. This sheet also submitting to the temple the names felt like touching heaven, having all told me that my grandfather’s name of my deceased loved ones. of that material within reach. I spent had been changed after his arrival in Though I had been successful on hours reading, and I ordered micro- Argentina, explaining the confusion my mother’s line, I struggled with my film records from many cities. In the in finding his information. father’s side. Despite my efforts, for International Genealogical Index I wrote to the city again and asked close to 25 years I was unable to con- (IGI), I found the exact names of my them to send me the sheet that pre- firm the date of my paternal grand- grandfather and great-grandfather. I ceded the one they had already sent. father’s birth. His marriage certificate wrote to the town in Italy where the They did so, and it included the stated that he was born in Udine, Italy, two men had been born and asked names of 27 more people. I had the
so I wrote about 30 letters to that for their birth certificates. The parish temple ordinances done for all these KRISTIN YEE BY ILLUSTRATIONS
68 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES
family members, with the assurance describes her childhood in England ring that bore his initials, CMY, but that they were indeed my ancestors. during the 1930s and her life through I couldn’t recall ever seeing it on his Because of wonderful experiences World War II. Finding these records hand. He must have worn this ring like these, I feel well rewarded for stimulated my initial interest in family as a young man while serving on a my efforts in doing family history history and turned my heart to my Canadian Navy minesweeper during research. Though there have been ancestors. the war. disappointments at times, I have not Almost two years later, in April Now, upon his death, I was the given up. I can see that Heavenly 1981, my father died unexpectedly. only living person appearing on my Father has surely led me in my search. Among his effects I discovered a one-page pedigree chart, so I had to I know that our Heavenly Father will provide an opportunity for all of His children to receive temple ordinances, whether now or in the Millennium. But I also know that our ancestors who accept the gospel in the spirit world are longing for us to do our family history work. If we give our best efforts to the Lord, He will provide a way. ■
FAMILY HISTORY REFLECTIONS BY STEPHEN C. YOUNG
n the summer of 1979, I was sur- prised to learn that some of my Imother’s books and papers were stored in a backyard shed of ward will always members in my hometown of London, remember Ontario. In salvaging what I could I walking up from several moldering cardboard to the front door boxes, I discovered partially com- of number 32 pleted pedigree charts on my family, Oaklands Road— some family group records, and a few the home built by research notes. The real treasure was a my great-great- four-page personal history written by grandfather. my mother, who died when I was 11. This wonderful handwritten history LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES
rely on extended relatives to gather took me from the bus stop to an the long drive to Kauhajoki. We had more information. One of these was uncertain welcome at my ancestral a hard time finding it and were about Betty, a sister-in-law of my grand- home. Since then I have discovered to give up when Charlie caught sight father, still living at the family home a treasure trove of information from of a small airport. We drove there to in Bexleyheath, Kent, England. I had extended family members about my ask for help. Sandy showed a young always hoped to visit and learn more ancestors on both sides of the Atlantic, man our report, and he kindly offered about my mother’s family, but as a allowing me to ensure their temple to take us to the town library. I am sure single college student, I did not have ordinances have been done. we would never have found Kauhajoki the financial means to do so. Now, with I will always remember walking by ourselves since it is well hidden the modest amount bequeathed to me up to the front door of number 32 down a forested highway. It seemed after my father’s passing, I could fund Oaklands Road and seeing my own the Lord was leading us in our journey. a trip across the ocean to visit. reflection in the glass. Now I know that At the library a young woman On the day I went to visit Aunt the familiar face reflected back at me gave us a map, circling the Lutheran Betty for the first time, I felt nervous. was not unlike the young face of my church and cemetery. We found the Would she understand my great desire grandfather welcoming me home. ■ church easily. After two hours of to learn more about earlier genera- research, with the help of the pastor tions? I looked at my father’s ring, and several clerks, one of them called now on my own right hand, reflected our Laurunen relatives and told them in the window of the double-decker SEARCHING they had visitors from America. They bus I was riding in. It brought me IN FINLAND came immediately with family genealo- comfort, as if his hand were resting gies dating back to the year 1550. BY JUDITH ANN LAURUNEN on my knee in support of my errand. With the church bookkeeper as our Happily, Aunt Betty received me McNEIL interpreter, we walked through the warmly and revealed many new and y sister and I felt an empti- beautifully manicured cemetery. Sandy helpful details about my family, includ- ness because we had no stood at her grandfather’s grave for ing the fact that my great-great-grand- Midea who our Laurunen the first time. Later, she saw a picture father had built the home she