I’m 16 and live in Belarus. I want to tell how I have found your magazine. Some years ago, I got a present from Care Lift, and inside were many issues of Brio. I immediately wrote and thanked the sender for his letters, prayers and help. I very much like the magazines and learn more about our spiritual life and relationships with God and other people.
My native language is Belorussian, but we speak Russian, and I read Brio with a dictionary. It helps me learn English! In some words, I am very happy that I found Brio!
— Anastasia from Brest, Belarus
Loved it
My friend and I loved the story about the charm bracelet and thought that it would be a good thing to have. Do you have any idea how to get a charm bracelet like that?
— Malia from Santa Barbara, Calif.
Editor’s note: Malia, we’ve received several letters asking the same question you just did. Our senior designer Christy Waldner went to a bead shop to create the bracelet pictured with the article. The clerk helped her pick out the corresponding stones and taught her how to put them together.
Wow! “The Charm Bracelet” really struck me! It made me realize how important every aspect of my purity is. I wear a purity ring, and each day it reminds me to stay pure for God and for my future husband. Thank you for the encouragement!
— Bonnie from Denver, Colo.
Didn’t love it
I’ve been reading Brio since I was 11; I’m now 23 and continue to subscribe. I’ve never before had a complaint about a Brio article, but there was one that really offended me in the April issue of Brio & Beyond.
I read “The Charm Bracelet” and was bothered to think that the author and her parents implied that holding hands, saying “I love you” and kissing are impure unless they’re shared with one’s spouse. I disagree.
Expressing affection by walking together and holding hands, saying "I love you" to someone whom you genuinely adore and giving a light kiss to a guy whom you trust should not be considered a loss of purity.
I recently entered into a relationship with my first real boyfriend in 23 years, and I did so quite prayerfully, as did this young man. We’re committed to honoring Christ through our relationship and recently held hands for the first time. I don’t believe that, should he not be “the one,” that I’ve somehow sacrificed my purity to the detriment of my future marriage.
Aside from said frustrations, I do love Brio and have for many years. You’ve contributed greatly to my walk with Christ and each mag feeds something of value and substance into my heart.
— JoyLynn from Ukiah, Calif.
Editor’s note: Thanks for sharing your feelings with us, JoyLynn! I agree with you; that’s why I added the “editor’s note” at the bottom of the article. But keep in mind, there’s a difference in someone who’s 23 and in a mature relationship and someone who’s 16.
Missions trips
I’ve been on three of the Brio mission trips, and each one was absolutely amazing! They helped me a lot with my faith formation. God has given me a servant’s heart, but I didn’t really understand it until I went on those missions trips. Thanks for creating such an amazing opportunity for guys and girls to serve God.
— Libby from Atchison, Kan.
Wouldn’t trade it
Brio has been such an amazing blessing on my life, and the daily Bible reading guide has brought me so much closer to God. You‘re doing a great job. When I was younger, I always thought I’d rather have American Girl than a Christian magazine. Now I wouldn’t change my subscription from Brio even if American Girl mag offered it to me for free! Thanks again for how you’ve blessed my life.
— Hollyn from Greenville, Ill.
Nifty napkins
We live in Niger. In a store one day, we saw Brio serviettes (napkins). Attached is a picture so you can see Brio napkins for yourselves.
— Elizabeth, Rebekah and Deborah from Niger
I am, too!
I really appreciated your featuring a swimmer in April’s issue! I, too, am a swimmer, and to see Jessica Long in the magazine pretty much made my day.
— Jordan from Las Vegas
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Better photo
I think you could have chosen a better cover for April’s Brio. The photo of the swimmer Jessica Long wasn’t the most flattering picture. There were some really nice photos of her with the inside article you used.
— Sarah from Ithaca, N.Y.
I made it!
When I saw the “Do-It-Yourself Fall Fashion” article in the September 2007 Brio & Beyond, one of the outfits really caught my eye. So I decided to find the pattern and make it in my sewing class. It turned out awesome, and people are surprised when I tell them I actually made it! Thanks for the idea!
— Hannah from Wichita, Kan.
Upset
I totally understand that we should take care of the environment, but the quiz “Earth Caretaker or Waster” in April really frustrated me. Most disputes about global warming and other things are political. This is a Christian magazine. Don’t turn all liberal on us. And the question about which car you’d get: Some vehicles stay around longer. A Hummer would last twice as long as a Prius, so the Hummer would’ve helped the environment more.
— Deanna from Baton Rouge, La.
Looking back . . .
I’m a former Brio reader and loved receiving the magazine all through my teen years. I soaked up every issue. I made the choice to save myself for my future husband, and I got regular encouragement from Brio to stay on that track. I wanted a close, intimate relationship with God, and I remember reading articles that helped me learn how to pray.
I was an awkward teenage girl with braces, glasses and a bad haircut, and I’d read in Brio about how beautiful I was in God’s eyes. The list goes on. . . .
I’m 25 now and married to a wonderful man of God. I made it through the challenges of being a teenager, and Brio was cheering me on the whole way! Thanks so much!
— Merri from Highlands Ranch, Colo.
