THE ENSIGN OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • MARCH 2014
What Is the Lord's Standard for Morality? p. 44
Rediscovering Worth and Identity after Abuse, pp. 12, 20
Divine Providence for Wayward Children, p. 28
An Invitation to the Gener Women's Meeting, p. 81
n
Rachel Jankovic, in Neil L. Andersen, "Children," Ensign,
Contents March 2014
Volume 44 • Number 3
MESSAGES
FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE
4 Service and Eternal Life
President Henry B. Eyring
VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE
7 The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: Light of the World
ON THE COVER
Front: Photograph of the Tegucigalpa Honduras Temple by Cody Bell. Inside front cover: Photo illustration by Bradley Slade.
Ensigii
Standard for Morality? p. 44
YOUNG ADULT FEATURES
14 I Strive to Be Healthy by . . .
Young adults share their patterns of healthy living based on gospel teachings.
18 "I Will Be Your Light in the Wilderness"
Lisa Lynnette Magnusson
/ realized the visiting teaching message I was going to deliver was meant for me.
20 Hope and Healing after Divorce
Name withheld
I had endured a three-year nightmare
of abuse by the time my marriage finally ended.
How could I possibly heal?
24 Inviting Success
Richard M. Romney
You can find opportunities to share the gospel in everyday life, just as these young adults did.
FEATURES
28 Faithful Parents and Wayward Children: Sustaining Hope While Overcoming Misunderstanding
Elder David A. Bednar
Elder Bednar helps parents have a correct doctrinal understanding of truths relating to wayward children.
34 Connecting with the
Blessings of Relief Society
Sisters share experiences of how Relief Society gives them access to unique power and strength.
38
Faith and Fortitude: Women of the Old Testament (Part 1 of 2)
Faith S. Watson What can we learn about being Christlike from the lives of these six Old Testa- ment women?
44 The Lord's Standard of Morality
Elder Tad R. Callister
Heavenly Father need speak only once about His standard of morality, and His voice trumps all other voices this world can muster.
March 2014
1
50
56
60
64
68
70
Pioneers in Every Land: Zimbabwe— Land of Beauty, People of Faith
David Dickson
These stalwart pioneers in Zimbabwe can stand as examples for members of the Church in every country.
Maintaining an Eternal Perspective
Elder Dale G. Renlund Day-to-day challenges tend to focus our attention on the here and now. But the proph- ets encourage us to view our lives from an eternal perspective.
Unshaken
Reid Tateoka
Amid the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, these missionaries remembered to turn to the Lord.
Trials, Tribulations, and Trust in the Lord
Elder Bradley D. Foster
When tribulations come, we can follow the example of Job and demonstrate increased faith in the Savior.
The Mustard Seed
Learn more about the little seed with a big reputation.
Ministering That Matters
Five keys to effective ministering.
Ensign
DEPARTMENTS
3 Family Home Evening Ideas
8 October 2013 Conference Notebook
10 Old Testament Prophets: Abraham
ii
12
74
76 Latter-day Saint Voices
80 Until We Meet Again: Waiting in the Lobby
Lori Fuller
Teaching For the Strength of Youth: Sexual Purity
We Talk of Christ: The Burden Was Removed
Name withheld
Serving in the Church: Serving a Stranger
Yong Gil Park
Ensign
A MAGAZINE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
March 2014 Volume 44 • Number 3
The First Presidency: Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook, D. Todd Christofferson, Neil L. Andersen
Editor: Craig A. Cardon Advisers: Jose L. Alonso, Mervyn B. Arnold, Shayne M. Bowen, Stanley G. Ellis, Christoffel Golden
Managing Director: David T. Warner Director of Operations: Vincent A. Vaughn Director of Church Magazines:
Allan R. Loyborg
Business Manager: Garff Cannon
Managing Editor: R. Val Johnson Assistant Managing Editor:
LaRene Porter Gaunt
Publications Assistant: Faith S. Watson
Writing and Editing: Ryan Carr, David Dickson, David A. Edwards, Matthew Flitton, Mindy Raye Friedman, Lori Fuller, Garrett H. Garff, Jennifer Grace Jones, Michael R. Morris, Richard M. Romney, Paul VanDenBerghe Editorial Interns: Victoria Kerin Candland, Mindy Anne Leavitt
Managing Art Director: J. Scott Knudsen Art Director: Tadd R. Peterson
Design: C. Kimball Bott, Colleen Hinckley, Eric P. Johnsen, Susan Lofgren, Scott Mooy
Intellectual Property Coordinator:
Collette Nebeker Aune
Production Manager: Jane Ann Peters
Production: Kevin C. Banks, Connie Bowthorpe Bridge, Julie Burdett, Bryan W. Gygi, Denise Kirby, Ginny J. Nilson, Gayle Tate Rafferty Prepress: Joshua Dennis
Printing Director: Craig K. Sedgwick Distribution Director: Stephen R. Christiansen
© 2014 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. The Ensign (ISSN 0884-1 136) is published monthly by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 E. North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 841 50-0024, USA. Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah.
