“Making the Most of This Issue,” Ensign, Sept. 2000, 80

Making the Most of This Issue

September 2000

Family Time

Most stories from Latter-day Saint Voices can be used for family home evenings. Example: if you want to teach your family about patriarchal blessings, start a discussion by reading “Clinging to Faith in Intensive Care,” p. 64.
Teach your family to stand up for the right. Read and discuss “I Had to Speak Up,” p. 65.
For an upbeat family activity to bring you closer to your extended family, see “Create-a-Letter Night,” p. 69.

Is There Something You Can Do about It?

Racism is a sensitive topic for most people and cultures. It is, says Elder Alexander B. Morrison of the Seventy, the “abhorrent and morally destructive theory that claims superiority of one person over another by reason of race, color, ethnicity, or cultural background.” It “remains one of the abiding sins of societies the world over. … Racism is an offense against God and a tool in the devil’s hand.” For ideas on what can be done to help build caring communities and confront racism, see “‘No More Strangers,’” p. 16.

Parenting Tips

The pamphlet For the Strength of Youth is just for teens, right? Wrong! Find out how parents are using this guide. See p. 26.
If you’ve vowed dozens of times to stop yelling at your children, yet when tension mounts it happens again, learn how one parent was able to stop. See p. 7.

Helps for Your Calling

Home. Family. Personal Enrichment. The Relief Society general presidency discusses the new midweek meeting started in January. See p. 70.
The Mutual Night Planning Worksheet on p. 70 helps Young Women leaders and teachers plan effective activities.
Primary workers and parents are asked to help children memorize and practice “My Gospel Standards.” See p. 71.
Stake presidents, bishops, stake mission presidencies, and stake missionaries: Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles outlines on pp. 10, 13, and 14 steps for successful missionary work, retention, and activation.

Need an Inspirational Lift?

For a fresh outlook on the gift of life, read about one member’s “second chance” after an accident-induced coma, p. 21.

For Your Personal Scriptural Study

You know that the ministry of the resurrected Lord in ancient America inspired the people to form a Zionlike society. Turn to p. 56 and learn how we can foster a similar atmosphere in our own life and home.

Making Music

Most members don’t even know about it, but the Basic Music Course can help anyone learn in a short time to conduct hymns or play simplified hymn arrangements. Is this for you—or your ward? See p. 52.

Home Teachers and Visiting Teachers