“Contents,” New Era, July 2001 New Era July 2001 Volume 31, Number 7 Contents Words of the Prophet: The Spirit of OptimismPresident Gordon B. HinckleyLift your eyes. Stand on your feet. Be positive. Think of what great things are occurring as the Lord brings to pass His eternal purposes. RememberingThe early pioneers made such a significant sacrifice for the gospel that we simply must not forget. The Debt You OweElder Jeffrey R. HollandWe are all blessed by the faith of the pioneers and owe them a debt of gratitude. Everyday Heroes: Taking the Next StepJane ForsgrenDavid Eves of St. George,Utah, rolled along with enthusiasm as he served a full-time service mission. Q&A: Questions and AnswersI’m not exaggerating when I say that there are no LDS young people to date in my area. Wouldn’t it be all right to date nonmembers? New Era Poster: Don’t Be a Dummy A Temple of Our OwnMatthew Baker and Laury LivseyHaving a temple closer to their homes has made teens more focused on staying temple worthy. Prayer Was the KeyChristian NeumannThe answer to his prayer unlocked a way to increase his faith. Doing the Hard JobsJanet ThomasSan Antonio,Texas, teens faced soaring temperatures, long hours, and blisters, but their service was needed. The Extra Smile Of All Things Fiction: Go FicheW. Dave FreeWho knew that a trip to the Family History Center would be a line to the past? Idea List: Starting Your Family HistoryContributed by the Don Sparhawk familyGetting to know your relatives can bring eternal blessings. New Era Classic: Elder, They Will Love YouElder LeGrand RichardsPeople love missionaries because of what the missionaries bring them. Changing PlacesMatthew BakerWhen I went from being in the majority to one of the minority, I could understand how others feel. Reader’s Guide We’ve Got Mail Poem: Mary’s OxenMary Jo Westenhaver Photo of the MonthWelden Andersen Cover: Teens in San Antonio, Texas, aren’t afraid of work. See “Doing the Hard Jobs” on p. 30. Cover photography: Janet Thomas (front), John Luke (back).