“Contents,” Liahona, Oct. 2009, inside front cover–1 Liahona, October 2009 Adults First Presidency Message 2 Finding Strength through Obedience By President Thomas S. Monson Visiting Teaching Message 25 Nurture the Rising Generation Feature Articles 12 Blessings of the Temple By Elder Robert D. Hales The opportunity to enter the temple and to take upon ourselves the sacred covenants there is one of the greatest blessings available to us in mortality. 16 My Privilege to Serve By Michael R. Morris Sister María José de Araújo, who serves each day in the Recife Brazil Temple, says that those who worship regularly in the temple come to understand its real meaning and power. 18 A Temple-Going People By Ryan Carr Fellowshipping, family history work, and baptisms for the dead inspire one ward’s members to receive their own endowments. 22 The New Gospel Art Book By Michael G. Madsen More than 100 images in this affordable new book can help us teach and learn the gospel. 26 The Blessings of Ministering Four stories of Latter-day Saints who changed the lives of fellow ward members. 30 Me? A Shepherd in Israel? By Elder Daniel L. Johnson The sheep we are “bringing … back to the fold” are “dear to the heart of the Shepherd.” The Lord will guide us and inspire us in what to do to recover our brothers and sisters. Departments 44 Latter-day Saint Voices An atheist’s prayer in the forest; curious about the temple; hoping to feel something special; an international Thanksgiving dinner. 48 Using This Issue Family home evening ideas and topics in this issue. Youth Feature Articles 7 Worth the Wait By Valeria Salerno I became impatient as I waited to do baptisms for the dead. Then I realized that the people for whom we were doing this work had waited centuries. 8 Place of Peace By Richard M. Romney A beautiful building or a sacred reminder of their hopes and dreams? For some youth, the temple is both. 36 Ugly Duckling or Majestic Swan? It’s Up to You! By Elder Errol S. Phippen You are a chosen son or daughter of God. Choose to live up to the divine potential that lies within you. 40 Begin with Prayer By Janet Thomas “Prayer is a great habit to acquire,” say the teens of the Ottawa Ontario Stake as they tell how prayer has brought healing, comfort, and stronger testimonies. Departments 24 Poster Virtue—the Gold Standard 34 Questions and Answers In my family I am the youngest by many years. I always feel left out of my siblings’ activities and conversations. What can I do to improve our relationship? Children Come Listen to a Prophet’s Voice F2 A Prophet’s Love By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Feature Articles F6 The Tortilla Miracle By Jane McBride Choate F13 Cleaning the Temple Grounds By Joshua J. Perkey Departments F4 Sharing Time We Believe the Family Is Ordained of God By Cheryl Esplin F8 From the Life of the Prophet Joseph Smith A Generous Man F10 Trying to Be Like Jesus F12 Music The Priesthood of Our Lord By John Craven F14 Friend to Friend Temples Are a Gift from Heavenly Father By Elder Yoshihiko Kikuchi F16 Coloring Page Comment