“Contents,” Liahona, Sept. 2013, 1–3 Liahona, September 2013 Messages 4 First Presidency Message Saints for All Seasons By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf 7 Visiting Teaching Message Self-Reliance Feature Articles 18 My Prayers of Gratitude By Christie Skrinak Our family was desperate for blessings. How could I be grateful amid such trials? 20 The Justice and Mercy of God By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland If we can repent of our sins and be charitable with the sins of others, the living Father of us all will reach down to bear us up. 26 Christlike Mercy By Randy L. Daybell These scriptural accounts from the Savior’s life can teach us ways to be merciful. 30 How Is Doctrine Established? By LaRene Porter Gaunt Use this flowchart to understand more about how God reveals doctrine to prophets and apostles. 32 Today’s Young Men Need Righteous Role Models By Hikari Loftus Having worked through his own troubled youth, Todd Sylvester strives to reach out to today’s young men. 36 Still a Clarion Call By Richard M. Romney “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” acts as a modern title of liberty, providing clarity and guidance to families. Departments 8 April Conference Notebook 10 What We Believe The Priesthood Must Be Used Worthily 12 Our Homes, Our Families The Lord Never Shouted at Me Name withheld 14 Gospel Classics What Does Jesus Mean to Us Today? By Elder David B. Haight 16 News of the Church 38 Latter-day Saint Voices 80 Until We Meet Again The Longest Sacrament Meeting By Okon Edet Effiong Young Adults 42 His Grace Is Sufficient By Brad Wilcox The miracle of Christ’s grace is not just that we can return to heaven but that we can change so we feel at home there. Youth 46 Steps to Happiness By Elder D. Todd Christofferson When we understand the purpose of the commandments, we want more of them—not fewer. 48 What’s So Great about the Great and Spacious Building? By Dennis C. Gaunt The great and spacious building can be alluring, so how do we avoid it? 52 Be a Light to Your Friends By Elder Benjamín De Hoyos Missionary work begins with a good example. 54 To the Point 56 For the Strength of Youth The Influence of Music By Rosemary M. Wixom What can mice teach us about choosing wholesome music? 58 A Prayer of My Heart By Ma. Consuelo N. The Lord’s words helped me love music even more. 59 Poster: Launch Your Future 60 From the Mission Field: Through Thin Walls By Monica Garcia Adams It wasn’t just Soledad who listened; Juan was listening on the other side of the wall. 62 Learning from Living Prophets By Elder Neil L. Andersen These four questions can help you follow the prophet. Children 64 Writing It Right By Jan Pinborough Cara’s teacher said that Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost were all one person. What could Cara say? 66 Song Jesus Is My Shepherd By Tammy Simister Robinson 67 Faithful Examples By Jean A. Stevens The example of these Primary children in Hong Kong helped their ward members have the faith to live the gospel. 68 On the Trail The Nauvoo Temple and Carthage Jail By Jennifer Maddy 70 Special Witness Why is it important to have both the Bible and the Book of Mormon? By Elder L. Tom Perry 71 I Chose the Right By Ekene B. I didn’t want to drink the wine, but what would happen to my family if I didn’t? 72 Our Page 74 Bringing Primary Home I Will Serve God with All My Heart, Might, Mind, and Strength 76 For Young Children 81 Prophet Portrait George Albert Smith On the cover Front: The Lost Lamb, by Newell Convers Wyeth, reproduced by permission of the Colby College Museum of Art. Back: photograph © Thinkstock. Inside front cover: photograph by Chelsea Stark. See if you can find the Liahona hidden in this issue. Hint: Jesus visited the people in America. Family Home Evening Ideas