by RTF Editor B.J. Hamrick

“Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping – believing that he would be the Father of many nations. For God had said to him, ‘That’s how many descendants you will have!’” Romans 4:18 (NLT)

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I lay in the damp grass and let its scent envelope me. It didn’t seem fair… me here, him there. Alone… hooked up to life-monitoring machines.

Katie sensed my worry.

“Look at the sky,” she said, trying to ease my pain. “There are your future children!”

We both looked up. It was then that we realized…

There was only one star. (more…)

Adam R. Holz, a PluggedIn reviewer, had this to say about The Adjustment Bureau:

“Few theological discussions are as likely to provoke as much heated debate as the age-old paradox of free will vs. predestination. And while The Adjustment Bureau is not explicitly about a Christian understanding of that thorny conundrum, this hybrid thriller/love story—which feels like an unlikely mash-up of The Matrix and Sleepless in Seattle—taps into the emotional and intellectual tension inherent in that debate.”

Read the whole review.

Note from Halee: I’ve seen this movie, and not only is it relatively clean, it gives you a lot to think about. If you’re looking for a movie to see with your friends, this one is definitely worth considering.

Dear Halee,

I’m almost too ashamed to say it, but sometimes I cheat. I’m really bad at math so I do it to pass. I want to stop, but it’s so hard. What do I do?

- Alex* (more…)

by Staff Writer Shannon Meiers

“Is cheating ever okay?” is one of many ethical questions which tend to be confusing and controversial.

Some would say it’s okay as long as you don’t get caught. I beg to differ. And I don’t think everybody considers how difficult it is to cheat on school work and not get caught.

I should know. I’ve tried that. And failed miserably. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Allow me to wind this tape back to an hour before “the busting.” (more…)

Last Friday, a giveaway happened here.

Well, a chance to enter a giveaway happened here. And last night, the winner was selected at random. That’s right folks!  My trusty paper-slip drawing method has revealed the winner to be…..

(more…)

… To Make Things a Little Easier

by Staff Writer Graceland King

Is it so hard for these honest words
To leave this mouth that wishes to avoid the consequences?
Must I bite the tongue that threatens to speak the truth
And cause trouble that will clash with the steady flow of life? (more…)

(photo courtesy of Toshiharu Kato/American Red Cross)

If you’ve seen a tv or newspaper lately, you’re probably aware of what’s happening in Japan right now. But just in case you missed it, here’s a recap:

- On Friday, Japan suffered a severe earthquake which triggered a tsunami (think of it like glass in a water… if you shake the glass, you get waves. Well, the earth shook and it caused the ocean to move in waves over 30 feet high).

- Several nuclear plants have suffered major damage which workers are scrambling to repair.

- Hundreds of thousands of people have lost their homes/possessions and are living in temporary shelters.

You may be asking, What can I, a teen sitting at home, do about this? (more…)

by Assistant Editor Halee Matthews

I know you’ve been there (I definitely have!) – sitting at a desk with only a few pieces of paper and a pencil when your mind goes blank. Everything you ever learned flies right out the window while A, B, C, and D glare at you, daring you to choose the wrong one.

Just one look.. a quick glance right or left could help you think, maybe point you toward the answer you already know but just can’t remember right now.

What could it hurt? (more…)