By Debra Weiss, RTF Staff Writer

First Impressions

IntheTimes.com is a fun, unique, and exciting website. Their aim not only as a magazine but as a website is immediately clear. Every page feels like it supports the overall aim of In the Times.

The first impression also left my head spinning as the design feels a bit cluttered at first glance. While the background is fun, it feels distracting and pulls readers away from the content. A simple white background works wonders to correct this problem.

Tone

The tone of the magazine is chatty and upbeat, as though I were talking to a best friend or big sister. The topics covered are relevant to today’s teen and it doesn’t feel as if the editor is shying away from important issues such as purity, trusting God, putting Him first, and more.

Content

In the Times.com’s content is recent and updated daily. The blog format is an excellent choice for this website and the format feeds into the chatty, big sister tone. However, I would love to find a way to comment on the posts and perhaps interact with other readers in the process. Maybe allowing moderated comments would be a consideration for future versions of the site.

Interviews with recording artists such as Krissy Nordhoff, Tammy Trent, Lindsey Kane, and Cadia, provide fascinating entertainment stories that build up rather than tear down. The format “the story behind the song” is easy to read, even in a short amount of time! (more…)

by Lydia Rule, RTF Staff Writer

Thankfulness is knowing that you don’t have much, but that you have enough.

Thankfulness is accepting your physical flaws, and realizing that you could have more.

Thankfulness is dealing with emotional wounds, and joyfully trusting that God knows what life experiences you will need later down the road.

Thankfulness is eating a turkey, and being grateful for the many weeks of turkey and tuna salad sandwiches that follow.

Thankfulness is washing the many dishes that made it possible to enjoy a meal with your family and friends.

Thankfulness is an attitude you force into your life because it doesn’t come naturally.

Thankfulness is a way of living that changes your perspective—completely.

Bio: Lydia Rule is thankful for her book that is soon-to-be-released, her family, church, and even the leaves threatening to cover her entire backyard.

Have you checked out this reality TV show? Real Winning Edge features faith-filled celebrities and real-life teens who are living on the winning edge.

 

The Redemption of Sarah Cain by Beverly Lewis

Review by Catey Yuen, RTF Staff Writer

I’m hopelessly stereotyped as a reader. People look no further than my long hair and feminine mannerisms to assume that I’m a die-hard romance reader. They naturally place me in the category of people who read Karen Kingsbury, Wanda Brunstetter, and Beverly Lewis.

They place me with the people who cry in chick flicks and can’t stand it when characters have to suffer anything other than emotional angst over the boy they love.

They’re wrong. (more…)

I groggily looked up at the nurse. “Do you know the results?” I asked.

It was a struggle to form the words, my brain was still muddled from the anesthesia. She told me that she didn’t know. I was wheeled into a recovery room, where they let me have a sip of water. I wanted more, I was parched. Apparently having too much water after a fairly major surgery is a bad thing, though, because they wouldn’t let me have enough.

Finally, after what seemed like ages, my parents were ushered into the room. I looked up into their faces, and I knew. They couldn’t hide the sadness.

“What kind?” I croaked, my voice still parched.

My dad replied with, “Osteosarcoma, bone cancer.”

Those were the three words that rocked my world to its core.

Let me back up a step. It was my junior year of high school. (more…)

I often hear from youth who ask this question: If being gay isn’t part of God’s plan, then what do I do with these feelings?

Great question! I haven’t walked in your shoes, so I know what to say, but not necessarily what you are facing as you embrace your faith and make a 180. But Mike Ensley does and he answers this question on his blog on http://exodusyouth.net.

• Will My Same-Sex Attractions Every Go Away?

This dialogue is in depth. It’s honest. And it’s helpful because he’s not just throwing words at you. He’s lived it. Thanks for asking such an honest question. I pray that this is a great resource for you.

Suz

My faith keeps me grounded. People always ask me how come I’m so good, and even though I try never to overwhelm people with my faith, I always think to myself, how come God is so good.

My faith also encourages me to give my best. I know that my talent is God’s gift to me, and how I use it is my gift to him.  Sanya Richards, perhaps one of the fastest runners in the world, Olympic 2008 medalist

by Derek Hanisch

On February 19th, 2008, tragedy struck the town of Cottonwood, Minnesota. A woman ran a stop sign and hit a school bus, injuring 17 and killing 4.

It’s been eight months since the accident; while healing has begun the town is still suffering. Last weekend Rise Ministries brought 40 high schoolers and 12 adult leaders in to be the face of love and put service into action. My college is affiliated with Rise Ministries, so four others and myself loaded into my car, with luggage for the weekend.

That was a fun fit.

Then it was off for a fun drive. The weekend was absolutely amazing. The high schoolers were divided into 6 groups, with two leaders per group. My group went to the Stevens home, who lost a son, Reed, in the accident. We did a lot of yard work and different odd jobs for them. It was a blessing to be able to do something to help them, to help with the healing process. We did a lot of work in Reed’s memorial Garden. (more…)