“Contents,” Ensign, Jan. 2009, 1–3
Front: I Saw a Light, by Jon McNaughton, courtesy McNaughton Fine Art.
Back: Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum, by Gary Smith.
Enhance your study. Pages 46–53 highlight the Doctrine and Covenants, the 2009 course of Gospel Doctrine study. You can find additional guides online at LDS.org . Select Gospel Library, then Lessons, then Sunday School.
Share your testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Pages 10–22 include powerful witnesses of the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith. How is your life different from what it might otherwise be because of the work of the Prophet of the Restoration? Consider sharing the articles—and your testimony—with a friend.
Sign up for institute. Young adults from around the world share the blessings they’ve experienced because they have attended institute in “Nourishing the Soul through Institute” (page 54). To find a class near you, visit www.ldsces.org , or talk to your bishop or branch president.
First Presidency Message
4
Let Us Raise Our Voice of Warning
President Henry B. Eyring
Love, example, and testimony: those have been keys whenever I have been blessed to hear and then heed the warning of a servant of the Lord.
Visiting Teaching Message
61
Stand Strong and Immovable in Faith
10
Witnesses of the Prophet Joseph Smith
Modern prophets and Apostles bear testimony of the prophet of the Restoration.
16
Joseph Smith: An Apostle of Jesus Christ
Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander
Joseph Smith’s apostolic testimony was borne of experience, divine command, and instruction.
23
Drawn to the Temple
As a child, Aric Finucane was curious about the Washington D.C. Temple. When he joined the Church as an adult, he became determined to receive his endowment there.
26
Faith to Ford the River
Rafael had crossed the river every day for 12 years, but today was different.
31
Peaches, Pruning, and Spiritual Progress
I should have pruned our peach tree before the winds came.
34
My Guilt Was Swept Away
My family lines were traced back as far as possible; I was certain I could do no more.
36
Putting My Hand in the Lord’s
I came to know that God loves me, that I have a mission to perform, and that I can trust in His power and in His plan for me. That is the power of adversity.
40
Doctrine and Covenants Revealed
View a few of the sites where sections of the Doctrine and Covenants were revealed.
46
Enriching Your Study of the Doctrine and Covenants
The Sunday School General Presidency
You can get more out of Sunday School. Here’s how.
54
Nourishing the Soul through Institute
Students who sacrifice to attend institute discover how much the Savior loves them and wants to bless them.
58
Left with a Violin and a Hymnbook
The fire had consumed nearly everything. What were we going to do?
60
Gardenias in January
I didn’t know that Anita loved gardenias. But Heavenly Father knew.
62
Bipolar Disorder: My Lessons in Love, Hope, and Peace
Receiving the diagnosis was devastating. What kind of future would I have?
Lessons from the Doctrine and Covenants
28
Confidence in the Presence of God
Elder Michael John U. Teh
What can we do to gain God’s trust?
50
Treasuring the Doctrine and Covenants
The Doctrine and Covenants—marvelous truths, inspired counsel.
68
Random Sampler
Helping children learn hymns, setting provident living goals, and keeping a more meaningful journal.
70
Latter-day Saint Voices
Latter-day Saints find peace and hope through the Savior and His Atonement.
74
News of the Church
A special insert on the life and service of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, who passed away on December 1, 2008, will be included in next month’s issue of the magazine.