“Contents,” New Era, Sept. 2014, inside front cover–1 New Era Contents In Every Issue 28 Sunday Lesson Help When Your Friends Want to Know Why* Understanding others helps you explain your standards to them. 40 To the Point Helping a friend who puts herself down; showing love to those who are unkind. 41 Come, Follow Me Keeping the Commandments* Use these cards to help you prepare for Sunday lessons on keeping the commandments. 43 The Extra Smile 44 Questions & Answers “How can I learn to show respect and love for my younger siblings when they sometimes seem to be so difficult?” 46 Instant Messages Making a difference on the football team; studying on the weekend; getting a blessing from Dad. 48 From Church Leaders How to Learn by the Spirit Significant faith and effort are required to learn by what you feel from the Spirit. Elder Richard G. Scott 49 Conference Poster On Your Side Bishop Gary E. Stevenson Features 24 Get Ready for Battle Gear up to enter your school. 30 I Knew What I Had to Do One young man was faced with a choice: deny the Church or be kicked out of school. 31 Praying Like Alma for My Friend A young man wanted his friend to keep coming to church, and the scriptures gave him an example of how to pray for him. 32 10 Secrets of True Popularity Want to be truly popular? Try these time-tested tips. 34 Susume! “Go forward with faith” is a phrase that should guide our lives. Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita 37 Real Obedience Is More Than Just Not Sinning* See what it means to be truly obedient. 38 What Is the “Work of Salvation”? Find out how amazing—and doable—the things are that you can contribute to the Lord’s work right now. Special Section: Be Life Smart 2 The Message Will You Choose to Increase in Learning? Education is the difference between wishing you could help other people and being able to help them. Elder Russell M. Nelson 4 How to Learn for Real Find tips for how to get an education instead of just getting through school. 7 Mormonad Get Carried Away 8 50 Fun Things to Learn There are all kinds of awesome things to learn. Here are 50 just to get you started. 12 Preparing for Life’s Opportunities See what the First Presidency has said about the value of education. 14 Life Prep 101 Hear stories of how youth were prepared for the next stages of life through the different things they learned in and out of school. 17 Why Memorize Scriptures? A memorized scripture can really help you out on a mission and in many other circumstances. 18 Washing Greasy Pots, Repairing RVs, and Other Tough Jobs Do you know a job nobody else wants? You may want to take it. It’s amazing what you can learn. 21 The College Decision One young woman’s college search took a different turn after some surprising advice from an uncle. 22 Seminary Starts at Seven If mornings are so hard, why did this young man take early-morning seminary?