By RTF Editors BJ Hamrick and Halee Mathews

Our new partner at Real Teen Faith, Halee Matthews, agreed to humor me by answering some questions…. under one stipulation:

I had to answer hers, too. I guess you could call it sort of like a really rough round of Truth or Dare.

Which wouldn’t be so bad if I hadn’t shared some of my most embarrassing moments ever with her…

• BJH:What drew you into RTF?

HM: See, I have this really crazy friend (*cough* BJ *cough*) who said, “Hey, you like to write. Wanna help me with this?” And being the wonderful friend that I am, I of course said yes because it was clear she needed my help. At least, that’s my interpretation. How about you?

BJH: In 2001, Suzie Eller’s first book (Real Teens, Real Stories, Real Life) landed on my doorstep. It changed my life in so many ways. It was the first time I’d contributed to a book — but more than that, it was the first time I’d connected with people on such a deep level. So I started to hang out with the other contributors on Real Teen Faith, and I discovered what a crazy fun group it was.

• So… what’s your favorite food?

Coffee. I know it’s technically a drink, but in my mind it’s food and all other sustenance pales in comparison. Pizza is good too and I’m crazy about veggies (especially okra and zucchini, yes, I know it’s weird!), but coffee tops my list. Your turn.

I would have to agree with you about the pizza. And the more weird toppings, the better.

• If you could only use three adjectives to describe yourself (I know, it’s downright mean to limit a writer), what would they be?

Indescribable. There — I did it in one. Sort of.

Haha, you’re a funny one! Oooh, there’s another adjective for you. For me… ummm… creative, responsible, and quirky.

• Tell us a little about how you got started writing as a teen.

When I was 16, a reporter for my local paper wrote an article about my brother and some of the work he was doing as a part of a high school project. She told my mom about the Christian teen writers’ website (and magazine) that she ran and my mother, in turn, told me I should submit something. After procrastinating for a while, I finally submitted a poem. It didn’t take long before I was hooked on having my work published. Since I’m a compulsive writer, I submitted articles, poems, music reviews, etc. whenever I felt like it and eventually became the media reporter. It was a fantastic experience, and I loved having a place to send my work and connect with other writers.

And that’s actually what got me started on this whole writing thing — your enthusiasm. Before we knew it, we were both hooked. OK — next question.

• If there’s a specific verse you love, what is it and why?

Well, way to go from shallow to deep in about 3 seconds! I would have to say one of my favorites is Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse has comforted me so many times when I didn’t have a clue what God was doing… all I could do was hang on and believe that He was going to come through. How about yours?

I absolutely love the Psalms. All the issues David struggles with are ones we are still struggling with today. It’s hard to choose just one (I know, I ask tough questions!) but I think the section that tops my list is Psalm 27:13-14: “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” It reminds me that no matter how grim this world may seem, I have hope because I will see the goodness of the Lord here.

• OK – back to the lighter side. What’s your Myers-Briggs type and what does it say about you? (Yes, I’m obsessed with personalities.)

I’m an ENFP, sadly. Mostly this means I like to be the center of attention and I never stop talking.

Oh come on, that’s not sad! This world needs all types.. not everyone can be a creative, deep-thinking, idealistic INFP like me. That’s right folks, BJ and I differ only in our need for attention. As in, she needs it and I don’t. Just kidding! (Sort of.)

(To be continued Wednesday…)