“We’ve Got Mail Online”
Here are some recent comments from New Era readers. To send us your comments, e-mail us at newera@ldschurch.org.
I Could Not Put It Down
I really enjoyed the article “I Couldn’t Put It Down” in the January 2009 issue. It inspired me to take my scripture studying more seriously. I started doing what the author mentioned: reading a chapter or so before reading in my “fun” book. After a few days I had read nearly 20 chapters. Thank you for giving me a way to incorporate the gospel into an activity that I love. Before, I could barely read a few verses; now I am reading whole chapters.
Nikki L., Idaho
I enjoyed the article “I Couldn’t Put I Down” by Jenny Tonks. I needed to read the message. I have passed my reading requirement in school, so I didn’t need to read many books anymore. I would just read a magazine or sit there. I also never read the scriptures much out of seminary and Sunday School. After reading this article I felt inspired to read the Book of Mormon during sustained silent reading at school. Now I read every day, and I can feel the difference reading the Book of Mormon makes on my life. I encourage everyone to do the same. It’ll make you so much happier in life.
Amanda K., California
A Brand New Year
Thanks so much for the story about “A Brand New Year” in the January 2009 issue. I’m constantly watching the videos, and listening to the music. I really enjoyed “Shine the Light.” Whenever I’m having trouble or something bad comes into my head, all of a sudden I remember something from the program that puts me back on the right track.
Rache K., Oregon
A Brand New Year can be found at abrandnewyear.lds.org.
Priesthood Examples
I would like to express my thanks for the New Era. I appreciate all that it has taught me. I think I have become a better deacon quorum president, thanks to you.
Jame F.
I really liked the story “We Know Jeffery” (Mar. 2009) about the boy who struggled with physical and mental disabilities, and how his deacons quorum befriended him. They took turns being his buddy at church and activities. They really made it easier for him to participate. Examples like that make me want to be a better deacon.
Jordan S., Utah
I really like the Extra Smile; it always brightens my day when I read it. I also like the Instant Messages section. I think it is cool to hear about other people’s experiences and how they dealt with them. I especially liked “A Small Reminder” (May 2009). It reminded me to think of the Savior when I’m passing the sacrament.
Devin B., Utah
I appreciated the May 2009 article, “The Priesthood—a Lifetime of Service.” This article helped me gain a better knowledge and understanding of the priesthood. I also felt the spirit with me as I reflected on the piece.
Matthew Y., New Zealand
Good Reminders
Sometimes reading can be a challenge for me, so I really enjoy the Mormonads. Some of my favorites are “Rise Up, O Men of God” (May 2009), “Standing Tall” (Oct. 2001) and “Trash Talk” (Nov. 2000). They help remind me to choose the right every day. I also enjoy the articles about sports.
Justin R., Utah
I really enjoy reading the articles in the New Era every month. My favorite in the May 2009 issue was “Don’t Drink the Water.” That article reminded me of how important it is for us to pray, go to church, and read our scriptures. If we don’t do those things, Satan can easily fool us into committing a sin.
Edward N., Arizona
Seminary
I enjoy the New Era magazine very much. I especially liked the April 2009 issue. It had many good, inspirational stories. In particular I liked the story “A Higher Education.” It showed me how much seminary impacts my life and how it is helping me to grow a strong testimony. It was nice to have real questions in it from seminary students, many of which I could relate to. It also makes me eager to be able to go to institute when I am older.
Matthew T.
Baptism for the Dead Questions
Thank you for printing “Why Do We Baptize for the Dead?” (Mar. 2009). I had some questions about why we baptize for the dead and what really happens. I learned so much in that article.
Veronica H., Utah
Poetry
“The Piano” (Mar. 2009) brought a smile to my face and I wanted to say thanks. Sean Johnson’s images (exotic black elephant hunkered down; your gap-toothed grin) were terrific. Very clever and obviously there’s a lot of affection in the poem. Great choice.
Johanna W., Colorado
Christmas Miracle
I just wanted to say how much I liked “A Christmas Miracle” from the December 2008 New Era. It was a great story and helped build my testimony.
Zachary F.
I Want to Believe
I really enjoyed the story “I Want to Believe” (Jan. 2009). I used the story in my family home evening to teach about faith.
