elcome to the second issue of New Attitude, the national magazine for the home-schooling teen. Since our premiere issue, we’ve been working hard to make this issue twice as good as the last. First we added 8 extra pages to make room for more articles and new departments; then we coughed up the dough to put color on every page (okay, so it’s just one color but we’re low budget!) And finally, we spiced up the design on every page.

But the most important thing about this issue is not color, design, or number of pages. The most important thing is that we are striving to glorify God and encour­age, inspire, and challenge you, the reader, to reach your full potential for Jesus Christ. This is the mission of New Attitude.

In pursuit of this mission we’ve taken on some important, though sometimes controver­sial, issues. In our cover story we look at opposite sex relationships, and in the Forum readers share their beliefs on music. In our Q & A sec­tion, we continue our commitment to seek the counsel of elders and talk with Randy Alcom about a teenagers place in the abortion battle. Then in College 101, Kris Swedburg, shares some practical steps for starting and doing a great job in college classes.

And in between all these hard-hitting, practical articles we have a lot of fun! Yes, for those of you who think it isn’t possible - HOME SCHOOLERS DO HAVE FUN! Check out the Fun Spread on page 12. Not only can we have fun, but we can laugh at ourselves, too! (And don’t miss our first syndicated column, Dr. Science. This guy is nuts!)

We’re also excited to have Jayme Farris reporting from the Republican convention in Virginia. Last issue her older sister Christy launched From the Campaign Trail, introducing readers to her father Mike and his run for Lt. Governor. Now Jayme takes the reins, while Christy works hard at her new position of deputy press secretary. Oh, and I can’t forget our complete coverage of the Nat. Basketball Tournament, but what am 1 doing? Read it yourself! I hope you have a great time.

THANK YOU BOX

All gratitude first to Jesus Christ who heals our past and gives us a future. Thank you, Lord, for everything! Dad & Mom, thanks for believing, hoping, and praying for me! Thanks to all the kind people at the Nat. B-ball Tournament, especially Jeb & Logan Baird, Jim Leininger, and Damon Powell. And to the breakfast crew - Pass the Lucky Charms! Thank you, Werners, for all your support and craziness. Thank you, Christy & Jayme Farris. Thank you, McGlory family, for having vision. Big thanks to Home Schooling Today and Debbie Strayer. Dittos to the Sassy Art Dept. for directing me to the Image Club; Duck’s Breath for Dr. Science, and Home School Heartbeat for giving N. A. 30 seconds of fame. A big hug for Joleen Hatfield for streams of advice, encouragement, and inspiration. Special thanks to Ronald & Inge Cannon for a great conference, and Sharon Grimes for doing a little “mentoring”! And finally to all the teens from Abbotsford, BC, to New York, thank you for your letters, reviews, and willingness to join the Contributing Team. You got caught up in the dream of New Attitude, and you’re making it come true! Do It 4 JESUS!

Sorry, Mr. Garfield.

Last issue the cover story, Spirit of the New Attitude, mistakenly stated that James Garfield, 20th President of the United States, was “Assassinated only a month into his term...” In fact, Pres. Garfield was shot after close to four months in office, and even then he lived for eleven more weeks before dying. Sorry for the mistake! The life of James Garfield is a wonderful example of perseverance and diligence in study and service to both God and country. Readers interested in learning more about this godly statesman should look for the book, Teacher, Soldier, President: The life of James A. Garfield by Bill Severn -Ives Washburn, hic. - New York, 1964. Check it out!