RTF writer, BJ Hamrick, sits down with Erynn Mangum, author of three books (and one more on the way!). Erynn is 24 and received her first contract when she was a student with Jerry Jenkin’s Christian Writers Guild. Join BJ and Erynn as they talk books, writing, and embarrassing moments. 

BJ Hamrick: You’ve published three books since 2007. Which one was your favorite to write? (We know. This is like asking you to pick a favorite child. You can do it… we won’t tell.)

Erynn Mangum: Actually, that’s an easy question. My favorite is the 2nd book. I didn’t have to worry about introducing the characters, I got to just write the story.

BJH: Which character do you relate to most, and why?

EM: Probably Lauren. It’s told through her perspective and a lot of me slipped in there as I was writing it. She’s got my awful caffeine addiction, love of movies and sweets. But she’s waaaay more direct and outspoken. I guess those are qualities I wish I had.

BJH: What sparked the idea for your new Maya Davis series? (more…)

As a youth culture columnist, I’m always on the lookout for great new books that tie in culture and Christ.

As stand-alone articles, I think the content is great. But as a book and small group study guide? Not so much. I was excited to get this book, especially as a fan of Christianity today and their articles for youth and adults.

But it feels forced, as if they took several articles and tried to make them work as a unit. Great information, but these articles are already available through CT. I love your stuff, CT, but not this one.

 

by Derek Hanisch, RTF staff writer

I’ve had a pet peeve for a long time. There are several popular worship songs that include the phrase “holy hands.” That’s always irked me. I’ve always been under the assumption that we don’t have holy hands. We’re sinful, we have dirty hands. I’ve always felt that the phrase of “lifting holy hands up to God” was impossible.

I was reading the book of Timothy the other day and came across the following verse:

“In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.” -1 Timothy 2:8

I was perplexed. So I turned to a friend and asked him a question. I asked how it was possible to have holy hands because we are sinful creatures.

His words shocked me with their simplicity. (more…)

 

Dear RTF,

I’ve been having a lot of trouble at my youth group..and with some adults at my church..sometimes it seems like people who aren’t saved can be nicer than those church people. Has this happened to you before?? Or is it just me?

And another thing. How do you know when God talks to you? Is it something you feel? Or just something that you ‘know’ when it happens? Anonymous

Dear A,

Sometimes people are still works in progress, even though they are believers. You look at the disciples and you see impulsive people (Peter), arguing people (James and John), doubting people (Thomas) and yet God used them to change a world.

I have been hurt before by someone from my church, but I realized I couldn’t change that person. I was only responsible for my response to the situation–and to that person. When people are a work in progress (just like I am sometimes) I ask God for grace and mercy. 

If this situation is really uncomfortable, it may be that you need a different church group or it may be that you ask God to give you such a heart of mercy that things roll off of you as you run after him.

Whatever you decide, ask God for wisdom, patience, and His peace as you make that decision. But keep your eyes focused on Him. Okay?

Your second question: How do I know when God talks to me? I know that He talks to me when I sense that deep peace, when I’m reading God’s word and something leaps off the page, when I feel that tug in my heart that says “wait” or “stop”.

Listening to that voice is the harder part, but I’ve learned to stop when I do and to fully hear what the Holy Spirit is trying to do in my life at that moment.

You’ve asked such great questions. I hope you come back to Real Teen Faith.

Suzie Eller
Real Teen Faith

“Live Like a Rock Star” sweepstakes is sponsored by Zondervan publishers to promote the new book, Always Watching.

Entry into the sweepstakes is easy. And each entrant can earn up to ten entries, resulting in a greater chance to win.

Grand Prize: $850 night out on the town, including dinner for six at a restaurant of winner’s choice, and limo service for the evening. The first 200 entrants will receive a free copy of Always Watching.

TO ENTER SWEEPSTAKES, go here.

Always Watching– Rayne Tour Series book #1

Seatbelt Suspense® for young adults.

This daughter of a rock star has it all—until murder crashes her world.

During a concert, sixteen-year-old Shaley O’Connor stumbles upon the body of a friend backstage. Is Tom Hutchens’ death connected to her?

Frightening messages arrive. Paparazzi stalk Shaley. Her private nightmare is displayed for all to see. Where is God at times like this?

As the clock runs out, Shaley must find Tom’s killer—before he strikes again…

Watch the trailer.

“Mother and daughter team Brandilyn and Amberly Collins have stormed onto the YA scene in exhilarating style with this great new series. Always Watching is a fast paced whodunit set against the intriguing backdrop of rock star celebrity …. Shaley’s struggle to balance her public status with her true identity is one of the most interesting aspects of this story. [Brandilyn Collins’] adult fans will find much to rave about here, while new teen readers will love the youthful voice and perspective that Amberly Collins brings to the table. Underlying the tension and dread is a strong spiritual message about trusting in the God who is always watching over us.”

– Jake Chism, The Christian Manifesto

 

You’ve heard of him, right? Danny Gokey, the guy on American Idol who seems to have a thousand pair of cool glasses and an amazing voice.

But there’s more to Danny than just a shot at winning American Idol.

Four weeks before his audition, Danny lost his wife. She died during heart surgery. As a worship pastor, Danny and his wife impacted many adults and children with their faith. After her death, Danny created Sophia’s Heart Foundation. This organization aims to reach out and touch the hearts of children from ages 0 through 18. The uniting factor among these children will be the need for restoration in various areas of their lives.

Sophia’s Heart Foundation has four programs:

• SHF Music and Arts Program
• Sophia L. Gokey Scholarship Fund
• Sophia’s Heart of Compassion
• SHF Medical Fund

Maybe you can donate or help out or maybe you can pray for Danny as he goes through the American Idol journey.

Check out Sophie’s Heart Foundation and see what one guy is doing with fame — Danny Gokey is trying to change*the*world.

Awesome!

Check out the video.

Wow, it’s almost here! In May tons of awkward looking hats will be thrown in the air at graduations all over the country. Maybe you’re one of those people. Are you trying to figure out where you want to go to college?

ChristianCollegeGuide.net gives the scoop on colleges, how to pay your way, with great links and resources, as well as articles from people in the know about higher education, how to find the right school for you, and what to do once you get there.