was forebears were. All we knew is that of him and held his violin. We were all living in. That night I even slept in my they had come from Finland to deeply touched as the void we had felt grandfather’s childhood bedroom. I America in 1901. So in August 2004, before was being filled. never met him, but from the photos my sister Janice and cousin Sandy Then our Finnish cousins drove us she shared, I learned that I bear an joined my husband, Charlie, and me to the family homestead, which was uncanny resemblance to him. She on a trip to discover our ancestors. pictured on our two-page report. generously gave me some of these old In the process of researching for They told us that our family had family photos, letters, and a family our trip, Sandy discovered a two-page owned as much land as the eye could Bible listing the full names, birthdates, report on the Laurunen Homestead, see. The house on the family home- and birthplaces of two generations of built in 1605. The earliest mention of stead was enormous and had housed my ancestors starting in the 1830s. our family was in 1569 in the town of Laurunen families as far back as 1550. It has been over 25 years since Kauhajoki. When the Russian military came into that rainy September afternoon in Once in Finland, we rented a car Kauhajoki, they used the homestead England, when my tentative steps and left early the next morning for for military headquarters. They
70 burned down the church and all and more research. In 2006 we had other homes in the area. Everyone, our first Laurunen family reunion in MOM’S including our family, fled to the America, and 15 of our Finnish woods for safety. After the Russians cousins joined us. Eighty-nine family JOURNAL left, our grandfather led the building members celebrated the lives of our BY EDNA F. CHANDLER of the new church that we had seen grandparents. earlier. Eventually the land around What a joy it has been to discover other had been living with the homestead was divided and sold. such a rich, fascinating family history me for almost five years. In In 2005 Janice, Sandy, and I and know more about who I am and Mlove and gratitude I was returned to Kauhajoki for another where I came from. Family history is glad I could care for her just as she visit with our newly found cousins the work of the Lord. ■ had cared for me for so many years. But I missed her smiles and humor- ous comments. I longed to have her experience again the joy and excite- ment she had once felt when she went on rides with me. It hadn’t really mattered where we went. Mother never missed pointing out the flowers, the birds on the tele- phone wires, or the children playing. I missed the companionship we had enjoyed as we peeled potatoes, snapped beans, or read e walked together. I longed to share through childhood experiences with Wthe her and tell her news about beautifully my siblings and her grand- manicured children. She had always cemetery, and my enjoyed family dropping by, cousin stood at especially the grandchildren. her grandfather’s But now her dementia had grave for the changed things. She really first time. wasn’t sure anymore who I was, other than someone special who cared for her. It had been a particularly difficult day with Mother. She gave me the usual blank stares when I tried to make conversation and distrustful looks when I tried to assist her. I was
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 71 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES
exhausted and frustrated as I sat Many times in her entries she bore her how she had always been there for down on the couch to think. I began testimony of the gospel. me when I needed her. Through the to read aloud one of Mother’s jour- I was especially touched by how years I learned that if she could not nals in hopes that she might she expressed the sorrow and worry be with me in person, her faithful let- be entertained by it and perhaps she had felt when my daughter was ters and prayers would sustain me. remember a little. My efforts proved born with Down syndrome and asso- That night, as I sang hymns to futile, but as I continued to read to ciated problems. Had she really spent Mother to calm her to sleep, I had myself, the memories surfaced in me. almost a whole month feeding and an overwhelming surge of love for In those pages Mother repeatedly caring for our other children as my my brave, always-sacrificing mother expressed the joy she had felt husband and I and deep gratitude for the words of when her family would visit and felt an went back and her journal that had brought her the void she had felt when they overwhelming forth to the hos- back to me. ■ left. She wrote of how hard it had I surge of love pital while Debra been for her when my father for my brave Sue underwent became ill and, after a long strug- mother and deep open-heart sur- gle, had left her a widow at the age gratitude for the gery and related of 59. She wrote of how she words of her complications? missed Father and of how she wor- journal that had Yes! And she had ried about my older brother, who brought her back done it at age 70! was stricken with the same disease. to me. I remembered Mother wrote of happy, fulfilling experiences like teaching Church classes and participating in single adult activities. She wrote of the satisfaction she had received in going to Dilkon, Arizona, to teach the gospel once a week on the Navajo Indian reservation. This brought to my mind how she had always emphasized the importance of being dependable when some- one was counting on you. Sometimes her entries were short because she had been helping someone; they reminded me of how she often took food or gifts to anyone she thought needed help or cheer.
