By RTF Staff Writer Graceland King

A role model is someone people look up to right?  Someone whose actions are admired by others. Someone who stands out from the crowd. Someone who can be considered a leader.

If you think about it, that’s a whole lot of pressure on one individual!

Its easy to pass judgment on our role models when they make one mistake because, in our eyes, they are supposed to be perfect all around. But we forget that these leaders aren’t perfect. (more…)

Don’t forget, the Real Teen Faith writing contest ends this Friday, April 29th!

If you haven’t already entered, there’s still time!  Click on the “Contests” page up at the top for more details.

- The RTF Team

By RTF Staff Writer Shannon Meiers

WARNING: LISTENING TO THE FOLLOWING ALBUM MAY RESULT IN GETTING LYRICS STUCK IN YOUR HEAD, BURSTING INTO SUDDEN HORRIBLE DANCING, AND THE URGE TO SING AT THE TOP OF YOUR LUNGS. CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED!

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Recently, I had the good fortune to hear The After’s new CD, Light Up The Sky. (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Jennifer Grimes

My mom’s face twisted as she watched the television screen. Unable to control my curiosity, I moved into the living room to see what she was watching.

It was a Britney Spears concert. And I knew exactly why my mom was so disappointed. Britney was, as usual, dancing seductively on stage in a skimpy outfit, stopping to rub her body up against some male dancer.

Then the camera panned the crowd and stopped at a young girl, maybe twelve, dancing to the music and viewing Britney with eyes of wonder and amazement.

My stomach flopped. (more…)

By RTF Editor Halee Matthews

Submitted to the grave,

To do battle for my soul,

My Lord, my God.

Souls of the world to save,

His broken body death’s toll,

My Lord, my Saviour. (more…)

“The great gift of Easter is hope – Christian hope which makes us have that confidence in God, in his ultimate triumph, and in his goodness and love, which nothing can shake.”

- Basil C. Hume

By Editor Abbie Miller

I didn’t give up anything for Lent this year. In fact, I’ve never given up anything for Lent, but next year I’m thinking about forgoing exercising for 40 days.  Seriously, too much exercise has become a problem in my life and…

…. Okay fine. So that might be a slight exaggeration. Maybe I should give up Snickers instead.

In all seriousness, I’m one of those types to let holidays sneak up on me. December 23 rolls around and I’m the girl who’s actually out buying musical ties and Guinness Books of World Records for the important people in my life. (more…)

By Staff Writer Kalli Simmerman

My friend and I were looking around a music store one day when suddenly she picked up a CD and shouted excitedly “Oh my gosh! I freakin love her! She’s my role model!”

I looked at the barely clothed woman on the cover and crinkled my nose in disgust. “Why?” (more…)