The "Liahona" and Church Magazines

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!! 

The Apostle John; Nephi, from the Book of Mormon; and Château d'Angers in France

One of the many fascinating things Eliza has been able to share while being on her mission in France is this tapestry of the apostle John's revelation. It is in a castle and museum of the first area she served - Château d'Angers. Eliza shared that the tapestry was commissioned by one of the old kings, is well over 300 feet long, and depicts the entirety of the Book of Revelation. Isn't this massively impressive? Someday, I hope to go to France and see this for myself. I have since learned the tapestry is called the Apocalypse Tapestry.

From the Book of Revelation (last book in the Bible), the apostle John has a vision of Jesus Christ, the end of times, and more. His vision - wow!

Do you know who else had a vision and learned from an angel? 

Nephi, from the Book of Mormon. Nephi is shown the interpretation of the Tree of Life, also a vision of Jesus Christ, and so much more – including seeing the apostle John! 

In my previous readings of the Book of Mormon, I don't recall noticing him seeing John. But I easily saw the connection this time! Nephi's vision is about 600+ years BEFORE Jesus Christ AND before John even comes on the scene. Amazing! (See 1 Nephi 14:25 and 27)

I think the bridging of the Bible to the Book of Mormon is remarkable. As are both visions shown to God's chosen servants - Nephi and John. These men, who lived so long ago, as well as so many other prophets and apostles record important truths. Yes, even God's word. Their writings are for us today as well as in the final days to come. Helpful, inspiried words. Things God wants us to know. 

This was all a cool discovery for me! I am grateful for the spirit teaching me and opening my mind to understand and see these connections. Personal revelation at work! Eliza’s share is wonderful, too.

I’m adding my witness that the Holy Ghost is the teacher and testifier of truth. The Book of Mormon IS God's word, and it is the real deal, Joseph Smith could not make this stuff up. The Bible and the Book of Mormon work hand in hand to teach and testify about Jesus Christ. He is also real. Someday, He will return. Oh, how glorious that will be. Come, Jesus come.

Another Graduation and Thanks to Windridge Elementary!

Another graduation today! Yesterday was Abbey’s HS graduation; today Eliza graduated from 6th grade, elementary school. I wasn’t planning to be emotional but I couldn’t hold back the tears sitting in that room with a lot of parents and a whole lot of 6th graders. I’m sure having Abbey graduate yesterday and also sending Emily off for her 10-week summer internship played into those emotions too. But really, my tears were not so much about sadness.  Instead, I was overcome with feelings of gratitude. Gratitude for having all of my children attend what I feel is the best elementary school ever! Which, I really have no merit in professing that; because it is the only elementary school my children have ever attended. 

Eliza's 6th grade graduation day from Windridge Elementary school.
LtoR - Lance, Eliza, LuAnn (teary eyes), and Andrew (allergy eyes)

In 2000 Lance and I were looking for our first home.  It was a struggle.  Nothing seemed right or felt right in the locations we were looking.  We were separating from military activity duty and time was running short.  We needed to find a home quick.  One particular day, when we began our home search, I prayed that God would lead us to a neighborhood that would be good for our children, a place where they would have good friends and go to good schools.  I know that prayer has been answered many times. But today, during a 6th grade graduation, ending our 16 years at Windridge elementary school, I was easily reminded of how blessed my children and entire family have been by the plea of that prayer.

Our family moved into our home on 500 East just a few months before Emily, our first child, would begin Kindergarten.  Memories of Windridge Elementary school just flooded my mind during today’s graduation.

Memories of the 1st grade Christmas program, 2nd grade Patriotic assembly, the Utah 4th grade program, and the 5th grade program all about our wonderful American History.  Those were touching programs for me and I appreciate the teachers that helped my children learn the songs that have been forever engrained in their minds, helping to give my children their own sense of pride and gratitude for our country and state. 

I thought about all the great teachers my children have had over the years.  We’ve had our favorites and those not so favorite.  But each one of those teachers was the right one for my child at that time.  When it would come time to begin a new school year, I would pray that my children would get the teacher that was right for them.  I never felt a need to ask or request a teacher.  My children and I would hope, but in the end we trusted in God and the decision.  Sometimes we would have to grit through the disappointment when “friends” were not in the same class. In the end, it all worked out and I believe we’ve all been better because of it.  Windridge has some amazing teachers!  They go above and beyond in so many ways.  As the 6th grade teachers spoke today, I was overcome with gratitude for them.  I could feel the love, care, and concern these teachers have for their students.  It wasn’t just today I felt that, but it seems to have been my experience at every 6th grade graduation.  I really love and admire these teachers and how they’ve loved, taught, pushed, provided wonderful opportunities for my children, and helped prepare them for the next step – junior high.  Teachers at Windridge continue to be a support and example to all of my children. 

