“Contents,” Ensign, Feb. 2009, 1–3
Front: Adam and Eve, by Douglas Fryer.
Back: The Lord Appearing unto Abraham, by Keith Larson.
Reach out to new converts. During family home evening, discuss ways to help the new converts you know feel that you love them and care about their success in the gospel. See “Helping New Converts Stay Strong” (p. 20) and “Succeeding as a New Convert” (p. 24).
Strengthen your family. Interested in learning more about developing a “functional family”? (See p. 14 .) Find resources, counsel, and ideas on a variety of family topics at LDS.org under “Home and Family” and then “Building a Strong Family.”
Know your place in the plan. Joseph Smith was an instrument in the hands of the Lord throughout his life. (See pp. 4 , 9 , 56 , and 62 .) Reflect on your own testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and of Joseph Smith as the Prophet of the Restoration. Consider ways that you too are a contributor to the Lord’s plan and the missions He has for you to accomplish.
First Presidency Message
4
Precious Fruits of the First Vision
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Do you understand how Joseph Smith’s experience in the Sacred Grove affects your life?
Visiting Teaching Message
67
Understand the Divine Roles of Women
14
The Functional Family
We hear a lot of talk about dysfunctional families. So what is a family that functions well?
18
A Reflection on Gratitude
The day I was married in the temple, I felt peace. Soon after the wedding, I began to worry that I had made a mistake. But the Lord had a lasting lesson to teach me.
20
Helping New Converts Stay Strong
We are all engaged in the ongoing process of conversion—of turning and constantly returning to the Lord.
24
Succeeding as a New Convert
How cultivating friendship, serving in the Church, and feasting on the words of Christ helped me become strong in the gospel.
27
A Penetrating Light
What was this warm, comforting, and almost tangible feeling?
28
Teaching in the Nursery, Teaching at Home
If you teach young children basic gospel truths, the new Primary nursery manual is for you.
32
Getting the Most out of Your Scripture Study
How to turn our study sessions into spiritual success stories.
35
Running to Him
It wasn’t the cheering crowd that our son sought after the race.
36
The Gift of Adoption
Adoption is about love. It’s also about second chances.
45
You’ll Find a Way
How was I going to kneel and pray in a crowded barracks?
48
Joseph Smith: Campaign for President of the United States
What did the Prophet hope to accomplish by running for president of the United States?
53
The Blessing of the Blackberry Bush
How I learned a valuable lesson about Heavenly Father’s love.
54
A Lesson in Atlanta
I was feeling alone in a new city when I discovered that the Lord’s promises are real—and personal.
57
Achieving Your Full Potential
Four ideas that will help you reach your God-given potential.
62
The Great Plan of Our God
How lessons of the various dispensations can help us plan our lives.
Lessons from the Doctrine and Covenants
9
Hearing and Heeding the Message from the Grove
Ultimately, the First Vision is a test for all of us. Did things really happen as Joseph said they happened?
68
Random Sampler
Teaching music with visual aids, fostering love between spouses and among family members, and helping single mothers and their families.
70
Latter-day Saint Voices
The blessings of missionary service, priesthood power, the Holy Ghost, and the Word of Wisdom.
74
News of the Church
Look for articles on:
Preparing children for general conference
The Church’s new guidelines on home storage
Online disability resources