“Contents,” Ensign, Jan. 2008, 1–3
Front: Joseph in the Grove, by A. D. Shaw, courtesy of the Museum of Church History and Art. Back: Printing of the First Book of Mormon, by Gary E. Smith.
Teaching all. Questions are a great way to involve everyone—whether your group is a Sunday School class, a group of Primary children, or your own family. Review some different types of questions (p. 26 ) and consider how they might enhance your next teaching and learning opportunity.
Feeling at home. Whether you’re new in your ward or branch or not, you can find a place in your Church family. See “Making Any Ward ‘Home’ ” (p. 22 ) and consider putting into practice one of the suggestions this week.
Serving our neighbors. In “Not Just a Blanket” (p. 25 ), a mother recounts the love she felt from a gift made by the women of a nearby ward. To find out how you can donate such humanitarian gifts, visit www.providentliving.org and click on “Humanitarian Services.”
Messages
First Presidency Message
4
The Master Bridge Builder
President Thomas S. Monson
The Savior built and crossed the bridges of obedience, service, and prayer, showing us the way to follow.
Visiting Teaching Message
69
Jesus Christ Taught the Purpose of Our Life on Earth
Feature Articles
12
The Prophet Joseph Smith, an Extraordinary Teacher
Joseph Smith had little formal education, but the Lord molded him into a prophet of wisdom and intelligence and into an extraordinary teacher.
19
It All Began with You
The seed you brought, Elder, was nurtured, taken around the world, and planted in the hearts of those who would listen.
22
Making Any Ward “Home”
We can feel at home at church, no matter where in the world we go.
25
Not Just a Blanket
This blanket was more than just a donated gift.
26
Questions, the Heart of Learning and Teaching
Using carefully worded, inspired questions, you can guide your students through a powerful discovery experience.
30
The Relief Society Lesson That Changed Our Family
Have you ever wished there was a simple way to protect your family from the evil influences that attack on every side?
33
Putting My Marriage before My Pride
All day I waited for my husband to apologize. But then a question came into my mind that surprised me.
34
The Book of Mormon: The Great Purveyor of the Savior’s Peace
The Book of Mormon is a wellspring of peace to the thirsty soul.
40
“… And It Came to Pass”
Enjoy art depicting stories from the Book of Mormon.
46
Why Adoption?
Adoption brings blessings to families and individuals.
53
Exercising the Soul
Eight spiritual principles I learned from my time on the treadmill.
56
Unplugged
How did I suddenly have time to do projects I had put off for years?
58
Happily Living within Our Means
Members suggest ways we can budget, cut costs, and eliminate debt.
64
Our God Truly Is God
Elder Douglas L. Callister
In a turbulent world, we find strength when we anchor our lives in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father is the true and living God.
Departments
Lessons from the Book of Mormon
10
Obedience: The First Law of Heaven
Obedience is an armor that protects us from evil.
70
Latter-day Saint Voices
Through prayer, music, scriptures, and the still, small voice, the Lord leads His Saints.
74
Random Sampler
Keeping family records, contributing to general Church funds, and memorizing the Articles of Faith are simple with these tips.
76
News of the Church
Look for articles on:
How we can master our tempers.
Finding balance, even amid conflicting demands.
A mother’s “experiment” in changing her family’s behavior.