Copyright information: Text and visual material in the Ensign may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use. Visual material may not be copied if restrictions are indicated in the credit line with the artwork. Copyright questions should be addressed to Intellectual Property Office, 50 E. North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 841 50-001 8; email: cor-intellectualproperty@ldschurch.org.
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Canada Post Information: Publication Agreement #40017431.
Family Home Evening Ideas
This issue contains articles and activities that could be used for family home evening. The following are some examples.
"Inviting Success," page 24: Choose one of the stories from the article and read it aloud during family home evening. Ask family members to discuss what led to the successful missionary opportunity. You could then go over the 10 suggestions for sharing the gospel listed on page 27 and invite family members to set a goal to try one of the suggestions by a certain date. You could end by watching a favorite Mormon Messages or Bible video and asking family members to prayer- fully consider a friend or acquaintance with whom they could share it.
"Maintaining an Eternal Perspective," page 56: Consider read- ing to your family Elder Renlund's statement,
"Anciently, prophets used tangible objects to serve as reminders of God's goodness to help the people maintain a long-term
IDEAS FROM PERSONAL INTERVIEWS
Over the years, personal inter- views with our children on fast Sundays have been a natural setting to generate topics for family home evening. As a result of ideas coming from these interviews, our family has studied together the standards in For the Strength of Youth, the nine principles for success- ful families as outlined in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," and with the help of a Presidents of the Church insti- tute manual, the life and teach- ings of each of the latter-day prophets. These lessons have greatly enriched and strength- ened our family.
Brady Nixon, Utah, USA
perspective." Ask family members to describe any such objects they can think of from the scriptures. You could share an example from the article, such as the stone the prophet Samuel called Ebenezer ("the stone of help"). Invite family members to identify objects exist- ing today that can help them maintain an eternal perspective (ideas might include the temple, a family photograph, or a journal). Discuss the ways in which the tangible objects of the sacrament (bread and water) help us to remember the eter- nal perspective.
SUBSCRIBE TO OR RENEW THE ENSIGN
Online: Visit store.lds.org. By phone: In the United States and Canada, call 1-800-537-5971. By mail: Send U.S. $10 check or money order to Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA.
TO CHANGE ADDRESS
Send both old and new address information to Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA. Please allow 60 days for changes to take effect.
DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL?
We welcome donated submissions showing the gospel of Jesus Christ at work in your life. Please submit articles through ensign.lds.org. Authors whose work is selected for publication will be notified.
March 2014
3
FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE
By President Henry B. Eyring
First Counselor in the First Presidency
Service
AND ETERNAL LIFE
The Savior is our example of unselfish service. His perfect life was devoted to serving Heavenly Father and all of His Father's children. The united pur- pose of the Father and the Son is to give all of us the gift of immortality and the blessing of eternal life (see Moses 1:39).
