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by Editor Halee Matthews

“Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” ~ Mark 9:24

When I was a kid and I read that verse, I thought it was kinda screwy. I mean, he believed, he had unbelief. Did the dude believe or not? Maybe he wanted to believe. But in that case, why say “I do believe”?

But I’ve grown to realize, like much of life, it’s not that simple. Belief isn’t a simple yes or no deal. There will always be degrees of it.

For example, I believe there are no aliens. Well, I believe that about 85%. (more…)

“It’s that time of year — anxious high school seniors around the country are hovering by their mailboxes praying for big, thick envelopes from the colleges of their dreams. Deciding which school to attend is one of the most important — if not the most important — decisions a teen will make. It’s complicated. It’s nerve-racking. And it’s about to get a lot easier.

To help with the decision-making process, The Daily Meal re-ranked the nation’s top colleges and universities (according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2012 list) based solely on their food options. You’re welcome.”

Read the rest at FoxNews.com

Church is no laughing matter, right? Wrong.

by Staff Writer Matthew VanTryon

I’ve always enjoyed writing, from the time I was a little kid. I recently read a journal I had written in third grade, and one specific entry said, “I HAVE DECIDED TO BE A WRITER!” (yes, in capital letters. Don’t ask why, because I don’t know.) I have also always enjoyed sports. I am what many would consider a “baseball nerd.” Therefore, it seems only logical to pursue a career in sports journalism.

I had the opportunity to interview Nat Newell, a sports editor from the Indianapolis Star. His answers were insights into some of the intricacies of the job.

Newell loved sports growing up, but quickly realized that being a professional athlete wasn’t realistic. After several twists and turns, Newell found himself in the newspaper industry. He used to be a staff writer, and is now an editor. (more…)

Dear Halee,

So I’m in high school and I have a huge crush on two amazing guys. They’re both really awesome guys and great Christians. Problem is, I don’t know which one I like more. But now, one of the guys is in a relationship with one of my friends. When I found this out, my stomach just dropped and everything around me just stopped. Does that mean I like him? I don’t know what to do.

~ Tara*

***

Hey Tara,

That’s definitely a tough situation! I can understand how frustrating that is. I think you owe it to yourself and these two guys (and the friend who is dating one of them) to be sure of your feelings before you do or say anything.

Maybe this will help clarify things a little bit. Think about these questions and see which guy comes to mind: (more…)

Free download of Fireflight’s He Weeps HERE. (Hurry up – expires soon!)

Where is God when the rain falls… And takes the car off the road? Is He standing in the storm? Where is God when the child cries… And no one bends to pick her up? Could someone tell me what He does?

He weeps, He weeps with you
He weeps with me
When I’m on my knees
And I taste defeat
He weeps, He weeps

- Fireflight

So wait a minute.

The friend who committed suicide.

That dad who abused you.

The mom who left.

The sickness that changed your life.

You mean God could’ve stepped in and changed all that… could’ve saved the day… but he didn’t? He just wept? (more…)

Okay. We admit it. Mondays kinda suck. So to make your Monday less sucky, check out this video. It’ll make you laugh. It’ll make you think. Not bad for a Monday.

By RTF Editor Abbie Miller

“So, what are you planning to do with your life?”

Yes, it had happened. Someone had asked me the worst question in the history of the universe. What am I planning to do with my life? Really?! Well, I was thinking I might waste a few years living on the streets, get arrested and try out the state prison, maybe become an alcoholic if I feel like it… (more…)