THE ENSIGN OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • A UGUST 2001

“Lift Up Your Voice and Sing,” p. 42 Happiness, Health, and Marriage, p. 28 A Thousand Dollars, anby EarGlen S. Hopkinson

Explorer and mountain man Jim Bridger, center, who met with the advance party of Latter-day Saint pioneers headed for the Salt Lake Valley, “considered it imprudent to bring a large population into the Great Basin,” President Brigham Young recorded. The explorer offered $1,000 for proof that corn could be grown there. Replied President Young: “Wait a little, and we will show you” (B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 3:201). THE ENSIGN OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • AUGUST 2001

VOLUME 31 NUMBER 8 2“WHO SHALL ASCEND INTO THE HILL OF THE LORD?” ONTHE COVERS: Front and back: Photography by Craig President James E. Faust Dimond. Inside front: A Thousand Dollars an Ear, by Glen S. Hopkinson, oil on canvas, 36” x 60”, 1998. Courtesy 6IDENTITY, PRIORITY, AND BLESSINGS of Glenn and Mary Potter. Inside back: Time to Laugh, by Elder Russell M. Nelson Liz Lemon Swindle, oil on canvas, 30” x 40”, 1998. Courtesy of Repartee Gallery. 13 A DISPOSITION TO DO GOOD CONTINUALLY

THE FIRST PRESIDENCY: Gordon B. Hinckley, Elder Spencer J. Condie Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust 20 ORDINANCES AND COVENANTS QUORUM OF THE TWELVE: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, David B. Haight, Neal A. Maxwell, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Richard G. Scott, EEKING THE ON Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, Henry B. Eyring 27 S S Jeannie Lancaster APPINESS EALTH AND ARRIAGE EDITOR: Dennis B. Neuenschwander 28 H , H , M ADVISERS: L. Lionel Kendrick, Yoshihiko Kikuchi, Elizabeth VanDenBerghe John M. Madsen HAPPINESS, HEALTH, UATEMALA UILDING TOWARD THE UTURE CURRICULUM DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATORS 36 G : B F AND MARRIAGE, P. 28 MANAGING DIRECTOR: Ronald L. Knighton Don L. Searle EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Richard M. Romney GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Allan R. Loyborg 42 “LIFT UP YOUR VOICE AND SING” EDITORIAL STAFF 48 TANGLED IN THE WEB Name Withheld MANAGING EDITOR: Jay M. Todd ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITORS: Don L. Searle, 52 FROM NEW YORK TO UTAH: SEVEN CHURCH HEADQUARTERS Jonathan H. Stephenson ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Judith M. Paller, LaRene Porter Gaunt, Keith W. Perkins Devan Jensen 59 PINK AND WHITE PAGES Pamela J. Reid ASSISTANT EDITORS: Rebecca M. Taylor, Kerry G. Smith, Barbara Jean Jones 60 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES TEXT PROGRAMMER: Sally J. Odekirk THIRSTING FOR THE LIVING WATER Victor Manuel Cabrera DESIGN STAFF MAGAZINE GRAPHICS MANAGER: M. M. Kawasaki THE VERY EXPERIENCE I NEEDED Ruth Harris Swaner ART DIRECTOR: J. Scott Knudsen A WRONG TURN AT THE RIGHT PLACE Sandra S. Kaup SENIOR DESIGNERS: C. Kimball Bott, Fay P. Andrus, Tadd R. Peterson 64 ON-SITE: UNRAVELING RECORDS OF THE PAST DESIGNER: Thomas S. Child ANDOM AMPLER PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION 68 R S PRINTING DIRECTOR: Kay W. Briggs 70 VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR (SUBSCRIPTIONS): Kris T. Christensen STRENGTHENING OUR FAMILIES THROUGH FAMILY HOME EVENING © 2001 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. The Ensign (ISSN 0884-1136) is published monthly by 71 NEWS OF THE CHURCH The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 East North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-3224, United States of America. Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah, and at additional mailing offices. All materials may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use unless otherwise indicated. Other uses FROM NEW YORK TO UTAH: require permission of the copyright owner. SEVEN CHURCH HEADQUARTERS, P. 52 The Ensign (preferred pronunciation: N’sign, not N’sun) will consider unsolicited manuscripts and art, but submis- sions must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope if return delivery is desired. Unsolicited manu- scripts and comments may also be submitted via e-mail at [email protected]. We encourage inter- ested authors to see “Call for Articles,” printed from time to time in “Comment.” Unless identified in captions, some persons photographed are models representing the situations portrayed. TO SUBSCRIBE: Send $10.00 U.S. check or money order to Church Magazines (see address below). Subscription help line: 1-800-537-5971. Credit card orders (American Express, MasterCard, Visa) may be taken by phone. Audiocassettes: Individuals with visual impairment or physi- cal disability may obtain half-speed, four-track audiocassettes of the magazine. These are available monthly free of charge or through donations. Write to: Ensign Talking Book (see address below) or call 1-800-537-5971. Regular issues are to reach U.S. and Canadian subscribers by the first of the month, May and November general conference issues about two weeks later. NOTICE OF ADDRESS CHANGES: Sixty days’ notice required. Include address label from a recent issue; old address, as well as new address, is needed. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Salt Lake Distribution Center, Church Magazines, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, Utah 84126-0368, United States of America. CANADA POST INFORMATION: Publication Agreement #1604791

THE ENSIGN/MONTH 2001 1 F IRST P RESIDENCY M ESSAGE “Who Shall ASCEND into the Hill of the Lord?”

B Y P RESIDENT J AMES E. FA UST As we feel and see the awesome beauty of each Second Counselor in the First Presidency temple, we see in vision and hold in our remem- brance the endless blessings that will come to so n the 24th Psalm is the query, “Who many through its being. However, we should re- shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? member that we have faithful leaders and Saints or who shall stand in his holy place?” in parts of the world where as yet they have no hal- (Ps. 24:3). I believeI we find the beauty and sanctity of lowed sanctuary in which to receive the sanctifying “his holy place” as we enter the magnificent temples and cleansing ordinances of the temple. They are of God. Under the prophetic inspiration of President stake presidencies, patriarchs, high councilors, bish- Gordon B. Hinckley, we are living in the greatest day oprics, and other priesthood leaders, and a host of of temple building. Almost every week last year a faithful Saints, as yet unendowed, who desire above new temple was dedicated. In one month as many as all else to be sealed to their beloved parents, com- seven temples were dedicated. Never before in any panions, and children. We have the blessing and the age has temple construction gone forward on such a responsibility of helping them receive the blessings grand scale. The faithful Saints who pay their tithes of the temple. Future temples will in a measure be and offerings have made this possible, and each will a sanctification of our devotion and labors to build receive eternal blessings because of his or her faithful- the kingdom of God in our time. ness. Those who take advantage of the blessings of In the magnificence and splendor of our modern

the temple will also be eternally blessed. temples, well might we pause and reflect upon the T MEHMOOD ALA T

Each temple building is an inspiration, magnifi- laborers without shirts and shoes who built the Y cent and beautiful in every way, but the temple build- Nauvoo and Kirtland Temples. Each temple that ing alone does not bless. The endowed blessings and stands today is a vindication of Joseph and Hyrum

divine functions—involving much that is not of this Smith and a triumph for them and all of our people A FIJI TEMPLE B world, such as priesthood keys—come through obe- who suffered the destruction, the beatings, and the dience and faithfulness to priesthood authority and murders at the hands of the cruel tyrants in the mobs

covenants made. who drove our people west. PHOTO OF SUV

2 s we feel and see the awesome beauty ofA each temple, we hold in our remembrance the endless blessings that will come to so many through its being.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 3 There is triumph for little Sardius Smith, a lad of countenances as they are sealed together and as about nine years who, at the Haun’s Mill Massacre there is sealed upon them, through their faithful- (30 October 1838), crawled under the bellows in the ness, the blessing of the holy Resurrection, with blacksmith shop to seek safety and, when discovered, power to come forth in the morning of the First was shot dead. There is triumph for Bishop Edward Resurrection clothed with glory, immortality, and Partridge (1743–1840), who was seized in his home eternal lives. We can see unnumbered families sur- and dragged to the town square by brutal and heart- rounding the altar, all clothed in white, with bowed less men who proceeded to pour hot tar over his heads and clasped hands, as they are sealed one body and sprinkle it with to another, as though feathers. they were born in the In the temples of the new and everlasting Lord, we learn obedi- covenant. We can see ence. We learn sacrifice. the army of angelic We make the vows of young children with the chastity and have our mirth and eagerness of lives consecrated to holy youth, coming to the purposes. It is possible house of the Lord with for us to be purged and awe and wonder to be purified and to have our baptized for the dead. sins washed away so that We see the vision of we may come before the the heavenly hosts un- Lord as clean, white, and numbered whose eternal spotless as the newly odysseys have been sus- fallen snow. pended as they wait for “Who shall ascend their vicarious work to into the hill of the Lord?” be done, including the JED CLARK

We can see in vision the purification of baptism, Y almost endless hosts of the hallowed blessings

the elect, the devout, the of the endowment, and PHOTO B believing who shall come the exalting beatitude of to God’s holy sanctuary sealings. We can see fam- to seek its blessings. As ilies dancing, shouting, they enter those hal- and crying with joy in lowed halls, Nephi their being united in would remind all that another world. VID LINDSLEY A

“the keeper of the gate D We are grateful for is the Holy One of Israel; Y the presence of the seal- and he employeth no ing power that binds in AINTING B servant there; and there P heaven that which is is none other way save n the magnificence and splendor of our modern bound here on earth. it be by the gate; for temples, well might we pause and reflect upon the We render thanks for he cannot be deceived, I and veneration to our for the Lord God is his laborers who built the Nauvoo and Kirtland Temples great and humble name” (2 Ne. 9:41). under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith and prophet, who holds As the Saints come other Church leaders. all of these keys. into the sacrosanct wash- “Who shall stand ing and anointing rooms in his holy place?” May and are washed, they will there be extended a help- be spiritually cleansed. As they are anointed, they ing hand to those who have wavered in their faith or will be renewed and regenerated in soul and spirit. who have transgressed, to bring them back. After We can see in vision the countless couples in fully repenting, they will have a special need for the their youth and beauty coming to be married. redemptive portion of the endowment. May they We see clearly the unspeakable joy on their know that their sins will no more be remembered.

4 IDEAS FOR HOME TEACHERS Some Points of Emphasis You may wish to make these points in your home teaching discussions: 1. What a blessing it is to live in this great day of temple building. 2. It is good to reflect on the early laborers with- ur homes should be committed and dedicated only out shirts and shoes who built the Kirtland and to holy purposes. In our homes all of the security, the Nauvoo Temples. strengtheningO love, and the sympathetic understanding 3. Many members still do not live near temples; that we all so desperately need should be found. we have the responsibility to help them receive temple blessings. 4. The blessings of the temple come through obedience and faithfulness to priesthood authority As we recall the commandment to stand in and covenants made. holy places, we should remember that beyond 5. In temples we learn about obedience, the temple, the most sacred and holy places in all sacrifice, chastity, and consecrating our lives the world should be our own dwelling places. Our to holy purposes. homes should be committed and dedicated only 6. Beyond the temple, the most sacred and to holy purposes. In our homes all of the security, holy places should be our own homes, places also the strengthening love, and the sympathetic under- dedicated to holy purposes. standing that we all so desperately need should be found. Discussion Helps “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or 1. Relate your feelings about the temple. who shall stand in his holy place? 2. Are there some scriptures or quotations in this “He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who article that the family might read aloud and discuss? hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn de- 3. Would this discussion be better after a previsit ceitfully” (Ps. 24:3–4). For “holiness becometh thine chat with the head of the house? Is there a message house, O Lord, for ever” (Ps. 93:5). អ from the bishop or quorum leader? Gospel topics: temples, covenants, priesthood keys, sealing power

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 5 Identity, Priority, Blessings

Some people on life’s &journey forget who they really are and what is really important. Without sure identity and priority, blessings that matter most are at the mercy of things that matter least.

B Y E LDER R USSELL M. NELSON ‘Why doesn’t Daddy come home anymore?’ They Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles seem to be comfortable with my answer that Daddy is busy helping many sick people, but what should n understanding of the inter- I tell them when they are old enough to under- relationships between identity, stand that Daddy could have chosen a less priority, and blessings can help time-consuming specialty? . . . Please help me Latter-day SaintsA deal better with life’s challenges. understand. I have been praying for peace and It is important to know who you are and who you understanding. may become. It is more important than what you do, Signed, “With much respect and admiration.” vital as your work is. You pursue an education to pre- Now, why do I trouble you with their problems? pare for life’s work, but you also need to prepare for Simply because many of you are or will be where life—eternal life. I emphasize this because some peo- they are now—very busy and very frustrated. They ple on life’s journey forget who they really are and should solve their own problems, and I’m confident what is really important. Without sure identity and they will. Perhaps we can use their quandary as a priority, blessings that matter most are at the mercy springboard for our discussion. of things that matter least. Such concerns are not limited to those in the medi- VID LINDSLEY May I illustrate by reading from a letter written by cal profession. The wife of a doctor, like the wife of a A D a young mother: truck driver, soldier, or airline pilot, must know that BY “Dear Elder and Sister Nelson, her husband’s work will take him away from home.

“My husband . . . just started his internship. . . . That places the burden of fidelity, identity, and prior- TLE ONES,” We have four children, ages 20 months to seven ity squarely on the shoulders of each individual and years (and would like to have more). My problem is every married couple as they strive to merit the bless- OUR LIT that I don’t see how he can give time to our family ings of the Lord. It was never easy to be a committed ”BEHOLD Y as the prophets have directed us to do. . . . My seven- Latter-day Saint, and it isn’t now. But the rewards are :

year-old and five-year-old have already asked me, well worth it. RIGHT

6 f the Lord were to speak to you, He would urge Iyou to understand your identity—to know who you really are. He did so when He spoke to the people of ancient America.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 7 IDENTITY even longer. Those terms intern and resident mean just what they say. An intern is “confined to” and a resi- If the Lord were to speak to you, He would urge dent “resides in” a hospital. That portends double you to understand your identity—to know who you trouble for a family. really are. He did so when He spoke to the people of I remember when I was a resident in a large hos- ancient America. After identifying Himself, He in- pital in Boston. I was off duty every other night and formed His listeners of their identity: every other weekend. On nights off, I arrived home “Behold,” He said, “ye are the children of the to my wife and our four children after the babies’ bed- prophets; and ye are of the house of Israel; and ye are time. I departed in the morning before they were all of the covenant which the Father made with your fa- awake. In order for me to attend sacrament meeting, I thers, saying unto Abraham: And in thy seed shall all had to trade hours of duty with some of my Jewish or the kindreds of the earth be blessed” (3 Ne. 20:25; em- Seventh-day Adventist colleagues. They were willing phasis added). to cover for me temporarily on my Sabbath as I cov- You share that same identity, which means even ered for them on theirs. Incidentally, I enjoyed some more if you have been sealed to your companion in of my very most successful home teaching experi- the temple. Some of you are still searching for the ences on those highly prized nights off. right one. I wish you well! My years of training Keep searching! Don’t for- were followed by a surgi- get: “Neither is the man cal career that was won- without the woman, nei- derful and filled with STEVE BUNDERSON

ther the woman without Y challenge and reward. the man, in the Lord” But now it is behind me.

(1 Cor. 11:11). Isn’t that a PHOTO B Thankfully, my dear wife nice scripture? I love it! is still with me. Recently Whether married or we celebrated our 55th single, you will all have wedding anniversary. work to do. I hope it will Our family is most be enjoyable. It’s nice to precious to us. She bounce out of bed each has blessed us with 10 morning eager to enjoy a children. The time that day’s work, and it is espe- elapsed between my cially gratifying when we graduation from medical can bless the lives of others. school and my entering But please remember: You private practice was about work to sustain life; you ives, learn the doctrines and teach them to your 12 years. Seven of those don’t live to sustain work. children. The days are gone when the husband 10 children arrived before Your life will be a W we could really “afford” blessed and balanced expe- was the theologian and the wife was the Christian. them. Now all 10 have rience if you first honor been married in the tem- your identity and priority. Keep a good, long-range ple and have families of their own. They have brought view, knowing that the days of retirement from your us 52 grandchildren. We are so grateful for temple en- work will come. There will also be an end to your mor- dowments and sealings that bind us together forever! tal life. For the hale and hearty, those realities seem pretty remote—about the last things they worry about. PRIORITY But the day of your demise is coming, and eventually you will stand before the Lord in judgment. My background in medicine may be relevant, Contemplation of life after retirement and life even though most of you are not doctors of medi- after death can help you deal with contemporary cine. Eternal principles that govern happiness apply challenges. I hope you will pardon reference to my equally to all. I doubt that the Lord cares much which personal experience. Hopefully, lessons from my life honorable vocation you pursue. But He does care if may be relevant to you and to the busy intern hus- you love one another and serve one another (see band and his wife who wrote the letter. Mosiah 4:15). And He cares that you have the obedi- Retirement looks a long way off for this couple. ence and self-discipline needed to maintain your Even a year of internship seems unbearable. And it identity and honor your highest priorities. will probably be followed by a residency that lasts Through thick and thin, Sister Nelson and I

8 have merged our identity and fixed our focus on our you can get. You will need it for the world into which highest priority, our eternal marriage. Through the you will move. . . . No other generation in all of his- prolonged period of education and later medical tory has offered women so many opportunities. Your practice, she could have complained about my sched- first objective should be a happy marriage, sealed in ule, but she never did. Our children did not feel they the temple of the Lord, and followed by the rearing were deprived of their father’s time, simply because of a good family. Education can better equip you for Sister Nelson never murmured. Their attitudes were the realization of those ideals.”1 shaped by her attitude. Every moment we were to- President Hinckley also said, “In the process of gether she seized as an opportunity to provide a little educating your minds, stir within yourselves a greater bit of heaven on earth for me and our children. sensitivity to the beautiful, the artistic, and the cultiva- Now our children are adults with little ones of tion of the talent you possess, be it large or small.”2 their own. We enjoy extended family home evenings Thank you, sisters, for your faith and devotion. once a month with all available members of our fam- The Church is greatly strengthened by your service. ily. At that time we also celebrate family birthdays. Your responsibilities are of such import that, should Many names are written on each birthday cake. After you fail, the brethren would not succeed. those gala gatherings are over—when peace and Brothers and sisters, be of good cheer. Take life one quiet have again been restored—Sister Nelson and I step at a time and do the best you can each day. Life lovingly embrace each other, grateful that we never passes so swiftly. We do not know how many years allowed anything to take higher priority than our we may have together here in mortality. For Sister love—husband for wife, and wife for husband. Nelson and me, that number is dwindling I pay tribute to Sister Nelson, this magnificent wife down to a precious few. We are pro- and mother who has always been supportive. When foundly grateful that our love endures, people have asked her how she managed with 10 even in our empty nest. Real love is not children with so little time available from her hus- measured in terms of moonlight and band, she has responded with a twinkle in her eye, roses but in terms of who will care for saying, “When I married him, I didn’t expect much, you when you are old. so I was never disappointed.” When mortal life is over, each of us Through those years of internship, residency, and will return to God, who gave us life. all that followed, she faithfully served in Primary, In a judgment interview, I doubt Young Women, and Relief Society. In addition, she that He will ask a surgeon, “How sang with the Tabernacle Choir for 20 years. many operations did you per- You young women can learn much from Sister form?” or “Do you wish you Nelson’s example. Sustain your husbands in their important work, and don’t be selfish in your expecta- tions. Let your husband return to a home of affection, not contention. Meanwhile, learn the doctrines and teach them to your children. The days are gone when the husband was the theolo- gian and the wife was the Christian. President Gordon B. Hinckley gave counsel to you sisters. He said: “I urge each of you young women to get all of the schooling

resident Hinckley said to the young women of the Church, P“Your first objective should be a happy marriage, sealed in the

temple of the Lord, and followed Y A. LARSEN

by the rearing of a good family. KELL Y Education can better equip you for the realization of those ideals.” PHOTO B

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 9 had spent more time at the hospital?” But I know He sacrifice literally becomes a part of our own identity. will ask if Sister Nelson and I remained faithful to our One day you will be asked if you took upon covenants to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus yourself the name of Christ and if you were faithful Christ and always remember Him. No doubt He will to that covenant. The newest convert makes the same carefully scrutinize my apostolic ministry, but that vi- covenant that each of us has made, to take upon us tal subject will probably be subordinated to His evalu- the Lord’s name. We are all allowed—even encour- ation of my record as a husband and father. aged—to achieve the fulness of the stature of Christ I don’t fear death. In fact, a scripture describes a (see Eph. 4:13). Saint’s death as “precious in the sight of the Lord” I come to you in my true identity as a husband, (Ps. 116:15). It will be precious to me, too, as I am re- a father, and an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. My united with our parents and our precious daughter priorities are my wife, my family, and my ministry. I Emily, who died some five years ago. Her passing am to teach plain and precious things that have been left her young and righteous husband with five chil- restored in these latter days. As special witnesses of dren. I will eagerly meet my ancestors and preceding His name in all the world, the Apostles “talk of Christ, prophets and apostles. And one day Sister Nelson we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we proph- and I will dwell together in the presence of our family esy of Christ” (2 Ne. 25:26). and the Lord forevermore. In a very real way, you We will have been faithful bear similar responsibility. to covenants made in the TT REIER As Jesus said to His faith- MA temple and to the oath and Y ful followers in ancient covenant of the priesthood, America, He would surely PHOTO B which have assured us, in say to you, “Ye are my dis- the words of the Lord, that ciples; and ye are a light “all that my Father hath unto this people, who are shall be given unto [you]” a remnant of the house of (D&C 84:38). Joseph” (3 Ne. 15:12). You Faithful sisters share the and I are to bear witness; blessings of the priesthood. we are to minister; we are Think of those words “all to enlighten; we are to be that my Father hath.” That an example to all who concept is beyond our come within our sphere mortal comprehension. It of influence. means that no earthly re- This privilege is ours, ward—no other success— 24 hours a day, 365 days could compensate for the a year—even on vacation. bounties the Lord will be- he importance of an inward commitment to the Lord The Savior stated simply: stow upon those who love Tis symbolized as we partake of the sacrament. “What manner of men Him, keep His command- ought ye to be? Verily I ments (see Moro. 4:3), and say unto you, even as I endure to the end (see D&C 14:7). am” (3 Ne. 27:27). Your most sincere sign of adoration of Jesus is your emulation of Him. You know of Him. AN INWARD COMMITMENT TO CHRIST You know of His divine parentage. You know of His mission and ministry in mortality. You know of Him, The Apostle Paul taught that divine doctrines, not by direct visitation but through the testimony of such as these of identity and priority, are to be written the Holy Ghost. “The testimony of the Holy Ghost is “not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart” the strongest testimony that can be given. It is better (2 Cor. 3:3).3 The importance of an inward commitment than a personal visit.”4 to the Lord is symbolized as we partake of the sacra- ment. Contrast it to other promises made in life, usually CONNECTING IDENTITY, PRIORITY, AND BLESSINGS symbolized by an outward sign, such as a raised hand or a written signature. The Lord has invited us to sym- The Lord has revealed our identity, inspired bolize our covenant with Him by a sign that is inward our proper priority, and will fulfill blessings as as well as outward. When the sacred emblems of His covenanted to the remnants of the house of Israel. flesh and blood are administered to us, we are invited The pages of scripture are replete with historical doc- to take them into our bodies. As we do, His atoning umentation of this interrelationship. In 1836, under

10 the direction of the Lord, “Elias appeared, and com- This identity entitles you to “all of the privileges mitted the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, and blessings which the gospel affords” (Official saying that in us and our seed all generations after us Declaration 2). should be blessed” (D&C 110:12). That scripture bears “For ye are lawful heirs, according to the flesh, and upon our identity. have been hid from the world with Christ in God— Delve deeper into sacred history and you will find “Therefore your life and the priesthood have re- that approximately 4,000 years ago the heavens were mained, and must needs remain through you and opened to Father Abraham. To him these words were your lineage until the restoration of all things spoken spoken: by the mouths of all the holy prophets since the “Abraham, behold, my name is Jehovah. . . . world began. “Behold, I will lead thee by my hand, and I will “Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my take thee, to put upon thee my name, . . . and my goodness, a light unto the Gentiles, and through this power shall be over thee. priesthood, a savior unto my people Israel” (D&C “. . . Through thy ministry my name shall be 86:9–11). known in the earth forever, for I am thy God” (Abr. How do you determine your priority? Ask your- 1:16, 18–19). self, What do I really want most of all? Compare your “And I will bless [my people] through thy name; answer with the high standard revealed by your for as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after Creator. He said you are to “seek not the things of this thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed, and shall world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of rise up and bless thee, as their father; God, and to establish his righteousness; and all . . . “. . . I give unto thee a promise that this right shall things shall be added unto you” (JST, continue in thee, and in thy seed after thee . . . shall Matt. 6:38; see KJV, Matt. 6:33, foot- all the families of the earth be blessed, even with the note a). You build up the kingdom of blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of sal- God as you place your family first. A vation, even of life eternal” (Abr. 2:10–11). husband’s highest priesthood duty is These passages confirm the connection between to love and care for his wife, to bless your identity, priority, and promised blessings. Your her and their children. A wife’s responsibility is to apply these lessons to your life. highest calling is to love her hus- How do you discover your identity? First, remem- band and nurture their children. ber that you are children of God, created in His im- As you serve the Lord, know age, sent here “for a wise and glorious purpose.”5 that your “duty is unto the Then you need to search the scriptures. You will find church forever, and this that you are “children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. CRAIG DIMOND “[You are] neither Jew nor Y Greek, . . . neither bond nor free, ... neither male nor female: for PHOTO B ye are all one in Christ Jesus. “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:26–29).

