“Contents,” Liahona, Feb. 2012, 1–3 Liahona, February 2012 Messages 4 First Presidency Message Exhort Them to Pray By President Henry B. Eyring 7 Visiting Teaching Message Guardians of the Hearth Feature Articles 14 With Faith in God, I Am Never Alone By Donna Hollenbeck For the first time in many years, I felt alone. I had nowhere to turn for comfort except on my knees in prayer. 16 “Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen?” By Alexandria Schulte On my mission I saw in the lives of the Aguilar family the blessings of fasting. 20 The Doctrine of the Father By Elder Quentin L. Cook God the Father is the Supreme Governor of the universe, the Power that gave us spiritual being, and the Author of the plan that gives us hope and potential. 26 Hungry for the Word in Ecuador By Joshua J. Perkey How service, fellowship, and conversion help these members find joy. 32 How Do I Help This Child? By Danyelle Ferguson Seven principles for helping Primary children who have cognitive disabilities. Departments 8 October Conference Notebook 11 Serving in the Church Handling Criticism in Our Callings Name withheld 12 What We Believe The Lord Has Given Us a Law of Health 38 Latter-day Saint Voices 74 News of the Church 79 Family Home Evening Ideas 80 Until We Meet Again Emulating and Honoring Our Heavenly Parentage By Scott Van Kampen Young Adults 42 They Spoke to Us This Is Your Work By Julie B. Beck Today’s young adults are uniquely suited to participate in temple and family history work. 45 Gospel in My Life My Family History Challenge By Cristina Alvear Youth 46 Questions and Answers My parents are divorced. Sometimes I get advice from one of them that contradicts advice from the other. What do I do? 48 Tender Mercies of the Lord By Elder David A. Bednar You can enjoy the Lord’s tender mercies—spiritual gifts such as strength, protection, assurances, guidance, and loving-kindnesses. 52 Our Father in Heaven What Latter-day Saints know about Heavenly Father is unique, and it makes all the difference to us. 54 A Voice for High Standards By Hilary Watkins Lemon Gerson Santos, a young man from Portugal, often finds himself in the spotlight and stands up for gospel standards. 55 Our Space 56 Don’t Be Swept Away By Adam C. Olson The law of chastity is like a spiritual guardrail, says Saane, a young woman from Tonga. 58 From the Mission Field An Empty Font By Siosaia Naeata Jr. Children 60 Special Witness Who Is Heavenly Father? By President Boyd K. Packer 61 Unplugged By Annie Beer Tips for turning off technology and tuning into other important activities. 62 Our Page 63 Bright Idea 64 Bringing Primary Home When We Choose the Right, We Are Blessed 66 A Prayer for Safety By Sueli de Aquino I tried to swim back to the beach, but the tide had risen. I struggled to get out. 68 Happy Valentine! Tine O. of Nairobi, Kenya By Richard M. Romney Tine has taken upon herself the name of Jesus Christ and tries to live as He would. 70 For Young Children 81 Book of Mormon Scripture Figures More Online