Nolan F.
Thank you for the article “I Want to Believe” (Jan. 2009). Most of my friends are not members, and they always love to hear about the Church. It is such a wonderful blessing to have the gospel and to know the Lord is watching over you.
Lizze S., Colorado
Indexing Mania
Thank you for the indexing article. I was able to go online and start indexing. It’s very rewarding and interesting.
Anna Lee W.
Favorite Article
I started reading the New Era in September 2008. My favorite article in the New Era so far is “Three Gates Only You Can Open” (Aug. 2008). The New Era is by far my favorite magazine because it has inspirational stories and excellent reading material. I also like the jokes.
Andrew D., Utah
Playing on the Sabbath
Thank you for everything that gets put into the New Era. Every talk or story is so good and strengthens me and my testimony. I especially liked the story “The Sabbath: A Personal Priority” (Mar. 2009). I hear stories about people who choose not to play on Sunday when it would be easy to. I don’t have to make that choice because all of my high school teams don’t play on Sunday and most of us are members of the Church. This summer our basketball team has made arrangements not to play on Sunday in some of our tournaments. I have always admired people who make the choice not to play on Sundays.
Alan H.
On Fasting
The article “Not So Fast” (Sept. 2008) stood out to me because I have the same opinion on the subject. Fasting is difficult. We just have to face it. But it is not worth it if we are not in the right mood. I also had a problem with fasting when I was younger, but I realized that it is a small price to pay for the vast amounts of blessings I receive.
Dean H., Arizona
I Like the New Era
My family subscribes to the New Era, the Ensign, and the Friend. We really enjoy reading the talks and stories in the New Era. They help me in my everyday life and remind me to choose the right. I especially liked the story “Soccer or Mission?” (June 2007).
Jake B., Utah
I like the New Era magazine. Every month I can’t wait for it to come. It has helped me understand things during the challenges in life, and is still helping me.
Marle D., Utah
Thank you for the New Era. It inspires me to improve my life in all different areas. This magazine is so much more uplifting than any other entertainment. The Extra Smile is great.
Jeffrey R., Oregon
Every month I look forward to receiving the New Era and to read the thrilling stories adventures, and especially the lessons learned. I know the New Era helps build testimonies everywhere.
Savannah S., Utah
When I’m having problems in my life, the New Era almost always has the answers I need. Please tell the authors that their stories are very inspiring. Thank you for all of your hard work.
Corbin W., Idaho
I really enjoy reading the New Era every month. It is nice to know that there are kids out there who are facing some of the same issues that I am. I like to get their insight so that I can find solutions to some of my problems. It’s also a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Tyler S., Utah
I would like to thank you for your wonderful magazines. It is very hard for me at school. Kids are swearing and talking very bad. One day when I came home from school I was feeling really down. I opened my mailbox and was so happy to find the New Era. The picture of Christ on the cover (May 2009) made me feel happy. Also the Mormonad was very funny.
Gabby F., Wisconsin
I would like to say thank you for the New Era. On Sundays I like to read the New Era stories. I use them for family home evening lessons. They strengthen me so much. They help me choose the right.
Zerin H.
I really enjoy the New Era. It helps me to feel the spirit and calms me down if I am in a bad mood. It is a great resource for teenagers, and the articles are exactly what we are looking for. It inspires me to do more good things.
Neil K., Oklahoma
I really enjoy receiving the New Era each month. I frequently await its arrival by post, much like a child at Christmas. It means that much to me. I enjoy reading about other LDS teens from around the world, and what they do to stay on the straight and narrow. One of my favorite stories was “A Laurel in Parliament” (June 2008, p. 34). I enjoyed reading about what she is doing to make her voice heard. I would like to thank her for inspiring me to be all I can be.
Bridger R., Utah
I have experienced the powers of temptation throughout my life. These horrible influences have becomes stronger as I have grown into my teen years. It can be almost overwhelming. I find peace at church, but church doesn’t happen every day. Then I found that the New Era is a great place to find help in this loud and busy world. It gives advice and reminds us of gospel principles. The New Era has helped me through many hard times, strengthened my testimony, and helped me hold fast to the iron rod.
Valerio A., California