husband’s highest priest- hood duty is to love and careA for his wife, to bless her and their children. A wife’s highest calling is to love her husband and nurture their children.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 11 because of [your] family” (D&C 23:3). From a talk given at a Church Educational System Fireside How do you obtain your blessings? How can you at Brigham Young University on 10 September 2000. qualify for eternal blessings—even “all that [the] Gospel topics: priorities, marriage, family, blessings Father hath”? With your identity preserved and your NOTES priorities properly honored, our Father’s blessings 1. “Stand True and Faithful,” Ensign, May 1996, 92. 2. “Rise to the Stature of the Divine within You,” Ensign, will flow to you by virtue of the holy priesthood, Nov. 1989, 96. which is without beginning or end.6 3. Paul even told us how we can achieve that condition: “That You can lay claim to all the blessings of the Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; . . . [by] being rooted and Abrahamic covenant, destined to be fulfilled in grounded in love” (Eph. 3:17). Alma taught how “a mighty change was . . . wrought in [the] hearts [of his these latter days (see 1 Ne. 15:18). people], and they humbled themselves Blessings and responsibilities once and put their trust in the true and liv- extended to other nations (see Gal. ing God” (Alma 5:13). This change pro- 3:7–9, 14, 27, 29) have now been duced a visible transformation of their faces (see Alma 5:14). given to us (see D&C 110:12). 4. Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines Patriarchal blessings reveal our of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. linkage to the great patriarchs McConkie, 3 vols. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.7 We (1954–56), 3:153. 5. “O My Father,” are the seed of Abraham through Hymns, no. 292. whom all the nations of the earth 6. Adam held that will be blessed. That identity mer- priesthood. It was passed its our precious priority, which in on by Methuselah to Noah. Melchizedek received it through the turn brings to us the blessings of lineage of his fathers, and Abraham heaven. received it from Melchizedek (see D&C These blessings include access 84:14–17). To Abraham was specifically to the Book of Mormon, which revealed the promise that through him and his seed—his biological and his stands as another testament of spiritual heirs—“all the families of the Jesus Christ. It also stands as a sign earth [would] be blessed, even with the that God will keep His covenants blessings of the Gospel, which are the with the remnants of the house of blessings of salvation, even of life eter- nal” (Abr. 2:11; see also Abr. 2:8–10; Israel (see 3 Ne. 16:11–12; 29:3; Gen. 12:2–3). Morm. 5:20; 8:21; 9:37). 7. Patriarchal blessings are conferred This Church has been re- upon faithful members of the Church, stored to the earth to fulfill di- that they might know who they are and that they might accept the respon- vine prophecies and purposes. sibility of making the blessings of the Israel is to be gathered. Families priesthood available to their children are to be sealed in holy temples and to all whom they can teach by (see 1 Pet. 3:18–20; 4:6; D&C 1:11; word of mouth and by example. 8 8. Eventually, the families of all 138:10–37; Abr. 2:8–11). And the nations will be given the opportunity to world is to be prepared for the be so blessed, whether in earth life or in CRAIG DIMOND Second Coming of the Savior. Y the spirit world. Members of the Church are PHOTO B among “the elect of God” (Col. 3:12; see also Titus 1:1; D&C 84:34), his Church has been restored to the LET’S TALK ABOUT IT to whom truths of the gospel and earth to fulfill divine prophecies and Most Ensign articles can ordinances of the priesthood have purposes.T Israel is to be gathered. Families are be used for family home evening been given. Enjoy these blessings discussions. The following and teach them to others by pre- to be sealed in holy temples. And the world questions are for that purpose cept and example. is to be prepared for the Second Coming. or for personal reflection: May you know your identity, 1. How does knowing who you are and who you can who we really are help us become; may you establish your priority, held high understand our purpose in life? and protected from erosion; and may you qualify for 2. From a gospel perspective, what should our blessings of the Lord to be with you, to bring joy to highest priorities be? you—His faithful sons and daughters—and to your 3. What blessings can we receive as we honor our posterity. អ identity and our highest priorities?

12 A DISPOSITION TO DO GOOD CONTINUALLY Perhaps the best evidence of true conversion is the disposition to do evil no more.

B Y E LDER S PENCER J. CONDIE and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may Of the Seventy receive forgiveness of our sins.” In response to their pleas, “the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and ore than 2,000 years ago a large they were filled with joy” (Mosiah 4:2–3). This feeling congregation of Saints gathered of joy is one of the hallmarks of being forgiven of our round the temple in the land of sins, for, as Alma declared, “Wickedness never was Zarahemla toM hear one of the greatest sermons ever happiness” (Alma 41:10). recorded in holy writ. King Benjamin reminded his listeners several times that he spoke the words given him by an angel of God (see Mosiah 3:2; 4:1; 4:11; 5:5). After listening to King Benjamin’s stirring sermon, the vast congregation cried in unison, “O have mercy, APP L. K Y R GA BY

t the conclusion of King Benjamin’s inspired

CHES TO THE NEPHITES, address,A the people believed all of his words and had “no

AMIN PREA more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.” KING BENJ

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 13 he Beatitudes encourage the development of dispositions toward Tmeekness, mercy, purity of heart, and many other godly attributes.

Mount. Whereas the Ten Com- mandments prohibit certain be- haviors such as murder, adultery, and profanity, the higher law for- bids even the dispositions leading to these evil behaviors—respec- tively, anger, lustful thoughts, and any swearing at all (see Matt. 5:21–37; 3 Ne. 12:21–37). The Beatitudes encourage the development of dispositions to- ward meekness, mercy, purity of heart, and many other godly at- DIMOND

tributes (see Matt. 5:3–12; 3 Ne. CRAIG Y 12:3–12). When one has a dispo- sition to do good continually, the :: PHOTO B natural consequence will be to “abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thes. 5:22) and not to “look upon sin save it were with abhorrence” (Alma 13:12). As they recognized the goodness of God, the peo- King Benjamin cautioned his people: “I cannot tell ple of Zarahemla also experienced a “peace of con- you all the things whereby ye may commit sin. . . . But ORG IN HILLEROD, DENMARK; RIGHT science” and were “filled with the love of God,” two this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch your- further manifestations that they had been forgiven selves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your FREDERIKSB

(see Mosiah 4:3, 12). They learned of other indicators deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and T of forgiveness: they would “not have a mind to injure continue in the faith of what ye have heard concern- one another” (Mosiah 4:13), nor would they permit ing the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your their children to “transgress the laws of God, and lives, ye must perish.” He then lovingly admonished fight and quarrel one with another” (Mosiah 4:14). the Saints to “remember, and perish not” (Mosiah Another token of a remission of sins was their inclina- 4:29–30; emphasis added; see Alma 12:14). tion to help those in need and a desire to “impart of TIONAL HISTORIC MUSEUM A the substance that [they] have one to another” CULTIVATING DISPOSITIONS (Mosiah 4:21). At the conclusion of King Benjamin’s inspired ad- Many people’s dispositions mirror the cultural tra- TESY OF THE NA

dress, the people believed all of his words, and they ditions that they internalized while growing up. The , COUR experienced a mighty change of heart and had “no widespread consumption of alcohol, immodesty of more disposition to do evil, but to do good continu- dress and behavior, and cohabitation without mar- ally” (Mosiah 5:2). Perhaps of all the evidence of true riage are but a few examples of cultural traditions

conversion and a remission of sins, this is the most alien to the spirit of the gospel. So it is that the ARL HEINRICH BLOCH C BY

significant: the disposition to do evil no more, but to do “wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, , good continually. through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers” (D&C 93:39). THE LAW OF MOSES AND THE HIGHER LAW These traditions seem natural because most people in a given society engage in such behaviors, but the A focus on dispositions constitutes a significant commandments of God are based upon revealed THE SERMON ON MOUNT distinction between the law of Moses and the higher truth, not popular preferences. Thus, King Benjamin :

law introduced by the Savior in the Sermon on the warned his people that “the natural man is an enemy LEFT

14 to God,” and he exhorted them to put off the natural Perfection, 10th ed. [1953], 150). Elder James E. Talmage man, or in other words to reject unholy traditions (1862–1933) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and to undergo a mighty change in their natural dis- taught, “A thoroughly truthful man cannot culpably positions by yielding “to the enticings of the Holy lie; nevertheless his insurance against falsehood is not Spirit” (Mosiah 3:19). that of external compulsion, but of internal restraint Sometimes members become so fond of certain due to his cultivated companionship of the spirit of traditions within the Church that a change in a given truth” (Jesus the Christ, 3rd ed. [1916], 134). policy or procedure becomes a test of their faith. They The eternal consequences of our desires and dis- believe in continuous revelation as long as it does not positions were poignantly explained to Corianton by involve change. Describing the Saints in his day, the his father, Alma, who taught that “in the last day it Prophet Joseph Smith once exclaimed, “I have tried shall be restored unto him according to his deeds. If for a number of years to get the minds of the Saints he has desired to do evil, and has not repented in his prepared to receive the things of God; but we fre- days, behold, evil shall be done unto him, according quently see some of them . . . will fly to pieces like to the restoration of God” (Alma 42:27–28). glass as soon as anything comes that is contrary to The person who fails to pay an honest tithe may their traditions” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, develop a disposition similar to the individual who sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 331). robs a bank: the main differences are the victims and the methods. The Lord Himself asks: “Will a man rob DISPOSITIONS GROW FROM DESIRES God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings” (Mal. 3:8). The seeds of our disposition toward good or evil Individuals who act in unrighteous anger toward are largely sown by our desires. In teaching the wayward Zoramites how they could gain a knowl- edge of the truth, Alma admonished them to “ex- ercise a particle of faith,” and if they could “no more than desire to believe, [to] let this desire work in [them]” (Alma 32:27). What begins as a fleeting desire, when cultivated and pursued long enough, becomes a habitual form of thought or behavior. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972), then a mem- ber of the Quorum of the Tw elve Apostles, observed, “It is just as easy to form good habits as it is to form evil ones” (The Way to

onfession must be followed by cultivating aC disposition to do evil no more, evidenced by completely forsaking sin, and this requires the passage of time.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 15 a neighbor may develop dispositions like those of Galatians that after his conversion he did not immedi- a dictator who would run roughshod over others. ately join the other Apostles in Jerusalem; rather he Internet and TV addicts who sample Satan’s “went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. smutty smorgasbord of pornography gain the same Then after three years,” said he, “I went up to Jeru- inclinations as the person who actually commits im- salem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days” moral acts; the dispositions differ only by degree. (Gal. 1:17–18). Even after preaching the gospel in James described this process in sequential detail: Damascus, when he joined his brethren in Jerusalem “Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of “they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath con- was a disciple” (Acts 9:26). Given Paul’s reputation of ceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is fin- previously having sought to destroy the Church, it ished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:14–15). Our took time for others to acknowledge that he had now dispositions are generally manifest in our behaviors, developed the disposition of a disciple of Christ. and thus James gives each of us the challenge: “Shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee MANIFESTATIONS OF DISPOSITIONS my faith by my works” (James 2:18). There are many manifestations of our disposition DEVELOPING A DISPOSITION TAKES TIME toward either good or evil. For example, we may per- ceive ourselves to be kind and charitable, but we may Some potential missionaries or a few couples plan- have a penchant for telling ethnic jokes that belie our ning to be sealed in the temple are occasionally dis- compassion. We may think we are patient and long- traught to learn that recent transgressions will require suffering, but then others may observe our mild them to wait a year or longer before claiming the symptoms of road rage when another driver sud- blessings of a mission or a temple marriage. They denly cuts in front of us. We may envisage ourselves wonder if their fasting, their tears, and their prayers to be compassionate and tolerant among our work are of no avail in demonstrating a broken heart and a associates and neighbors, while our immediate family contrite spirit as they ask, “Why must we now be re- members may view us as intolerant and unkind. quired to wait so long?” Our use of time, especially leisure time, reveals This seems to be a fair question, especially in light our dispositions toward good or evil. The Lord de- of the Lord’s assurance, “By this ye may know if a clared, “For he who is faithful and wise in time is ac- man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess counted worthy to inherit the mansions prepared for them and forsake them” (D&C 58:43). Confession is him of my Father” (D&C 72:4). Some individuals fill a crucial prerequisite to forgiveness, but confession weekends and free evenings with television, whereas must be followed by cultivating a disposition to do others visit the temple, study the scriptures and read evil no more, evidenced by completely forsaking sin, other great books, teach young children how to read and this requires the passage of time. Peter graphically and write, visit patients in hospitals, share the gospel likened those who briefly repent but do not overcome with neighbors, work on their family history, and be- a disposition toward evil to “the dog [that] is turned come involved in community improvement projects to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed and countless other worthy activities. Theirs is the to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Pet. 2:22). In latter- disposition to do good continually. day revelation the Lord underscored the importance Our attitudes also reflect our dispositions toward of developing a disposition to do good continually good or evil. Chronic criticism and persistent pes- when He declared, “I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to simism and their fellow travelers—sarcasm and cyni- your charge; go your ways and sin no more; but unto cism—often reflect a lack of faith and trust in the that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return, Lord and a gnawing impatience in awaiting for His saith the Lord your God” (D&C 82:7). great plan of happiness to unfold in our lives. Nephi After Saul of Tarsus beheld a blinding heavenly strenuously admonished that we “must press for- light and heard the voice of Jesus Christ, he dramati- ward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a per- cally transformed his life, and his name was changed fect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of to Paul. Following a period of temporary blindness, all men” (2 Ne. 31:20). In the final chapter of the his sight was restored by a blessing at the hand of Book of Mormon, Moroni reaffirmed that “there must Ananias. The chronicler of Acts then recorded that be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be “straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, hope; and if there must be hope there must also be that he is the Son of God” (Acts 9:20). charity” (Moro. 10:20). He further taught that charity, But Paul’s own account of his conversion is more faith, and hope are essential for salvation in the king- detailed than the version in Acts. Paul wrote the dom of God (see Moro. 10:21).

16 ur use of time, especially leisure time, reveals our dispositions toward goodO or evil.

Moroni then made a very important diagnostic declaration: “And if ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and de- spair cometh because of iniquity” (Moro. 10:22). Moroni did not say despair occurs because of adversity. There are countless individuals whose pockmarked souls have been tested to the limit, but they remain faithful and steadfast. It is iniquity which begets despair, because iniquity alienates the Comforter, who is a great source of faith and hope. Despair is manifest by a lack of faith, an absence of hope, and a fail- ure to practice charity toward those who may have offended us or who may have tried to destroy our dreams. Without the healing intervention of faith, hope, and charity, disappointment soon turns to grief and then to despair. President Boyd K. Packer, now Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve, reassures us: “It was meant to be that life would be a chal- lenge. To suffer some anxiety, some depres- sion, some disappointment, even some failure is son Isaac, he demonstrated to the Lord and to his normal.” He then adds: “Teach our members that posterity that he had a disposition to do good contin- if they have a good, miserable day once in a while, ually, as he “rose up early in the morning” (Gen. 22:3; or several in a row, to stand steady and face them. emphasis added) to make necessary preparations for Things will straighten out. There is great purpose in the sacrifice he anticipated would be required of him. our struggle in life” (“That All May Be Edified” [1982], Joseph, Abraham’s great-grandson, provides an- 94). As long as we live righteously and continue to other impressive example of an undeviating disposition nourish our testimony and our faith, increase our to elude evil and to do good continually. When his trust and hope in a loving Heavenly Father, and per- master’s wife sought to seduce him, Joseph indignantly sist in dealing with others with charity, the pure love responded, “How then can I do this great wickedness, of Christ, our disappointments will ultimately not and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:9). Then he fled from turn to anguish, hopelessness, and despair. her presence. Joseph had decided long before meeting Potiphar’s wife that he would never offend God. HUMAN AND DIVINE DISPOSITIONS After Alma had been reviled and spat upon and cast out of the city of Ammonihah, an angel appeared It is good to contrast our human dispositions to him and commanded him to return to the same with the divine disposition of Jesus Christ. During hostile environment from which he had been re- His earthly ministry the Savior humbly acknowl- jected. His love of God in preference to any fear of edged, “I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath men and his disposition to do good are reflected in taught me, . . . for I do always those things that please the fact that “he returned speedily to the land of him” (John 8:28–29). In the Garden of Gethsemane, Ammonihah” (Alma 8:18; emphasis added). in the depths of agony, He compliantly prayed, When the Prophet Joseph Smith recounted the

TT REIER “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke events surrounding the First Vision and the subse- MA

Y 22:42), thus reflecting “the will of the Son being swal- quent appearance of the angel Moroni, he confessed lowed up in the will of the Father” (Mosiah 15:7). that, on occasion, he had “displayed the weakness

PHOTO B After Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his of youth, and the foibles of human nature,” but he

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 17 e strengthen our disposition to do good Weach time we make and keep covenants.

you. . . . For if ye forgive men their tres- passes, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matt. 5:44; 6:14). The Prophet Joseph Smith’s words apply to President Gordon B. Hinckley: “A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race” (Teachings, 174). President Gordon B. Hinckley’s ex- hausting travel schedule, exhausting to those who accompany him, demonstrates his disposition to do good continually by forgoing the comforts of home in order to bless the Saints throughout the earth.

THE “DISPOSITION OF ALMOST ALL MEN” In modern revelation the Lord has fore- warned us “that it is the nature and dispo- sition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion” (D&C 121:39). I can detect un- righteous dominion more easily in others than I can in myself. I may consider my- self to be candid, resolute, and exacting, hastened to add that “no one need suppose me guilty whereas others may consider me to be unkind, intran- of any great or malignant sins. A disposition to com- sigent, and unreasonable. One of the great safeguards mit such was never in my nature” (JS—H 1:28). The against a disposition toward unrighteous dominion is Prophet’s natural disposition to do good was dem- the presidency principle and the council system in the onstrated during Zion’s Camp. In May of 1834, the Church. When leaders humbly seek and listen to the Prophet and his brethren were in the process of counsel of others, and when family members counsel pitching their tents on the Illinois prairie when together, they can generally make decisions which some of the brethren suddenly discovered three will receive the ratifying approbation of the Lord rattlesnakes and were about to kill them. The Prophet (see D&C 107:26–30). NANCY GLAZIER

immediately intervened, teaching: “Let them alone— Our disposition to do good or evil is often re- BY don’t hurt them! How will the serpent ever lose his flected in our interpretations of the commandments venom, while the servants of God possess the same and our reactions to the counsel of the Brethren. For disposition, and continue to make war upon it? Men example, some individuals seek to negotiate a very WITHOUT ANY IRE, must become harmless, before the brute creation; and narrow definition of tithing but prefer a very broad : when men lose their vicious dispositions and cease interpretation of the Word of Wisdom. In the words to destroy the animal race, the lion and the lamb can of Elder Marion G. Romney (1897–1988), then of the dwell together, and the sucking child can play with Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “There are those the serpent in safety” (History of the Church, 2:71). The among us who are trying to serve the Lord without Prophet Joseph lived as he preached. offending the devil” (The Price of Peace, BYU Speeches WELDEN C. ANDERSEN; RIGHT

Such is the disposition engendered by the Savior’s of the Year [1 Mar. 1955], 7). But there are many other Y admonition to “love your enemies, bless them that faithful Latter-day Saints whose lives reflect the dis-

curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray position of the Savior, who always sought to do those : PHOTO B

for them which despitefully use you, and persecute things which pleased His Father (see John 8:29). LEFT

18 LET’S TALK ABOUT IT

COVENANT KEEPERS Most Ensign articles can be used for family home evening discussions. The following questions are for We can strengthen our disposition to do good that purpose or for personal reflection: each time we make and keep covenants. Each time 1. How can we develop a disposition to do good we participate in priesthood ordinances, the powers continually? from on high reach downward and draw us nearer 2. Why does it take time to change our habits? to the heavens. Those who partake of the sacrament What help does the Lord offer us? and temple ordinances with pure hearts and who 3. What link is there between repentance and faithfully keep their covenants require no lengthy in- developing a disposition to do good? structions regarding modest dress, the payment of generous fast offerings and tithing, observance of the Word of Wisdom, or keeping the Sabbath day holy. to claim the promised blessing of the sacramental They need no stern reminders to share the gospel prayer that “they may always have his Spirit to be with others, to attend the temple frequently, to con- with them” (D&C 20:77; emphasis added), and the duct family history research, or to do their home continual companionship of the Spirit cultivates a teaching or visiting teaching. Nor do they need nudges disposition to do good. to visit the sick and to serve those in need. I pray that we may “press forward with a stead- These are the faithful Saints of the Most High who fastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of keep the sacred covenants they have made in the hope, and a love of God and of all men” (2 Ne. 31:20). house of the Lord, “having a determination to serve As we do so, we may become like King Benjamin’s him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that people, having “no more disposition to do evil, but to they have received the Spirit of Christ unto the remis- do good continually” (Mosiah 5:2). អ sion of their sins” (D&C 20:37). Covenant keepers Gospel topics: repentance, conversion, covenants, good works “are willing to bear one another’s burdens” and “are More on this topic: See Richard G. Scott, “The Path to Peace and willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and Joy,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 25–27; Keith Crockett, “Retaining a comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to Remission of Sin,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 79–80; Bible Dictionary, stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all “Repentance,” 760-61. things” (Mosiah 18:8–9). They live the law of Visit www.lds.org or see Church magazines on CD. consecration. Their time, talents, and financial re- sources all belong to the Lord. Keeping their covenants has caused them to develop a dis- position to do good con- tinually, and they are “willing to take upon them the name of [the] Son, and always remem- ber him and keep his commandments which he has given them” (D&C 20:77; empha- sis added). Keeping covenants qualifies them

he Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “Twhen men lose their vicious dispositions . . . , the lion and the lamb can dwell together.”

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 19 ORDINANCES COVENANTS

Sacred ordinances and covenants provide an endowment of divine power in our lives.

B Y E LDER D ENNIS B. Proclaiming the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ N EUENSCHWANDER to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people and Of the Presidency of the Seventy preparing them to receive the ordinances and covenants e are all aware that the mission of the gospel. of the Church is “to help bring Perfecting the Saints by preparing them to re- to pass the immortality and ceive the ordinances and covenants of the gospel and by eternal life ofW man by inviting all people to come unto instruction and discipline to gain exaltation. Christ and be perfected in Him.”1 One of the most Redeeming the dead by performing vicarious significant teachings given by the Savior to the ordinances of the gospel for those who have lived on Apostles just prior to His arrest is this one recorded in the earth. John: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man Participation in sacred ordinances, both live and cometh unto the Father, but by me.”2 This same doc- vicarious, and fidelity or obedience to the covenants trine was taught by King Benjamin in these words: associated with those ordinances are fundamental to “There shall be no other name given nor any other the gospel of Jesus Christ and to the process of com- way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the ing to Him and being perfected in Him. It is on this children of men, only in and through the name of fundamental role of ordinances and covenants that Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.”3 I would like to focus. These and many other scriptures, both ancient and In a very broad sense, everything ordained modern, attest to the fundamental doctrine that Jesus and established by Christ and His atoning sacrifice stand at the very center God’s authority of the plan of salvation. For a Latter-day Saint, the doc- with the intent trine of salvation only in and through the name of Jesus that it be applied in Christ and the Church’s mission to invite all to come to the lives of His Him pertain to all who have lived, or will ever live, on children may be this earth. This doctrine is inclusive by its very nature referred to as and excludes or exempts no one. In answer to the ques- His ordinances. tion of how the Church accomplishes this mission to in- Consequently, the vite all to come unto Christ, we all quickly respond: “by commandments, proclaiming the gospel, perfecting the Saints, and re- deeming the dead.” We would not be wrong, of course. articipation in sacred ordinances and obedience to But in such a quick answer we miss some very critical Pthe covenants associated with those ordinances are pieces of information. The exact response to the ques- fundamental to the process of coming to Jesus Christ and tion as set forth includes these statements: being perfected in Him.