Appreciation and thanks filled me too as I looked around the room to see parents that I’ve seen at the school countless times, helping in so many good ways, giving hours and hours of service for our children, my children.  PTA presidents, PTA board members, room mothers, parent classroom volunteers and more!  Windridge elementary, the school tucked safely within the neighborhood, has the most amazing and supportive parents!  It’s been a wonder to be a part of!  Because of these parents and many of them are my friends, they have also been a blessing in my life and my children’s lives over the years.  Thank you!

I was also filled with gratitude for the experience Eliza has had serving as a student council member this year and the unique opportunity that has been for her.  She has learned some great leadership skills, made some lasting friendships, participated in some wonderful service opportunities, and has been on the side to see what hard work and planning goes into events.  All of these things I was grateful she got to experience as I sat there honoring her today. Thank you, Mrs. Harris. 

Thank you everyone!  From the awesome principals over the years, the kind secretaries and custodial help, to the ground duty for helping my children learn some of the hard-knock lessons and some growing pains at recess, to the friendly crossing guard, and the many others who’ve helped and been influential at Windridge Elementary and in my children’s lives.  You are a blessing! 

I could go on, as there are many more memories in my mind and my heart.  My soul really is filled with gratitude and yet, perhaps a little sad as I close a chapter on our families’ elementary years.  For now though, the tears have stopped and I feel better expressing myself AND I can talk now without blubbering. :)

Mrs. Williams, Eliza's 6th grade teacher - 2016

Andrew's 6th grade graduation with his teachers, Mrs. Carlile and Mrs. Workman - 2012

Working on finding Abbey's picture with Mrs. Carlile and Mrs. Workman

when she graduated from 6th grade in 2010. 

Emily's 6th grade graduation with her teacher, Ms. Schultz - 2007

Years of Campaigning for School Class Officer

I'm so proud of my children! Never, would I have had the courage to run for class or student body officer when I was in school 30 years ago. A few times I did help friends with their campaigns by making posters and mass assembling little papers, which would announce the candidate to vote for and attaching some type of trinket or little goodies on it. Only to have hours of hard work cluttering the hallways at school. I was too afraid to run and did not want to put myself out there like that. Besides, candidates were required to do a speech or a skit, which could possibly be complete and ultimate humiliation. So yes, I'm proud of my children for even wanting to "run" for a class officer position.  

Abbey was the first child to run in the end of her 6th grade year for a spot as an officer at Farmington Junior High for 7th grade. Only one person from each of the elementary schools would be elected to go on and represent the 7th graders. Abbey's slogan on her 1 poster was "Don't be Crabby, vote for Abbey". She did so well!  Lance and I were thrilled she did this. So was her older sister, who really encouraged Abbey, because Emily regretted not running for officer herself. Abbey came soooo close! She lost by 1 vote to Elijah McKay.  

Then there was Andrew, he also ran in 6th grade for 7th grade class officer at KJH (our school boundaries changed in the middle of Abbey's 8th grade year). His slogan - "Got Andrew". It was pretty clever. He too lost by only a few votes to Brandon Lee.  

Andrew choose not to run for 8th grade officer, not sure or cannot remember why. He tried again for 9th grade officer. Andrew was so brave and not embarrassed at all with this campaign using Depends underwear! He didn't win. Parker, Ryan, and Jacee did. Not to be stopped, he ran for 9th grade appointed officer. Still, he did not make that either. However, at the last half of the school year, he was a TA (teacher's assistant) for his French teacher, Madame Clarke. Madame was the teacher adviser over the class officers during 7th period and it ended up that Andrew was the TA for that period so he got in on the action and ended up helping a lot. He really enjoyed it.  

Andrew did not try running for 10th grade, instead his sister, Abbey, convinced him to be an FCCLA officer - vice president of public relations. Abbey, and her friend, Abby were the presidents of the club. This was exciting at first, especially as he started high school. He got to participate in extra activities, made even more friends, and had the opportunity to participate with Abbey in FCCLA Star Events last month and did very well.  

