“Contents,” Ensign, Sept. 2008, 1–3
Hope and Healing in Recovering from Abuse, p. 36
Photograph by Jerry Garns
Sing Primary songs. In “Primary Songs Blessed Me” (p. 55 ), author Jennifer Lynn talks about the power of music in her life. Did you know that you can order the Primary songbook, as well as recordings of the music (with or without words) online? Visit www.ldscatalog.com .
Remember your conversion. Several articles in this issue focus on the power of personal conversion (see pp. 44 , 50 , 52 , and 58 ). Think about your own conversion and record your thoughts about the strength it has brought to your life.
Build family relationships. It can be easy to take for granted the people closest to us, but that need not be the case. See pages 4 , 10 , 16 , 23 , and 58 for ideas on and examples of nurturing relationships.
Messages
First Presidency Message
4
Be One
President Henry B. Eyring
We can experience unity in this life and qualify to have it forever in the world to come.
Visiting Teaching Message
65
The Gospel of Jesus Christ Teaches the Eternal Potential of the Children of God
Feature Articles
10
“My Dear and Beloved Companion”: The Letters of Joseph and Emma Smith
The love Joseph and Emma expressed through their letters sustained them through many challenges.
16
My Father, My Hero
When a stranger called my dad a hero, I began to realize what I could learn from him.
18
Spiritual Promptings
Inspiration from the Holy Ghost can bless and protect us.
23
Toothpaste on the Mirror
Small things have a way of growing large when we dwell on them.
24
The Power of Diligent Learning
Get more out of your Church classes by learning how to learn.
29
Chalk It Up
Often underappreciated, the chalkboard can be a powerful teaching tool.
35
My Neighbor’s Magazine
I knew little about the Latter-day Saints until the mailman accidentally delivered an Ensign magazine to our mailbox.
36
Hope and Healing in Recovering from Abuse
A therapist suggests answers to some questions commonly asked by those who have been abused.
40
A Time of Harvest
Joys of the harvest portrayed in art.
44
Be a Missionary All Your Life
Our challenge is to share the eternally significant gospel so our brothers and sisters can find peace, happiness, and exaltation.
50
Coming to Church, Becoming Converted
I asked seven converts what single factor contributed most to their conversion. Their answers surprised me.
52
I Do My Part, and God Does the Rest
What Mother taught me about perseverance in our callings.
54
Casual Gratitude
As my grandson screamed from a burn, I wanted to suffer in his place. Then I remembered who had suffered in my place.
55
Primary Songs Blessed Me
It was not until after my stroke that I realized the long-reaching effects my calling had in my life.
58
Questions and Answers
What are some ways I can strengthen myself and progress spiritually when my spouse is not supportive of my Church activity?
79
Ensign Reader Survey
Do you have feedback to offer about the Ensign? We want to hear from you.
Departments
Lessons from the Book of Mormon
32
Men of a Sound Understanding
What does it mean to become men and women of “a sound understanding”?
62
Looking to the Lord
Let the Lord expand your vision.
66
Random Sampler
Reaching out to a ward, to grandchildren, and in a choir; helping children be reverent.
68
Latter-day Saint Voices
Latter-day Saints from around the world share their testimonies of family history.
73
News of the Church