20 Y ANDERSON HARR BY THE SECOND COMING,

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 21 statutes, decrees, and requirements of God are properly again little need for personal participation in ordi- defined as the ordinances of God. Understood in a nances. Additionally, if faith alone is the determining somewhat narrower sense, ordinances are also solemn factor in salvation, one must somehow deal with the acts or ceremonies that have very specific sacred and billions of people who have never heard of Christ or holy purposes, significance, and meaning. My refer- had the opportunity to confess His name. ence to ordinances is in this narrower application. As personal participation in ordinances loses significance, the importance of divine authority also DIFFERENT VIEWS ON ORDINANCES becomes less significant. If this is true, then one bap- tism is as good as another. Indeed, many churches I would like to make a few general observations accept the baptisms performed by other churches concerning the role of ordinances in the modern as valid. Consequently, the concept of divine author- Christian world. In Protestant denominations, grace ity and the importance of properly administered or- and faith have gained ascendancy as the primary, or dinances as requirements of salvation are greatly sole, requirements of salvation. The more singular diminished. the role of grace in the process of salvation, the less There is a corollary observation. The more claim important is the role of ordinances in that process. a church has on antiquity and apostolic authority, That is, if I believe that God arbitrarily decides the more prominent the emphasis on sacred ordi- whether I will or will not be saved, then my partici- nances and upon divine authority to perform them. pation in ordinances will have little overall effect. The Catholic Church in the Western development Likewise, if faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the of Christianity and the Orthodox Church in the East primary or only requirement of salvation, there is both assume this position. Each claims divine au- thority and teaches the importance of sacred ordi- nances referred to as sacraments in the Western he Prophet Joseph Smith tradition, and mysteries in the Eastern. Of these taught, “Ordinances insti- there are basically seven: baptism, confirmation, Ttuted in the heavens before the Eucharist, repentance (including confession), holy foundation of the world, in the orders, marriage, and anointing, either of the sick priesthood, for the salvation of or prior to death. men, are not to be altered or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints changed.” also claims an ancient origin and thereby places ex- ceptional importance both on the role of ordinances and covenants and on the necessity of divine author- ity to administer them. The third article of faith teaches, “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”4 Sacred ordinances and the divine authority to administer them did not begin with the Restoration of the gospel and the founding of the modern Church in 1830. The sacred ordinances of the gospel as requirements for salvation and exal- tation were “instituted from before the foundation of the world.”5 They have always been an im- mutable part of the gospel. The VID LINDSLEY

A Prophet Joseph Smith taught: D

BY “Ordinances instituted in the heavens before the foun- dation of the world, in the priesthood, BROTHER JOSEPH, for the salvation of men, are not to AIL FROM DET 22 be altered or changed. All must be saved on the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness same principles.”6 is not manifest unto men in the flesh.”9 If this were not the case, salvation would indeed Our participation in sacred ordinances teaches be an arbitrary matter and would be restricted to much about the order of God’s kingdom and about those few who may have been fortunate enough to Him. For example, it seems strange to think that one have heard of, and believed in, Jesus Christ. It is this could enter a temple to perform some of the most sa- principle of consistent and unalterable requirements cred ordinances before submitting to baptism, which that gives true meaning to the performance of vicari- is one of the initial ordinances of the gospel. There is ous ordinances in the temple. The order in the kingdom of God, and Prophet wrote that baptism for the there is order in the way we learn dead and the recording of such about it. To Nephi the Lord said, “I baptisms conform “to the ordi- will give unto the children of men nance and preparation that the line upon line, precept upon pre- Lord ordained and prepared be- cept, here a little and there a little; fore the foundation of the world, and blessed are those who hearken for the salvation of the dead who unto my precepts, and lend an ear should die without a knowledge of unto my counsel, for they shall the gospel.”7 learn wisdom; for unto him that Through time and apostasy fol- receiveth I will give more; and lowing Christ’s Resurrection and from them that shall say, We have Ascension, however, the divine s we partake of the sacrament, enough, from them shall be taken authority of the priesthood and the away even that which they have.”10 we express our willingness to sacred ordinances were changed or A Elsewhere the Lord has stated, lost, and the associated covenants take the name of Christ upon us, to “That which is of God is light; and were broken. The Lord revealed always remember Him, and to keep he that receiveth light, and contin- His displeasure over this situation His commandments. ueth in God, receiveth more light; in these words: and that light groweth brighter and “For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and brighter until the perfect day.”11 have broken mine everlasting covenant; We do not receive everything at one time but “They seek not the Lord to establish his righteous- receive knowledge of holy things progressively and ness, but every man walketh in his own way, and af- incrementally as we are worthy of, and obedient to, ter the image of his own god.”8 such knowledge. From the first ordinance of the king- This situation required a restoration of knowl- dom, baptism, we progress through other ordinances edge pertaining to the importance, significance, and such as confirmation and ordination to the priest- appointed administration of sacred gospel ordi- hood, all of which lead to the most holy of ordi- nances, both live and vicarious, as well as the divine nances, which are performed in the temple. Our authority of the priesthood and priesthood keys to participation in the sacred ordinances of the gospel administer them. orders our knowledge of the kingdom and thereby May we now turn our attention to a discussion of reveals the nature of God to us. some of the factors that make personal and worthy Sacred ordinances and knowledge of God are participation in sacred gospel ordinances, properly closely related. Therefore, what are some of the administered, so significant in our determination to things we learn about God by participating in His ap- come unto Christ and be perfected in Him. pointed ordinances? Let us take baptism as an exam- ple. Baptism by immersion is for the remission of sins. A WAY TO KNOW GOD One who has fully repented of his or her sins and with full purpose of heart receives baptism knows First, through personal participation in sacred gospel that God not only has the power to forgive and to ordinances we come to know God. I refer to the 84th sec- take away the burden of guilt associated with sin, tion of the Doctrine and Covenants, in which we read: but that He does so. This person knows, through “And this greater priesthood administereth the personal experience, something about God and His gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the magnificent power and kindness. The only way to kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. truly know these things is by participating worthily “Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power in the ordinance of baptism itself. of godliness is manifest. Baptism opens the door to the kingdom of God, “A nd without the ordinances thereof, and the through which one now not only passes cleanly but

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 23 with a sure knowledge that God forgives. The same men are dead, neither in nor after the resurrection, can be said of all other sacred ordinances of the saith the Lord your God.”13 gospel. Over time and with obedience, we progress We cannot originate such covenants because we into the ordinances of the temple, where our convic- do not possess the power to guarantee them. Conse- tions are strengthened that our most precious rela- quently, we can only enter into covenants that are tionships are not affected by death. This knowledge offered to us by God, and we can enter them only in we receive by participating in the ordinances that the way He prescribes. Examples of this, of course, are meant to teach us such things. Otherwise, they are obvious and numerous. The gospel itself is the will not and cannot be known. new and everlasting covenant be- The Prophet Joseph Smith taught tween God and man. We can enter the following relating to knowing into that covenant in only one essential holy truth through our way: through baptism by immer- participation in sacred ordinances: sion for the remission of our sins. “Reading the experience of others, Without obeying the ordinance, or the revelation given to them, we can neither enter the covenant can never give us a comprehensive nor receive its blessings. God is view of our condition and true the only one who can extend for- relation to God. Knowledge of giveness of sins and bestow the these things can only be obtained blessings of membership in His by experience through the ordi- kingdom that come through bap- nances of God set forth for that rom the first ordinance of the tism. Such blessings, of course, in- purpose.”12 Fkingdom, baptism, we progress clude the gift of the Holy Ghost. As sacred ordinances reveal the through other ordinances such The ordinances of baptism order of the kingdom of God in a as confirmation and ordination and the sacrament are bound to- progressive manner, our participa- to the priesthood. gether inseparably. Through bap- tion in them reveals to us a knowl- tism we receive a remission of our edge of the personality and character of God that can sins. Through the sacrament we “retain a remission” be gained in no other way. of sins.14 By participating in baptism and the sacra- ment, we agree, or covenant, that we are willing A GATEWAY TO COVENANTS to take the name of Christ upon us, to keep His commandments, and to always remember Him. In Second, sacred gospel ordinances are the gateway both instances, based upon our obedience to the to solemn covenants with God. Ordinances and cove- ordinances, God extends the promise, or covenant, nants can hardly be understood apart from each that we would have His Spirit to be with us. Under- other. By ordinances we enter into covenants, and standing the nature of the covenant and living in by covenants we receive the ordinances. Though accordance with its requirements give life and mean- there may be ordinances that do not have an associ- ing to the ordinance itself. ated covenant—such as the blessing and naming of The Lord asks this question: “Will I receive at your children, anointing of the sick, or blessings of com- hands that which I have not appointed?”15 The ap- ARSON fort—there is no eternal covenant that is not con- pointed authority in performing a sacred gospel ordi- EL P D nected to an ordinance. Our important steps toward nance is as essential to the validity of the ordinance as BY , God are introduced by sacred ordinances and are the ordinance itself is to the covenant that accompa- governed by the conditions of the covenants associ- nies it. The Savior told Joseph in the initial visitation, ated with those ordinances. “‘They draw near to me with their lips, but their

ORD JESUS CHRIST Perhaps it would be good at this point to make hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the THE L

: just a comment on the nature of covenants. Eternal commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but covenants are extended or offered to us only by God. they deny the power thereof.’”16

AR RIGHT He is the originator of all such covenants, as He is the The “form of godliness” may have reference to only one who has authority and power to guarantee ordinances common to many Christian churches, their validity beyond the grave. such as baptism, the sacrament, and marriage. These “And everything that is in the world, whether it all may share similarity in their performance, but be ordained of men, by thrones, or principalities, or

ELDON K. LINSCHOTEN; F he power of the Atonement itself is unlocked by Y powers, or things of name, whatsoever they may be, that are not by me or by my word, saith the Lord, sacred gospel ordinances performed under the keys

PHOTO B shall be thrown down, and shall not remain after ofT the priesthood.

24 without the priesthood authority and the accompa- One of the things that set the kingdom of God apart nying covenant, the power of the ordinance is de- is the sense of the holy that exists therein. The world nied. If we eliminate priesthood authority and the can have a sense only of the secular. Worthy participa- covenant portion of an ordinance, we are left only tion in sacred gospel ordinances changes our lives and with the “form of godliness.” brings blessings and power to us that we would other- wise not enjoy. The power of the Atonement itself is AN ENDOWMENT OF DIVINE POWER unlocked by sacred gospel ordinances that are per- formed under the keys of the priesthood. Remission Third, sacred ordinances provide an endowment of of sins is extended through the ordinance of baptism. divine power in our lives. In His conversation with Pilate, Confirmation brings with it the promise of the con- the Savior said, “My kingdom is not of this world.”17 stant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Ordination to Numerous scriptures teach us that there is natural the Melchizedek Priesthood opens the way for “every enmity between the world and the kingdom of God. man [to] speak in the name of God”18 by teaching, blessing, and comforting others. Worthy participation in the holy ordinances of the temple reveals our eter- nal possibilities and places us in a position to realize them. President Brigham Young (1801–77) taught of the temple endowment: “Your endowment is, to re- ceive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels.”19 One of the most beautiful yet most common of the gospel ordinances is that of the sacrament. We partici- pate in it literally thousands of times throughout our lives. Yet because of its ever-present nature in our sacra- ment meetings, we can easily miss its supernal signifi- cance. Partaking worthily of the sacrament can bring a weekly endowment of divine power in our lives. I would like to refer to a scripture which we nor- mally quote in context of baptism, but has wonderful application to sacrament meeting as well: “And it came to pass that [Alma] said unto them: Be- hold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; “Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. . . . “. . . What have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord?”20 Isn’t this a perfect description of a sacrament meeting? Should we not all come to that meeting mourning for our sins and willing to mourn with others over this same matter? The Savior’s promise in the Sermon on the Mount is that those who mourn will be comforted. This occurs during the administration of the sacrament. I think this is why we come to sacra- ment meeting. As we partake of the sacrament, we express our willing- ness to take the name of Christ upon us, to always remember Him,

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 25 and to keep His commandments. For this, God ex- tends His covenant that we will always have His LET’S TALK ABOUT IT Spirit to be with us. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter. Most Ensign articles can be used for family home As we come to the sacrament mourning for our sins, evening discussions. The following questions are for that so may we also leave comforted and forgiven of our purpose or for personal reflection: sins. Is it any wonder, then, that those who stay away 1. How are gospel ordinances gateways to covenants from this sacred ordinance also estrange themselves with God? from the covenant associated with it? 2. In what ways have gospel ordinances and covenants Sacred ordinances are ordained made a difference in your life? of God. They are essential to our sal- 3. How can we more fully partici- vation and exaltation. Through the pate in the sacrament each week? sacred ordinances of the gospel, we More on this topic: See Guide to learn of His kingdom and learn of the Scriptures, “Covenant,” 55; “The Him, we enter into holy and eternal Lord’s Covenant People,” chapter 15 covenants, and we receive an endow- of Gospel Principles; Bruce D. Porter, ment of divine power in our lives. “The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel,” Ensign, Oct. 2000, 8–15. All of these things bring us to Christ that we may be perfected in Him. I bear my witness that we can come unto Christ and be perfected in Him by our worthy participation in the sacred or- dinances appointed by God and instituted from be- fore the foundation of the world. I testify of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and to the saving power of His holy name. អ From a fireside address at Brigham Young University on 27 October 2000. Gospel topics: ordinances, covenants, faith NOTES 1. The Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 2. John 14:6. 3. Mosiah 3:17. 4. A of F 1:3. 5. D&C 124:33. 6. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith (1976), 308. 7. D&C 128:5. 8. D&C 1:15–16. 9. D&C 84:19–21. 10. 2 Ne. 28:30. 11. D&C 50:24. WLOR 12. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 324; emphasis in original. SAM LA Y 13. D&C 132:13.

TED B 14. See Mosiah 4:11–12.

STRA 15. D&C 132:10. U 16. JS—H 1:19; emphasis added. 17. John 18:36. UKE; ILL 18. D&C 1:20. 19. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: JOHN L Y Brigham Young (1997), 302. 20. Mosiah 18:8–10.

President Brigham Young said, “Your endowment is, to re- ceive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to

PHOTO OF PRESTON ENGLAND TEMPLE B enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father.”

26 Seeking the Son

B Y J EANNIE L ANCASTER It was then that I felt compelled to pause for a ne morning several years ago, I felt discour- moment and gaze out the window at our front yard. agement wrap itself around me, draining The broad branches of a towering juniper kept the my enthusiasm and slowing my movements corner of our house in quiet shade. Other spreading toO a crawl. junipers provided abundant ground cover. Out of My two sons, both of the corner of my eye I spotted a flash of yellow. whom have developmental Looking closer, I realized it was the last remnant of disabilities, were strug- some daffodils I had planted years ago, before the gling. Their progress up encroaching junipers had dominated the limited to that point had been supply of sunlight. slow but steady, yet now it But this daffodil was different from others I had seemed to be at a standstill. seen. Its stem was not straight and tall Though in the past I had as might be expected but was generally been able to meet bent in a unique way. Bursting such challenges with some from the ground, it had hit upon level of optimism, on that the branches of the abrasive morning I wasn’t sure I junipers. But instead of shrink- could. The specialists had ing and dying, it had found always told me my sons a way to bend and reach needed a calm, patient, consis- out around the ominous tent mother who could pro- branches. It had found the vide structure and support light, and it had flourished! coupled with lots of love. I This may seem like a sim- was sure this wonderful ple experience, but for me woman existed somewhere, at that moment, it was but at that moment I felt fairly profound. How like that EINRICH HOFMANN H confident she was not within daffodil we all need to BY , the walls of my home. be! Experiences often con- As I passed the bathroom front us that seem insurmount-

OUNG RULER mirror, evidence of my defeat able, that sap our energy and at the battle of the bulge as- faith. We can allow ourselves to saulted my eyes. The cobwebs shrink and wither away, just as I found clinging in the corners the other daffodils had done, or of the hallway reconfirmed we can struggle and search out a CHRIST AND THE RICH Y my assumption that I would way to find the light. The purest most assuredly not receive form of light is our Savior, Jesus AIL FROM the “Homemaker of the Year” Christ. He is the one real source : DET award. Yes, I had given in to of peace in our life, and in fol-

VE RIGHT discouragement, and I was lowing Him we can find an O wallowing in it. abundance of light and joy. In the past I had found that I still get discouraged at times. vigorously doing some physi- But I find strength from a lesson cal work helped to lift my spir- taught by a victorious daffodil on GERALD ROGERS; AB Y its. So I set to work, stripping nstead of shrinking and dying, the an early spring day. អ TED B sheets off beds and cleaning daffodil had found a way to reach Jeannie Lancaster is a member of the Big USTRA the perpetual clutter in my Iout around the ominous branches of Thompson Ward, Greeley Colorado Stake. : ILL sons’ room. But it didn’t seem the junipers. It had found the light, Gospel topics: hope, discouragement, RIGHT to help. I didn’t feel better. and it had flourished. adversity

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 27

B Y E LIZABETH VAND ENB ERGHE

Evidence from a wide variety of sources supports the truth that marriage shaped by eternal principles is the path to greatest happiness and well-being in this life.

arriage between a man and a woman reserving heavy criticism for conventional marriages.4 “ is ordained of God,” declared the First Not surprisingly, a recent study conducted by Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve prominent social scientists David Popenoe and ApostlesM in “The Family: a Proclamation to the Barbara Defoe Whitehead found that young World.”1 They went on to say that marriage people in the United States today are is “essential to [God’s] eternal plan,” with increasingly apprehensive and pes- husbands and wives under “solemn simistic about marriage. They display responsibility to love and care for a remarkable increase in acceptance each other.” of out-of-wedlock childbearing, Then in 1999 President Gordon B. single parenting, and living Hinckley reemphasized the crucial together before marriage. No role of marriage with his admonition wonder the number of people that “God-sanctioned marriage be- getting married in the United tween a man and a woman has been States has dropped so markedly.5 the basis of civilization for thousands Is the traditional definition of of years. There is no justification to marriage urged by “The Family: redefine what marriage is.”2 Yet peo- A Proclamation to the World” ple keep trying to redefine it to legit- a lost cause? Is it true that the imize worldly philosophies or to serve proclamation’s high ideals are their own agendas. Increasingly, believers merely anachronisms befitting in God-ordained marriage are called on to earlier times? When the question defend the institution from those who say it is arises, should defenders of the irrelevant or passé. Parents often find themselves family concede that marriage is sim- looking for ways to demonstrate the importance of ply their personal preference?

marriage to their children who are bombarded by A growing body of academic research and a MARK G. BUDD Y pressures from the world and, all too often, from their burgeoning group of scholars in family studies are say- friends and associates. ing a firm “no” to all of those questions. Informed by A few decades ago, a proclamation on marriage an abundance of objective, highly respected studies of and its validity would hardly have seemed necessary. various countries, races, and economic classes, many Alternative definitions of marriage didn’t exist, and social scientists now affirm that marriage is of great there were no movies, television shows, books, or advantage to the well-being of men and women in a other media products promoting alternative lifestyles. myriad of ways. In assuring happiness, a lasting mar-

But any examination of marriage today requires con- riage proves more beneficial physically, mentally, and Y ANDRUS; ELECTRONIC COMPOSITION B A F sideration of a divorce rate over 50 percent and a high economically than exercise programs, medical treat- Y acceptance in some areas of cohabitation, which ments, therapy sessions, or financial investments.6 Of enables couples to forgo commitment for a living- course, statistics merely reflect general tendencies, and : PHOTO B together arrangement that lasts, on the average, two there are many exceptions. Conversely, unhappy mar- years.3 Some now call marriage just another lifestyle riages run a complex gamut—from the dissatisfied

choice and even question whether it needs to exist be- couples for whom the present marriage, though JED CLARK; LEFT Y tween a man and a woman. One respected reviewer flawed, is better than the alternative, to partners who

has commented that family studies textbooks often inflict harm on each other. Thus the following recital : PHOTO B “downplay the value of marriage,” employing warm of benefits applies to happy marriages, the ideal that AR LEFT platitudes to describe nontraditional unions and so many people still seek. F

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 29 THE FOUNDATION OF HAPPINESS

Findings reaffirm that marriage Why? One psychology professor relationships need to be built on “Happiness at theorizes that the constant compan- righteous principles—“a solemn home is most ionship between a husband and wife responsibility to love and care for likely to be creates a “tranquilizing effect” which each other,” in the words of the lessens the chances of disease, assists proclamation. It is clear that mar- achieved when in recovery, and offers motivation to riages based on righteous principles practices there are founded upon stay alive and well.12 Other analysts are the kind of marriages that lead the teachings of Jesus Christ.” see a “safety net” that encourages to lasting happiness. healthy behavior: spouses remind Of course, academic studies deal Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum each other to eat well, establish regu- of the Twelve Apostles, “Our Sacred Duty in objective statistics and trends, not to Honor Women,” Ensign, May 1999, lar sleep patterns, and see the doctor 13 exceptions. While happily married 39–40. periodically. people may enjoy an advantage in Men, in particular, benefit from the statistics, this does not mean a such a safety net. While a woman’s devoted husband or wife will automatically escape statistical chance of dying decreases gradually over problems common to all human beings—illness, time once she marries, a man almost immediately financial strain, anxiety, and so forth. Neither do the upon marrying experiences a sharp statistical decrease statistics indicate that single individuals—widowed, in the hazard of dying. Researchers point to the im- divorced, or never-married—cannot be happy or proved lifestyle many men encounter in marriage, one achieve meaningful lives with physical, emotional, which counteracts such tendencies as irregular meal and economic stability. As many never-married, and sleep habits and a lack of social integration.14 divorced, or widowed Latter-day Saints have discov- For those concerned only with eating right and ered, reliance on the Lord brings spiritual and other exercising to stay healthy, marriage researcher John compensations that research cannot quantify. Gottman offers a suggestion that aptly summarizes What the current research does offer to a secular the research: “Remember,” he says, “working briefly on world is objective evidence to support the teachings of your marriage every day will do more for your health God through the ages by the mouths of His prophets. and longevity than working out at a health club.”15 These studies enable beleaguered defenders of tradi- tional marriage to add proof to moral and religious MENTAL HEALTH AND PEACE OF MIND convictions when they are called on to defend marriage in a modern society that often rejects it as an institu- In general, married people exhibit lower rates of tion, discounting or denying its moral basis. Moreover, depression and suffer significantly less from psychi- the findings reported here can help couples appreciate atric disorders.16 Married people also enjoy higher the subtle but powerful blessings that can be theirs as general well-being than any unmarried segment of they build their marriages on righteous principles. the population. One researcher says, “No part of the unmarried population—separated, divorced, wid- HEALTH AND LONGEVITY owed, or never married—describes itself as being so happy and contented with life as the married.”17 Overall, married people live longer, a statistical real- These findings extend across racial, national, and ity that is true across many different cultures, societies, socioeconomic class boundaries. and demographic groups.7 Typically, married people How to explain the correlation between marriage suffer less from illness and disease and are better off and happiness? Researchers point to several reasons, when they do fall ill.8 In fact, even illness recovery prime among them being the spiritual connection mar- rates for married individuals are much higher than in riage offers to a couple’s deepest values. In many cul- the unmarried population.9 Married men and women tures, a wedding usually means not just a legal tie but also exhibit fewer risk-taking behaviors such as drunk also a sacred vow before God and a religious commu- driving, smoking, or drug abuse and have lower rates nity. The union between man and wife, according to of suicide and alcoholism.10 John Gottman, often brings “a spiritual dimension that Some researchers argue that all of these benefits re- has to do with creating an inner life together.”18 The sult merely from selectivity: the likelihood that already deeper this shared spiritual meaning, the better the healthy individuals are selected into marriage. How- marriage, and the happier the people involved. ever, since research shows that positive health changes Some observers see a lasting marriage as offering often take place after marriage, many individuals lean a solid anchor in today’s rapidly changing, complex toward a causal, rather than a selection, theory: marriage society. Men and women participate simultaneously 11 PHOTO © PHOTODISC itself causes good things to happen with one’s health. as parents, in careers, in the community, and in