72 of missionary preparation and service. Brother Law noted that family home evening was a time for his family to do mem- ber missionary work. “Making
PHOTOGRAPH BY MARCI JOHNSON BY PHOTOGRAPH missionary work a part of the family helps develop the desire to serve,” he said.
Excellent Examples While the family is key in fostering practical and spiri- tual preparation, the encour- agement and examples of good Church leaders can sup- port the instruction given in the home and can make a big difference in the lives of the family members. “We have had wonderful leaders who have been Like many families in the Voyager Ward, the Law family is dedicated to cultivating a great examples, mentors, missionary spirit. and instructors,” Bishop Whatcott said. “From the Ward Members a Model our young men receive the time these young men are Aaronic Priesthood as dea- deacons until the time they of Missionary Preparation cons, the decision to serve leave on their missions, By Lynda L. Hansen, Church Magazines a mission has already been their leaders have focused made, and their desire to on helping them stay active trong, supportive fami- Family Foresight stay faithful and close to the and maintain their desire to lies who are grounded Christopher Law gospel through their teenage serve a mission.” Sin the gospel play a vi- recently returned from years is greater.” Once a month the young tal role in preparing youth the Massachusetts Boston Families are best at equip- men of the Voyager Ward to share the gospel as full- Mission. “I can’t remember ping a future missionary with meet together to hear time missionaries. Add the when I decided to serve a what he or she will need both returned missionaries from support of dedicated lead- mission,” he said. “I always spiritually and practically. One their ward, including those ers, and the result is a gen- knew I would. Going on a of the key tools a family has who served many years ago, eration of committed mission was a part of our fam- for helping children prepare share their testimonies and missionaries. ily’s daily conversation.” to serve is family home life-changing mission experi- Such has been the experi- Families who help their evening. ences. Bishop Whatcott calls ence of the Voyager Ward in children look ahead to mis- Frank Lang, an advisor the monthly experience the Gilbert Arizona Val Vista sionary service from an early in the priests quorum and “invaluable.” Stake. Of its 310 members, age help build enthusiastic, parent of a missionary, Brother Lang agrees. “The 21 elders and 1 sister have committed youth. encouraged parents to hold boys catch the vision of how accepted calls to serve the Bishop William Whatcott family home evening whether important a mission is in their Lord over the past two years. of the Voyager Ward said: “I they are new or established lives—that it still affects these What has been done to believe the emphasis our par- members. “That is where men even now,” he said. help produce such dedication? ents have put on the impor- our children learn about the “These returned missionaries Family foresight, excellent tance of serving has been gospel,” he said. It also offers bear powerful testimony of examples, and making prepa- critical. Because of that, we frequent opportunities to the importance of serving a ration a priority early. have found that by the time emphasize the importance mission.”
