By RTF Editor B.J. Hamrick

It’s not really a habit for many people in our generation, but I realize that there are some folks out there who enjoy canning. Peaches, pears, figs – you name it. So when I read recently about a man who keeps navel fluff in a jar, I assumed the article was referring to canned oranges… if there is such a thing.

Turns out the words “navel fluff” are actually the Australian way of saying “belly-button lint”. (See? Suddenly I’m bi-lingual.) And not only does the man have one jar full of belly-button lint – multiply that by three. (more…)

by Staff Writer Jennifer Grimes

He was my first puppy.

I was thirteen or fourteen when I fell in love with him. My family had finally moved out of a rental house and on to a nice piece of land, a place where we would be able to get a dog.

We picked out the most adorable border collie, and he became my best (animal) friend. (more…)

by Guest Writer Sarah Rupp

Enemy. When I think of that word, I tend to think of terrorists, murderers, rapists, and thieves. But the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as, “One that is antagonistic to another; one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent.”

Being a cosmetology student, I know several girls who could be classified as enemies according to that definition. And you may know several at your own school who are “mean girls.” Mean girls are enemies. (more…)

“If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings,
who would stand a chance?
As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit,
and that’s why you’re worshiped.”
~ Psalm 130:3-4 (The Message)

I had the awesome opportunity to see Tim Hawkins last weekend, and he is an awesome comedian. So I thought I’d share a bit of his humor with you because everyone could use a good laugh. Enjoy! ~ Halee  (P.S. To learn more about Tim Hawkins or find out when he’s going to be at a location near you, click here. )

by Guest Writer Julia Dye

“You’re so fat, you big bub,” was the compliment that greeted me after a day of difficult finals. Taking a deep breath, I fervently prayed, “God, help me to know that having a little brother is worth it in the end.”

I pondered it some more. No, it had to be worth it. Otherwise, there was no way I would be able to bear the many years of my life I had yet to share with my younger sibling. (more…)

In honor of our current theme, forgiveness, I decided to pull this article out of the archives. Whether this is your first or second time reading it, I hope this story of extraordinary forgiveness convicts you like it did me. ~ Halee

by Assistant Editor Halee Matthews

How much could you forgive?

Could you forgive someone for inflicting unspeakable pain on you and someone you loved? Could you forgive someone who tortured you in the name of scientific research?

It’s a sobering thought, but one I wrestled with while watching “Forgiving Dr. Mengele,” a documentary about Eva Kor.

Eva and her whole family were sent to Auschwitz when she was only 10. She and her twin sister, Miriam, were selected for Dr. Mengele’s genetic experiments, along with many other twins. What they endured is unimaginable.

At one point, Eva was injected with something meant to kill her and then left alone in a room to die. But she refused. She knew if she died, Miriam would be killed so Dr. Mengele could perform a comparative autopsy. For two weeks, Eva struggled with death. (more…)

by Staff Writer Shannon Meiers

My heart sank. The 9 words I dreaded most in the English language had just been spoken to me: “Well, if that’s really what you want to do.”

I wondered why I was visiting this relative. And why did I have to open my big mouth and tell her that I wanted to be a missionary? Not just that I wanted to, but that I was feeling called to?

To make matters worse, another relative had already said something similar to me, and I was not feeling at all encouraged. (more…)