30 esearch shows that married hobbies. In marriage, social scientists suggest, people Rpeople enjoy higher general can successfully bring all of their different roles to- well-being than unmarried gether: husbands and wives can discuss children’s segments of the population. problems, discuss work, and plan strategies for the This finding extends across future of family and career within a stable union racial, national, and socio- which offers a secure base in a complicated world.19 economic class boundaries. Marriage also can promote mental well-being by of- fering an extended social network. Spouses may be able to lean on the spiritual and emotional resources of two families, in effect doubling their support system in both bad and good times.20 Marriage can contribute to hap- piness by satisfying the deep human need for emo- tional closeness, providing a constant companion with whom to raise a family, go to church, and pray. It can also provide someone to take on the tasks one spouse is not good at—perhaps financial planning or cooking, for example—allowing each to focus on his or her strengths. This may sound simple, but experts say the “labor specialization” that comes in marriage works, and it does have an impact on peace of mind.21

ECONOMIC SECURITY Research findings show that marriage and finan- cial security are interconnected. Getting and staying married offer strong economic advantages. Generally, married couples are better off financially and save more than divorced, never-married, and widowed households. Per capita, they tend to invest greater amounts for education or retirement.22 Typically, married women are better off economi- cally than single women. Much of that financial advantage comes because a husband, in general, has greater earning power in today’s society. When a marriage dissolves and there are children involved, the results can be devastating because single mothers are at a greater economic disadvantage.23 But men also lose financially with divorce; a man’s financial well-being is greatly diminished, and later remarriage usually does not bring recovery.24 Obviously, not all single or divorced individuals face economic difficulties, just as not all married couples are well-off or frugal. But the economic security that a stable marriage generally offers doesn’t mean being able to remodel the house every few years. It means greater access to food, clothing, health care, and education. It can also mean a secure life away from unsafe areas.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 31 Studies unequivocally show that current levels of men and women are least likely to associate sex with poverty result more from family structure than from eco- feelings of fear, anxiety, or guilt.27 Also, unmarried nomic factors. Where there is only one parent—usually a couples who abstain from premarital sex are less likely single mother—there is often poverty. Conversely, a sta- to separate or divorce after marriage. Further, studies ble, two-parent family, as the Progressive Policy Institute show that brides and grooms who have practiced declares, “is [a] child’s best protection against poverty.”25 chastity are less likely to have attitudes about mar- riage that contribute to adultery, divorce, and lower 28 SEXUAL FULFILLMENT satisfaction with a married partner. Evidence defies the deceptive notion, prevalent in society, that marriage is sexually repressive and that esearch studies show affairs outside of it are fulfilling. This lie persists from that the factors vital to years past and is perpetuated by a constant stream of successR in marriage include movies, television, and books depicting the staple tale religious faith, commitment of the philandering husband or wife looking for excite- to an enduring relationship, ment outside an affectionless marriage. However, this media image of sex, according to a researcher involved and ability to solve problems in a landmark study on the subject, “bears virtually no together. relationship to the truth.”26 The truth lies much closer to the proclamation’s strong affirmation that “the sacred powers of procre- ation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.” Those who abide by this moral code are much better off than those who don’t, according to consistent findings of research published in sources such as The Journal of the American Medical Association and The National Health and Social Life Survey. Faithfully married people report being WELDEN C. ANDERSEN

Y extremely satisfied with the physical inti- macy in their relationships, more so than

PHOTO B all other sexually active people. Married

32 THE CAPACITY TO LOVE “The deeper Conversely, says the research, show that those positive trends are those who abuse the sacred powers our own much more likely to flourish in a of procreation through premarital mental, healthy marital atmosphere. sex or living together ultimately emotional, And just what is a “healthy find that the benefits of marriage marital atmosphere”? Studies of do not extend to them. and spiritual successful marriages indicate that While the late 20th century saw reserves are, the greater will it includes the following vital an enormous proliferation in the be our capacity to nurture and elements: number of men and women living • Religious commitment is a together without a marriage license, love others, especially our high predictor of marital happiness research data clearly show that co- companion.” and promotes other qualities central 32 habiting couples experience greater Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the Seventy, to the success of a marriage. conflict, lower-quality relationships, “A Union of Love and Understanding,” • Happily married couples real- less stability, and less equality for Ensign, Oct. 1994, 48. ize that marriage and family life can the women involved. Women who be difficult. When problems arise, live with a man outside of marriage they tend to stay committed and sac- also experience much higher levels of depression and rifice their own desires for the good of the family.33 economic insecurity and are more likely to be forced • Successful couples have a good understanding into sexual relationships against their will. Both men of one another, defend each other, and respect each and women involved in a cohabiting relationship re- other’s opinions and choices. port lower levels of sexual satisfaction, with infidelity • Successful couples realize that family life may be a prime problem.29 difficult and burdensome, but despite the challenges of Further, when cohabiting couples do marry, they marriage, divorce is not viewed as a helpful option. A display very high divorce rates throughout the world, realistic couple refrains from imagining, when problems with one study finding that individuals who cohabit arise, “Oh, no! I haven’t married the right person after tend to marry, divorce, and then live with someone all!” or “If only we can manage to just stay in love!” again. The marriage phase can often be marked by Couples in love have problems, and the list of crucial drunkenness, adultery, and drug abuse, and the co- characteristics of successful marriages does not include habiting phase by a distinct separateness in handling having found the perfect spouse or sustaining the emo- finances, spending free time, and envisioning the tional intensity of the honeymoon. future.30 • Even successful marriages deal with their share What of remarriage after divorce? Judging from the of “unsolvable” problems: fundamental differences in statistics, it does not generate all the benefits of a first personalities, desires, and goals that are not going to be marriage. Remarriages may be marked by higher in- changed or solved. But lasting marriages succeed even stability and higher divorce rates than first marriages. in the face of “unsolvable” problems through forgive- However, remarriage after the death of a spouse tends ness, compromise, tolerance, patience, and acceptance. to avoid these statistical hazards, and the stepfamily • Lasting marriages successfully solve “solvable” challenge for those whose spouses died is not as problems—arising over everything from work schedules daunting as that faced by post-divorce stepparents.31 to trip locations—through discussions marked by “soft” Yet to say that remarriages are statistically more beginnings void of harsh accusations. To calm escalating difficult than first marriages does not mean that they feelings, they also rely on “repair attempts”: tactful are not preferable to remaining single or to other al- humor, conciliatory comments, or soothing gestures.34 ternatives to marriage. Perhaps those who think it • Successful marriages require maturity. Thus might be easier just to start over rather than deal with teenage marriages are much more likely to end in the challenges of a difficult first marriage should con- divorce than marriages formed when partners are sider the statistics before getting divorced. more mature.35 • Happy marriages avoid tendencies that religious A RESPONSIBILITY TO LOVE AND CARE leaders have preached against through the ages: narcissism, adultery, worldliness, and contempt for While research studies clearly demonstrate that God-given values.36 the satisfaction level of people in good marriages is Finally, studies show that lasting marriages rely on high, the data hardly guarantee perfect physical a deep friendship marked by positive feelings rather health, constant happiness, complete financial secu- than negative ones. Feelings are important. As one rity, or blissful intimate relationships. What the re- writer states, “Because our actions reflect the whole cli- search reveals is general trends, and the findings also mate of our minds, everything that contributes to that

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 33 climate—which means all of our thoughts and actions, Mortality,” American Journal of Sociology, July 1973, 45–67. however ‘inconsequential’—is potentially of great im- 9. J. S. Goodwin, W. C. Hunt, C. R. Key, and J. M. Samet, 37 “The Effect of Marital Status on Stage, Treatment, and Survival portance.” Positive thoughts, according to a lead re- of Cancer Patients,” Journal of the American Medical Association, searcher on marriage, contribute to a positive overflow 4 Dec. 1987, 3129. in marriage that helps couples deal successfully with 10. See J. A. Burr, P. L. McCall, and E. Powell-Griner, “Catholic 38 Religion and Suicide: The Mediating Effect of Divorce,” Social stressful tragedies as well as daily annoyances. Science Quarterly, June 1994, 300–318; L. N. Robins and D. A. Regier, It is indeed a solemn responsibility to show the Psychiatric Disorders in America: The Epidemiologic Catchment Area love and care needed to build this kind of successful Study (1991). relationship, for ultimately many of the blessings of 11. See “Sex, Marital Status, and Mortality”; S. Stack and J. R. Eshelman, “Marital Status and Happiness: A 17-Nation Study,” marriage spring from our ability to share love. Journal of Marriage and the Family, May 1998, 527–36. 12. See J. J. Lynch, The Broken Heart: The Medical Consequences of Loneliness (1979). THE GLUE OF SOCIETY 13. See T. Ooms, Toward More Perfect Unions: Putting Marriage on the Public Agenda (1998). Affection, security, and a long life with 14. See “’Til Death Do Us Part”; Marriage health and happiness—obviously, this is the in Men’s Lives. 15. The Seven Principles for Making marital ideal. Not all marriages will reach it, Marriage Work, 261. and not all marriages can or should be pre- 16. See Psychiatric Disorders in America: served. But couples who completely aban- The Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study. don the ideal pay high costs, including 17. See R. H. Coombs, “Marital Status and Personal Well-Being: A increased physical, mental, and emotional WELDEN C. ANDERSEN Literature Review,” Family Relations, Jan. Y problems for themselves and tragic conse- 1991, 100; W. R. Gove, C. B. Style, and quences of divorce for their children.39 M. Hughes, “The Effect of Marriage on PHOTO B the Well-Being of Adults: A Theoretical Society suffers, too, from the loss of the Analysis,” Journal of Family Issues, Mar. ideal, because marriage not only strength- 1990, 4–35; W. Wood, N. Rhodes, and ens communities and benefits economies, M. Whelan, “Sex Differences in Positive Well-Being: A Consideration of Emotional but also ensures responsible sexual union by Style and Marital Status,” Psychological 40 keeping parents attached to their children. Bulletin, 106, no. 2 (1989), 249–64. In many ways, marriage is the glue holding 18. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, 243. society together. Even more important, it is an 19. See P. Berger and H. Kellner, “Marriage eternal principle that all of us—whether single or and the Construction of Reality,” Diogenes, Summer married—need to uphold and defend. It benefits not 1964, 1–23. only husbands and wives but the entire world. 20. See Marriage in Men’s Lives; “Does Marriage Matter?” 21. See “Does Marriage Matter?” This should come as no surprise, since it was or- អ 22. See R. R. Rindfuss and A. VandenHeuvel, “Cohabitation: dained and blessed by God Himself. A Precursor to Marriage or an Alternative to Being Single?” Population and Development Review, Dec. 1990, 703–26. Elizabeth VanDenBerghe is a member of the Valley View Eighth Ward, 23. See “’Til Death Do Us Part”; “Does Marriage Matter?” Salt Lake Holladay North Stake. 24. See Marriage in Men’s Lives. A more extensive treatment of these findings is in David C. Dollahite, 25. See R. J. Shapiro, “The Family under Economic Stress” ed., Strengthening Our Families: An In-depth Look at the (27 Sept. 1990), from the Progressive Policy Institute, in Proclamation on the Family (2000). Putting Children First: A Progressive Family Policy for the 1990s, ed. E. C. Kamark and W. A. Galton, 9–13. Gospel topics: marriage, family, obedience, faith, perseverance, love, 26. R. T. Michael, J. H. Gagnon, E. O. Laumann, and G. Kolata, morality Sex in America: A Definitive Survey (1994), 1. NOTES 27. See Sex in America: A Definitive Survey; E. O. Laumann, A. 1. Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102. Paik,and R. C. Rosen, “Sexual Dysfunction in the United States: 2. “Why We Do Some of the Things We Do,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 54. Prevalence and Predictors,” The Journal of the American Medical 3. See S. Nock, Marriage in Men’s Lives (1998), 3; David Popenoe Association, 10 Feb. 1999, 537–44. and Barbara D. Whitehead, The State of Our Unions: Social Health of 28. See G. T. Stanton, Why Marriage Matters: Reasons to Believe in Marriage in America (1999), 21–22. Marriage in Postmodern Society; Marriage in Men’s Lives. 4. See N. D. Glenn, “A Textbook Assault on Marriage,” The 29. See D. Blankenhorn, Fatherless America: Confronting Our Most Responsive Community 7 (4) (1997), 56–66; “A Critique of Twenty Urgent Social Problem (1995), 330. Marriage and Family Textbooks,” Family Relations, July 1997, 197–208. 30. See F. Goldscheider, A. Thornton, and L. Young-DeMarco, 5. See K. Hamilton and P. Wingert, “Down the Aisle,” Newsweek, “A Portrait of the Nest-Leaving Process in Early Adulthood,” 20 July 1998, 54–57; The State of Our Unions: The National Marriage Demography, Nov. 1993, 695. Project 1999. 31. “’Til Death Do Us Part”; J. H. Bray, “Children’s Develop- 6. See J. Gottman, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work ment during Early Remarriage,” in J. D. Arasteh, Impact of (1999). Divorce, Single-Parenting, and Step-Parenting on Children, ed. 7. See L. A. Lillard and L. J. White, “’Til Death Do Us Part: M. Hotherington and J. D. Arasteh (1988), 279–98. Marital Disruption and Mortality,” American Journal of Sociology, 32. See, for example, E. E. Filsinger and M. R. Wilson, Mar. 1995, 1131, 1143. “Religiosity, Socioeconomic Rewards, and Family Development; 8. L. J. Waite, “Does Marriage Matter?” Demography, Predictors of Marital Satisfaction,” Journal of Marriage and the Nov. 1995, 483–507; W. R. Gove, “Sex, Marital Status, and Family; Aug. 1984, 663–70; N. D. Glenn and C. N. Weaver,

34 “A Multivariate, Multisurvey Study of Marital Happiness,” Journal of Marriage and the Family; May 1978, 269–82; A. Thornton, “Reci- procal Influences of Family and Religion in a Changing World,” Journal of Marriage and the Family, May 1985, 387–400; W. R. Schumm, S. R. Bollman, and A.P. Jurich, “The ‘Marital Con- ventionalization’ Argument: Implications for the Study of Religiosity and Marital Satisfaction,” Journal of Psychology and Theology, 10, no. 3 (1982), 236–41. D.L. Thomas and M. Cornwall, “Religion and Family in the 1980s: Discovery and Development,” Journal of Marriage and the Family, Nov. 1990, 983–92. 33. See Z. Wu and M. J. Penning, “Marital Instability after Midlife,” Journal of Family Issues, Sept. 1997, 459–78; L. C. Robinson and Priscilla W. Blanton, “Marital Strengths in Enduring Marriages,” Family Relations, Jan. 1993, 38–45. 34. Information from previous four items adapted from The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. 35. See The State of Our Unions: The National Marriage Project 1999; T. B. Heaton, Factors Contributing to Increasing Marital Stability in the United States, 1998. 36. See “The Effect of Marriage on the Well-Being of Adults,” 4–35. 37. See G. Morson, “Prosaics: An Approach to the Humanities,” The American Scholar, autumn 1998, 522. 38. See The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. 39. See “Children’s Development during Early Remarriage.” 40. See D. Popenoe, “A World without Fathers,” Wilson Quarterly, Spring 1994, 12–14; Council on Families in America, “Marriage in America: A Report to the Nation,” in D. Popenoe, J. B. Elshtain, and D. Blankenhorn, eds., Promises to Keep: Decline and Renewal of Marriage in America (1996).

n many ways, marriage is the glue holding society Itogether. It benefits not only husbands and wives but the entire world.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 35 Building toward the Future

B Y D ON L. SEARLE Assistant Managing Editor Gospel roots have grown deep in this land of ancient American heritage. The blossoming of the present holds promise for even greater future growth.

erta Lopez points to a row of young women in a picture on the yellowed page of a Church magazine: “There I am.” She was a teenager then,B one of a handful attending an activity for Latter-day Saint girls in Guatemala City that day in 1951. There were fewer than a dozen. But that was two generations ago for the Church in Guatemala. Now Berta can look out her window at the house next door where her daughter, Gina Ramirez, is di- recting an activity for a Primary Valiant class. Gina is Primary president in their suburban branch of the Guatemala City Guatemala Stake, one of 20 stakes in the city. What Berta sees represents the kind of growth that members in Guatemala could only dream of 50 years ago. In another part of the capital city, young Ricardo Ayala goes with his family to their stake center to watch a fireside broadcast from Salt Lake City with simultane- ous translation in their own language. Being able to re- ceive these live satellite transmissions is a blessing that

DON L. SEARLE came to Guatemalan members just last year. Y Ricardo, a member of the Guatemala City Guatemala Far right: Ada and Nery Marroquín of Retalhuleu with their daughter, Blanca. Right, background: Fountain in a courtyard PHOTOGRAPHY B in Antigua. Top right: Modern buildings in Guatemala City.

36 THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 37 Palmita Stake, will finish secondary school this year, about getting a recommend and going to the temple? and then he hopes to go on a mission a few months The questions are suited to the members’ needs. later when he turns 19. While finding a job may not Priesthood leaders are usually surprised at how be easy in a country where unemployment and under- easy it is to activate using this approach, Elder Robbins employment are high, he has planned to work and save says. For example, when Bishop Milton Leonel Lima so he can pay the whole cost of the mission himself. of the Minerva Ward, Jalapa Guatemala Stake, tried Because of Latter-day Saints like the Lopez and this approach with 14 members, 10 accepted the invi- Ayala families, perceptions regarding the Church tation and began making the necessary changes in have changed in Guatemala. The kind of misinforma- their lives. The bishop and his counselors immediately tion about the Church that once circulated freely here began identifying other members to visit. has little credibility now. Too many Guatemalans know The Area Presidency is also putting emphasis on Latter-day Saints and know what they stand for. The the bishops’ duty to strengthen young men and young proportion of Church members in this nation’s popula- women. “Right now, we’re focusing strongly on getting tion (about 1.5 percent) is close to that of the United a greater number of our young men on missions,” Elder States (about 1.8 percent). Just as the temple has become Robbins says. The percentage of those going on missions a landmark in Guatemala City, Latter-day Saints are be- rose more than 50 percent in 2000. coming landmarks in their society. There are also economic chal- lenges for many members in Guate- mala. As many as 25 percent are A GROWING SPIRITUAL MATURITY ZE O I unemployed or underemployed.

C L Latter-day Saint missionaries I AA But the Church plays a role here X LL were first sent to Guatemala in 1947 E AA BE too. The area Employment Services

after John F. O’Donnal, a North M MM office has a training program that American living there, visited EE provides help, particularly for re- TT S Church headquarters in Salt Lake AA R A turned missionaries, in preparing UU U City and reported that there were GG D for and finding a job or in starting Quetzaltenango N people in the country ready to hear O a business. The Church also assists Guatemala City H the gospel. His wife, Carmen, was Retalhuleu Mazatenango microcredit organizations that help the first Guatemalan baptized; small businesses get started. More- E P A L Brother O’Donnal would later C I F I C O C E A N S A L V A D O R over, some stakes, in an effort to serve as a mission president and provide uplifting opportunities temple president in Guatemala. for youth during school breaks, are offering not only In 1952 the Central American Mission was created. spiritually enriching activities but also classes or in- When it was divided in 1965, it served six countries: struction that teach job skills. Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nica- ragua, and Panama. Now there are four missions in A CULTURE IN CHANGE Guatemala alone and 40 stakes in the country. In 1989 Elder Carlos H. Amado, a native of Guatemala, was Life for Guatemalans has changed significantly called as a member of the Seventy. in the years since the gospel was introduced in their One of the greatest challenges for Guatemalan country. members is fighting traditions, says Elder Lynn G. A generation ago, in the mid-1960s, Spanish-speaking Robbins of the Seventy, Central America Area Presi- Latter-day Saint missionaries began learning Mayan lan- dent. Traditional religion does not teach strong mem- guages in order to teach whole families; often only the ber involvement in meetings or in teaching and father of a family, who had the most contact with the leadership positions. Some new members do not dominant Spanish-speaking culture, could communicate make the transition to living the gospel smoothly, and with them. Now it is no longer necessary for missionar- some older members have simply slipped out of ac- ies to study most of those languages because most of the tivity, so there is much work to be done in activation. indigenous people speak Spanish. While the literacy rate Following counsel from the Area Presidency, local in the country remains lower than that of industrialized priesthood leaders visit the homes of less-active mem- nations, it has improved, and this, says Elder Robbins, al- bers and use the commitment pattern familiar to mis- lows many of the Mayan members to take advantage of sionaries to try to help change lives. They ask questions the scriptures that have been translated into their lan- beginning with “Will you?” Will you visit with the guages. All of the Book of Mormon is available in Kekchí bishop about resolving problems that are keeping you and selections from it in Quiché, Cakchiquel, and Mam, from full Church activity? Will you visit with him the principal Mayan languages of the country.

38 In places like Polochic and other centers of Mayan population, meetings and Church busi- ness may be conducted largely in the native languages. Many of these members of Mayan descent have a humble faith that is manifest in their devotion to the gospel and their duty in it. Some will arise early in the morning and walk two to three hours one way to attend their Sunday meetings. But indigenous members are less and less iso- lated in Guatemalan society, and many have come into the mainstream in ways that were unfore- seen a generation ago. The Boj family of Quetzalte- Above: The family of nango is a good example. Members of the family President Federico Castro, Atlántica stake, Guatemala are well known in the community as successful en- City. Top right: Udine trepreneurs running their own businesses. Timoteo Falabella, first stake president and Eva Boj joined the Church in the mid-1970s. in Guatemala, more recently They, their eight children and children’s spouses, temple president. Right: and their 18 grandchildren are well grounded in Guatemalan couple visits Church service. The family includes four past bish- Mayan ruins at Tikal. ops, four past Relief Society presidents, six past Bottom: Guatemala City Primary presidents, four past Young Men presi- Guatemala Montserrat Stake patriarch Felipe dents, five past or presently serving Young Women Nicolás Juárez and his wife, presidents, six returned missionaries and one still Rosario. Background: Early serving. They are a family of hearty good humor morning, central park, who eagerly serenade visitors with a local favorite Quetzaltenango. song, “Luna de Xelajú” (“Moon of Xelajú”; Xelajú is the old traditional name for Quetzaltenango). Their example and love for others has also brought many into the Church.

