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FYI courtship

My husband and I have a special thanks for you. Our courtship began with your July 1986 issue.

My picture in the FYI section impressed Allen so greatly that he found it still occupying his thoughts weeks later. Finding my address was a small miracle in itself, but soon he had mailed a letter, wondering why he thought so much about a girl he’d never met.

As I read his letter, I found myself repeating his name out loud, enjoying the sound. “Mom!” I exclaimed. “Doesn’t he have the most beautiful name you’ve ever heard?” Then I surprised us both by repeating “Erica Farr” several times. It sounded beautiful to me!

Without understanding the promptings given us, Allen had recognized a face he had been searching for, and I a name.

After only six letters and one visit, an 18 hour drive from Allen’s Nevada home to mine in Wyoming, we received the clear witness in our prayers that, indeed, Father in Heaven had brought us together. Three visits and several letters later we were sealed in the Jordan River Temple.

We understand now the quiet whisperings that, for so many years, had led us to seek that one most beautiful, pure, and righteous love. But what if we hadn’t lived worthy to receive divine guidance? What if we had been impatient and settled for someone less than our ideal? We are so very grateful that our Father in Heaven helped us through the lonely years of waiting and preparing, until at last we were ready and he could bless us with that love.

We thank you, New Era! You were a source of strength to us over the years. You provided articles and insights that inspired us. You helped us realize the importance of spirituality and reaching within ourselves to become more like the Savior.

It seems very appropriate that the New Era was the instrument through which Father in Heaven answered our prayers and brought to pass a joy beyond our dreams, an eternal friendship and love.

Allen and Erica Farr
Battle Mountain, Nevada

12 Christmas gifts

I am a Mia Maid in our ward, and for Christmas I’m giving a partially active friend a year’s subscription to the New Era. Thanks for all the ways in which the New Era has served me. It means a lot to me. I hope Tonia likes it as much as I do. Thanks, New Era. Please publish more Mormonads. They’re great.

Netina Lisa Smith
Kamiah, Idaho

Hanging on

You can’t know how much the New Era means to me. I’m 13, and I’ve been having a lot of problems with my health lately and have been very depressed about not being able to attend church or school—or anything. I get very lonely sometimes, and the New Era really strengthens and uplifts me with its wonderful articles. The gospel is very much a part of my life, and without it I don’t think it would be worth living. Sometimes it seems like everyone resents me for being sick all the time and no one cares. The New Era helps me to hang on, and I savor every bit of it. Thank you so much.

Becki Dixon
Kaysville, Utah

His warm light

I have never written to an editor of anything up until now, but I would be ungrateful if I did not express myself this time. Please accept my thanks for blessing my life and those of many others with inspiration and beauty.

As I pondered the poem printed with the December 1987 Photo of the Month, I truly felt our Father’s love and saw his warm light coming down from above as it reached back from its “Reflections beneath the Limber Pine” tree. Thank you for the beauty you have seen. Thank you for the friend you have been. And thanks for giving to me.

Your brother

A marvelous work

I have just recently graduated from high school and turned 18. During my last year of school, I met a very special young man. I had wanted to tell him everything about the Church, but I didn’t know how to go about it.

One day I received the temple marriage issue of the New Era. All of the stories were very interesting. But one particular story seemed to stand out the most—“A Marvelous Work.” It was about a young woman who gave the Book of Mormon to a friend and introduced him to the Church. I read over this story a few times before I decided to let my friend take the New Era and read through it. I also decided to give him a Book of Mormon.

After doing so, my family and I decided to send the missionaries to his home. Not too long after that, he was baptized. He received the priesthood and serves as second assistant in the priests quorum.

I would like to thank the people who write for the New Era, and especially those who write articles pertaining to missionary work, including “A Marvelous Work.”

Beverly Braden
Apple Valley, California

Awesome articles

I am a missionary serving in the Missouri Independence Mission. I would have you know how much the New Era has helped me on my mission. After a hard day of labor, I often look through the New Era and never let the chance slip away to read many of the awesome articles the New Era has in it. It is a great missionary tool.

I love serving the Lord and his choice people. My mission has taught me so much. The articles in the New Era have made my testimony grow and my enthusiasm soar to greater heights.

Elder Todd S. Hlavaty
Missouri Independence Mission