New Era

November 1996

Volume 26, Number 11

Contents

• The Message: A Reason to Smile
  Elder Joe J. Christensen
  This is no time to be discouraged. Look at all of the blessings you have.

• Happy Birthday, Sarge!
  Lindsay Gunnell
  He was just a mean old soldier until someone baked him a cake.

• Called to Grow
  Kazuko Tamaki
  The Lord does know me, and he blesses me with callings I need for growth.

• Everyday Heroes: Puppy Love
  Laury Livsey
  When Janna got the dog she wanted, she picked one she knew she’d give away.

• Q&A: Questions and Answers
  So many people seem to have a negative outlook on life. How can I help my friends be happy and look at things in a positive way?

• Mormonad: Don’t Give Mixed Signals

• Sharing the Load
  Janet Thomas
  Norwegian youth reach new heights and find help with some of life’s challenges.

• The Golden Question
  Pat Meyers
  I’m glad she wasn’t too shy to ask one of the most important questions I would ever answer.

• Follow the Prophet
  Lisa M. Grover
  President Hinckley speaks, and young women worldwide listen—and respond.

• Fat-free Feasting
  Bonnie D. Parkin
  For good spiritual health, just follow this diet.

• FYI: For Your Info

• Fiction: Loner
  Alma J. Yates
  I didn’t need friends or the Church until Tyler showed me what I was missing.

• Mormonisms

• One Dropped Pass
  Eric D. Snider
  The real heroism in this championship football game took place after the final whistle.

• Feedback
  Letters to the editors

• Poem: Seeing Things
  Emily L. Groberg

• Photo of the Month
  Lane V. Erickson

Cover: Ida Podhorny, 17, of the Moss Ward, Oslo Norway Stake, was one of 43 priests and Laurels who attended a special youth conference to strengthen friendships and find answers to some of life’s questions. See page 20. Cover photography: Janet Thomas (front), Bryant Livingston (back).