A VIBRANT, LIVING FAITH Examples of faith can be found in every stake and ward or branch. Following are just a few. • Carlos Santíz, president of the Mazatenango Guatemala Stake, points to notes made on a white- board during a meeting with bishops, explaining how they followed the direction of Church leaders to meet in council and plan to serve the needs of less-active mem- bers. “I’m grateful to the Lord for putting me in this stake presidency be- cause it’s a challenge, but a challenge THE CHURCH I needed, and it has brought growth,” he says. • Nery Eduardo Marroquín, a counselor in the AT A GLANCE bishopric of a ward in the Retalhuleu Guatemala Stake, was an evangelical Christian before coming National population: into the Church five years ago through the influ- approximately 11.5 million ence of his wife, Ada. He grew up in a home where Church membership: he learned the importance of personal prayer, the more than 175,000 Bible, and worship of Jesus Christ as the Savior, but Stakes: 40 he also felt there was something more. He found it Missions: 4 in ordinances offered through the gospel that could Wards and branches: 449 allow him and his wife to have an eternal family. Church-owned “Christ said no one will come to the Father ‘but by meetinghouses: 261 me’ [John 14:6]. And the ordinances are through Temple: Guatemala City, Him. That’s why it’s such a blessing to have a tem- dedicated 1984 ple in Guatemala.” Missionary Training Center: • Hector Gonzalez of the Villa Nueva Guatemala Guatemala City Stake says the gospel has given him strength to face the battle with cancer that cost him a leg and nearly cost his life. At one point, when he wondered why this should happen to him—a returned missionary, married in the temple, with a wife and baby daughter—his wife brought him his patriarchal blessing, and Top: The Ayala family of he found hope in its promise of Guatemala City’s Palmita Stake, a long life of service. When it Rubén and Iris, center, with three became obvious that he would of their children, Rubén, left, José, lose his right leg, he received a and Ricardo. Above: Guatemala City’s Montúfar Chapel, first Church-built chapel in Central America. Left: Hector Gonzales of the Villanueva stake, a cancer survivor, with wife, María, and daughters, Andrea, left, and Angie. Background: Small farm plot near Quetzaltenango. spiritual witness that he would be all right in the end. important, though, was the fact that Guatemalan mem- After the surgery, he recalls, “It was incredible the sup- bers could now enjoy the peace of the temple and its port I found in reading the Book of Mormon. It was as covenants no more than a few hours from their homes. though it gave me the strength to go on.” Looking Brother Falabella’s granddaughter Evelyn was mar- back, he considers it a blessing that his job required ried in that temple in December 2000. She says many him to walk more so the cancer was discovered before young Guatemalans who see unhappy or failing mar- it could spread farther and that through his work he riages around them have lost faith in the institution of had the medical benefits he needed. Now back at marriage and may feel it is better to put time into de- work, he says, “I know the Lord has been watching veloping their careers, marrying later if at all. “I believe over me. I know He has cared for me through all of this.” if I didn’t have the gospel in my life, I wouldn’t have • Jorge Popá, now a member of the Quetzaltenango dared get married right now.” But through the gospel, Guatemala Stake, originally invited the sister mission- she says, there is peace in facing the challenges because aries to his home to help his wife understand the we can know the eternal reasons for marriage and the English instructions that came with the bread maker everlasting blessings it can bring. he had bought her. The sisters agreed—if they could And that, says Brother Falabella, is indicative of also share the gospel message with the family. After the change that has come to Guatemala in his lifetime the missionary lessons and full in- through the Church: thousands struction on the bread maker, of strong Latter-day Saints now Jorge and his wife, Mirna, told the have at hand all the means to missionaries they still weren’t in- implement full gospel programs terested in baptism. But it would and enjoy their full blessings. not be over so easily. That night, José Sazo agrees that the each could not sleep, each felt gospel blessings available in his moved to get out of bed at the country and his generation are same time and pray about what rich—for those who strive to live they had been taught, and each up to them. José, who was not received the same strong spiritual yet born when that first stake manifestation of the truth. They was created in Guatemala, is sought out the sister missionaries now president of the Guatemala at church on Sunday and asked to City Guatemala Florida Stake. Three generations of the Timoteo and Eva Boj fam- be baptized. After their baptism, ily help strengthen the Church in Quetzaltenango. It takes constant, consistent they faced the problem that many effort to maintain strong fami- Guatemalan converts face: how to tell their family they lies and marriages, he says. President Sazo and his had broken with the traditional religion. Their oldest wife, Claudia, both served missions in their country, son (now a deacon, but then just four) solved that prob- and they agree that a large part of the secret to main- lem for them at a family gathering. When someone taining strong marriages can be found in two good passed around the tea, he stood and announced, “We habits learned by missionaries: frequent, loving don’t drink that! We’re Mormons.” companionship evaluations (conversations about how their marriage is going) and regular gospel BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE study. “If I had a prescription for happiness,” President Sazo says, “it would be to study the Udine Falabella was president of the first stake scriptures together always.” organized in Guatemala, in 1967. In 1965, as district With their own two small sons, President Sazo president in Guatemala City, he had organized the adds, “We are agreed on this: we want to do every- first temple trip from the area, by bus across Mexico thing we can for them so they will become strong to Mesa, Arizona. It was a great blessing to Guatemala leaders and the Lord will be able to call them to do when the temple was dedicated there in 1984, he whatever He wants, without reservation.” says. It was a blessing for him to serve later as its So it was with those strong members of the Church president; he was released in 2000 after more than in this country more than half a century ago who four years in that position. were willing to persevere in the gospel no matter He recalls that in dedicating the temple, President what challenges they faced. And so it is now with the Gordon B. Hinckley pronounced a blessing of peace on heirs of their spiritual legacy: the future of the Church the country (see “Guatemala City Temple Dedicated,” in Guatemala will be in the hands of those ready to Ensign, Feb. 1985, 77). Not long afterward, the country’s answer the call of the Lord without reservation. អ long period of civil strife came to an end. Perhaps more Gospel topics: faith, missionary work, Church growth

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 41 s ward choirs perform, the Spirit of the Lord is Ainvited into our meetings, and the hearts of both the choir members and the congregation are touched.

42 D E A N I F T U P Y O U R V O I C “ L ”

Members describe how their lives have been enriched as they have participated in ward choirs.

ward choir can do a great deal to influence I sang in the choir for six years before I left the spirituality of a meeting. When a choir Naperville for school. I am sure I will be in many performs appropriate music, the hearts of more choirs throughout my life, but the lessons of bothA the choir and congregation are touched as the fellowship, service, and spiritual growth I learned by Spirit of the Lord is invited into the being a part of our Naperville First meeting. But the benefits of a ward Ward choir will remain with me choir do not end there. During prac- forever.—Rebecca R. Sorenson, tices, choir members experience BYU 198th Ward, BYU 15th Stake fellowship and unity as they sing together. Little wonder that disciples THE “OTHER” CALLING of Christ have long been encour- aged to “make a joyful noise unto Participating in a successful ward the Lord” and “come before his choir has taught us many important presence with singing” (Ps. 100:1, 2). lessons: 1. We have learned to ask the Lord Choir members often experience fellow- CHOIR CHANGED ME ship and unity as they sing together. for specific help and then to have faith to receive that help. Before and after FOR THE BETTER performances we pray that our diction will be good, that When I was 12, I joined my parents for weekly we will remember the things we have worked so hard choir practices in the Naperville (Illinois) First Ward. on during practice, that those who need to hear our Each member of our choir did not have wonderful message will be in attendance, and so on.

Y ANDRUS musical talent, but together our voices blended beauti- Once, after a not-so-lustrous practice before a per- A F Y fully, and with the help of the Spirit we touched lives. formance, the person offering the prayer asked that the For me, the most influential part of singing in the message would be received by the congregation even if

: PHOTO B choir was the fellowship I felt. Although I felt awkward it took angels attending us to answer our prayer. During at church and school during my early teenage years, our performance that night, the sound we heard coming VE RIGHT O I was perfectly comfortable and happy singing with the from our own voices was like nothing we had ever ward choir. I had friends there: adults who did not look heard before. We knew our prayer had been answered. down on me for being young but rather would laugh 2. We’ve seen that music can transcend prejudices with me, let me hold their babies, and sometimes even and break down barriers. Many in our community have CEPT AS NOTED; AB save a seat for me in the front row. My choir director viewed the Church as non-Christian, but as some of personally invited me every week and helped me feel these people have listened to our music, they have I was an important part of the alto section. come to realize that members of the Church have strong As I sang songs of rejoicing with the choir, I began testimonies of the Savior. Following a recent interfaith CRAIG DIMOND, EX Y to develop a testimony of the gospel, I began to un- choir festival, for example, one pastor’s wife and a derstand that Father in Heaven knows and loves me, church organist both said they were deeply touched by and all the truths I learned in Young Women began the words of a beautiful piece of music we performed

PHOTOGRAPHY B to be embedded in my heart. that bore testimony of the Savior.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 43 3. We have found that the Lord blesses us for the sacrifices of our time, effort, and energy with an outpouring of His Spirit. One of our choir members wanted to invite her friend to church but didn’t want to make him wait an extra hour after meetings while she attended choir practice. Instead of skip- ping practices to be with him, she in- vited him to join the choir. He said he recognized the Holy Ghost for the first time in his life when he sang with us. Eventually he was baptized, and today, five years later, he serves as a counselor in the bishopric. In spite of his many responsibilities, he continues to sing in the choir. Regardless of what my calling is in the Church, I continue my “other” calling: singing in the ward choir. —Lisa Wasiura Harrison, North Muskegon Ward, Grand Rapids Michigan Stake

COME, LET US SING Music appeals to our spirits and emotions in different ways than talks or lessons do. Ward members who have difficulty following a talk, including children, often find that a choir selec- tion redirects their attention and re- freshes them for the rest of the meeting. It helps if choir practice isn’t all work. Twice a year our choir held what we called a “Bring-Along Sing- Along.” Families brought their favorite treats to share and their hymnbooks or other music. While the young children watched a video, we sang hymns, holiday songs, favorites from past performances, and new music. When we couldn’t sing any longer, we enjoyed the treats together. These casual evenings added a lot to both our fellowship and our repertoire. —Amy B. Johnson, Marston Lake Ward, Columbine Colorado Stake

usic appeals AN INFLUENTIAL DIRECTOR Mto our spirits Several years ago, my husband and in different ways I joined a ward choir in Newbury Park, than talks or California. Getting ward members to lessons do. enlist in choir is usually challenging,

44 but our choir director, Susan Davis, was blessed with THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTITUDE the right ingredients to successfully recruit our musical army. Shortly after my wife and I moved into a new Sister Davis’s enthusiasm was the spark that lit the ward, I was asked to serve as ward choir director. I fuel we all brought with us to practices. I could see soon found that most choir members shared similar that she loved the sacred music she was teaching us; opinions about the choir: “We are hurting for some and because of her example, choir members also came talent,” “Ever since Sister So-and-So moved away, our to revere the choir has dimin- majesty of stirring ished,” “Our music. In addi- NINE TIPS FOR CHOIR DIRECTORS ward just doesn’t tion, choir mem- 1. All should feel wel- 6. Introduce less have a lot of mu- bers who already come to participate in familiar hymns to the sically talented loved to sing ward choir, regardless of ward by performing members.” shared their con- their ability. Help choir them in sacrament I set out to tagious excite- members feel accepted, meetings. help change and don’t embarrass 7. Spend one or two ment with more anyone for making mis- minutes at the beginning those attitudes. novice singers, takes. Positive reinforce- of choir practice explain- During our first Y ANDRUS encouraging ment is more effective ing simple music theory rehearsal, I A F bashful ward than criticism. for the benefit of those heard plenty of Y members to 2. Use the Latter-day who don’t read music. soprano, a faint attend practices. Saint hymnbook as the Teach note values, musi- alto part, two : PHOTO B Several teenage basic resource for your cal terms, and so on. strong tenors, LEFT choir. Ideas to vary members will become 8. In scheduling boys attended hymns for performances discouraged. On the choir practices, make and one strong because the Young can be found on page other hand, if your choir sure they are consistent bass, all doing Men president 382 of Hymns. You might sings only the easiest of and that they do not con- their best to was an eager also consider using pieces, they may soon flict with other meetings. search for the participant and other Church resources lose interest. Maintain Practices should not be notes. they liked hang- such as The Choirbook a balance, and choose longer than one hour. I handed out ing around him. (available at distribution music with a variety of Start and end practice the first piece centers, item no. 31239, styles and tempos. on time, but avoid mak- That helped solve U.S. $1.25). Check with 4. Enlist the help of ing choir members who of music, which the seemingly the ward music chair- others in the choir, in- come late feel guilty. was a simple constant chal- man for all music to be cluding a choir presi- 9. Enjoy singing to- hymn arrange- lenge of finding performed. dent and a librarian. gether! Remember that ment that I felt enough men to 3. Choose appropri- 5. Rehearse with spe- the Lord delights in “the was suitable participate. ate music that is within cific performance dates song of the heart” and for the choir’s Our choir the ability of the choir. in mind. Sing in sacra- that He will bless you for capabilities. If the music is always ment meeting at least your efforts (see D&C rehearsals were difficult, some choir once or twice a month. 25:12). អ However, after made as conven- reading through ient as possible. it once, the choir We practiced at Sister Davis’s house, for not only was ready to give up. I encouraged them, working on was it more cozy than our ward building, it was each part repeatedly line by line. Once the choir felt closer to all choir members’ homes and had a play- more secure with the parts they were singing, they felt room where choir members’ young children could more comfortable following my directions to open their be watched by the older children. Sister Davis also vowels, sit up tall and sing from their diaphragms, and valiantly did her best to start and end rehearsals on add appropriate dynamics and phrasing. time, which helped choir members to not begrudge As the choir continued to practice music that was the time spent singing. challenging but possible for them, and as they were I have tried to carry on Sister Davis’s legacy in my offered consistent, positive reinforcement, their atti- current ward, where I serve as Primary music leader. tudes began to change. Once their outlook was more The five-year-olds may not yet understand how learn- positive, their improvement was swift, and they set a ing to sing Primary songs (with good posture and high standard for the choir that has continued to rise energy!) may strengthen their testimonies and bless to this day. their lives for years to come, but I do, for I had a good I have learned that the greatest favor ward choir teacher.—Leslie-Maria Harris Cramer, Helensvale directors and members can do for themselves and Ward, Gold Coast Australia Stake other ward members is to go into the choir with an

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 45 optimistic attitude, never doubting that the Lord will “A P RAYER UNTO ME” work with the talent they have. That is requisite to success and, more important, to inviting the Spirit. One thoughtful ward music chairman in our stake, —Brett H. Stewart, Huntington Beach Fourth Ward, Judith Spragg, helps the director and singers by making Huntington Beach California Stake tapes of all the parts for each of us. If someone cannot at- tend a rehearsal, he or she checks out a tape and doesn’t BEYOND THE CARES OF THE WORLD miss out. One brother with a beautiful voice has difficulty reading music. He takes a tape along with him in the One Sunday morning after choir practice, while car, practicing his part as he commutes to work. He then I was still at the ward meetinghouse, I received an comes to choir practice confident and ready to join in. urgent telephone call from my wife, Kathy. As she had I have found that in addition to support from ward been getting the family ready for church, she noticed members and the ward music chairman, the choir direc- that vandals had spray-painted vile words tor needs the support of the bishopric. along the side of our white van. Kathy In wards in our stake where bishops was upset about the invasion of our prop- select sacrament meeting themes several erty, and she was reluctant to drive it to months in advance, all the music of the church in that condition. meeting generally reflects that theme. I returned home immediately to help. And I have noted a boost in morale But to my surprise, I noticed that even when choir members see the bishop in the face of this disturbance in our lives, and his counselors leave their usual the lovely music from choir practice seats to sing in the choir! would not leave my mind. Ideally the choir director has the When I got home, I found the right help of others who are called to serve solvent for the spray enamel, and we pro- articipating in choir in the choir. For example, a choir li- ceeded to clean the vehicle. Because some Pcan help members brarian may number all the music time remained before church, our family feel a sense of belonging and check it out to members who continued to work on several other cars in in their wards. want to practice at home. A choir the neighborhood that had been similarly president may arrange for prayers vandalized. Even now, I can distinctly remember feel- and coordinate with those who print the weekly ing happy as we performed this service for our neigh- program regarding choir rehearsals. bors. The choir song continued to play in my mind, Choir attendance increases when the participants and I never felt distressed or angry during the whole rehearse with a purpose. On one occasion I substituted episode. Gradually, my mood influenced my wife’s for the choir director at the rehearsal after church. As attitude as well, dissipating her anger as the vandalism choir members passed through the chapel where we was erased. The positive power of this music had lifted were going to practice, several of them asked me when us both above the reach of one evil deed. the music would be performed. When I told them there A couple of years after that incident, a similar expe- was no definite date, they didn’t stay for the rehearsal. rience occurred. Again we were learning a piece of On the other hand, when choir members know we are music in ward choir that was particularly moving. Its singing for a Christmas program, a sacrament meeting gentle and beautiful melody carried the Savior’s com- the following month, or any other occasion, they are forting message “Come unto me, all ye that labour and more likely to practice with dedication.—Anne Kirby, are heavy laden” (Matt. 11:28). Tu r ner Ward, Salem Oregon Stake It was at this time that I became seriously ill with a perplexing disease which often left me almost para- DRAWN INTO THE WARD FAMILY lyzed with pain, unable to move or sleep for long peri- ods of time. Once again, the miracle of music calmed In the past few years, newly baptized members, my soul. I can remember clearly now the experience move-ins, and the shy have found new friends in the of lying in my bed, hardly able to move, feeling fright- Pasadena Second Ward choir, while some disaffected ened about the future, and then being able to hear this members have found a place where they may blend beautiful choir song over and over in my mind. It dis- back into activity. One choir member, Mary Ellen pelled my anxiety and misery and lifted me out of the Robertson, observes: “It’s easy to slip in and out of meet- cares of the world into a realm of enveloping peace. ings unnoticed and to not participate as fully in the It was a quiet experience that was truly unforgettable. life of a ward when you’re a single woman like me. I —Brent R. Laycock, Heritage Ward, Calgary Alberta feel the choir has drawn me into the ward family in a (Canada) Stake way nothing else did. It’s not that I don’t participate in

46 THE IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC “Encourage our other Church programs; I do. It’s just A FAMILY MATTER that I feel I’m a welcome part of the people to have choir and that my presence and par- music that We usually make ward choir ticipation are truly valued.” contributes to practice a family activity. Because Choir director Jeff Parkin, together so many men in our ward travel with choir president Jean Wharton spirituality and for their employment during the and accompanist Jennelle Anderson, worship. . . . Music is such an week, our choir can rehearse only has identified three objectives for the on Sundays. To help families spend choir: that the choir experience be important part of our service.” time together on this day, our choir spiritual, that it be enjoyable, and that President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994), director said, “Bring your family it be gratifying through a commit- The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson with you and have them all sing!” (1988), 324. ment to musical standards. We have four complete families that Every rehearsal opens and con- come—some have younger children cludes with prayer. Brother Parkin and the choir mem- who play quietly while we rehearse—and a few other bers often discuss how the lyrics and music intertwine partial families. to convey gospel principles. The choir members pause We find that it is unifying for us as a family to share to reflect upon the application of those principles in their ward choir together, and we feel it is an important way individual lives. Sister Wharton shares: “I have never be- to serve the Lord. Together, we enjoy participating in a fore felt that I was telling a story with the music. Before choir whose music can add so much to the spirit that is it was just words. Now I feel the Spirit and the message felt in sacrament meeting.—Ruth Wilcox, Kentlands in every piece we do.”—Susan Kamei Leung, Pasadena Ward, Washington D.C. Stake អ Second Ward, Pasadena California Stake Gospel topics: ward choirs, music, hymns

s choir members meet regularly for practice, theyA often develop close friendships with each other.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 47 just need to get control of my life—the Internet computer, but I enjoyed the social aspects and im- “ has run my life for months,” I wrote in my jour- proving my game skills. nal.I am an active member of the Church— My game did improve over time, and my online withI knowledge of gospel principles and a desire to friendships with men got closer. My habit was be- do what is right. I have a good husband. We were coming a destructive addiction. I allowed myself to married in the temple and want to raise our six chil- be distracted from nurturing my marriage because dren—ages 2 to 14—according to gospel principles. of other friendships. I became more emotionally in- Yet when I first logged on to the Internet, I didn’t volved than I intended with a couple of these male know the effect it would have on my life. I simply friends. There were times when I would think I was found a site where I could play chess with others. spending too much time online or being influenced I didn’t foresee getting into trouble or developing a too greatly by the people I played with, so I would negative habit. The game room had a chat feature so try to take a break by cutting back. However, I would I could talk with other chess players, but this didn’t do so only for a few days or a week. Then I went worry me. I tried to find people who were polite right back online, playing and conversing into the and who respected my wishes to have appropriate night and neglecting things such as scripture read- conversations. ing, time with my husband, activities with my chil- Playing chess in and of itself wasn’t the problem. dren, and cleaning the house. The real problem was twofold: first, I could play any Though attempts at cutting back lessened my time and for as long as I wanted; and second, chess is drive for chess a little, they did not reduce my social more popular with men than women, so I was con- needs. Soon my drive to fuel my friendships became tinually competing with and conversing with men. more important than my drive to play chess. The It wasn’t unusual for me to spend four to seven lives of my chess friends, with their problems and hours in a day online, usually when my children activities, became my life. What they were thinking, were asleep or busy. The time flew by as I sat at the saying, and doing affected my moods and thoughts. computer, engrossed in playing chess and chatting When I wasn’t online, I was thinking of them and with my new friends. I had started out just playing their lives. Many times I found myself depressed be- in the evenings, but as time went on, I found myself cause of my emotional involvement. online in the morning or afternoon also. One relationship in particular was affecting my Soon after I began playing, my husband had to spiritual well-being. My religious discussions with work out of town for a couple of months. This gave one friend caused me to question the gospel. Not me the perfect opportunity to spend my evenings on only were we playing chess and chatting, but we the Internet. At night after my children were in bed, I were corresponding daily through e-mail. We found began staying up very late. it so easy to open up to each other online and in writ- Even after my husband returned home, I con- ing about our personal experiences and feelings even tinued to keep late hours, which led to sleep depri- though we hadn’t actually met in person. vation. He would go to bed, and I would stay up— I knew that my Internet experiences were affect- online. My husband sometimes suggested that I cut ing nearly every part of my life and that I was be- back on the amount of time I was spending on the coming addicted to it. I wanted to get out of it, but MODELS Y HENRIE; POSED B Y R A C Y TED B N ED

TUSTRA ILL 48 AGL I had allowed the Internet to take over my life. It wasn’t unusual for me to spend seven hours a day online.

IN THE WEB N AME W ITHHELD

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 49 BECOMING ADDICTED “The Internet I didn’t know how I was going to He asked me about my Internet do it. In spite of everything, even is a new source activities and counseled me to knowing that the situation was not of information discontinue my online friendship a healthy one, I still chose to be on- that offers with the friend who was having a line with friends rather than quit. negative effect on my testimony. I By now, others could see I had a tremendous knew ending this friendship was problem and were worried about me. opportunities as well as the right thing to do, and because My long hours at the computer and another potential—becoming of my belief in following the coun- my online friendships were harming sel of Church leaders I gained the my relationship with my husband. addicted. . . . Worldly strength to make the necessary Since much of my time online was influences enter our homes changes. I had to accept that my after the children went to bed, I in new shapes and forms to behavior was seriously affecting me sometimes missed our joint nightly and my family. There was the pos- prayers. My husband felt left out, but challenge our resolve to use sibility that if I continued, I would he was very patient with me. I am our time wisely and for the endanger everything that was pre- grateful he didn’t nag me. At a time cious to me, which could include when he needed comfort and help Lord’s purposes.” eternal consequences. for his own feelings, he tried to be Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the I felt that though it would be Twelve Apostles, “A Year of Jubilee,” understanding. He was willing to talk Ensign, Nov. 1999, 76. hard to do, it was right to end the to me. He listened when I got upset friendship. I felt at peace about or depressed about things that hap- the interview and knew what I pened with my online friends. I’m sure it seemed unbe- needed to do. I went home and recorded my feelings lievable that I was allowing them to affect me in such a in my journal in order to preserve what I felt at the negative manner. I know he was concerned about the time. In case of a change in my feelings or difficulty effect my online friendship was having on my testi- in keeping my resolve, I knew it would be helpful to mony, and it was disturbing to him to hear of my have those things recorded. doubts. Yet his willingness to talk with me about my Since for some time now, this one friendship had online friendships and about my doubts helped me. been the driving force of my online addiction, break- The turning point came for me when my stake ing it off played a big part in giving me back control of president requested an interview with me because my my life. After taking that step and getting that negative Internet activities had been brought to his attention. influence out of my life, I turned to strengthening my testimony. Interviews with priesthood leaders have been a blessing to me. I have benefited from the in- spiration of my bishop. A counselor in our stake presidency counseled me to read and study the scriptures 15 minutes a day. My study

t is a blessing to have my normal life back. Now I can clearly see howI anyone can gradually go from harmless Internet use to addiction, choosing to ignore warning signs or better judgment. I FELT A GREAT EACE 50 P had not been regular, but now, as I have recommitted harmless Internet use to addiction, choosing to ig- myself to the scriptures, I have gained a greater love nore warning signs or better judgment. I am grateful and appreciation for them. Prayer, fasting, and reading I was saved from situations that could have brought the scriptures have helped my testimony grow in ways heartache and pain. I never met any of my online male it couldn’t have when my mind and energies were so friends in person, but I’m uncertain of what might have focused on the Internet. I am so grateful for my grow- happened in three months or six months or a year. ing testimony. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who hears and My husband gave me two priesthood blessings answers prayers—not only mine but those said on that helped me by providing counsel and inspired my behalf. I know He can intercede in personal ways thoughts. Throughout, he has remained close to the to help us. I know that our leaders can receive inspi- Spirit and prayed for me. One of the most amazing ration for our benefit and that if we choose to listen things has been his ability to forgive. Even knowing to them, we can change our lives. អ that my feelings for an online friend weren’t as they Gospel topics: Internet, priorities, family, scriptures should be, he forgave me. Because of his forgiveness More on this topic: See James E. Faust, “The Power of Self-Mastery,” and because of the changes I have made, our marriage Ensign, May 2000, 44; Russell M. Nelson, “Living by Scriptural is back on the right track and has become stronger. Guidance,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 17; Mary Ellen Smoot, “We Are It is a blessing to have my normal life back. Now Instruments in the Hands of God,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 91. I can clearly see how anyone can gradually go from Visit www.lds.org or see Church magazines on CD.

