I love these magazines! They have served and blessed me well over the years.
Ever since I was a little girl, I have enjoyed the Church magazines. It was exciting when the "The Children’s Friend" magazine arrived in the mail each month.
I have memories of these magazines being organized by years in magazine boxes on our family's bookshelf in the basement. If an assignment was given to speak in church, the pre-internet way, that I recall, was to go to the December issue of the "Ensign" and look up your assigned topic in the back index. (Can you see why having many boxes with years’ worth of magazines was a help and an advantage? 😊)
A few weeks ago, while reading the heading for Alma 37, I had to pause at the connection I was seeing. It hadn't occurred to me before, because it was only in 2021 when the "Ensign" was changed to the "Liahona" magazine. (https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church-magazines-2021).
The Liahona, mentioned in the Book of Mormon, was a brass ball, a type of compass. It gave spiritual instruction to Lehi and his followers when they were righteous. Today, the “Liahona” magazine, published and printed in many different languages, serves as a guide and has spiritual instructions, inspiration, and more. Yes, even words of Christ that are leading me and guiding me back to Him and my Father in Heaven.
Taking a closer look at the covers of the recent issues, I was happy to discover the purpose of each magazine is clearly stated on each magazine.
"Liahona" - Pointing Us All to Jesus Christ
"For the Strength of Youth" - Finding Joy in Christ
"Friend" - Following Jesus Together
These magazines have inspired me and helped to build my faith and testimony of Jesus Christ over the years. The content has helped me in many of my church assignments, and has been a great guide and a resources of truth as I strive to live my life better.
I have memories of making some of the recipes or crafts outlined in the "Friend" magazine. Along with the word puzzles and other "Fun Stuff." As I became a teenager, I remember spending many Sunday afternoons lying on the couch reading stories from the "New Era". As a young mom it was relaxing reading from the "Ensign" while feeding my babies. I have spent much time cutting out and laminating some of the pictures, articles or activities to be used for Family Home Evening lessons, Primary Sharing Times, or activities for our quiet bag for Church. It even was exciting when my own daughter and her cousin were published in one of the issues.
Each magazine has content that leads us to Jesus Christ. Certainly, a modern-day guide for people today, filled with words and testimonies of Christ, words from today’s prophet sand apostles, and much more. What a blessing!
Did you know you can now subscribe to one or to all of these printed magazines at no cost? Of course they are all digitally accessible on the Gospel Library app too, including the "Ensign" magazine all the way back to 1971!!! But you may also subscribe to get the printed magazines delivered to your home at no cost (www.churchofjesuschrist.org/liahona). How awesome is that? I think it's awesome! I love having these printed resources in my home.
Magazines of the Church are a “valuable resource for learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ and feeling a sense of belonging in His Church,” the First Presidency said in a letter to all Latter-day Saints. “Our desire is that members everywhere will subscribe and welcome this faith-sustaining influence into their hearts and homes.”
As a side note... Emily and her cousin, Talin, were featured in the May 2004 issue of The Friend magazine. FUN!
Finally, as I get ready to publish this post, my youngest daughter, Eliza is serving a mission. She was transferred to Brussels Belguim a few days ago. I recall seeing an article in the "Friend" magazine a few months ago (June 2024) that gave me a little more information about her new location. Exciting!
Yes, these magazines have and continue to bless my life in so many ways!!
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