Archive for February, 2008

February 29, 2008

Campus Life Ignite Your Faith
How could God love a messed-up guy like me?
by Josh Phillips as told to Ann Swindell

If Anybody Knew the Real Me (Excerpt)

 

Feeling groggy from a late night date, I shifted uncomfortably in my chair and then glanced over at the girl next to me. She was the reason I was here in a church service; she and a couple of other girls had invited me. I said yes—even though I knew I’d be out all night with another girl—because I figured I’d eventually end up making out with at least one of the three. (more…)

Filed under: faith, real articles, real issues

February 28, 2008

An article in Details magazine (reprinted on DoSomething.com) reports that Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas have gone on the record about their commitment to virginity . . . at least until marriage.

DoSomething isn’t quite sure what to do with this, though they appreciate that they guys have taken a stand on something.

Check out the article.

Check out the Jonas Brothers music on their MySpace!

And tell us what you think–about the article, about the issue, about the music.

Filed under: faith in action, celebrities, teens making a difference, music, real issues

February 27, 2008

I’ve been looking at your website, and I really like the article, “Living on Borrowed Convictions”. I teach middle school students at a Christian Montessori school. My students don’t have much faith to speak of. I want to be able to “teach religion” in such a way to encourage them to ask “big questions”: Who am I? Who is God?, etc. without teaching dogmatically.

Do you have any suggestions? We are interdenominational. I think we need to start with Relationship with God before the Rules. We also have to be able to encourage searching for answers without compromising the Truth. Any thoughts you have would be welcome! (It’s okay to share this question on the web.) Thank you! (more…)

Filed under: Real Bible Study, youth worker resources, faith, RTF books, real advice

February 26, 2008

As long as I keep running about asking: “Do you love me? Do you really love me?” I give all the power to the voices of the world and put myself in bondage because the world is filled with “ifs.” The world says: “Yes, I love you if you are good-looking, intelligent, and wealthy. I love you if you have a good education, a good job, and good connections. I love you if you produce much, sell much, and buy much.”

There are endless “ifs” hidden in the world’s love. These “ifs” enslave me, since it is impossible to respond adequately to all of them. . .I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found. Henri Nouwen, The Return of The Prodigal Son

Filed under: real quote

February 22, 2008

“Body obsession is a distraction from the more important aspects of self,” explains Dr. Linda Mintle, licensed clinical psychologist. “Outer beauty is only a facade that often hides the deeper character issues of a person.”

Nancy Alcorn has written a series of books on addiction, cutting, sexual abuse, and eating disorders. She works with girls seeking help for each of these in a nationally-recognized residential ministry called Mercy House. In her new book, Starved: Mercy for Eating Disorders, Alcorn offers faith-based hope for those needing freedom from eating disorders. She identifies the root issues connected with an eating disorder and offers practical principles that can be applied to bring restoration and lasting freedom.

For more information about Mercy ministries, click here.

Filed under: real quote, real review, self-injury

February 20, 2008

Aha!

So, that’s what that means.

Deeper understanding. Knowledge. Insight. That’s what the word revelation means. Today I was reading the book of Revelations [chapters 1 through 4].

As I studied these chapters, I asked the 5 W’s: (more…)

Filed under: Real Bible Study, real word

February 19, 2008

Source: Tyler Texas Morning Telegraph, Feb. 16, 2008
Title: Garden Valley Ministry Stages Protest in Times Square

Excerpt: The group, organized by the East Texas-based Christian group Teen Mania Ministries, was in the Big Apple for an event called “Recreate,” during which participants announced a desire to “recreate” music, film, fashion, television and other media to remove explicit language and imagery.

The teens waved signs with slogans like, “Life doesn’t have any makeup tests” and, “If God seems far away, who moved?” There were singers, dancers, artists and speakers who announced eight questions to be sent to the presidential candidates, including, “What should be done to stop glamorizing the things that are destroying my friends, like drugs, alcohol and sex?” And, “How will you ensure that my freedom to practice Christianity will not be taken away?” [read the rest of this article]

(more…)

Filed under: faith in action, teens making a difference, real quote, real articles

February 18, 2008

I just finished reading your book, “The Woman I Am Becoming”. It’s weird how things work out. I was actually at an airport and I thought I would pass time by browsing through one of the stores. I found your book on the inspirational stand and for some reason I thought “I need to read this book”. And I’m glad that I did.

I’m a second year in college away from home. I’ve been struggling to find a bible study group, as the one on campus is small and unsteady. This also effects finding a community. All my close brothers and sisters are back home and due to time difference it’s hard to communicate. Lastly, I just want to say that Chapters 8 thru 10 were great reminders and it gave me a new perspective on giving and makes me question how I spend my money. I just wanted to say thank you for writing such inspirational books.

God bless.

Kristen (more…)

Filed under: real comment, RTF books