Ensign

September 2007

Volume 37, Number 9

Do You Have a Story to Tell?

The Ensign invites women to share experiences in making the transition—or helping someone else make the transition—from the Young Women program to Relief Society. What have you learned? Please label your submission “Joining Relief Society” and send it by October 19.

We also welcome other submissions that show the gospel of Jesus Christ at work in your life. Ensign Magazine Writers’ Guidelines are posted at http://ensign.lds.org under Resources.

Send submissions to [e-mail] or Ensign Editorial, 50 E. North Temple St. Rm. 2420, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3220, USA. Include your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, ward (or branch), and stake (or district). Because of the volume of submissions, we cannot acknowledge receipt. Authors whose work is selected for publication will be notified. If you would like your manuscript, photos, art, or other material returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Using This Issue

Finding humor. In “The Power of Laughter” (p. 32), Gary K. Palmer points out that humor is “an attitude, not an event.” How are your family relationships different when you use humor in your home? Together, you might want to remember funny moments you’ve shared or discuss ways you can find humor in everyday situations.

Using agency. After reading “Priesthood, Agency, and Black Powder” (p. 56), list some of the “black powder” we face today. Share with a friend or family member your thoughts about how the gospel helps you avoid these dangers.

Managing your resources. This month’s issue contains several helps for financial management (see p. 36 and p. 40 and the insert on family finances). To find additional information and tools to help you better manage your finances, including online financial calculators, visit www.providentliving.org and click on Family Finances.

Coming in October

Look for articles on:

• One family’s journey to being sealed in the temple—and things you can do to prepare.

• Ways Church members are learning from general conference, long after it’s over.

• A military family’s efforts to make the most of the holidays.

• Building relationships with in-laws.

Contents

• Messages

  • 4

    First Presidency Message: Inspirational Thoughts

    President Gordon B. Hinckley

    A prophet offers counsel on finding joy, peace, and spiritual security.

  • 69

    Visiting Teaching Message: Become an Instrument in the Hands of God by Being of One Heart and One Mind

• Feature Articles

  • 14

    The Mountain Meadows Massacre

    Richard E. Turley Jr.

    An account of the tragedy, shedding light on the events of September 11, 1857.

  • 22

    Renovating the Tabernacle

    Photographs show how the historic Salt Lake Tabernacle was strengthened and renewed without losing its historic character.

  • 27

    They Waited 2,000 Years

    Bo S. Chung Jr.

    As the only Church member in my family, I felt a great responsibility to find the records of my Chinese ancestors. But I had no idea how to begin.

  • 28

    My Conversion to Eternal Marriage

    James Welch

    It wasn’t that I didn’t want to be married. I did—desperately.

  • 32

    The Power of Laughter

    Gary K. Palmer

    If we will learn to laugh and play more with our families, we will feel better—and so will they.

  • 36

    Gospel Classics: One for the Money

    Elder Marvin J. Ashton

    By reviewing our current practices and changing as necessary, all of us can learn to improve our money-management skills and live within our means.

  • 40

    Finances and Your Future: Tips for Young Single Adults

    Donald N. Hester

    Debt may not seem like a big deal to some young single adults, but planning now prevents big problems later.

  • 44

    That Their Burdens May Be Light

    Five members share ways Church programs, meetings, and materials can be adapted to fit the needs of those with physical disabilities.

  • 49

    Latter-day Prophets Speak: Service

  • 53

    Heading for Tokyo on the Wrong Side of the Road

    Richard Ostergaard

    As a missionary I had wrongly assumed that my earlier life’s lessons and experiences would be all I needed to take on any challenge.

  • 56

    Priesthood, Agency, and Black Powder

    Elder David E. Sorensen

    Les had no idea that what was supposed to be an evening of fun with friends would change his life forever.

  • 60

    Seek Learning by Faith

    Elder David A. Bednar

    Preaching by the Spirit and learning by faith are companion principles that we should strive to understand and apply concurrently and consistently.

• Departments

  • Lessons from the New Testament

    9

    Striving for Family Unity

    Elder Donald L. Staheli

    Unity is the outcome of a family engaging in righteous principles.

  • 50

    Troubled on Every Side, Yet Not Distressed

    Elder Ulisses Soares

    When we face our trials, we gain more confidence to overcome our challenges.

  • 70

    Latter-day Saint Voices

    The blessings of fast offerings, missionary work, visiting teaching, and the Word of Wisdom.

  • 74

    Random Sampler

    Using butcher paper, scripture mastery cards, and Church magazines to teach your family; determining household responsibilities; and storing keepsakes.

  • 76

    News of the Church

On the cover: Front: Photograph by A. Angle; Back: Photograph by John Luke

Inside front cover: View from Parley Street, by Howard E. Post. In the autumn of 1845, the original Nauvoo Temple would have looked much like this painting of the new Nauvoo Illinois Temple. But by February 1846, the Latter-day Saint pioneers were walking in the snow and cold down Parley Street as they made their way to the old Nauvoo ferry on the Mississippi River, leaving the City Beautiful and their temple behind.

Inside back cover: Photograph of Temple Square, about 1870, by C. R. Savage. The Tabernacle with its domed roof overlooks the foundation of the Salt Lake Temple. Still under construction in this photograph, the Tabernacle was one of the largest buildings of its kind in the world—150 feet (46 m) wide, 250 feet (76 m) long, and 80 feet (24 m) high. On the left stands the old adobe tabernacle, which had been in use since its dedication on May 21, 1851.