Olivia from Vidor, Texas

I was shocked when I read the letter “Didn’t Like It” from Courtney in the Inbox column in December’s issue! I like to read about Christian topics too, but I also look to Brio for fitness and hair tips. I’m definitely not saying that looks are everything, but I think God wants us to take care of the bodies He gave us and wants us to take pride in how we look. Brio is doing a wonderful job!

Bekah from Ham Lake, Minn.

Annoyed
Every time I read Brio, I like it less and less. Everything is so focused on preppy girls. Articles like “How to Get Healthy Nails, Hair and Skin,” as well as many of your “Stuff We Like” columns just don’t apply to me. Leave health and beauty tips to Seventeen. And if you’re going to review bands, enough with pop. Bring in more Christian rock and Christian metal. I’d love to see a review of Red.

Lauren from Lake Mary, Fla.

Editor’s note: Lauren, we have done a feature on Red and even gave away one of their concert shirts signed by the band. Because you missed it, we’ll post the article in the entertainment section of briomag.com this month. You’ll also find our current music feature of all genres on our Web site.

Loved it!
Thanks for the article in October’s issue about Esther and how it was God’s will for her to be beautiful. It was really encouraging to be reminded that God knew exactly what He was doing when He created each one of us and that I don’t need to change my looks to please people, but I can be happy with them. Thanks again!

Laura from Cochabamba, Bolivia

What gives?
I’m Canadian, and it really bugs me that some books advertised in your magazine have a “suggested donation amount” for Americans, but Canadians get a straight-up price. Recently, the Canadian dollar has been rising and is now over par with the American dollar. It’s really frustrating to see that some books in your magazine are still priced $3 to $7 higher for Canadians.

Carolyn from Saskatchewan, Canada

Editor’s note: Great question, Carolyn. I contacted Marlene Enns, the director of marketing for Focus on the Family in Canada, to find out the answer, and here’s the scoop:
• Prices are determined up to three months before they’re run in the mag; the dollar may change daily.

• The price also depends on when it was purchased and how much we paid for the product.

• Most Canadian prices are below the U.S. suggested donation; again it depends on the market. We aim to do our best in pricing; if prices change after print, the constituent will always get the lowest price point. Our online pricing is up to date within 24 hours of a change.

• The key difference, though, is that Focus on the Family Canada does not follow the same laws governing nonprofits as Focus on the Family U.S. In Canada, it’s a straight sale, and therefore tax must be charged. In the U.S., our nonprofit rules allow us only to suggest how much you should pay, and no tax is charged because of those same rules.

Thanks!
December’s “Christmas Blessings” story and the “In Step” column were exactly what I needed! My grandfather passed away last summer, and I’ve been having a hard time dealing with the holidays. The story and “In Step” helped me realize that I’m not alone in dealing with the pain. It’s hard to face death, but your stories have encouraged me to bond and heal with others who are mourning.

Carmen from Omaha, Neb.

Frustrated!
Why do you constantly have articles about dating? I’m 17 years old and have “kissed dating goodbye.” I keep waiting for something in Brio to encourage me, but I have yet to see anything on the subject.

Pilar from Penn Laird. Va.

Editor’s note:Teen girls’ opinions vary on this topic. We try to stay neutral between dating and no dating. We encourage healthy friendships with the opposite sex. While we’re not “constantly printing articles about dating,” we do talk about the opposite sex. Whether our readers are dating or not, we want to help them establish healthy friendships and relationships.