top of your screen, then friends to find out if they TIPS FOR INTERNET SAFETY select Add Bookmark. have blocked inappropriate 4. Teach your children Internet sites. Knowing the ith the benefits of also graphically violent to avoid giving out personal parents helps you become the Internet come material or anything else that information. Establish some familiar with their family’s W hazards. We can is not wholesome. Realize too house rules about what per- entertainment standards. take a few precautions that that in some cases hypertext sonal information can and 7. Ask your Internet will help us and our children links on an appropriate site cannot be shared on the Service Provider (ISP) about to screen material. could link to other sites with Internet. For instance, one filtering methods to block 1. Place your computer in questionable material. rule might be, “I will not inappropriate information an open-access area. Having As you talk with your give out my street or e-mail before it gets to your home. the computer in sight reminds children about appropriate addresses or credit card Does the provider filter con- everyone in the family to be Internet use, encourage them numbers without parental tent? How extensively? If you’re careful about the information to be good examples to their approval.” Discuss guide- not satisfied with the filtering they access. It also encour- friends. If they or their friends lines as a family. provided, you can purchase ages you to sit down with are accessing questionable 5. Check your browser and install filtering software. your children and use the information, your children history routinely. Most 8. Share your learning Internet together. If you do need to feel confident that Internet browsers maintain with others. Talk to family not know a lot about the com- they can talk to you. Establish a history of Web sites visited and friends about what you puter or the Internet, ask your a relationship founded upon recently. In some cases, you and your family have discov- child to teach you. They might open communication. can press an arrow to the ered as you have searched enjoy the invitation to share 3. Bookmark child- right of where you type an the Internet. Ask them how their knowledge with you. friendly sites. Bookmarking Internet address to see a they have avoided inappro- 2. Talk with your children is an easy-to-use feature on drop-down list of recently priate Internet sites. What about the Internet. In a family your computer that allows visited sites. Also pressing sites have proven to be home evening lesson or as you to mark sites you want to CTRL-H while your cursor is especially beneficial? the need arises, periodically visit often. Marking a selec- in the address box will gener- The bottom line is— discuss with your children tion of appropriate sites gives ally show the history. there’s no foolproof filtering how the Internet can be used your children a good choice 6. Know the parents of technology. We need to have for good or evil. Help them to of places to visit when they your children’s friends. Your our own internal moral filters. understand the importance of use the Internet. Once you children may use a computer —Eric L. Denna, president accessing only appropriate have accessed a site you at their friends’ homes or of the BYU Sixth Stake and sites. It is important to resist would like to mark, click on other places. Talk with the information technology not only pornography but the word Bookmarks at the parents of your children’s vice president at BYU

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 51 FROM NEW YORK TO UTAH SEVEN CHURCH HEAD

Each place that served as Church headquarters has its own significance in the development of the restored Church. B Y K EITH W. P ERKINS

oday it is easy for us to identify Church head- 2. Did the Church have its offices or conduct its quarters as Salt Lake City, Utah. But at various business there? times from 1830 to 1848 if a friend had asked a 3. Did members of the Church gather there? TChurch member, “Where is the headquarters of your 4. Were general conferences held there? church?” the answer would not always have been so 5. Were missionaries called and sent to preach the simple. gospel from there? One important perspective in seeking to identify 6. Did many significant Church events happen there? Church headquarters at any given time period, particu- 7. Was a temple built there? larly during the ministry of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Some locations have more supportive information is to recognize that wherever the prophet of the Lord was, for them than others. Yet research suggests that the fol- there was the headquarters of the Church. Even now, head- lowing qualify as headquarters locations at one time or quarters is—in a certain and real sense—wherever the another: (1) Fayette, New York; (2) Kirtland, Ohio, for prophet is, the senior Apostle of the Lord on earth who two different periods; (3) Hiram, Ohio; (4) Far West, holds the leadership of the keys of the priesthood. Missouri; (5) Nauvoo, Illinois; (6) Winter Quarters, Students of Church history today are increasingly Nebraska; and (7) Salt Lake City, Utah. comfortable in identifying seven geographical sites as Church headquarters locations. All seven are well FAYETTE, NEW YORK (JUNE 1829–JANUARY 1831) known to members of the Church who study the Doctrine and Covenants and who read accounts of At the invitation of the Peter Whitmer Sr. family, the Church history. But some members may not have Prophet Joseph Smith moved to Fayette, New York, thought of one or two as headquarters locations. from Harmony, Pennsylvania, in June 1829. His wife, Identifying a location during the ministry of the Emma, soon joined him. Thereafter, they lived in Prophet Joseph Smith is sometimes challenging, par- Fayette off and on for the next year and a half, making ticularly for periods of time when the Church had trips back to Harmony and Colesville, Manchester, and not yet been able to build a headquarters building. Palmyra, New York. They finally settled in Fayette in Thus, the following questions are helpful when con- August 1830 and stayed until January 1831. sidering what places might be identified as a Church The Peter Whitmer Sr. farm was the location of headquarters location: notable events, such as the finishing of the Book of 1. Did the prophet and his family live there? Mormon translation in 1829, the witnessing of the plates

52 CTRI
DO & NE
COVENANTS CHURCH QUARTERS HISTORY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN Y : PHOTO B ; INSET AKER WILLIAM WHIT Y TED B STRA U : ILL LEFT

N.Y. Top left: On 6 April 1830 the Prophet Joseph MINN. WIS. ●❶ Fayette Smith and five associates met to officially S.D. MICH. organize the Church at Fayette, New York. Above: A replica of the Peter Whitmer Sr. WYO. ●❷ PA. ●❼ IOWA Kirtland ●❸ family home, the first headquarters building Winter Quarters●❻ Hiram and scene of many significant events. Left: NEB. Nauvoo IND. ●❺ OHIO The seven Church headquarters locations Salt Lake ILL. ●❹ W. VA . City VA. numbered in chronological order. COLO. UTAH Far West KAN. KY. MO. N.C. THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 53 BARRETT . T ROBER Y AINTING B : P OUNG; INSET CHRIS Y Y AINTING B : P LEFT

by 11 additional men, the 1830 or- Above: This painting of Kirtland, Ohio, ganization of the Church, and the shows how prominent the temple was on the town horizon in 1836. Kirtland was beginning of the inspired work to headquarters for the Church for two differ- translate (make corrections to) the ent periods, February–September 1831 and King James Version of the Bible September 1832–January 1838. Left: The (Joseph Smith Translation). Twenty Prophet Joseph Smith organized the leading quorums of the Church during the second sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, Kirtland period. including revelations on Church organi- zation and government (see D&C 20) and The work of translating the Bible contin- the gathering of Israel (see D&C 29; 38), were ued here. Four sections of the Doctrine and received and recorded here. Covenants (see D&C 41–44) were received in the The first three conferences were held here in June Whitney home, including the law of the Church (see D&C and September 1830 and in January 1831. It is not 42) and guidance on discerning evil influences (see D&C widely known that at this time the Fayette area was 43). Additional instructions on evil spirits (see D&C 46; 50) home to the largest of the three groups of members. and clarifications on the law of consecration (see D&C 48; The Prophet conducted Church business in Fayette 51; 53–54) were received at the Morley farm. Edward and received many new convert visitors here, includ- Partridge was called at Kirtland as the first bishop of the ing Parley P. and Orson Pratt, Sidney Rigdon, and Church. The fourth general conference was held here in Edward Partridge. Many early baptisms were also June 1831 on the Morley farm. At this conference the first performed nearby, and from here the Lord called and high priests in this dispensation were called and ordained. sent four men to preach the gospel to the Lamanites. Church membership swelled from 200 to about 400 during this time, and most lived in Kirtland. Many new KIRTLAND, OHIO, FIRST PERIOD converts, such as William W. Phelps and John and Alice Johnson, traveled to or gathered at Kirtland to be near (FEBRUARY–SEPTEMBER 1831) the Prophet. Numerous pairs of missionaries were In December 1830 the Lord directed Church mem- called by revelation from Kirtland at this time (see D&C bers to “assemble together at the Ohio” (D&C 37:3). 42; 44; 49; 52) and sent to preach in Ohio, the eastern With the arrival at Kirtland of the Prophet Joseph Smith United States, and Missouri. and his family about the first of February 1831, Church headquarters was now in Ohio. The Prophet and his HIRAM, OHIO (SEPTEMBER 1831–SEPTEMBER 1832) wife first resided in the home of Newel K. and Elizabeth Whitney for a few weeks; then in March 1831 they Motivated by a desire to find a secluded place in which moved to the Isaac Morley farm about one mile away. to continue his work of translating the Bible, the Prophet

54 DOCTRINE and his family moved in September 1831 to Hiram, Ohio, leaving on 1 April, he placed his family in
&
about 30 miles southeast of Kirtland. There they stayed the care of friends in Kirtland. He returned COVENANTS with the John Johnson family for about one year. During with his family to Hiram in June 1832, stay- CHURCH this period the Prophet was rarely in Kirtland, making ing here until September that same year. HISTORY only a few day trips into town to handle problems be- tween members living there (see D&C 70; 72; 78). KIRTLAND, OHIO, SECOND PERIOD The Lord instructed the Prophet before his move to OUNG Hiram, “to retain a strong hold in the land of Kirtland” (SEPTEMBER 1832–JANUARY 1838) (D&C 64:21), so it is doubtful that the Prophet intended The Prophet and his family moved back to BRIGHAM Y , to initiate a permanent shift in where members were to Kirtland in September 1832 and lived above T gather, but there are important factors that show Hiram the Whitney store until their own home was finished was Church headquarters for a year. not far from the site of the Kirtland Temple. They lived AL SOCIETY At Hiram the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon labored in their new home from February 1834 to January 1838. diligently on the translation of the Bible, which stimu- Kirtland served as headquarters longer than any VE HISTORIC lated them to inquire of the Lord about significant doc- other location during the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. TESY OF MUSEUM AR trinal and organizational matters. A historic series of Priesthood keys were restored by Moses, Elias, and Elijah special conferences was held at Hiram from September (see D&C 110). The School of the Prophets was inaugu- to November 1831, during which sections 1, 65–69, and rated, and marvelous spiritual manifestations were seen

133 of the Doctrine and Covenants were received. At one by many. Nine general conferences were held here, and TESY OF WESTERN RESER

of these conferences it was decided to publish a book the original Quorums of the Twelve and the Seventy were C.C.A. CHRISTENSEN, © COUR BY containing more than organized during this , WING COUR 60 of the Prophet’s reve- period. The first patriarch, : DRA lations and call it the Joseph Smith Sr., was

Book of Commandments. called. The first stake, stake VED; LEFT

The Lord gave through presidency, and high coun- THERING THE PROPHET the Prophet a “Testimony cil were organized. The first of the Witnesses of the latter-day temple was con- ALL RIGHTS RESER Book of the Lord’s structed, in which a partial , ARRING AND FEA T Commandments” (see endowment was given. : BELOW Explanatory Introduc- UNIVERSITY tion to the Doctrine and Covenants). This testi- mony was agreed to by those present and carried to Missouri for publication to the Church. In all, 17 Above: Drawing of the John and sections were received Alice Johnson farm in Hiram, here. Section 76, a vision Ohio, showing how it appeared received by Joseph and when it served as Church head- quarters for a year in 1831–32. Sidney concerning the Right: On a cold March night destiny of God’s children, in 1832, a Hiram mob attacked was given on 16 February the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, 1832 in an upstairs room of dragging them into a nearby field, where they were beaten, the Johnson home. Coun- tarred, and feathered. selors in the original First Presidency of the Church were called and set apart here in March 1832. A significant number of Church members lived in Twenty-seven sections of the Doctrine and Cove- and around Hiram near the Prophet. New converts nants came during this second Kirtland period. In one, called at the Johnson home, and from here missionaries the Word of Wisdom (see D&C 89) was revealed, and in were sent forth. another the Prophet saw “the celestial kingdom of God, The Prophet’s enemies, worried that Hiram would and the glory thereof,” and “the transcendent beauty of become a major Church center, attacked Joseph Smith the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will and Sidney Rigdon on the night of 24 March 1832. A enter” (D&C 137:1–2). few days later the Lord reiterated his instruction that Hundreds of members were gathering to Missouri at the Prophet Joseph visit Missouri (see D&C 78:9). Before this time, but Kirtland was still where the larger group of

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 55 Saints was located, growing from a few hundred NAUVOO, ILLINOIS (MAY 1839–FEBRUARY 1846) to about 2,000 between 1834 and 1837. Four future Once released from jail, Church leaders moved Presidents of the Church—Brigham Young, John quickly to purchase, survey, and clear land for a new Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and Lorenzo Snow—came gathering site. At a conference in October 1839, at this time to meet the Prophet Joseph Smith. They Nauvoo (Commerce) was appointed as a stake of Zion were instructed in the doctrine and organization of the and a gathering place, along with Hancock County, Church, which prepared them for the day when they Illinois, and Lee County, Iowa. It was a place where would lead the Church. Heber C. Kimball also joined the Prophet felt free to teach the Saints many doctrines the Church and came from New York to Kirtland. He that had been revealed to him, such as baptisms for the was tutored by the Prophet Joseph Smith and sent dead and the eternal nature of the family. The book of with Orson Hyde and others to Great Britain, where Abraham, new editions of the Book of Mormon and approximately 1,500 individuals joined the Church. the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Wentworth letter, Apostasy among Church members in Kirtland led containing the Articles of Faith, were printed. the Prophet Joseph and his family to abandon their The Lord again commanded the Saints to build home in January 1838 and move to northern Missouri, a temple (see D&C 124:28–31) so that sacred temple where many members had already gathered. The ordinances could be performed to unite families for- Prophet and his family never returned to Kirtland. ever and provide the opportunity for exaltation to all who would obey the prin- FAR WEST, MISSOURI ciples and ordinances of TT REIER the gospel. MA (MARCH 1838– Y Eleven general con- FEBRUARY 1839) ferences were held here, A joyous welcome PHOTO B and the responsibilities greeted the Prophet and of women in the Church his family in Far West. were further revealed with Because of serious dissen- the establishment of the sion among some Church Relief Society. The role of leaders in Missouri and the Quorum of the Twelve the apostasy in Ohio, one was firmly established, of the first matters the and in 1844 they were Prophet needed to handle given all of the keys neces- was the reorganization of sary to preside over the the leading quorums. New kingdom of God. Here leaders were called at an The area with trees and houses in the center background of Brigham Young was sus- April 1838 conference here. this photograph was set aside by the Prophet Joseph Smith for tained by the Saints to lead Eight revelations in the a temple at Far West, Missouri. While living in Far West, the the Church following the Prophet received eight Doctrine and Covenants revelations. Doctrine and Covenants Church population in the area swelled to about 5,000. death of the Prophet were received at or near Joseph Smith. here, including one which gives the Church its pres- Missionaries continued to be sent to Great Britain ent name and instructs a temple be built in Far West and to the eastern United States, and many converts (see D&C 115:4, 8). The Lord’s law of tithing and its journeyed to gather at Nauvoo. At its peak in 1845, disbursement (see D&C 119–20) was revealed here, Nauvoo was home to more than 11,000, mostly and the Prophet began writing a history of the Latter-day Saint residents. Church (see JS—H 1:1–2). Many faithful members left Kirtland and gathered WINTER QUARTERS, NEBRASKA (JULY 1846–MAY 1848) to northern Missouri. A large group arrived in the fall of 1838, swelling the Latter-day Saint population to Forced to abandon their temple and beautiful city about 5,000. In a July 1838 revelation (see D&C 118), of Nauvoo, the Saints sought to establish a new head- the Lord also called the Twelve Apostles to go to quarters in the Rocky Mountains. The name Winter England for missionary work. Quarters is used here to describe a collection of From Far West, Brigham Young, as President of more than 100 settlements, including Council Bluffs, the Quorum of the Twelve, led the Church into along the Missouri River in the present-day states of Illinois in January–February 1839 while the Prophet Nebraska and Iowa. This area was where the Saints wrote instructions to the Church from jail in Liberty, temporarily gathered while preparing to move west. Missouri. From here a 500-man army, the “Mormon

56 CTRI
DO & NE
COVENANTS CHURCH HISTORY

Above: This painting of Nauvoo, Illinois, from the Missouri side of the Mississippi River shows how the city looked in 1844, with the temple occupying a prominent place on the horizon. Right:

Photograph of the partially rebuilt Nauvoo Temple, taken on PHOTO © LEE NOE 13 June 2001. Battalion,” was raised to assist the United States in its war against Mexico. Brigham Young, as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, received signifi- cant revelations here. One guided the Saints to their new home in the tops of the mountains (see D&C 136). In 1847 a pioneer company under the leadership of President Brigham Young and the Twelve left Winter Quarters to find the place the Lord had pre- pared for their new home. When President Young France, Germany, Italy, and the Scandinavian coun- and the Twelve returned here that same year, the First tries. President Brigham Young also designated a site Presidency was reorganized in December 1847 with for the building of a temple. Property surrounding Brigham Young as president. Three general confer- this site was set aside for Church purposes and be- ences were held, and more than 10,000 Saints congre- came known as Temple Square. In 1848 a large meet- gated here. The Saints were then encouraged to ing facility known as the Bowery was constructed on undertake preparations and depart for their new Te mple Square. A series of other meeting halls were home in the Rocky Mountains. built and replaced until a large dome-shaped house of worship, the Tabernacle, was opened for the October SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (SEPTEMBER 1848–PRESENT) 1867 general conference. The building of a temple was When President Brigham Young arrived in Salt undertaken in 1853 and was dedicated in 1893. Today Lake Valley for the second time, in September 1848, that temple stands as a symbol of the Latter-day Saints a new headquarters was in place; since then, every and their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. prophet-president has guided the Church from Salt The first general conference in Salt Lake City was Lake City. held in October 1848 in a temporary covering. More Soon after his arrival in the valley, four new than 300 general conferences have been held in Salt apostles were called and missionaries were sent to Lake City. In April 2000, about 21,000 people gathered

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 57 TT REIER MA Y : PHOTOS B AL ROUNDS; INSET AND BELOW Y AINTING B P : LEFT

Above: A painting of Winter Quarters, members worldwide. The Book of 1848, showing where many Saints found temporary shelter along the Missouri Mormon has been translated into River. Right: The Winter Quarters Temple more than 100 languages, and the with a pioneer cemetery in the foreground. gospel is being taught throughout the world by more than 60,000 in the new Conference Center, along missionaries. “There was never a with 9,000 in the Tabernacle and Assembly Hall, brighter day than today in the history of The Church with many more participating by satellite broadcast. of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. . . . What we see The Church Administration Building, with of- today is but the scratching of the surface of far greater fices for the First Presidency and other General things yet to come” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Authorities, was constructed in 1917, and the Church Lengthened Shadow of the Hand of God,” Ensign, Office Building was opened in 1972 to provide much- May 1987, 52, 59). អ needed office space. Missionary calls have been is- Keith W. Perkins is a member of the Orem First Ward, Orem Utah Stake. sued from here for more than 150 years. Gospel topics: Church history, prophets, gathering, Zion Three revelations now found in the Doctrine and More on this topic: See Alexander L. Baugh, “From High Hopes to Covenants were received, and a new book of scrip- Despair: The Missouri Period, 1831–39,” Ensign, July 2001, 44–55; ture, the Pearl of Great Price, was canonized here. Richard E. Bennett, “Winter Quarters,” Ensign, Sept. 1997, 42–53; Numerous Church programs and auxiliaries have “House of Revelation” and “The Times and Seasons,” Ensign, Jan. been organized to meet the needs of the growing, 1993, 31–43; Glen M. Leonard and T. Edgar Lyon, “The Nauvoo Years,” Ensign, Sept. 1979, 11–15; see also 16–50; Milton V. Backman Jr., worldwide Church. “Kirtland: The Crucial Years,” Ensign, Jan. 1979, 24–28.

SUMMARY

➲ From the small group ● N of Latter-day Saints that ●11 gathered 6 April 1830 at ●12 Fayette, New York, the Church has grown to ❾● more than 11 million ❿●

❻● Aerial view of Salt Lake City, ❽● Utah. The non-gray area is ❼● Temple Square: (1) Conference Center, (2) Museum of Church ❶● ❺● History and Art, (3) Family History Library, (4) Assembly ❹● Hall, (5) Tabernacle, (6) Visi- ❻● tors’ Centers, (7) Temple Annex, (8) Salt Lake Temple, (9) Joseph Smith Memorial Building, (10) Relief Society ❷● ❸● Building, (11) Church Office Building, (12) Church Administration Building.

58 eeping a journal! I thought. What an agonizing struggle! I was a mother with five small chil- dren. My husband was busy with his Church calling,K and we were trying to start a business. I wanted to follow the counsel of a prophet of the Lord to keep a journal, but when I wrote, it was so unfulfilling. I wrote about what my chil- more. I then wrote on my pink pages short, dren had done to test my patience and how positive comments about them, what they did, tired and frustrated I was. I didn’t have and how they each made me feel. Instead of record- much spirituality in my life or my jour- ing my frustrations on the white pages, I began nal, and I wanted to change. to write my feelings of gratitude. After After praying about my one month my pink pages out- situation, I read the numbered the white! Even prophet Nephi’s words seemingly negative experi- in 1 Nephi 9:3–5. Part ences began to take an of verse 4 really important place on my caught my attention: pink pages as I learned “Wherefore these to express my feelings plates are for the in a more construc- more part of the tive way. I also re- ministry; and the corded how I felt other plates are before and after my for the more part of prayers. This helped the reign of the kings me learn to listen and the wars and con- and recognize an- tentions of my people.” swers from God. I realized that The prophet Nephi Nephi was keeping a wrote: “Wherefore, the separate record of the spiri- Lord hath commanded tual progress of his people! I me to make these plates for a decided that I should follow this B Y PAMELA J. REID wise purpose in him, which pur- direction in my journal writing. pose I know not” (1 Ne. 9:5). When I I have always written my journal on loose started writing on the pink pages of my journal, pages in a folder. To have two journals I decided to I thought it was a great idea. It wasn’t until I focused keep my spiritual account on pink pages and my on the “hidden” spiritual elements of my life that I everyday events on white pages. My goal was to truly began to realize His “wise purpose” for me. eventually have more written on pink pages than By negatively dwelling on the mundane or the white. I thought that if this happened it would mean crises in our lives, we may miss the spiritual prompt- that I was becoming more spiritual. ings that can come. We can strive to appreciate our After two weeks I was still struggling to fill one blessings and record in our journals how we have pink page. And, in fact, I had begun in my frustration been enabled to conquer our afflictions with the to write even more on the white pages. What had Lord’s help. gone wrong with my plan? After praying again After a while I stopped keeping different colors of I realized my problem was not in what was happen- pages. My attitude toward life has become more posi- ing, but in my attitude toward the everyday events tive, and my journal keeping has become a spiritual of my life. I wasn’t appreciating my blessings or ap- habit. To this day, before I write in my journal, I stop proaching my activities in a spiritual way. I pondered and ask myself, How many “pink” experiences have I how I could possibly turn everyday happenings into had? It has helped me stay spiritually “in the pink.”អ Y A. LARSEN KELL entries on my pink pages. Pamela J. Reid is a member of the Birkenhead Ward, Auckland Y I started by observing my children’s activities more New Zealand Harbour Stake. closely and quietly with the hope of enjoying them Gospel topics: spirituality, attitude, journal keeping, prayer PHOTO B

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 59 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

Thirsting for the Living Water By Victor Manuel Cabrera

s a child, I was never taught to read the Bible. I went to church on Sundays, but I contributedA nothing and felt noth- ing in return. I was disillusioned by my religion. I remember hav- ing serious arguments with my mother over a metal object called the Santísimo that my parents wor- shiped and expected me to wor- ship as well. I could not. I searched for a better alternative, wanting to find God—wanting to know if He even existed. I thirsted to know Him and His words. But I could not seem to find what I sought. There were moments when I felt close to quenching my thirst. When I held my first child, a daughter, in my arms for the first time, I had a feeling that God really did exist. Many years later, when her sister was born, I experienced the same feeling. Once I told my cousin that I felt in my heart I was somehow going to become a priest with real authority from God. She said that was impossible because I had a family to take care of. Most of the time, however, an inexplicable tiredness weighed upon my soul. I was spiritually thirsty and could find no place to drink. In April 1994 I was living in the city of Monterrey, Mexico, earning a living as a taxi driver. One day it rained for hours, sending water cascading down the mountain- sides. After driving around in the rain for hours, I found myself in a little town about eight kilometers (five miles) from Monterrey. It was about 9:30 P.M., nearly time to go home. Suddenly I saw two young men on foot. They were