To qualify for eternal life, we must be changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ — born again and cleansed from sin. Little children under the age of eight, however, are without sin and are redeemed through the Atonement (see Mosiah 3:16, 21; Moroni 8:10-12).
For all of us who reach the age of accountability, there is a wonderful plan that allows us to be cleansed from sin and prepared for eternal life. That preparation begins with baptism by priesthood authority and the reception of the Holy Ghost. Then we must always remember the Savior and keep the commandments He has given us.
King Benjamin told his people in the Book of Mormon of the joy that comes from feeling forgiveness from sin through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Then he taught them that to retain a remission of their sins, they must teach their children to serve one another and they must be as generous as they could to meet the temporal and spiritual needs of those around them. (See Mosiah 4:11-16.)
He also taught, "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the ser- vice of your God" (Mosiah 2:17).
Jesus went about teaching His gospel and doing good (see Acts 10:38). He healed the sick. He raised the dead. With His power He fed thousands when they were hungry and without food (see Matthew 14:14-21; John 6:2-13). After His Resurrection He gave food to several of His Apostles as they came ashore at the Sea of Galilee (see John 21:12-13). In the Americas, He healed the sick and blessed the children one by one (see 3 Nephi 17:7-9, 21).
James the Apostle taught us how the desire to serve oth- ers springs from our gratitude for what the Lord has done for us:
"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. . . .
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world" (James 1:25, 27).
One of the assurances that you are being purified is an increasing desire to serve others for the Savior. Home teach- ing and visiting teaching become more of a joy and less of a chore. You find yourself volunteering more often in a local school or helping care for the poor in your community. Even though you may have little money to give to those who have less, you wish you had more so that you could give more (see Mosiah 4:24). You find yourself eager to serve your children and to show them how to serve others.
4 Ensign
As your nature changes, you will feel a desire to give greater service without recognition. I know disciples of the Savior who have given great gifts of money and service with a determination that no one but God and their children would know about it. God has recognized their service by blessing them in this life, and He will bless them in the eternal life to come (see Matthew 6:1-4; 3 Nephi 13:1-4).
As you have kept the command- ment to serve others (see Matthew 22:39), you have felt a change in your feelings of pride. The Savior corrected His Apostles when they contended about who would be greatest among them. He said:
"Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
"But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant" (Matthew 23:10-11).
The Savior teaches us how we can learn to serve others. He served per- fectly, and we must learn to serve as He learned — line upon line (see D&C 93:12-13). Through the service we give, we can become more like Him.
We will pray with all the energy of our hearts to love our enemies as He loves them (see Matthew 5:43-44; Moroni 7:48). Then we may at last become fitted for eternal life with Him and our Heavenly Father.
I promise that we can come to serve more perfectly as we follow the Savior's teachings and example. ■
TEACHING FROM THIS MESSAGE
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has encour- aged us to pray for opportunities to serve: "In your morning prayer each new day, ask Heavenly Father to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve one of His precious children. Then go throughout the day . . . look- ing for someone to help" ("Be Anxiously Engaged," Ensign, Nov. 201 2, 31). Consider inviting those you teach to set a goal to pray each morning for opportunities to serve and then to seek them throughout the day.
March 2014
5
YOUTH
CHILDREN
M
An Answer to Her Prayer
By Siphilile Khumalo
One night a friend of another faith visited me. I usu- ally study my scriptures alone, and I had taken them out to study that night. I was prompted to invite her to join my scripture study but I was afraid and began instead to study alone. I knew that I had ignored a prompting of the Spirit. After a few minutes I cautiously asked, "Would you like to study the scriptures with me?" Without hesitation my friend replied, "Yes."
We then read from the Book of Mormon. She asked me some questions, and I could feel the Spirit guide me as I answered. I bore my testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. After I did this, she told me, "I have been crying and fearful all day. I had just prayed to God for help when you asked me to read the scrip- tures with you. I feel so much better now. Thank you."