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 73 Leaders in the Voyager “No one can convince decisions and allow them and businesses and killing Ward have also felt it would them to serve without the to use their agency.” six people in Parkersburg. In be appropriate in their ward Spirit touching their hearts,” And in the end, if a young New Hartford, the tornado to gather the young men Brother Lang said. “They each man or woman chooses to destroyed an additional 30 together on a Sunday evening must be taught and converted serve, even those who may homes and killed two people before one of them leaves for by the Spirit. We leaders or be struggling with finances or within a two-block radius of the missionary training cen- other boys cannot do it.” a lack of family support will the Godfreys’ home. ter. After a simple dinner, the Vee Hiapo, the mother of find a way. “The Lord will pro- After the tornado, neigh- young men share what the two returned missionaries, vide a way for them to serve if bors stood in bewilderment, departing elder means to B. J. and Kiana, says, “We they follow Him in faith,” says crying. Children ran around them. He in turn shares his must have faith that our Lothaire Bluth, Val Vista stake aimlessly, searching for lost testimony. children will make the right president. ■ pets. People drove through the area, asking if everyone Making Preparation was okay. a Priority Members Rely on Prayer After calming his shoeless Mission preparation is family, Brother Godfrey used more likely to become a prior- During Deadly Tornado his wife’s cell phone to call By Eric Eames, Church Magazines ity in the lives of young men their home teacher, Jason when it is a priority in the ews reports on May 25, their home was gone. Meyers, who lived 30 minutes lives of parents and leaders. 2008, predicted the “I was devastated,” Sister away in Cedar Falls. Without Priesthood leaders make Nmile-wide tornado Godfrey said. “I thought our hesitation, Brother Meyers an effort to support the family that had wiped out half of house would still be there, said he was on his way. He years before a young man is Parkersburg, Iowa, would but at the same time I was and two other members jour- of missionary age. head north. But as Wes glad that we were alive. I real- neyed along country roads, At weekly missionary Godfrey videotaped the tor- ized how fragile life is.” preparation classes, priest- nado from his home to the Winds of the tor- hood leaders teach with east in New Hartford, Iowa, nado, rated as a low-end the assistance of recently the rotating funnel slowly EF-5 on the Enhanced returned missionaries. The started to fill up his cam- Fujita Scale,1 peaked at Preach My Gospel manual is corder’s screen. 205 miles per hour (330 used for the lessons and dis- Brother Godfrey rushed kilometers per hour), cussions. Once a month par- his 8-months-pregnant wife, completely destroying ents attend the class to serve Erin, and two children into more than 240 homes as investigators so the class their tornado shelter and hud- participants can practice dled his family together to teaching the gospel. pray. As Brother Godfrey Seminary attendance is asked Heavenly Father to also an important factor in spare their lives and the lives helping to prepare young of their neighbors, the Spirit men for a mission, according touched his heart, and he to Brother Law. “Be active immediately knew two things: in seminary,” he said. “It (1) they would be OK, and helped me a lot. Scripture (2) they were going to get hit. mastery is key. I used those After the prayer, an eerie scriptures every day on my silence fell. Moments later, mission.” rain and wind exploded However, no matter how against the steel door of the high a priority a mission may shelter. The commotion be for parents and leaders, the lasted only a few seconds
choice to serve and the choice before silence returned. COURTESY OF GODFEY FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS to prepare must be made by When the family decided Wes and Erin Godfrey walked out of their home—shown the future missionaries. it was safe to come out, before and after the massive tornado struck.
74 past open fields, and around member family, downed power lines to get Laverne and to New Hartford. When they Melva Gnade of arrived, Brother Meyers Parkersburg, was jumped out of the vehicle also destroyed by to hug Brother Godfrey and the tornado. his family. However, the one SHAERR LAURE BY PHOTOGRAPH “It was good, because we part of their house didn’t have any family out left standing con- there. But our ward family tained their exten- was there for us,” Brother sive family history Godfrey said while choking and genealogical back some tears. work. Home They whisked the Godfreys teachers also came out of the disaster area to to the aid of the stay at the Relief Society Gnade family and president’s house, where helped take care members brought food and of their needs. clothing. Following the tornado, Members in their yellow Helping Hands T-shirts volunteer at The next morning the members of the Cedar Falls the flooded home of Jeff and Melissa Smith. Godfreys wanted to try to Ward, Cedar Rapids Iowa find some valuables, even Stake, helped with various Members Bring Hope though pieces of their home clean-up efforts. They helped were spread over 3 miles or turn an elementary school in to U.S. Flood Victims more—and pictures of the nearby Aplington into the By Eric Eames, Church Magazines Godfrey children were later Parkersburg Distribution found 100 miles away. Before Center. At the center, tor- hroughout the midwest- For instance, after inspectors they