60 ALL BRIAN C Y TED B USTRA wearing dark trousers and white Book of Mormon, and we love His ILL shirts, and they looked drenched Church, The Church of Jesus Christ from head to foot. of Latter-day Saints. Through these When I approached them, I gifts we have found that well of liv- opened the door of the taxi and ing water the Savior spoke of to the called, “Get in! I’m going to woman of Samaria: “Whosoever Monterrey.” drinketh of the water that I shall The taller one, who had a very give him shall never thirst; but the fair complexion, replied, “We water that I shall give him shall be don’t have any money.” in him a well of water springing up “No charge,” I replied. into everlasting life” (John 4:14).អ They quickly got into the taxi. Victor Manuel Cabrera is a member of the As I drove, we talked. They Mirador Ward, Monterrey Mexico Roma asked if they could share a mes- Stake. sage about Jesus Christ with me. I Gospel topics: conversion, missionary work agreed and gave them my address. When I got home, I woke my wife and told her about the two young men. “What a coinci- The Very Experience dence,” I said. “One is Mexican and the other is American, and they are both named Elder.” I Needed “Elder means missionary,” my By Ruth Harris Swaner wife answered, knowing just a lit- tle about the Church. From deep within me, I felt ister Swaner,” the stake presi- something stir. These young men “ dent said as he sat across his had left a feeling of exquisite won- desk from me, “Heavenly der in my heart. I felt that I was FSather wants to call you to serve in close to finding the water that the extraction program.” opened would quench my thirst, that it “The what?” I replied, bewil- the door was within reach. dered. I had expected a teaching ofI the taxi The missionaries came to our assignment, something that would and called, home on 5 June, and I was happy coincide with my past experience. “Get in! to listen to them. Two weeks later, Instead, for the next 15 minutes I’m going to on 19 June, I was baptized. My wife the stake president explained the Monterrey.” was baptized four months later, in record extraction program to me. October. Our oldest daughter had When he finished, echoing in my been receiving religious training at ears were such phrases as “foreign a school. When she went to church language” and “commit yourself for the first time, she cried, “Papa, to 12 hours a week.” this is so much better than what I Then he added, “There are no am learning at school!” She too was pats on the back in this endeavor. baptized in October. Your efforts will be an act of self- In December 1995 we were less service.” sealed as a family in the Mexico I reluctantly said yes to the call- City Mexico Temple for this life ing and shook his hand as I left the and for eternity. Now we are a office. family enjoying harmony, peace, Soon I began learning about and happiness. We know who we reading and transcribing entries worship. We know where we came from old German civil and parish from and where we are going. We records. I felt overwhelmed and love God’s word, especially the apprehensive.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 61 After several weeks in a training experience I needed at this time. after this, I traveled to the neigh- program, I returned to the stake I am grateful for the lessons in boring city of Council Bluffs, Iowa, president’s office to be set apart. As humility, repentance, patience, and to run an errand. On the way back he did so, he cautioned me not to endurance that my calling in the to Omaha I took a wrong turn, and look at the handwriting on the extraction program taught me. I in the process of trying to correct records as obscure letters or faceless am grateful for the opportunity I my mistake I ended up in the unfa- names. “See them as real people,” had to give members the tools by miliar territory of north Omaha. As he counseled. “See them as fathers, which they can find their ancestors I drove, trying to find my way back mothers, children, and grandpar- and provide gospel ordinances for downtown to my apartment, a sign ents who lived upon this earth. them. I am also thankful for the on the side of the road caught my They loved, had trials and chal- blessing of learning to rely upon eye. It directed interested travelers lenges, and now have the opportu- Heavenly Father. អ toward a visitors’ center. I turned nity to accept the gospel of Jesus Ruth Harris Swaner is a member of the down the street as indicated, not Christ and be baptized vicariously.” Smithfield 11th Ward, Smithfield Utah sure why I was doing so but think- In the weeks following, I pon- North Stake. ing that at least I might get specific dered the stake president’s words Gospel topics: service, humility, family directions for getting home. and prayed that I could serve in history Upon arriving at the visitors’ my calling freely and lovingly. I center, I immediately spotted a sod also asked Heavenly Father to help house and a covered wagon, which rid me of pride. I knew I must sparked my curiosity. While I was serve the Lord and give Him the A Wrong Turn looking over these things, an elderly praise and glory. gentleman came out of the visitors’ I began my work by extract- center building and greeted me with ing names from German parish at the Right Place a firm handshake and a warm smile. records of the 16th and 17th cen- By Sandra S. Kaup He offered to show me around the turies. I was surprised to discover grounds, and after telling me about how valuable my high school f this doesn’t work, then I’ll the sod house and covered wagon, German class was to me now. “ give up,” I muttered to myself he led me up a hill to some kind of After studying the scribe’s as I wrote in my notebook. cemetery. The sunlight was spilling handwriting for two months, I In Ia last attempt to reach out to a through the trees overhead onto grew to know and love him. His Being whose existence I was unsure many of the modest, weather- penmanship became familiar to of, I was penning what I thought of beaten gravestones. My guide told me. I witnessed his good days and as a letter or prayer to God. me of the families who had risked his bad, such as when his quill had As a student attending college in their lives to go west and how dripped or smudged ink across the Omaha, Nebraska, I had allowed my people had lost their lives here. page. On those days I prayed for studies to lead me to doubt God’s Then he said nothing for what special help and guidance. reality. Gradually an emptiness seemed like a long time. It was so I also grew to love those with came over me that work, school, quiet; I had never experienced whom I served in doing the ex- or even family and friends could such silence. I stood among the traction work. I was inspired by not fill. I became entangled in self- gravestones, the sun warming my their dedication and the life expe- destructive behaviors, and it seemed riences they shared with me. Not nothing could bring me peace. least of all, I appreciated the good In these discouraging circum- sisters who patiently instructed stances, I picked up a pen and me. Through their loving tutoring pleaded for answers from God. I gained the knowledge I needed I asked Him why I was here and to do the work, and my confi- how I was supposed to know what s we walked among tombstones dence increased. to do. I told Him I needed answers in the Winter Quarters cemetery As the months passed, a trans- soon and without them I would A formation was happening. I was find it difficult not only to believe in Omaha, Nebraska, my guide loving my calling. Humbled by in Him but also to feel accountable told me of the pioneers who had the challenges, I realized this for my actions. gone west between 1847 and 1852 selfless service was the very On a crisp autumn day not long and of those who had died here.

62 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

back against the cool breeze. There Most importantly, the film an- them but had led them by the was such beauty here and I felt swered the question I had asked hand, strengthened them, and such a calm feeling that I didn’t myself in the cemetery. These peo- given them the gift of courage in want to leave. I walked around, ple had sacrificed and had risked response to their faithfulness. bending down every few feet to losing so much for one simple rea- Before I left the visitors’ center, read the gravestones. It saddened son: they had faith. They had faith the couple asked me if I wanted to me to find that so many marked in a living, active God who actually fill out a card so that missionaries the graves of little children, even directed them as they prayed and could contact me. I did so, and babies. I kept thinking, Why would as they heeded their prophet’s as we said our good-byes they these people risk losing so much? voice. God had not abandoned handed me a copy of the Book of My guide then asked me if Mormon. After what had turned I’d like to see a film about these out to be a most interesting de- pioneers, and being intrigued, I tour, I had no problem finding my answered yes. We entered the way back home to my apartment, building, and after the man intro- even though I had completely for- duced me to his wife, I watched the gotten to get directions. film. It related the story of Joseph Not long after this, missionaries Smith and the coming forth of the contacted me and taught me about Book of Mormon. It also told of the a Father in Heaven who loves persecutions that arose and how me and about the gospel of Jesus the Latter-day Saints had to leave Christ. Over time, my faith in God their homes. They journeyed west, was restored. There was calmness, and many had died at this very satisfaction, and a fulfillment I had location, called Winter Quarters, never known before as I feasted during the winter of 1846–47. on all that God had revealed and on His love for me. Feeling assured that it was the right thing to do, I was baptized on 20 March 1990. I had not realized, however, how difficult the journey could be. I soon found out as I experienced criticism and opposition from fam- ily and friends. While I faced these challenges and adjusted to a change in lifestyle, I thought of the pio- neers. As with them, I felt that God gave me the gift of courage because I had the faith to begin my journey. I am grateful that as I reached out to Him who created me, He reached back and helped me find His Church. I feel at peace and know that God does not abandon us in times of trial but carries us as He carried many of His weary pioneers across that difficult trail that led to a place of hope and promise. អ Sandra S. Kaup is a member of the Smoke Ranch Ward, Las Vegas Nevada Meadows Stake. Gospel topics: conversion, visitors’ centers, pioneers, trials

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 63 Unraveling Records of the Past

• Members of an ancient Syriac Christian group The scholars are part of BYU’s Institute for the in the Middle East are looking far to the west for Study and Preservation of Ancient Religious Texts. the preservation of some of their most precious reli- The institute also includes the Foundation for gious texts—to scholars at Brigham Young University Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS). in Provo, Utah. But FARMS devotes its efforts largely to the study • That same BYU group is serving Islamic of the times, places, and cultures of the Book of scholars by translating selected works of Muslim Mormon and ancient scriptural texts of interest to philosophers. Latter-day Saints. • And that same BYU group makes available to The BYU scholars who work with texts from other other researchers what is believed to be the world’s religions (their group was originally called the Center largest library of digital images of the Dead Sea for the Preservation of Ancient Religious Texts, or Scrolls, ancient documents discovered in caves near CPART) gained international attention in the mid- the Dead Sea in 1947. 1990s for their efforts to put digital images of all the

Top left: Scholars photograph an ancient document as part of their preservation work. Left: This small silver scroll, shown here unrolled, is among artifacts donated to BYU’s Institute for the Study and Preservation of Ancient Religious Texts. Right: Kristian Heal, who studied the Syriac language MARK A. PHILBRICK

at Oxford University, examines a sampling of texts Y by Syriac Christians. Inset, right: The institute staff includes researchers such as Irena Abramian, who is fluent in Armenian, Russian, Hebrew, and English. PHOTOGRAPHY B On

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 65 66 On

Dead Sea Scrolls into a CD-ROM database. The database now includes thousands of images. The scholars’ later publication of the translated writings of important Islamic philosophers opened dialogues with Muslim scholars, and their efforts to preserve those Dead Sea Scroll images drew the at- tention of Syriac leaders. Some of the Syriac docu- ments they have been asked to publish are located in the Vatican Library in Rome. The BYU institute focuses on three activities that fragments on the computer to make one integrated are of great value to scholars and leaders of other image. Using computer technology, they have taken faiths: preservation of ancient documents, translation black images of carbonized documents—scorched in (by scholars who are recognized experts in their a burning church in Petra, Jordan, or volcanic ash at field) and subsequent publication, and inclusion of Herculaneum, in Italy, centuries ago—and produced documents in readily available electronic databases. easily readable images. Their work in preservation is fascinating—some- The Dead Sea Scrolls database produced at BYU has times amazing. They can “stitch” together document literally changed the world for scholars studying the scrolls. In the past, a researcher might have expected to Left: BYU researchers work in a library in the Vatican as part of wait half a lifetime to examine just one fragment of one their examination and translation of ancient scriptural texts. scroll. Now, a scholar anywhere in the world can slip a Inset, far left: Computer software allows researchers to compare CD from BYU into a computer and read in one sitting an English translation from Hebrew, left, with the Hebrew text, an entire text written two millennia ago. center, and a photograph of the original document. Weston Fields, executive director of the Dead Sea Above: Steve and Susan Booras, both part of the BYU research Scrolls Foundation in Jerusalem, commented that not team, study images of an ancient carbonized scroll whose writ- ings can be recaptured through use of computer technology. long ago, none of his publication team knew where BYU was. Now, “Provo [Utah] has suddenly become Inset, right: Steve Booras, institute operations manager, searches អ for a CD from the institute’s extensive collection of Dead Sea an international center of Dead Sea Scrolls study.” Scroll images, located in the Harold B. Lee Library at BYU. Gospel topics: history of religions, translation of languages, education

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 67 RANDOM SAMPLER

One Can at a Time t would take an elephant to feed my family for a year, I thought as I tried to make a plan for our foodI storage. And how could I afford it or store it all? Just then an old say- ing about elephants popped into my mind: “How do you eat an ele- phant? One bite at a time.” The question for me was, “How do you store an elephant?” The answer was—one can at a time! The Church has provided many areas with a wonderful resource: the dry pack cannery. If there is one nearby, we can sign up to pack various products at reasonable prices. Dry packing in number 10 cans is a convenient and safe way to store the basic foods needed for long-term storage. Our “elephant” could fit nicely in our storage room. important savings is food stor- decided to use the missionary dis- The next question was, how could age” (Jack M. Lyon, “‘How Many cussions to teach him about the we afford it? Our family came Loaves Have Ye?’” Ensign, Dec. principles of the gospel and the up with the following ideas for 1989, 41). We have tried to bal- covenants made at baptism. My financing our food storage: ance this with monetary savings. husband purchased a set of mis- 1. Save all the change that comes Each time we purchase an item sionary discussions and taught home. It is amazing how much on sale for food storage, we try to one every few weeks during fam- money five people can contribute save the extra amount we would ily home evening. We were all in just a week. With only $1 per normally have spent and add it blessed by this because the discus- week per person, we could dry to our food storage fund. sions are brimming with informa- pack one can of potato pearls, or Our food storage is growing tion, and we felt the special spirit three cans of flour, or one can of day by day, can by can, case by that accompanies their message. delicious apple slices. case. We are better prepared and We have continued the tradition 2. Use the money from our tax no longer afraid of being tram- of using the discussions to pre- return for quantity purchases. A case pled by the enormity of the food- pare all our children for baptism, of six cans of basic items of milk, storage elephant.—Mary L. confirmation, and a love of mis- AKER flour, sugar, and wheat was Wilson, Indian Hills Ward, sionary work. affordable and helped us be much Pocatello Idaho Stake When our oldest son turned BETH M. WHITT more prepared. When we added 16, he taught his seven-year-old Y

pasta and beans, we felt that in an brother the missionary discus- TED B STRA emergency we could actually cre- Preparing Children sions the same way we had been U ate family meals for a month. doing it as a family. His experi- : ILL 3. Buy one extra item when at the ence teaching his brother has store. Oils, salt, and spices are nec- for Baptism increased his desire to serve a essary for a complete storage plan. hen our oldest child was mission, and making the mission- JOE FLORES; RIGHT The cost of one item was seldom seven, we were anxious ary discussions part of our home Y

noticed in our grocery bill, but our to help prepare him to has helped all our testimonies to TED B

storage room benefited greatly. makeW sacred covenants with his grow.—Carolyn M. Roche, Green USTRA

An article in the Ensign about Heavenly Father by being bap- Valley Fourth Ward, St. George : ILL

debt reduction states, “Your most tized and confirmed. My husband Utah Green Valley Stake LEFT

68 Helping Your Family Keep the Sabbath

he scripture “Train up a necessary and permission is given with sweet experiences. child in the way he should by Mom or Dad. Our children 3. Visit family and friends. Along go: and when he is old, he have usually accepted this. With with attending Church meetings Twill not depart from it” (Prov. their support we feel more peace and fulfilling Church responsibili- 22:6) has been our motto and in our home and are grateful to ties on Sunday, we occasionally guide as we try to teach our chil- know we are assured weekly time visit family and friends, especially dren good habits and righteous away from worldly distractions. those with whom our teens have principles. We found it especially 2. Plant the habit of doing worth- a common interest. Sometimes helpful to share Sabbath day and while activities. Demonstrate that we have family or friends visit us family home evening activities the Sabbath is a special day of for a modest dinner or dessert. with our children, particularly worship, service, and personal 4. Welcome newcomers in your during their teenage years. rejuvenation. Sabbath activities neighborhood. One of our teenage Following is a list of ideas to help that we began in our children’s daughters earned the neighbor- encourage Sabbath and family youth have spilled over into hood title of the “Unofficial Wel- home evening observance. their teen activities. For example, come Wagon” after resolving to 1. Define a day. We teach our we often took our children to help move-ins feel welcome in children that the Sabbath day visit the elderly at nursing the community. Now whenever and Monday evening are re- homes. Now they occasionally she sees a “for sale” sign go down served as special family times. gather with friends on Sabbath or a moving truck drive up, she No other activities should in- evenings to sing at nursing homes. is there (along with the rest of us) trude unless they are really Service continues to bless them to welcome our new neighbors. These visits sometimes occur on the Sabbath or as part of family home evening. 5. Strengthen youth of part- member families. Some Latter-day Saint youth do not have members of the Church in their family to strengthen them on the Sabbath. We have friends from Canada who periodically have an informal youth gathering at their home on Sunday evenings. The youth sing hymns, make treats and deliver them to others, enjoy the spirit of the Sabbath, and strengthen their friendships. The Sabbath day provides us an opportunity to grow closer to our Heavenly Father and at the same time to our families. By teaching our children appro- priate Sabbath activities while they are young, we enable them to embrace this important day throughout their lives.—Alison Affeltranger, Sego Lily Ward, Sandy Utah Granite South Stake

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 69 VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE

of Church meetings and activities Merlin R. Lybbert, while serving Strengthening so families can meet together and as a member of the Seventy. “The strengthen one another as they parents of a five-year-old were learn and practice gospel princi- concerned about how they should Our Families ples together. teach of Nephi’s encounter with Family home evening need the wicked Laban. . . . not be a stiff, formal meeting. It “As this young boy, my grand- through Family should be enjoyable and relaxing. son, knelt beside his bed that It could include family prayer, evening, his prayer demonstrated Home Evening gospel instruction, hymns or his understanding and personal Primary songs, and a family activ- application of the lesson. He said, old your family home ity. Lesson material can be found ‘And help me, Heavenly Father, “ evenings . . . ,” counsels in many Church resources, includ- to be obedient like Nephi, even President Gordon B. ing the scriptures, Gospel Principles when it’s hard’” (“The Special Hinckley.H “I can remember when (item no. 31110, U.S. $3.00), the Status of Children,” Ensign, May it was begun. I was a little boy Family Home Evening Resource Book 1994, 32). five years old, and my father said, (31106, U.S. $5.00), and Church ‘President [Joseph F.] Smith has magazines. Family home evening BLESSINGS FOR ALL asked us to hold family home eve- might include activities such as Whatever our circumstances, nings.’ And we did it. It was not holding a family council, reading we are blessed by participating easy to do at first. We were more the scriptures, enjoying a recre- in family home evening. “Family prone to laugh and giggle than we ational activity, planning and car- home evening is for everyone,” were to be well behaved. But we rying out a service project, having President Spencer W. Kimball and did it. I see the fruits of it in my a family talent show, or enjoying his counselors declared. “It is for own family and in the families of special refreshments. families with parents and chil- my grandchildren and in the fami- “Family home evening presents dren, for families with just one lies of my great-grandchildren. a special opportunity to teach the parent, and for parents who have The principle of family solidarity gospel to the family,” said Elder no children at home. It is for home carries with it a conviction of its evening groups of single adults truth” (“Inspirational Thoughts,” and for those who live alone or Ensign, June 1999, 3–4). with roommates” (Family Home Evening [1976], 3). EFFECTIVE FAMILY HOME EVENINGS For nearly 90 years now, Family home evening prophets of God have counseled fosters love and unity us to hold family home evening. within families, in- Today prophets plead with us to vites the Spirit, and strengthen our families helps family members through weekly family strengthen their testi- home evening. As we monies and withstand follow their counsel, temptations. For most we are blessed to learn families, Monday night how inspired this is the best time to hold counsel is. អ family home evening. Gospel topics: family home That night is kept free evening, parenting YER DOTY O

amily home evening YNN B SHERI L Ffosters love and unity Y

within families, invites TED B the Spirit, and helps USTRA

strengthen testimonies. ILL

70 NEWS OF THE CHURCH MEETING MEMBERS IN FIJI the 28 April through 12 May Speaking to members open house (except in Fiji at a meeting on Sundays), includ- 21 May, President Hinckley ing prominent called on them to “make citizens from the Church shine” in their government, country. He met with some business, media, 900 members at a stake and interfaith center in Nadi, Fiji, during groups. a stop on the return trip Other Australian from the dedication of the temples in Adelaide, Perth Australia Temple. RICHARD HUNTER

Y Melbourne, and “The gospel shines Sydney have been through your faces. It dedicated in recent makes you look so attrac- years, and ground tive, wonderful. Stay that PHOTOGRAPHY B has been broken way. Stay with the Church. The Perth temple is Australia’s fourth. “The new temples will assist our many new members to cement their faith,” said a local leader. for a fifth temple, in Let everything that you do Brisbane. Speaking of the bring credit and honor to new temples, Peter Meurs, the Church of which you Perth Australia Temple Dedicated president of the Perth are a member, and the Australia Warwick Stake, Lord will bless you, mag- resident Gordon B. Victor D. Cave of the said, “Australia is emerging nify you,” President Hinckley dedicated the Seventy. as a very significant place Hinckley promised. Perth Australia Temple in Nearly 2,773 Latter- for the Church. The new “God bless you, my four sessions on 20 May. day Saints attended the temples will assist our beloved associates in this The new temple is the dedication of the temple, many new members to great work,” he added. Church’s 106th in opera- which will serve 12,000 of unite their families eter- “May He smile with favor tion and the fourth in Australia’s approximately nally and cement their upon you. May you know Australia. 104,000 members. Some faith in the restored that the Lord loves you, In his dedicatory 37,000 people attended gospel of Jesus Christ.” and may each of us seek prayer, President Hinckley to live according to the said, “We thank Thee for pattern which He has this land of Australia, established.” where this and other tem- He assured those ples have been built. We gathered to hear him that thank Thee for the free- obedience would bring dom of worship which ob- blessings. “The Lord can- tains here. May this great not bless you unless you nation always remain a are obedient to His com- place of individual liberty, mandments. I hope, there- that men and women may fore, that you pay your approach Thee within tithes and offerings. Be these walls without threat they large or small, be hon- or disturbance of any est with the Lord, and He kind.” will open the windows of Elder Jeffrey R. heaven and pour down Holland of the Quorum of blessings upon you that the Twelve Apostles also there will not be room participated in the dedica- enough to receive them.” tion, along with members Even though the 40- of the Australia/New minute meeting had been Zealand Area Presidency: arranged on only a few Elders Kenneth Johnson, hours’ notice, members Val R. Christensen, and Australian youth help seal the new temple’s cornerstone. came from throughout the

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 71 President Hinckley, President Faust Honor Pioneers uring a program in President Hinckley referred Salt Lake City on to the sufferings of the D12 May, President Gordon B. group of pioneers, includ- Hinckley dedicated as a ing Mary Goble’s and memorial a restored pio- Richard Pay’s families, who TESY OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT neer cabin. On the same were part of a wagon train day, President James E. company that traveled and

PHOTO COUR Faust, Second Counselor in suffered with the Willie and “The gospel shines through your faces,” President Hinckley told the First Presidency, spoke Martin handcart compa- members in a meeting in Fiji, where he stopped on his return during a program in nies. These westward- from Australia. Wyoming honoring Church bound pioneers were island of Fiji to attend. The President Boyd K. Packer, members who had helped stalled by early snowstorms opportunity to meet with Acting President of the memorialize the sacrifices of in Wyoming in 1856. Many the prophet was especially Quorum of the Twelve Latter-day Saint pioneers in of that group died before sweet for Fijian members Apostles. that state. rescuers sent by President because they had not been President Hinckley President Hinckley Brigham Young arrived. able to attend the dedica- called Elder Dunn “a noble spoke at the dedication “A ll who are the poster- tion of the Suva Fiji Temple man in the finest sense of of the Richard and Mary ity of the pioneers of that last June. That temple dedi- the word” and “the most Goble Pay cabin at This Is generation today accept cation was held quietly, willing worker I’ve ever the Place Heritage Park in this restored cabin as a out of the public eye, dur- seen.” Elder Dunn’s ser- ing a period of civil unrest. vice as president of the Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Boston temple was proba- also spoke at the meeting, bly the capstone of his 34 bearing his testimony of years of full-time Church the Restoration of the service, the Church Presi- gospel in this, the dispensa- dent said. “He’s gone to a

tion of the fulness of times, greater work than he ever CH NEWS

and of the prophetic calling knew here.” CHUR of President Hinckley. President Monson YD, spoke of Elder Dunn as “a SCOTT LLO FAREWELL TO AN ASSOCIATE giant of a man,” a man of . R great kindness. “He died in Y President Hinckley the service of his Lord and PHOTO B paid tribute on 25 May Savior, Jesus Christ.” President Hinckley dedicates a restored cabin at This Is the Place to Elder Loren C. Dunn, President Faust eulo- Heritage Park. president of the Boston gized Elder Dunn as a Massachusetts Temple and dedicated, obedient ser- Salt Lake City. The cabin reminder of a great and an emeritus member of vant of the Lord who en- once belonged to the Pays, unequaled heritage,” Presi- the Seventy, who died on dured to the end. “A giant who were grandparents of dent Hinckley said in the 16 May of complications oak among us has fallen,” Marjorie Pay Hinckley, the prayer. “As their vision was following surgery. Speak- he said. President’s wife. Originally large, may our vision be ing at Elder Dunn’s funeral President Packer spoke located in central Utah, the large; as their faith was in Salt Lake City, President of celebrating the life of cabin was restored by Pay strong, may ours also be Hinckley was joined by one so worthy and able. family members and do- strong.” President Thomas S. He noted how well Elder nated to the park. In remarks during a Monson, First Counselor Dunn and his wife, Sharon Elder M. Russell Ballard program in Wyoming, in the First Presidency; Longden Dunn, had func- of the Quorum of the President Faust spoke of the President James E. Faust, tioned together in service. Tw elve Apostles also at- two rescues of the Willie Second Counselor in the “It has been a joy to associ- tended the dedication. and Martin pioneer group. First Presidency; and ate with them.” អ In his dedicatory prayer, First, many of them were

