Don’t live down to expectations. Go out there and do something remarkable.”
~Wendy Wasserstein

 

Making the Difference: An Interview with Jake

by Jamin Goecker, RTF Staff Writer

Try living a day without hearing bad news. If a politician hasn’t lied, then the economy has shrunk. If the economy’s intact, then someone died. If someone hasn’t died, you spilled milk over the newspaper.

What can one teen do in this world? Jake, a homeschooler from Texas, could tell you.

Jake volunteers at a nondenominational street ministry called House of Faith. A group of teens go to schoolyards in rough parts of town every week and engage the children with games, Bible lessons, and snacks.

The games feel like gang fights sometimes. Most of the kids come from rough backgrounds. What does Jake do? “I am mainly there to interact with the kids. That means playing with them, keeping them under control, and to encourage them,” he says.

But ministry is draining. Jake discovered that one of the hardest things is putting up with a kids rejection. “I hate you,” isn’t an unfamiliar phrase. (more…)

Do Hard Things?

by Maddee Schrader, RTF Staff Writer

She fidgeted, twitching a French fry between her fingers. Juan and Kara were seated behind her. Most people would not hear their conversation, or care. But she inherited good hearing from her mother. It was genetic, so how was the guilt she felt her fault?

Kara sighed, the sound fighting for rights in the chatter of the cafeteria. “I don’t know anymore. Why shouldn’t I?”

Juan took a moment to answer. “You still have your mom.”

Kara snorted. “Yeah, in all her Walgreens-employee glory.”

“She’s still someone.”

“Yeah? Barely.” (more…)

7 Steps to Wise Decisions

By: Debra Weiss, RTF Staff Writer

For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.  Proverbs 8:11, NKJV

Many of us, as teenagers, are at a point where every decision—no matter how small—has the potential to shape our futures for good or bad.

But God has not left us to make our own decisions. He offers guidance to those who are willing to seek His counsel.

I have found that there are seven steps to wise decisions. (more…)

So, I was sitting around talking with the RTF Writing Staff about this month’s topic: Do Hard Things.

This is what came up in the conversation. These are the hard things:

• Trusting God
• Taking the time to stop and seek His direction
• Being nice to those around me (has to be the sibling factor)
• Letting something go when I think I’m rightNot trying to make someone be nice, if I think they are being unkind to another person, even it has nothing to do with me or a loved one
• Sharing my faith with spoken words
• Caring about someone who is rough around the edges
• Forgiving someone who has deeply wounded me
• Not complaining!

Why don’t you join the conversation? What does it mean to you to “do hard things”?

Hey Suzanne,
I am a 21 year old girl, with a huge calling. A couple years ago I came across my calling from God. Here is a link to my story: http://www.lifechurch.tv/message-archive/my-secret/5

I am the last 16 minutes of the video. My goal is to start a home for girls in my community, for post abortion, addictions, and abuse, After I get out of school, but right now, I’m trying to establish a charity organization. One that is faith based and for the community. To get some experience and my foot in the door. I’m doing it on my own and need some advice. You are an amazing woman with many accomplishments. Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you could just give me a little advice for a girl doing this from scratch, that would be great. Thanks again. JY

(more…)

Heartache

by Judi Weiss, Guest Writer

Something fragile, something broken

Hurt

Kind words which were never spoken

Sadness

A deep ache for something lost

Loneliness

It never comes without a cost

Love

Something to make you feel secure

Trust

Something that is pure

Kindness

Something that will brighten someoneʼs day

Happiness

Everyone needs it along the way

 

He heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds. Psalm 147:3 (The Message)

To follow up yesterday’s question from a mom about self-injury, here’s a great link to find helpful information about overcoming, recognizing, and dealing with cutting.