started searching, nado victims could pick up ern United States, color- marked his home “unlivable Brother Godfrey offered a donated clothing, food, toi- Tcoded signs hanging but repairable,” Dustin Kane, prayer that they would be letries, cleaning supplies, outside buildings indicated a 35-year-old single father, able to find some specific and various other items, the level of structural damage received help from members items, namely his and his including microwaves and caused by the historic flood- of the Cedar Falls Ward, who wife’s wedding rings, their some appliances. Church ing that occurred between ripped out contaminated wallets, scriptures, a journal, members volunteered at the June 7 and July 1, 2008. More flooring and provided a gen- and a diabetic blood tester. center three nights a week than 40 homes in Cedar erator for power washing. After 30 minutes of through August. Rapids, Iowa, received a pur- Dustin’s mother, Nan, was searching, a counselor in the “We were so taken care ple placard from city inspec- impressed with the group’s stake presidency found the of there,” Sister Godfrey tors. Such homes were selflessness. Godfreys’ rings under some said. “Heavenly Father took considered beyond repair “These are people who insulation. Fifteen minutes care of us [then], and He and were destroyed. didn’t even know us, but they later their wallets turned up, still is, and that’s what’s However, while purple sig- opened their arms and were fully intact with licenses and so amazing.” ■ naled demolition, another so helpful and so kind, and credit cards inside. Then the color, yellow, came to symbol- nobody gave up,” Mrs. Kane blood tester, the journal, NOTE ize service as hundreds of said. and the scriptures were 1. The Enhanced Fujita Scale, or Church members and mis- To help flood victims, the EF Scale, is an updated version found. of the Fujita or F scale used for sionaries donned yellow Church sent 26,000 cleaning “All that stuff is replace- rating the strength of tornadoes Mormon Helping Hands kits and 15,000 hygiene kits, in the United States by the dam- able, but I think the reason age they cause. It still estimates T-shirts during sandbagging which members distributed. we found them was to build wind speeds, as did the original and other relief efforts. Members also worked with everyone’s testimony of F scale, and still has 6 categories, Appreciation for those in other relief organizations as from 0 to 5, but is more detailed prayer,” Brother Godfrey said. and specific. It has been in use yellow T-shirts surfaced as the needed. The home of another since February 2007. floodwaters came and went. The Cedar Rapids stake set
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 75 up a relief warehouse filled The swollen waters In Nauvoo, Illinois, sand- Church directors felt inspired with the wheelbarrows, shov- killed at least 20, left bagging efforts prevented to move the Nauvoo Pageant els, and work clothes the thousands homeless, and floodwaters from damaging from the Sunset by the Church sent. Being the most resulted in damages of U.S. historical landmarks. Elder Mississippi site, which heavily impacted by the flood- $5 billion to North America’s Vern Whisenant, a public became submerged during ing, the stake also received farmlands. The homes of affairs missionary in Nauvoo, the flooding, to a spot near funds to purchase power several Church members said events in Nauvoo pro- the Nauvoo temple. The new washers and generators. The were affected, but none ceeded as normal in June Nauvoo Outdoor Stage sits community received the relief were reported as being and July. on top of a hill well above the efforts with open arms. torn down. This summer season, flood plain. ■
nearly 10,000 Church mem- missionaries also helped Historic Help Remembered bers to flee to various loca- with many other sandbag- tions in Illinois and Iowa. ging efforts throughout the in Sandbagging Effort Quincy’s 1,500 residents shel- Midwest, including towns uring heavy flooding considered the two days tered more than 5,000 mem- south of Indianapolis, across the central spent sandbagging a small bers. Quincy provided the Indiana; Fort Madison and DUnited States in June, way to pay back the city of exiled Saints with clothes, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and full-time missionaries Quincy for its hospitality to jobs, and protection for a few in Niota and Dallas City, joined in sandbagging ef- early Church members. months before the Prophet Illinois. ■ forts in many areas, includ- In February 1839, heavy Joseph Smith led them 40 NOTE ing the city of Quincy, persecution stemming from miles north to establish 1. See History of the Church, 3:175; also quoted in “News Illinois. the Mormon Extermination Nauvoo. of the Church,” Ensign, For two days, on June 18 Order1 in Missouri forced During the flooding, Jan. 1995, 76. and 19, 2008, more than 130 missionaries from the Illinois Peoria and Nauvoo Missions and the Missouri St. Louis Mission helped prevent flood damage to the city that once provided refuge for early Saints exiled from Missouri. “I cannot put into words, quite frankly, how much it meant to us to have members of the ministry group from the Latter-day Saints, the young and the old, men and women, pitch in and help us like that,” said Quincy mayor John Spring. National Guard troops, prison inmates, missionar- ies, and others assembled about 25,000 sandbags per hour on June 18 and sup- plied 1.2 million sandbags
in less than a week. LEE LYON BY PHOTOGRAPH The missionaries Missionaries in Mormon Helping Hands T-shirts fill sandbags in Quincy, Illinois.