72 rescued from death in 1856. The second rescue came in the 1990s, when saving or- dinances of the temple were performed for many of them and the monu- ments to their sacrifice were erected at historic sites. President Faust was the keynote speaker for a pro- gram honoring Scott and Dee Lorimer. While presi- dent of the Riverton Wyoming Stake, Scott Lorimer and his wife, Dee, led efforts to bring out of CRAIG DIMOND obscurity the historic sites Y where monuments and vis- itors’ centers have now

been developed. Because of PHOTOGRAPHY B their efforts, the Wyoming State Legislature declared Church leaders and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir paid 12 May 2001 “Scott and Dee tribute to Brigham Young on his 200th birthday. Right: Lorimer Day.” The pro- President Hinckley holds up Brigham Young’s cane, which gram honoring them was in 1847 he used to mark the spot where the Salt Lake Temple would be built. held at Central Wyoming College in Riverton. President Faust spoke President Brigham Young of the “terrible price in the agony and suffering for the Honored on 200th Birthday faith” paid by the Willie and Martin companies. “We resident Brigham matters as the plan wonder why a kind and Young was honored on of man’s salvation, the accompanied at the pro- merciful God did not tem- theP 200th anniversary of eternal possibilities of the gram by President Thomas S. per the elements to spare his birth, 1 June, during human soul, the Atone- Monson and President them from their profound programs in both Salt Lake ment of the Savior of James E. Faust, respec- agony. I think I have found City, where he helped the mankind and its effect tively First and Second the answer to my own satis- Church and its members upon the sons and daugh- Counselors in the First faction. I may be wrong, put down roots in the mid- ters of God, and of the Presidency. President but I believe their lives were 1800s, and in his Vermont great God of the universe, Monson conducted the consecrated to a higher birthplace. the Father of us all,” Presi- program, which included purpose through their suf- President Young was dent Hinckley said. a selection of hymns and fering and their example. rightfully recognized as a “On this his 200th American folk songs per- Their love for the Savior builder, an innovator, a col- birthday, we pause to formed by the Tabernacle was burned deep into their onizer, and a motivator, honor him. We love him. Choir and remarks by souls and into the souls of but “he never lost sight of We admire him. We respect Thomas B. Williams, presi- their children and their chil- his greater mission. He him. We testify of the di- dent of the Brigham Young dren’s children, and it will was prophet, seer, and rev- vinity of his calling and of Family Association. be so forever.” elator to his people,” said the magnificence of his ac- The true blessings that Elder Donald L. Staheli President Gordon B. complishment and do it all come to the descendants of of the Seventy, President of Hinckley at an evening as those who look to him the prophets are not mate- the North America Central concert program in the still for leadership in mov- rial or social, but spiritual, Area, attended the program, Tabernacle on Temple ing forward this great Brother Williams said. as did state governmental Square in Salt Lake City. cause and kingdom, even “Brigham Young was, leaders and the current “The prophet in him The Church of Jesus Christ above all else, a passionate president of the Riverton shone with greatest luster of Latter-day Saints.” witness of Jesus Christ,” he stake, Lloyd Larsen. អ when he spoke of such President Hinckley was noted, and the blessings

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 73 that come to his descen- the father and teacher, dants flow from heeding reading to two of his his testimony and follow- children. ing his example. Brother Utah Governor Mike Williams bore testimony Leavitt had proclaimed of the prophetic callings 1 June 2001 as a special of President Young and of “Brigham Young Day in President Hinckley today. Utah” to honor the 200th Descendants of birthday of the man who President Young offered was, among other things, the prayers for the pro- the first governor of the gram. His only living territory of Utah. granddaughter, 102-year- Brigham Young was old Marian Morgan of Seal born 1 June 1801 in Beach, California, was in Whitingham, Vermont, attendance. and on the anniversary At a luncheon earlier of his birth, some 180

in the day, President people from all over New CH NEWS

Hinckley had been hon- England—members of the CHUR

ored with the first-ever Church and others inter- AHLE,

Brigham Young Heritage ested in honoring the UN ST

Award, given by This Is the native son—gathered in SHA Y Place Foundation. His ef- the small Whitingham

forts in remembering the Municipal Center in PHOTO B pioneers and in building Jacksonville, Vermont, Elder Holland dedicated a memorial to the hundreds of pioneer the community founded by to mark the occasion. women who made great sacrifices to help colonize southern Utah. Brigham Young were cited. Don Garbe, president Before the evening con- of the Hinsdale [New cert, a new bronze statue Hampshire] Branch, which Elder Holland Dedicates of President Young was includes Whitingham, said unveiled at the Brigham the program and the talks Memorial to Pioneer Women Young Cemetery on First were helpful in “clearing Avenue, one block east up misconceptions many lder Jeffrey R. Holland The memorial includes a of the Church Office New Englanders have of the Quorum of the plaque engraved with Building. The statue about Brigham Young and ETwelve Apostles dedicated a names of Latter-day Saint depicts President Young, about the Church.” អ pioneer memorial in south- women who were among western Utah on 4 May the first colonizers in honoring the women who southwestern Utah and a helped settle the area. heroic-size bronze statue of In his dedicatory a pioneer woman carrying prayer, Elder Holland a child and her scriptures. asked that the monument “In her arms she holds become “something of a the essence of what is pre- beacon . . . to remind us of cious to her—her family who they were and what and her faith,” Elder they did.” In remarks earlier, Holland told the 1,000-plus he told the audience that people attending the dedi- the memorial pays tribute cation. “Look into her face. to those women’s valor She’s facing the future and endurance. with faith.” The Pioneer Women’s Elder Holland also Memorial is located in quoted Western American

DON L. SEARLE Washington, Utah, founded writer Wallace Stegner, Y in the late 19th century by who said of the pioneers,

PHOTO B Latter-day Saints sent by “Mormon men were A statue portraying President Young with two of his children was Brigham Young to raise cot- strong, but Mormon unveiled at the Brigham Young Cemetery in Salt Lake City on 1 June. ton in the warm climate. women were incredible.” អ

74 1880 U.S. Census Released on CD-ROM uppose you needed occupation, for example. information about an In a wild card search they Sancestor who lived in the may replace easily mis- United States in 1880, but taken or unknown letters all you knew was the first with an asterisk and the name and approximate search will turn up names birth year. Before, your task with the blanks filled. Elder Charles Didier Elder Cecil O. Samuelson Jr. would have seemed impos- Completion of the ex- sible. But now chances are traction project took 17 Changes in Presidency of Seventy good you will be able to years and involved 11.5 find that person quickly us- million hours of work by n June the First Presi- the Utah South Area Presi- ing the 1880 United States extractors. The Historic dency announced dency and as assistant census records just released Census Project of Ichanges in the Presidency executive director of the on CD-ROM by the Church. Minnesota Population of the Seventy. Elder Charles Family and Church History The 56-CD-ROM set Center at the University Didier and Elder Cecil O. Department. He was previ- puts 50.5 million names Samuelson Jr. will succeed ously a member of the and data about those indi- Elder L. Aldin Porter and Presidency of the Seventy viduals at the fingertips of Elder Marlin K. Jensen. from 1992 to 1995. Elder family history researchers, Elder Porter, who had Samuelson had been serv- along with a powerful been the senior President of ing as President of the Utah search engine. “It is the the Seventy since 1996, will North Area and as assistant most significant family his- become emeritus in Octo- executive director of the tory product the Church ber. Elder Jensen, who was Temple Department. has produced to date,” said serving as the executive di- Elder Earl C. Tingey is Ray Madsen, manager of rector of the Priesthood the new senior President resource files for the Department and as general of the Seventy. Also contin- Family and Church Sunday School president, uing in the Presidency of History Department. has been called to serve in the Seventy are Elders The 1880 census pro- the Europe Central Area D. Todd Christofferson, vides the most comprehen- Presidency. David E. Sorensen, Ben B. sive census picture of the At the time of this call, Banks, and Dennis B. country’s population as the of Minnesota worked as a Elder Didier was serving in Neuenschwander. អ nation expanded west- partner with the Church. ward. The record’s nation- Brother Madsen said that wide and regional indexes the 1880 U.S. census record allow researchers to search can be used effectively by re- Institute Program Marks 75 Years broadly or more narrowly, searchers in conjunction with according to the informa- the 1881 British census record “ ur spiritual knowl- The fireside was broad- tion they may have. The introduced by the Church in edge gives secular cast from the institute at versatile search engine, de- 1999 (this includes 30 million knowledgeO a purpose,” the University of Idaho in veloped by the Family and names from England, Wales said Elder Henry B. Eyring Moscow, Idaho, to institutes Church History Depart- and Scotland) and the 1881 of the Quorum of the in North, Central, and South ment and used in a number Canadian census soon to be Twelve Apostles, speaking America. The first institute of other family history completed. at a 6 May fireside com- was founded in 1926 at the products, allows “bits and The 1880 United States memorating the 75th an- University of Idaho under pieces” or “wild card” census record package (item niversary of the Church’s the direction of President searches, Brother Madsen no. 50168000, U.S. $49.00) in- institute program. Elder Heber J. Grant to provide a explained. Researchers may cludes 35 data CDs, 20 index Eyring emphasized a bal- spiritual haven for students use the bits and pieces they CDs, and a viewer CD and ance between spiritual and not attending Church have about an individual— is available through Church secular learning. schools. អ first name, place of birth, or distribution centers. អ

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 75 25 New Area

Presidency 1 2 10 3 Assignments 26 he First Presidency has an- 8 Tnounced changes in assign- 9 4 ments for Area Presidencies, 7 5 including the creation of the 6

Idaho Area in the western 11 United States. The changes are effective 15 August 2001. All 12 presidency members belong to 13 the Quorums of the Seventy. 20

14 5

16 1. North America Northwest 5. North America Southeast 11. Mexico North

15

17

18

WILLIAM R. QUENTIN L. STEPHEN A. GENE R. RICHARD D. J. DEVN GARY J. LYNN A. ADRIÁN BRADFORD COOK WEST COOK ALLRED CORNISH* 19 COLEMAN MICKELSEN OCHOA* FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

2. North America Central 6. North America Southwest 12. Mexico South

BRUCE C. DONALD L. DENNIS E. RICHARD J. F. BURTON DALE E. JERALD L. RICHARD H. ARMANDO HAFEN STAHELI SIMMONS MAYNES HOWARD MILLER TAYLOR WINKEL GAONA* FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

3. North America Northeast 7. North America West 9. Utah South 13. Central America

SPENCER J. W. CRAIG GLENN L. LYNN G. DIETER F. DUANE B. W. ROLFE JOHN H. NED B. JULIO E. ENRIQUE R. E. ISRAEL CONDIE ZWICK PACE ROBBINS UCHTDORF GERRARD KERR GROBERG ROUECHÉ ALVARADO* FALABELLA* PÉREZ* FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

4. North America East 8. Utah North 10. Idaho 14. South America North

J. KENT SHELDON F. GORDON T. MONTE J. CREE-L KOFFORD L. EDWARD D. REX C. SCOTT RONALD L. H. ALDRIDGE ROBERT J. ROBERTO JOLLEY CHILD WATTS BROUGH PRESIDENT BROWN GERRATT* GROW* LOVELAND* GILLESPIE WHETTEN GARCÍA* FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

76 *Indicates an Area Authority Seventy 24. Australia/New Zealand 26. Europe West 27. Europe East

27

VAL R. KENNETH VICTOR D. WAYNE S. HAROLD G. JOHN KEITH K. DOUGLAS L. ROBERT F. CHRISTENSEN JOHNSON CAVE* PETERSON HILLAM MAXWELL* HILBIG CALLISTER ORTON FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

28 25. Europe Central 28. Asia North 29

22

RONALD A. D. LEE MARLIN K. YOSHIHIKO DONALD L. GARY S. RASBAND TOBLER JENSEN KIKUCHI HALLSTROM MATSUDA* FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND 23 FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

29. Asia

21 24

E. RAY H. BRYAN JOHN B. BATEMAN RICHARDS DICKSON FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

15. South America West

CARLOS H. DAVID R. JUAN AMADO STONE UCEDA* FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

16. Brazil North 18. Chile 20. Africa West 22. Philippines

DARWIN B. ROBERT S. ROBERT R. FRANCISCO J. STEPHEN B. JOHN A. H. ROSS H. BRUCE R. CONRAD ANGEL MERRILL C. JOHN M. CHRISTENSON WOOD STEUER VIÑAS OVESON HARRIS* WORKMAN STUCKI SCHULTZ ABREA OAKS MADSEN FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

17. Brazil South 19. South America South 21. Africa Southeast 23. Pacific Islands

NEIL L. ATHOS M. ADHEMAR KEITH JAY E. CLAUDIO D. CHRISTOFFEL ROBERT C. STEVEN E. EARL M. RONALD T. ROBERT K. ANDERSEN AMORIM DAMIANI CROCKETT JENSEN ZIVIC* GOLDEN JR. OAKS SNOW MONSON HALVERSON DELLENBACH FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 77 In the Spotlight

BYU MEN’S VOLLEYBALL WINS NATIONAL TITLE Brigham Young University’s men’s volley- ball team won the 2001 National Collegiate Athletic Association championship, defeating the top-ranked University of California at Los Angeles, 3–0. Along with securing its CRAIG DIMOND Y second NCAA champi- onship in three years, the team earned the Mountain

PHOTOGRAPHY B Pacific Sports Federation The Church received an award for its restoration of the (MPSF) regular season title, Joseph Smith Sr. frame home in Manchester Township, the 2001 MPSF Coach of the near Palmyra, New York. Right: An interior photo of the home’s kitchen. Year title, and All-American ranking for four players. Church Receives Award FIRST LATINO BRANCH for Joseph Smith Home FORMED IN JAPAN Until recently, English- he Preservation family,” said Don speaking branches were the League of New York Enders, Church curator of Smith, had begun work only fully non-Japanese- TState has given a 2001 historic sites. “It is a won- on the larger frame house. speaking branches in Japan. Excellence in Historic derful place where sacred He died before it was com- But earlier this year, the Preservation Award to the aspects of the gospel were pleted, but in 1825 the Kouga Branch, the first all- Church for the restoration carried out, such as bring- Smith family moved into Spanish- and Portuguese- of the Joseph Smith Sr. ing the gold plates home the partially finished farm- speaking branch in Japan, frame home in Manchester and placing them there.” house. It was in this house was organized in the Township, near Palmyra, Elder Spencer J. Condie that Joseph hid the gold Japan Kobe Mission. New York. of the Seventy, a counselor plates beneath the fire- David F. Robertson, re- “This statewide award in the Presidency of the place hearth, and once be- cently released as president program recognizes those North America Northeast tween his younger sisters, of the mission, said the who have demonstrated an Area; Brother Enders; and who were in bed, during a branch is in a factory district outstanding commitment to Steve Olson, operations di- mob intrusion (see “Cradle of Japan’s Shiga prefecture, the preservation of New rector for the Museum of of the Restoration,” Ensign, which employs thousands York State’s irreplaceable ar- Church History and Art, Jan. 2001, 44). of workers from South chitectural heritage,” said represented the Church at The Smith family American countries. “Some Scott P. Heyl, Preservation the awards ceremony in moved out of the frame were already members and League president. “The New York City on 1 May. house in 1829, and over leaders in South America careful restoration of the The Smith family the years successive own- before they came to Japan,” building has returned this moved to the Palmyra area ers altered the building. says Brother Robertson. magnificent structure to its in 1816, establishing a farm In 1997 the Church be- “The creation of this branch original appearance and in Manchester Township gan work to restore the allows these members to will certainly add to the in- and building a log house frame house to its original worship and serve in their terpretation of the site.” where Joseph received the state. The home is situated native tongue.” Latino “The frame house visitation from the angel somewhat between the members who have joined was the last-built heritage Moroni (JS—H 1:30–47). By Palmyra Temple and the the Church in Japan are a of the Joseph Smith Sr. 1822 the eldest son, Alvin Sacred Grove. អ major part of the branch.

78 AUSTRALIAN STAKE RECEIVES in Wartburg, Tennessee, SERVICE AWARD have been spending their Saturdays quilting. Eight to The Perth Australia 10 quilts are completed Pass-Along Cards Warwick Stake received an each month and delivered Available in Spanish award for the best commu- to child welfare agencies. nity project in Western The project was started Australia for the year 2000. by a Latter-day Saint in- ass-along cards, re- on the back to call a toll- Stake members spent a day mate at Brushy Mountain, leased in English last free number and request cleaning the Ocean Reef who contacted leaders of Pyear as an effective tool a Church video, The Beach for the start of the the Knoxville Cumberland for members to use to Lamb of God, also avail- summer season. Stake and asked for their share the gospel, are now able in Spanish. Robert Hill, Minister help in beginning a service available in Spanish in To order pass-along for Environment and club at the facility. Stake the United States and cards in Spanish or Heritage, presented members provide quilting Canada. The Spanish- English for use in the Warwick stake president supplies and finish the version cards have a de- United States and Peter Meurs with a picture edges after inmates have piction of the Savior on Canada, contact your lo- that now hangs in the tied the quilts. In addition, one side and an invitation cal distribution center. stake center. A number of weekly worship services English-language other government digni- are being held at the facil- pass-along cards featur- taries were also present at ity under the direction ing The Lamb of God the awards ceremony. of Cumberland Stake are also available for President Richard Riggs. use in the United TENNESSEE STAKE Inmates have expressed Kingdom and Ireland, INVOLVES INMATES appreciation for the pro- as well as Australia IN QUILTING gram. One inmate said and New Zealand. The that many feel sorry for cards are also being For the past several crimes they have commit- used in several other months, inmates of the ted and that the project European countries. អ Brushy Mountain provides a way for them to Correctional Complex repay the community. Comment Policies and Announcements Call for Articles Nourishing Faith If you have personal experience At special times in my life, I have pertaining to the following, we in- felt the Holy Ghost as a companion. The First Presidency sent Members wanting to vite you to share your suggestions: My lack of faith at certain times was the following letter, dated contribute to this fund “Some members of my family are not hard to understand. Reading the 25 April 2001, to General may do so through their active or are uninterested in the article “Faith in Jesus Christ” (Apr. Church. I want them to feel the joy I 2001) helped me to know it is a pro- Authorities; Area Authority ward or branch by writing feel from living the gospel but do not cess. I had been praying for stronger Seventies; stake, mission, PEF on the “Other” line wish to bring contention into the home. faith and a desire to understand the and district presidents; on a donation slip. They How can I help my family come closer concept to a greater degree. While to God?” reading, I realized it’s not something bishops and branch presi- may also send donations Send responses by 10 September you just get, but something you dents, to be read in sacra- directly to Church head- to Ensign Editorial, 24th Floor, 50 East nourish to receive. Thank you. ment meeting. quarters in care of Treasury North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Ann Hart Henderson, Nevada In the priesthood ses- Services, 50 East North UT 84150-3224. At the top of your submission, write “Questions and Fighting Profanity sion of the April 2001 gen- Temple Street, Salt Lake Answers,” along with your name, I enjoyed the article about pro- eral conference of the City, UT 84150. Questions address, telephone number, ward, fanity in the April Ensign. I feel an- Church, the creation of a relating to this program and stake. You can also reply by other way that we can stand up to e-mail to cur-editorial-ensign@ profanity is not to watch shows Perpetual Education Fund may be directed to the ldschurch.org. Put “Questions and that use any kind of bad language, was announced. This fund Perpetual Education Fund Answers” in the subject line. including taking our Heavenly will provide loans to help office at 801-240-7841. While we cannot acknowledge Father’s and our Savior’s names in receipt of individual responses, au- vain. If we would not support the returned missionaries and We anticipate that lives thors whose submissions are selected companies that make TV shows other needy members in will be enhanced and for publication will be notified. If you and movies with such language in less-developed countries blessed as educational and want your manuscript returned, en- them, maybe the movies with this obtain education needed vocational opportunities close a self-addressed, stamped enve- kind of content would decrease. អ lope and allow up to a year. Bethlyn Robison for job skills. are made available. Cedar Hills, Utah

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2001 79 Illustrating the Messages column format, with a color illustra- can convey the message. Note: Beginning with the 2001 Since my Ensign had not yet ar- tion pertaining to the gospel princi- The Ensign does indeed provide issues, page layouts with illustra- rived, I accepted the offer from my ple taught in the message. The Spirit the word of the Lord, in the manner tions (PDF format) are available bishop’s wife to download the visit- was there. that He would have it done. It is to at www.lds.org in the Gospel ing teaching message from the The computer printout had the bring us closer to our Savior, Jesus Library. Be aware that this Church’s Web site for me. Then, the same message. However, until this Christ, as we are taught by His format requires more time to next day, the April Ensign arrived in experience, I had not considered Spirit. download. the mail. As I turned to the message, the layout of the Church magazines Sharlie Carter it gladdened my soul to read it in as being part of the way the Spirit Louisville, Kentucky

Did You Know? Did you know you could Making the Most be one of the Ensign authors one month? Contributions on specific topics are re- of This Issue quested periodically via a “Call for Articles” printed in AUGUST 2001 the Comment section near the back of the magazine. observing gospel herself after letting the Unsolicited contributions priorities can qualify Internet consume much are also accepted for re- us for the blessings of her time. view. Send manuscripts of heaven, Elder to the Russell M. Nelson Food Storage: addresses of the Quorum Putting away an listed on of the Twelve Elephant the maga- Apostles ex- “How do you zine’s plains. “Some store an elephant? contents people on life’s journey for- One can at a time.” page: get who they really are and Three simple tips 50 East what is really important,” on p. 68 can help North Lift Up Your Voice and Sing! he says. “Without sure you finance your food Te mple Street, Salt Lake identity and priority, bless- storage. City, UT 84150-3224, or Want to lift your spirits? ings that matter most are cur-editorial-ensign@ Whether or not you have at the mercy of things that Home Teachers and ldschurch.org. If you had musical training, par- matter least.” See p. 6. Visiting Teachers would like to have your ticipation in ward choir can Find the monthly mes- manuscript returned, enrich your life. See p. 42. The Seven Sites of sages on pp. 2 and 70. please be sure to include Church Headquarters Strengthening Your Family a stamped, self-addressed Can you name the Blessings of Marriage envelope. • Begin a family discus- seven places where the Marriage based on eternal sion about recognizing GOSPEL TOPICS Church has had its head- principles can help convey God’s hand in our lives by quarters since 1830? blessings of health and well- Adversity, 27 Missionary work, reading “A Wrong Turn at Revelations that are part of being. See p. 28. Attitude, 59 36, 60 the Right Place,” p. 62. Blessings, 6 Morality, 28 the Doctrine and Covenants • Discover how to use Church growth, 36 Music, 42 were received at each of Church history, 52 Obedience, 28 the missionary discussions these locations. See p. 52. Conversion, 13, 60, 62 Ordinances, 20 to prepare your child for Covenants, 2, 13, 20 Parenting, 70 baptism. See p. 68. “Tangled in the Web” Discouragement, 27 Perseverance, 28 • Want to help your fam- Education, 64 Pioneers, 62 Tu rn to page 48 to ily learn to enjoy keeping Faith, 20, 28, 36 Prayer, 59 see how a young Family, 6, 28, 48 Priesthood keys, 2 the Sabbath and taking part mother took Family history, 61 Priorities, 6, 48 in family home evening? control of Family home Prophets, 52 One family shares five ideas evening, 70 Repentance, 13 that can help, p. 69. Gathering, 52 Scriptures, 48 Good works, 13 Sealing power, 2 Do You Really Know History of religions, Service, 61 64 Spirituality, 59 Who You Are? Hope, 27 Temples, 2 Honoring our identity Humility, 61 Translation of lan- as children of God and Hymns, 42 guages, 64 Internet, 48 Trials, 62 Journal keeping, 59 Visitors’ centers, 62 Love, 28 Ward choirs, 42 Marriage, 6, 28 Zion, 52 80 Time to Laugh, by Liz Lemon Swindle

During a time of peace in Nauvoo, Emma Smith enjoys a moment in play with her children: Julia Murdock Smith, right; Joseph Smith III, top; Frederick Granger Williams Smith, left; and Alexander Hale Smith. hose who participate in ward choirs come to choirs hose who participate in ward my soul “For words: the Lord’s appreciate delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, shall be answered righteous is a prayer unto me, and it 25:12). with a blessing upon their heads” (D&C T

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