The Lord had used me as an instrument to answer a prayer and serve one of His children in need. I know that promptings are divine instructions from a wise, glo- rious Father. When we put aside our fears, we allow Him to manifest His power through our obedience. The author lives in Gauteng, South Africa.
Look for Ways to Serve
Children can choose to serve others. Circle the pictures where the child is choosing to follow Jesus Christ by helping someone else.
^ 1 jiip
VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE
Prayerfully study this material and seek to know what to share. How will understanding the life Faith, Fam i ly. Relief
and mission of the Savior increase your faith in Him and bless those you watch over through visiting teaching? For more information, go to reliefsociety.lds.org.
The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: Light of the World
This is part of a series of Visiting Teaching Messages featuring aspects of the mission of the Savior.
As we come to understand that i Jesus Christ is the Light of the World, we will increase our faith in Him and become a light to others. Christ testified of His role as "the true light that lighteth every man [and woman] that cometh into the world" (D&C 93:2) and asked that we "hold up [His] light that it may shine unto the world" (3 Nephi 18:24).
Our prophets have also testified of the Light of Christ. President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, said: "Each time you choose to try to live more like the Savior, you will have your testi- mony strengthened. You will come in time to know for yourself that He is the Light of the World. . . . You will reflect to others the Light of Christ in your life."1
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said of our being a light to the world: "We need to protect our families and be at the forefront together with all people
of goodwill in doing everything we can to preserve light, hope, and morality in our communities."2
From the Scriptures
John 8:12; Doctrine and Covenants 50:24; 115:5
NOTES
1. Henry B. Eyring, "A Living Testimony," Ensign, May 2011, 128.
2. Quentin L. Cook, "Let There Be Light!" Ensign, Nov. 2010, 30.
3. See Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society (2011), 163-64.
4. See Daughters in My Kingdom, 164.
From Our History
Latter-day Saint women today continue to hold up their light.
On the 80th floor of a high- rise in Hong Kong, China, a single sister with physical disabilities — the only Latter-day Saint in her family — created a home that was a haven where she and visitors could feel the influence of the Spirit. She kept her scriptures, her Relief Society manuals, and her hymnbook nearby. She traveled to the temple to perform ordi- nances for her ancestors.3
In Brazil a righteous mother raised her children in the light of the gospel. Primary songs filled the air in her red brick home, and pictures from Church magazines of temples, prophets of God, and the Savior covered the walls. She and her husband sacrificed to be sealed in the temple so their children could be born in the covenant. Her con- stant prayer was that the Lord would help her bring up her children in the light, truth, and strength of the gospel.4
What Can I Do?
1 . Discuss what it means to be a 2. Ponder how following the Light
light to the world today. of Christ helps you endure trials.
March 20 14
OCTOBER 2013 CONFERENCE NOTEBOOK
"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken; . . . whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same" (D&C 1:38).
As you review the October 20 13 general conference, you can use these pages (and Conference Notebooks in future issues) to help you study and apply the recent teachings of the living prophets and apostles and other Church leaders.
Prophetic Words on Marriage
"M
arriage between a man and a woman is fundamental to the Lord's doctrine and crucial to God's eternal plan. Marriage between a man and a woman is God's pattern for a fulness of life on earth and in heaven. God's marriage pattern cannot be abused, misunderstood, or misconstrued [see Matthew 19:4-6]. Not if you want true joy. God's
marriage pattern protects the sacred power of procreation and the joy of true marital intimacy. We know that Adam and Eve were married by God before they ever experi- enced the joy of uniting as husband and wife."
Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Decisions for Eternity," Ensign, Nov. 2013, 108.
Answers for You
Each conference, prophets and apos- tles give inspired answers to questions Church members may have. Use your November 2013 issue or visit conference.lds.org to find answers to these questions:
• What can I do if a family member has strayed from the gospel? See Henry B. Eyring, "To My Grandchildren."
• Is there a safe place to raise our children? See Boyd K. Packer, "The Key to Spiritual Protection."
• Why is the influence of women important? See D. Todd Christofferson, "The Moral Force of Women."