76 IN THE NEWS “My Family Can Be Together Forever,” these lessons can New Manual Designed help build a foundation of understanding in any setting for Nursery Classes and can also be used by par- new lesson manual will reinforce the principles taught ents as a tool for teaching in soon be making its way in the lesson. Suggestions for the home. Ato nursery classrooms using the visuals, teaching “We are so pleased to have throughout the Church. tips, and optional activities this new nursery manual,” Behold Your Little Ones is a The manual, Behold Your are included in every lesson. said Cheryl C. Lant, Primary new manual specifically for Little Ones, contains 30 The resource offers flexibil- general president. “It has children in nursery. lessons focused on gospel ity for teachers to present the been created for the children, doctrine and is specifically lessons in any order or use for their spiritual develop- will be available in 27 lan- designed for nursery classes. consecutive weeks to empha- ment, and for their social guages by the end of 2008 Each lesson includes a size a principle not easily experience. It will be equally and will be distributed to local color photograph as well as understood by this age group. valuable in the hands of nurs- priesthood leaders. It is avail- a line drawing that can be With topics such as “I Can ery leaders and parents.” able through Church distribu- copied or traced to help Pray to Heavenly Father” or Behold Your Little Ones tion at LDScatalog.com. ■
WORLD BRIEFS Humanitarian Services sent 20 40-foot containers Joseph Smith Manual members have access to the Receives Award packed with blankets, MP3s Available scriptures, the Church has from Madagascar hygiene and school sup- The manual Teachings of previously placed English, In recognition of its plies, dry milk, and nutri- Presidents of the Church: French, German, Italian, welfare contributions tional food as well as kits for Joseph Smith is now available Portuguese, and Spanish ver- in Madagascar, LDS use in orphanages and for to download online in MP3 sions of the triple online. Humanitarian Services newborn care. The supplies audio format in 11 lan- The LDS scriptures in more received the Chevalier will be distributed by part- guages. The files are avail- than two dozen languages de L’Ordre Nationale ner agencies within the able in Cantonese, English, are currently being con- Madagascar award in June African country to families French, German, Italian, verted for use online. 2008 from the country’s seeking assistance to return Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Ministry of Health. In 2007 to their homes. Portuguese, Russian, and Swedish Triple Combination and 2008, the Church pro- Spanish. Access all the audio Now Available vided equipment for dentists Preach My Gospel files at www.lds.org/mp3/ Swedish-speaking mem- treating patients in remote Downloads Available newarchive or by clicking on bers can now study the areas and for doctors to per- The Preach My Gospel Listen in the individual text Book of Mormon, Doctrine form cataract surgery. The manual used by members chapters found in the and Covenants, and Pearl of Church has also donated 500 and missionaries all over LDS.org Gospel Library. Great Price together with wheelchairs and completed the world can be viewed the publication of the new clean water projects for 17 online or downloaded in Danish, Dutch, Hungarian triple combination in communities. PDF format in 42 languages. Triples Available Online Swedish. A First Presidency It is also now available as The Danish, Dutch, and announcement encouraged Kenya Recognizes an English audio recording Hungarian versions of the members to obtain their Church’s Welfare Efforts in MP3 format. To download triple combination are own copies of the new The Kenyan government the files, visit GospelLibrary now available online at triple combination, with commended the Church’s .lds.org and select Preach Scriptures.lds.org. The associated study guides, relief efforts after a dispute My Gospel from the online triple combination through local Church distri- following the country’s “Shortcuts” menu on the provides footnotes, study bution centers or local lead- presidential election left right. Church audio files can helps, maps, photographs, ers. A new edition of the 1,500 people dead and dis- also be found at www.lds and the ability to mark Book of Mormon is also placed 600,000. The Church .org/mp3/newarchive. scriptures. To help more available in the language. ■
