Real Poem: Wisdom’s Wail

by Lydia Rule, RTF Staff Writer

(Proverbs 1:20-33)

Waiting in the streets

To rescue from night

Wisdom cries, for people

To follow The Light

Wisdom shoved aside;

People running past

“Listen to my fated plea!

Listen to truth at last!”

Wisdom speaks loudly

Through many voices

Of those around you

Forewarning choices (more…)

Real News! RTF staff writer publishes 1st book

Congratulations to Lydia Rule, Real Teen staff writer, on the publication of her first book, Devos to Go!

Devos 2 Go is a fun, fast-food themed devotional for busy teens and young adults on the go. It has a quick thought for the day, a verse, and a prayer to help teens get spiritually full.

author, Lydia Rule

author, Lydia Rule

We are proud of Lydia. You can check out her book on Amazon.com. We’ll connect with Lydia soon in an interview so she can share her publishing journey and what it’s like to be a teen author.

If you want to read more of Lydia’s devos on Real Teen Faith, check out the archives. She loves Jesus and she loves writing, and both are evident in her RTF devos.

Real Devo: Singing the Same Ole’ Jangles

 

By Lydia Rule, RTF Staff Writer

It seems everywhere I go, the same Christmas tunes are ringing in my ear. I can’t count how many times I’ve been told by these songs that Santa Claus is coming to town, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride, and that chestnuts should be roasting on an open fire. I feel like a humbug when these songs begin to play. There never seems to be any variety; just the same old jangles that I heard last year, and the year before that….

Don’t get me wrong—I don’t dislike these songs, but after awhile, they become rote, meaningless. I robotically sing the words without thinking about them. Repetition makes these songs seem weary and stripped of meaning. (more…)

Real Issues: Some thoughts on being thankful

by Lydia Rule, RTF Staff Writer

Thankfulness is knowing that you don’t have much, but that you have enough.

Thankfulness is accepting your physical flaws, and realizing that you could have more.

Thankfulness is dealing with emotional wounds, and joyfully trusting that God knows what life experiences you will need later down the road.

Thankfulness is eating a turkey, and being grateful for the many weeks of turkey and tuna salad sandwiches that follow.

Thankfulness is washing the many dishes that made it possible to enjoy a meal with your family and friends.

Thankfulness is an attitude you force into your life because it doesn’t come naturally.

Thankfulness is a way of living that changes your perspective—completely.

Bio: Lydia Rule is thankful for her book that is soon-to-be-released, her family, church, and even the leaves threatening to cover her entire backyard.

Real Devo: Witnessing!

Witnessing!

by Lydia Rule, RTF Staff Writer

A missionary from Africa came to our church and began to tell us about his ministry. His sermon was focused on witnessing to others in our community.

“No big deal, I thought. “Standard sermon. It’s a great topic, but you hear it a lot. Of course, it’s amazing to hear about the people in Africa and about how hungry they are for God’s word…”

Towards the end of his sermon, the missionary stopped and began asking older members in the congregation if they had ever regretted giving their lives to the Lord.

“I don’t regret it,” said one man, his voice unwavering.

Finally, the missionary asked an elderly gentleman who was sitting a few rows ahead of me.

“Are you saved sir?” the missionary asked.

The old man whispered no. (more…)

Real Poem: Courage

Courage

        
         Is finding a path in a jungle
         Trusting God when life is jumbled
         Standing up, being bold
Saying what should be told
 Courage is climbing mountains
Drinking from the Living Fountain
Showing love to all we meet
Resting at the Savior’s feet
  
    ~Lydia Rule, RTF Staff Writer
 
Real Devo: Renovation

Renovation

by Lydia Rule, RTF Staff Writer

Right now, my family and I are in the process of renovating our new house—painting walls, rebuilding the kitchen, laying down carpet, and of course, touching up all those little stains and spots along the way. It is amazing what two or three coats of paint can do to a stain—suddenly it vanishes like magic.

But it’s still there.

It hasn’t left our house.

It’s just waiting for the paint to wear off after a few years.

I do the same thing in my life… I find some little sin or stain and I cover it over with a happy smile, hoping no one will see what’s underneath. I try to convince myself that if I bury something deep enough, it won’t resurface. And at first, my life looks so perfect—without mark. (more…)

Change*the*World: Published!

What can one teen do? They can publish books! Lydia Rule, RTF Staff writer has signed a contract for her new book, Devo’s on the Go. Her desire is to change the world through her writing.

She’s looking for a few more devos to add to the book. Here’s what Lydia had to say about this project.

Hey Everyone…

I have a book coming out called Devo’s-on-the-Go! My publisher, Power Publishing, is looking for some writers to add short vignettes/couple of paragraphs into my devotional book. The book is based on a fast-food theme… speedy devotions delivered each day! The book’s target audience are teens and college-aged students who have a hard time fitting a daily devo time into their busy schedule. (more…)