To read, watch, or listen to general confer- ence addresses, visit conference.lds.org.
DRAWING PARALLELS: GOD'S LOVE
Some of the most important topics are addressed by more than one general conference speaker. Here is what three speakers said about God's love for us:
• "Your Heavenly Father loves you — each of you. That love never changes. ... It is simply there." 1 — President Thomas S. Monson
• "[The Savior] is always near, especially in sacred places and in times of need; and sometimes, when I least expect I feel almost like He taps me on the shoulder to let me know He loves me."2 — Elder Terence M. Vinson of
the Seventy
• "I bear witness that no one is a stranger to our Heavenly Father. There is no one whose soul is not precious to Him."3 — Bishop Gerald Causse, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
NOTES
1. Thomas S. Monson, "We Never Walk Alone," Ensign, Nov. 2013, 123, 124.
2. Terence M. Vinson, "Drawing Closer to God," Ensign, Nov. 2013, 106.
3. Gerald Causse, "Ye Are No More Strangers," Ensign, Nov. 2013, 51.
WARD AND GENERAL MISSIONARY FUNDS
"I thank you for your generous contri- butions. The need for help is ongoing, that we might continue to assist those whose desire to serve is great but who do not, by themselves, have the means to do so."
President Thomas S. Monson, "Welcome to Conference," Ensign, Nov. 2013, 4-5.
Prophetic Promise
"It's natural to have questions— the acorn of honest inquiry has often sprouted and matured into a great oak of understanding. There are few mem- bers of the Church who, at one time or another, have not wrestled with serious or sensitive questions. One of the pur- poses of the Church is to nurture and
cultivate the seed of faith — even in the sometimes sandy soil of doubt and uncertainty. Faith is to hope for things which are not seen but which are true [see Hebrews 11:1].
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters — my dear friends — please, first doubt your doubts before you doubt
your faith. We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, "Come, Join with Us," Ensign, Nov. 2013, 23.
March 2014
9
OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS
ABRAHAM
"As we follow Abraham's example, . . . we will find greater happiness and peace and rest, [and] we will find favor with God and with man."1 — President Spencer 1/1/ Kimball (1895-1985)
The marshland of Ur in Chaldea was my first home. The Chaldeans, including my father, worshipped idols and offered human sacrifices. But I believed in the one true and living God and prepared for the day when I could receive the priesthood, as my forefathers did.2
One day the Chaldeans bound me as a sacrifice on the altar of the god Elkenah. As they were about to kill me, I prayed to God for deliverance and my bonds were loosed imme- diately. Then the Lord spoke to me: "I have heard thee, and have come down to deliver thee, and to take thee away . . . into a strange land."3 The Lord began to bless me immensely: I received the priesthood
through Melchizedek,4 and the Lord covenanted with me that I would become the father of many nations and that the gospel would bless all humanity through my posterity. He changed my name from Abram to Abraham, meaning "father of a multitude."5
I brought my family to Canaan, the land the Lord had prepared for us.6 The Lord promised me that His cove- nant regarding my posterity would be fulfilled through a son born by my wife Sarah. Sarah and I had been unable to have children. We wondered how we could have children when we were both so old — I was 100 and Sarah was 90. 7 But as the Lord prom- ised, we did have a son, Isaac.8
Some years later, there came one of the hardest trials of my life. Even though I had witnessed the pain of human sacrifice, the Lord asked me to offer my son Isaac as a sacrifice. My heart grieved, but I trusted the Lord. When I was about to slay Isaac, an angel called to me, saying, "Lay not thine hand upon the lad, ... for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld . . . thine only son."9 The Lord provided a ram to be sacrificed in Isaac's place, which Isaac and I then offered to the Lord.10
Because of my obedience, the Lord reaffirmed His covenant: "I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, . . . and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice."11 ■