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 77 medical science with the Elder Paul V. Johnson New primary and secondary Spirit in the healing process. schools. An additional spiritual com- CES Commissioner After receiving a bachelor’s ponent of healing we should degree in zoology/botany from remember is the influence of n June 7, 2008, the BYU in 1978, Elder Johnson the Spirit on those medical First Presidency an- shifted his studies from den- providers from whom we Onounced the appoint- tistry to teaching seminary. He seek help. The gift of healing ment of Elder Paul V. received a master of education and the power of the Spirit Johnson of the Seventy as degree from BYU in 1982 and to heal often extend to the Commissioner of the Church a doctorate in instructional hands and minds of those Educational System (CES), technology from Utah State health professionals caring replacing Elder W. Rolfe Kerr, University in 1989. for our loved ones. who was called to serve as He taught seminary for Rourke M. Yeakley, MD, Idaho president of the Logan Utah 12 years in Arizona and Utah Temple. The change took Elder Paul V. Johnson before working in administra- Answers and More Answers effect in August 2008. tive positions at CES in the I received my July Ensign Under the direction of the Brigham Young University, departments of religious today and flipped right to Church Board of Education, BYU–Idaho, BYU–Hawaii, and education and elementary “Lesson from a Milk Jug” Elder Johnson will oversee LDS Business College; the and secondary education. (p. 48). It was an answer to operations of all CES entities, Church’s seminary and insti- Elder Johnson has served hours of tearful prayers. I, including the Church’s insti- tute of religion programs; and as a member of the Seventy too, have been dealing with tutions of higher education: a number of Church-operated since 2003. ■ the consequences of my hus- band’s choices, and it can be a very lonely road to travel as Comment frustration. How I needed a unexpectedly of a heart attack. a young wife. For every step reminder to turn to my Savior I remember that first Sunday I take forward, I feel as if Turned to the Savior rather than try to fill my empty after losing him, forcing I’m taking two back. I have Thank you for the article evenings with entertainment. myself up the sidewalk and prayed for peace and under- “Armor of Battle, Armor of Michelle Callihan, Virginia into the chapel alone. It was standing, but the answers just God” (Ensign, June 2008, 24). so difficult to sit on that bench didn’t seem to be coming. My husband is in the Navy and Hymns of Sweet Comfort and feel the vacancy beside But then I read “Lesson returned in December from a I would like to share my me. But then the opening from a Milk Jug;” the Spirit goodwill deployment in Africa. own experience with “The song brought sweet comfort overcame me and the tears Only two weeks ago, the ship Healing Power of Hymns” to me: “Lead, kindly light . . . I just flowed. It was Heavenly left again for a three-month (Ensign, April 2008, 66). do not ask to see the distant Father’s way of reminding trip. We have small children, One early October morning, scene—one step enough for me, once again, that I’m not and my days are full of fun and my husband, age 57, died me” (Hymns, no. 97). alone in this, and that I can Orvetta Groom, Utah be healed of my pain through Christ’s Atonement, if I will Hands Guided by the Spirit just let Him carry me. Thank you for your Then I turned the page to recent article, “The Spiritual “Hope, Healing, and Dealing Component of Healing” with Addiction” (p. 50) and (Ensign, June 2008, 46). As found many more answers an emergency medicine physi- that I’ve been praying for, cian, I have witnessed patients answers I haven’t been able and families encounter the to find elsewhere. Thank you, differing manifestations of the thank you, thank you! I know gift of healing in the face of you were guided at this time tragedy. Thank you for dis- to share these stories. ■ cussing the relationship of Name Withheld
78 7. During the past six months, how often Reader have you used the Internet to read or download Ensign a general conference talk from the Ensign? □ Never □ Once or twice SURVEY □ 3 to 5 times □ 6 or more times