  

For the last few weeks, he has been running for Junior class officer.  I'm so proud of him for trying it again! He made the first round and went on this week to finish out the campaign. Abbey was his "campaign manager" and helped him with posters and banners and hanging them up too. While visiting Emily at college, we enlisted her help as well to write on a few posters. It's a good thing Abbey was the campaign manager because this mom was frowning on the "sexy", the tattoos, and Shakira's hips. Who would have thought that his dressing up as Redfoo (I don't even know who he is) at Halloween would come in so handy with his campaign (thanks, Aunt Nancy). Woot! Woot! Andrew was announced today as 1 of the 4 winners as a Junior class officer! His courage pleased me, as did his desire and willingness to try again and not to give up because of past disappointments. At home I felt he was was very "chill" with his campaign and did not try to overly influence others or go over the top with what he was doing, and maybe he was different at school, but I don't think so. His attitude was if he made it great, if not, that's okay too. Andrew has many friends and is a natural leader. I remember one of the mom's from his playgroup, when he was 3 or 4, saying that she wouldn't be surprised if he became president of the United States some day. As a side note, I WISH he were running for U.S. president right now. Out of all the candidates running for the 2017 presidential office, he would by far be my #1 choice. Take a look at some of the photos from Andrew's campaign.

 

 

  

Next candidate, Eliza. She too exhibited great bravery and courage. Last weekend was a busy one coming up with sayings and ideas and making posters for Andrew and Eliza. I was happy when my sister, Sherrie, helped Eliza create a 3-D type umbrella for her poster when the family was here for dinner. It turned out cute! Eliza's poster was hung up on Monday and we got to see it when we went to the school for the super science night. Candidates didn't do any campaigning this week but today was the day she delivered her speech. While she has become a good little writer, she had a hard time coming up with and writing a speech. She was frustrated. But at last, by 10 p.m. last night she had something really great down on paper. This morning, her older sister was home for the day from college so she curled Eliza's hair and Eliza was dressed up and looking sharp. Her speech was first thing this morning. Eliza told us she was second to last to give her speech. Choosing not to tell the joke, instead, to begin her speech loudly as she was walking down the isle to the front podium. She has such spunk!  Eliza excitedly involved her classmates right at the beginning with her speech. I wish I would have seen her in action, but she preferred me not to come. At the end of the school day, the candidates were called out to the hall and teachers let them know who the winner was. Once again, the Thaxton child comes up just a few votes short to win. This time, 3 votes shy and beat out by Jack Harris. Jack had a "super" campaign and Eliza really is happy that Jack will be representing them at KJH next year. I was well pleased with Eliza! She did a lot of hard things, hopefully proving to herself that she CAN do hard things. Eliza was feeling sad, of course, but was handling things real well when she came home. It was sweet to see the compassion and care extended to her by Abbey and Andrew, both who have been in the same position. Eliza has a great attitude! The 6th grade teachers commented on how great all of the speeches were, some of the best they've ever heard. I think this helped Eliza know that she did her very best. What helped a lot too is that all week we've been praying for both of our candidates that they could do their very best and trust in God and His will for them. "Come what may...."

 

How’s it going 6th grade? I can’t hear you! (Pause) That’s much better! 
Here’s a question. Can a kangaroo jump higher than the Empire State Building? Well of course it can, the Empire State Building can’t jump. 
Fellow friends and classmates, I can’t offer you a free trip around the world, a free Iphone6S, a doughnut, or any other bribe - but I can offer you my very best effort in representing you at KJH if elected to be your 7th grade class officer. 
I want to be a 7th grade class officer because I like to be involved and I have some good ideas. I am responsible, outgoing and friendly. As a student council member this year it has been an honor to be a part of this student group. I have enjoyed being involved with activities and events that have benefited YOU and our entire school. I have learned great leadership skills. I have actually seen and experienced how much effort, responsibility, and creativity go into planning school events. It takes everyone working together and following through with assignments. Being part of group that represents others can be hard work and is a BIG responsibility, but I feel I have what it takes to represent you – my friends, classmates, and soon to be Kaysville Knights.  
Give me a shout if you want to be the next Messi. Give me some love if you want to become the new Adele. Now hit me with your screams if you want to become the new Dr. Seuss or Steph Curry. Raise your voices if you want to be the next Jedi Master. Get loud if you just want to become your own individual and make your own history. Whatever it is, that you want to become, let me be the person to help you reach your full potential. 
Please vote Eliza Thaxton for 7th grade rep, She’s Got ‘Ya Covered!

Thinking about these campaigns gives me joy as I remember my children's experiences of having courage and wanting to participate. Having hopes of leading their classmates. Learning important life lessons along the way. I don't know how many more class campaign elections we will have, but I do want to record what we have done so we might always remember. 

As I come to the conclusion, I am recalling that I saw a photo of Lance's great grandfather, Andrew George Lavin, who was also a candidate once. I wonder if this where my kids get some of their political drive.  

You might also enjoy my other blog post about Andrew, "My Favorite Son, Andrew"