NOTES
1. Spencer W. Kimball, "The Example of Abraham," Ensign, June 1975, 7.
2. See Abraham 1:1-8.
3. See Abraham 1:12, 15-16.
4. See Doctrine and Covenants 84:14.
5. See Genesis 17:1-9; Abraham 2:8-11; Bible Dictionary, "Abraham."
6. See Abraham 2:4, 18-19.
7. See Genesis 17:15-21.
8. See Genesis 21:1-3.
9. Genesis 22:12.
10. See Genesis 22:1-13.
11. Genesis 22:17-18.
TEACHING FOR THE STRENGTH OF YOUTH
SEXUAL PURITY
Parents sometimes feel unsure when opportunities arise for them to teach their children about sexual purity. However, discussions on this topic can invite the Spirit and help prepare children to make and keep sacred covenants.
On pages 28-29 of this month's New Era, Neill F. Marriott, second counselor in the Young Women gen- eral presidency, writes, "Heavenly Father provided the powers of procre- ation within marriage for godly pur- poses only." We learn from Handbook 2: Administering the Church that those purposes include "expressing love and strengthening emotional and spiritual bonds between husband and wife" ([2010], 21.4.4). The suggestions below can help you teach your chil- dren about sexual purity. You can also refer to "Teaching Chastity and Virtue" in the October 2012 Ensign for more ideas on how to approach this topic.
Suggestions for Teaching Youth
• Consider reading with your teenage children "We Believe in Being Chaste" by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the May 2013 Ensign. Invite them to ask ques- tions about sexual purity. You could also use "Personal Purity"
by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the February 2000 New Era to help answer their questions. The youth curriculum topic for Sunday lessons this month is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Consider using the curriculum materials to teach your youth about the repentance required for sexual sins (see lds.org/ youth/learn). You could also read and discuss "Why and What Do I Need to Confess to My Bishop?" by Elder C. Scott Grow of the Seventy in the October 2013 New Era.
If a temple is nearby, consider visiting the temple grounds with your family and discussing why we must remain pure to enter the temple. You could share with them the blessings you have received from temple worship. You may also want to plan a time for your family to do bap- tisms for the dead. You may want to read with your youth "Sexual Purity" in For the Strength of Youth ([booklet, 2011], 35-37) and highlight the blessings we receive for staying pure. You could encourage your children
SCRIPTURES ON THIS TOPIC
Psalm 24:3-4 Matthew 5:27-28 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Jacob 2:27-28 Alma 38:12
Doctrine and Covenants 46:33; 121:45
to write down goals related to sexual purity.
Suggestions for Teaching Children
• You may want to hold a family home evening in which you use pictures of temples to discuss the importance and sacredness of the temple. Then you could explain that our bodies are sacred temples too.
• Read with your children the thirteenth article of faith and talk about the importance of keeping our thoughts clean. Make a list of some books, movies, and songs that will fill your mind with good things. You many want to read, watch, or sing them together. ■
March 2014
11
WE TALK OF CHRIST
THE BURDEN WAS REMOVED
Name withheld
After being abused as a child, I struggled for years before deciding to tell someone about it.
Recently I sat in a Relief Society lesson where a sister read a quota- tion regarding the effects of physical and sexual abuse on children. My first thought was, "How sad." Then I was filled with the Spirit, who bore witness to me of the miracle of the Savior's Atonement. I had been a victim of sexual abuse at a young age. During that Relief Society lesson, I realized that I no longer felt pain and fear attached to something that had con- sumed and frightened me for years. It was a miracle. In my heart I thanked the Savior for healing me.
As a child I struggled and felt shame for years before deciding to tell someone that I had been abused. When I was 13, 1 felt an impression that it was time to talk about it. After a service activity at Mutual, I went to a trusted leader, who spoke with me tenderly and took me to see the bishop the same evening. I was relieved by the bishop's warm coun- tenance as he invited me into his
office. I remember feeling the weight of years of secrets lift as my bishop listened. I recall his pure tears as he heard my story. I felt the love of Heavenly Father, and I felt reassured that the abuse was not my fault and
that I was still pure and virtuous. This was the beginning of my path to healing, a path that would continue for many years.