8. During the past six months, how often e need your feedback to help us improve the have you used the Internet to read or download WEnsign magazine. You can go to www.ensign a non–conference article from the Ensign? .lds.org and complete the survey online, or you □ Never can fill out this printed questionnaire and mail it to: □ Once or twice Ensign Editorial □ 3 to 5 times 50 East North Temple St., Rm. 2420 □ 6 or more times Salt Lake City, UT 84150, USA 9. How often do you use the annual index Do not include your name or other identifying informa- printed in the December Ensign? tion. Please complete the survey before October 31, 2008. □ Never Thank you for your help. □ Rarely □ Sometimes 1. Are you . . . □ Often □ Male □ Female 10. How would you describe the layout and design of the Ensign? 2. How old are you? Please mark all that apply. ______years old □ Modern 3. What is your current marital status? □ Repetitive □ Single, never married □ Fresh □ Married □ Too formal □ Divorced, separated □ Appealing □ Widowed □ Dignified □ Old-fashioned 4. Where do you currently live? □ Inviting □ Australia □ Predictable □ Canada □ Too idealized □ New Zealand □ United Kingdom/Ireland 11. I am less likely to read an article that □ United States is longer than: □ Other ______□ 1 page □ 2 pages 5. Including yourself, how many people □ 3 pages read your copy of the Ensign? □ 4 pages □ 1 □ 5 pages □ 2 □ 6 or more pages □ 3 □ Length is irrelevant to what I choose to read □ 4 or more 12. I would like to read more articles about: 6. About how much of the Ensign do you read each month? □ 10 percent or less □ 25 percent or less □ 50 percent or less □ Most or all of it
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 79 13. Besides the First Presidency and visiting teaching messages, what four features do you look at first when you receive the Ensign? Please mark only four. □ Contents page □ Articles mentioned on the cover □ Articles on social issues □ News of the Church □ Personal experiences (including LDS Voices) □ Family or marriage articles □ Articles for single adults □ General Authority articles □ Historical or scholarly articles □ Articles related to a Sunday lesson □ Pictures, art □ Random Sampler
14. How often do you read the following types of articles in the Ensign? Please mark one choice on each line. Never Rarely Sometimes Usually Always Doctrinal articles □□□□ □ Historical and other scholarly articles □□□□ □ Personal experiences (e.g., LDS Voices) □□□□ □ Random Sampler □□□□ □ Family or marriage articles □□□□ □ Articles for single adults □□□□ □ Articles related to a Sunday lesson □□□□ □ Articles that showcase gospel art □□□□ □ Articles on social issues (e.g., addiction, adoption, etc.) □□□□ □ 15. How much do you agree or disagree with the following? Please mark one choice on each line. Strongly Disagree Neither Agree Agree Strongly Disagree nor Disagree Agree The Ensign presents a realistic portrait of the lives and challenges of Latter-day Saints. □□ □ □□ Each issue has something that speaks to my interests and concerns. □□ □ □□ The Ensign is intellectually stimulating. □□ □ □□ Articles in the Ensign are consistent with official Church doctrines and policies. □□ □ □□ The Ensign is spiritually uplifting. □□ □ □□ Reading the Ensign helps me better understand gospel doctrines. □□ □ □□ 16. On a scale from 1 to 10, how would you rate your overall satisfaction with the Ensign? Please circle a number. NOT AT ALL SATISFIED COMPLETELY SATISFIED 12345678910 17. On a scale from 1 to 10, how would you rate the importance of the Ensign in your life? Please circle a number.
NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT VERY IMPORTANT 12345678910
18. Please share any other comments or suggestions you may have.
80 MAY NOT BE COPIED MAY Little One, by Jay Bryant Ward During Jesus Christ’s visit to the people gathered in the land Bountiful in A.D. 34, He “took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them. “And when he had done this he wept again; “And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones” (3 Nephi 17:21–23).
ENSIGN SEPTEMBER 2008 3 The Lord commands The Lord us to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118). This is one of more than 140 scriptural references to learning. How can we make the most of our opportunities to learn? See “The Power of Diligent Learning,” p. 24.
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