Double Trouble

by Lydia Rule, RTF Staff Writer

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
James 1:8 (King James Version)

I read a recent news article about a two-headed baby turtle. I was fascinated by the pictures that went along with the article. The turtle’s heads were on opposing ends, which would be quite interesting if each head decided to go straight— a “tug of war” would ensue. (more…)

(picture from USA Today)

 

Joyless World

by Lydia Rule, RTF Teen Staff Writer

In a mall located in Omaha, Nebraska, a shooter killed eight people and then took his own life as well.

As I read this news article, I couldn’t help but wonder WHY? Isn’t this the time of the year when people are supposed to be joyful? When little children sit and stare at their presents and wish that Christmas would arrive soon? Isn’t this supposed to be the time where people sing “Joy to the World” and think of others above themselves? (more…)

Rating Your Dating 

By Lydia Rule, RTF Staff Writer

 

In terms of how godly your dating relationship is, would your relationship be rated G, PG, PG-13, or R?
(more…)

By Lydia Rule, RTF Staff Writer

Bright orange Halloween pumpkins. Gaping sores. Cackling, costumed corpses holding bags full of sweet treasures. It was a familiar scene… especially to me. I lived in a world of death, tombstones, and flesh mangled victims. (more…)

 

Ministry

by Lydia Rule, RTF Staff Writer

The word “ministry” sounds big, impressive, and intimidating. Often, people are frightened by the idea of starting one. To avoid getting involved, we often make excuses. Teenagers feel too young to have a ministry, adults don’t have time, and the shy are afraid to try. . .

But ministry really is not as frightening as it sounds. In fact, if you look at the word ministry, you find something interesting: (more…)

City of Warm Rain

by Lydia Rule

This story is dedicated to children across the world who know or have known the torments of an abuser.

The rain is falling, falling from the dark night sky. Each one slaps my face with its frigid presence. Like prisms, the raindrops shatter on the ground beside me.

My skin is a sheath of ice. My blue lips can feel only the pounding of the rain. Perhaps this is not the beginning that you would expect from a story titled “City of Warm Rain”, but it is my story, as short as that may be.

I am lost in this city. I am somewhere alongside an exit ramp to some highway. The cars race by me as I sit alone in a muddy patch of grass. The headlights look bright and warm as they whiz by. (more…)

 

Head-On

by Lydia Rule, RTF Staff Writer

Here is the understatement of the century: people do not get along. In fact, confrontations between people can get downright nasty. (more…)

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
  -Psalm 27:8

If God asked you that question, what would your answer be? It is not an easy thing to just say, “No problem God… sure, I’ll seek you.” What are some basic ways that you can seek God each day?

Speak with Him. Have a quick devo or just spend some quiet time with Him. It doesn’t have to be long, just give Him what you have. (more…)