There wasn't just one moment of healing — it was a process of peace,
12 Ensign
understanding, and answers that came as I studied my scriptures, prayed daily, and became more acquainted with Jesus Christ. As I studied the Savior's life, I felt increasing love for Him. The Spirit testified truths to me, including my own worth as a daugh- ter of God. As I submitted my heart to the Lord, obeyed His command- ments, and sought His will, I was filled with comfort and peace. As I came to know Him, I began to know myself. Eventually, my past didn't hurt
anymore. The burden was removed. The Savior had healed me.
I have an eternal family now with a wonderful husband and three beautiful daughters. I am blessed to work with youth and to testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ can heal us from sin, physical pain, and broken hearts. I know this because of the mercy that was extended to me — because I was "encircled about eternally in the arms of his love" (2 Nephi 1:15). ■
GETTING HELP
"Healing may begin with a thoughtful bishop or stake pres- ident or a wise professional counselor. If you had a broken leg, you wouldn't decide to fix it yourself. Serious abuse can also benefit from profes- sional help. There are many ways to begin healing, but remember that a full cure comes through the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, our Master and Redeemer. Have faith that with effort His perfect, eternal, infinite Atonement can heal your suffering from the conse- quences of abuse."
Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse," Ensign, May 2008, 42.
HOW DO WE BRING THE LORD'S HEALING INTO OUR LIVES?
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, helped answer this question in his April 2013 general conference talk "The Hope of God's Light": "First, start where you are.
". . . We don't have to wait to cross the finish line to receive God's blessings. In fact the heavens begin to part and the blessings of heaven begin to distill upon us with the very first steps we take toward the light. . . .
"Second, turn your heart toward the Lord.
"Lift up your soul in prayer and explain to your
Heavenly Father what you are feeling. Acknowledge your shortcomings. Pour out your heart and express your grati- tude. Let Him know of the trials you are facing. Plead with Him in Christ's name for strength and support. . . . "Third, walk in the light.
". . . [Heavenly Father] sent His Son to this earth to illuminate the way and show us how to safely cross the stumbling blocks placed in our path. He has given us the gospel, which teaches the way of the disciple. It teaches us the things we must know, do, and be to walk in His light, following in the footsteps of His Beloved Son" (Ensign, May 2013, 75-76).
March 2014
Here young adults share their patterns of healthy living based on teachings from the Word of Wisdom, from other scriptures, and from our latter-day prophets. How have these teachings blessed your life? These young adults bear testimony that as we learn and honor these teachings for healthy living, we will receive the promised blessings.
ESTABLISHING GOOD SLEEPING HABITS
In today's world, addictive sub- stances are sometimes viewed as a way to deal with pressures and stresses. In addition, many drink coffee because they feel they need extra energy. Because my mother taught me the importance of good sleeping habits, I know that these additional substances aren't necessary; adequate rest is a much more effective solution (see D&C 88:124). When I get a good night's sleep, I have more energy for the day. I am better able to handle the stresses of life, my mind enjoys increased clarity, and I am better able to work under pressure.
Anthony Castillo, Florida, USA
Teachings for healthy living: 1 Corinthians 3:1 6-1 7; 6:1 9-20; Doctrine and Covenants 59:16-20; 88:124; 89; Boyd K. Packer, "Ye Are the Temple of God," Ensign, Nov. 2000, 72-74
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ENJOYING MOUNTAIN BIKING
Being healthy and living the Word of Wisdom (see D&C 89) are not merely about staying away from coffee, tea, tobacco, alco- hol, and harmful drugs; good health is also about fueling my body with good things and wisely engaging in activities that will enable me to function optimally. I am passionate about mountain biking. By maintaining my physical and spiritual health, I can pursue my passion and know that I will be blessed with strength and endurance. Brock Dunlap, Texas, USA
GARDENING
We learn from the scriptures that the soul has two parts: body and spirit (see D&C 88:15). Gardening is a healthy hobby that nourishes both. It's hard work; it would be so much easier to run to the store to pick up my veggies and herbs. However, the benefits of gardening go far beyond having access to healthy food. I love the moments of focused meditation that come along with working in a garden. It is a time that I can clear my mind of distractions and focus on the task at hand. Also, gardening is a way for me to gain momentum for living a healthy lifestyle. When I garden, I find that I'm more aware of what I'm eating throughout the day and that I'm more inclined to exercise. It is truly energizing. And when I treat my body well, my spirit benefits also. I feel closer to Heavenly Father and know that I'm becoming the soul he wants me to be. Laura Gauthier, Illinois, USA
For a long time it was difficult for me to get any fruits and vegeta- bles into my diet because of some serious food allergies. I could hardly eat more than four blueberries at a time without feeling ill. When I discovered green smoothies, everything changed. At first my body struggled, but over time my allergies diminished substantially and I became full of energy. I love creating new smoothies, and I try to put the most nutrient-dense and colorful fruits and vegetables into them: kale, Swiss chard, spinach, lime, peaches, mango, strawber- ries, coconut, and so on. I am grateful for the Word of Wisdom and for the blessings I've received as I've incorporated its principles into my life. Tara Walker, Idaho, USA
SEEKING TO REACH MY POTENTIAL
Being diligent in both exercising and eating right has helped me realize how blessed I am to have a healthy body and how impor- tant it is to take care of it. I want to be able to live a long, healthy life. I want to be in the best physical, mental, and spiritual condi- tion I can be for as long as possible so I can reach my full potential on earth. I think that is one of the reasons why our Heavenly Father gave us teachings in the scriptures and from living prophets about how to stay healthy — so we will be able to do what we came to earth to do and to carry out His will. Allyson Macy, Utah, USA
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EXERCISING OFTEN
For me, exercise is one of the best ways to rejuvenate my body and my mind. When I get carried away thinking about problems and questions that I have, it is exercise that helps me see things more clearly. I don't always run or lift weights; sometimes I just go for a walk. It's interesting that after exerting energy to exercise, I always have more energy and feel more alert. When I get in a routine and exercise regularly, I have a happier outlook on life. I know that the Lord has given us a stewardship over our bodies. Exercise is one way that we can show Him that we are grateful for the blessing of a mortal body. Ryan Brown, Michigan, USA
APPRECIATING BOTH BODY AND SPIRIT
I know that the Word of Wisdom is a true code of health for both our spirits and our bodies. As I have learned more about how to eat well, exercise, and seek balance in other aspects of my life, I have gained a deeper understanding of the sacred relationship between our bodies and our spirits. I have learned to respect my mortal body and be grate- ful for it, no matter what is going on in my life. My testimony of the importance of good health has been reinforced through teachings in the Doctrine and Covenants and teachings from our living prophets. I know we are blessed when we seek to follow these teachings and live them fully.
Christine Baird, Texas, USA
FOCUSING ON THE BLESSINGS
My favorite blessing promised in the Word of Wisdom is that we can "find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures" (D&C 89:19). For a long time, this was a very abstract phrase to me. But now I understand that this promise includes improved self-discipline and self-control. We gain greater power to exercise our agency because our minds are clearer, our bodies are stronger, and our hearts are at peace. As I live the Word of Wisdom and maintain a healthy lifestyle, I find that the Lord more readily answers my prayers for health, peace, and joy. Linda Flores, Washington, D.C., USA
March 2014
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YOUNG ADULTS
By Lisa Lynnette Magnusson
It had been a long day at work, and I was in no mood to go visiting teaching. I printed off the message from the Church's website before turning off my computer, planning to skim the text during the red traffic lights on the way to the home of the sister I was to visit. I glanced through the message carelessly as I picked it up off the printer, but the first scripture made me stop and sit back down at my desk: "I will also be your light in the wilderness; . . . wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my com- mandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led"