By Guest Writer Patricia Chandler
What Do u do when u feel like this
Suicidal thoughts
Urges to cut
Feeling alone (more…)
“At church they say we should always believe the Bible, but sometimes it seems like it’s contradicting itself. What’s up with that?” ~ Dave
Hey Dave,
You’re right. Sometimes the Bible is confusing. Like, I could open it up and read, “No one living is righteous before you” (Psalm 143:2b) and then flip over to see, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16b).
If that’s all I looked at, I could come to the conclusion that no one alive should pray because no one alive is righteous and only the prayer of a righteous man is effective. (more…)
Happy Retro Day and congratulations to all of you who are graduating (or have graduated) this year! For those of you who have chosen to continue your education, this week’s article has some great tips for you. Enjoy! ~ Halee
by Maddee Schrader
Seniors: pay attention. Most of you have a month until that glorious day when you’ll fling off graduation caps. By now you’ve probably made plans about college. As summer sets in, invading your mind with thoughts of sand and sun, it tends to overwhelm those university-related musings. After all, it’s the last summer. Next year you’ll be worrying about dorm rooms and fall schedules.
That’s okay – enjoy summer. Take a trip with your family. Relax. Remember to slather on that 30+ SPF sunscreen. But don’t forget that your life is changing in a few months. You might consider setting aside a day each month to check on college-related stuff. There are a few issues you should check on. (more…)
“Sometimes people tell me I’m too young to do anything great for God, but one day I’ll be old enough. I just want them to respect me and my faith now. Is that too much to ask?” – Brad
hey Brad,
I know how frustrating it is when people look down on you because of your age. But I’ve got an awesome true story to share that I think will encourage you. (I know, you’re asking for advice, not story-time, but bear with me. I promise it relates.)
This story takes place back in the Old Testament age of princes, prophets, and priests. One particular king ended up rejecting God, the very One who had appointed him. So God decided it was time for a new king, one who would follow Him wholeheartedly.
God talked to one of his prophets (let’s call him Sam) and told him He had chosen a new king, one of the sons of a specific family. Following God’s instruction, Sam went down to visit the family, and he was impressed by the sons.
One by one, Sam appraised the sons, beginning with the oldest. Aha! Samuel said to himself. He’s tall, strong, a great leader. Surely this is the new king. (more…)
By RTF Editor B.J. Hamrick
“Young lady, do you believe in premarital cosexual interdigitation?”
I felt my jaw drop as my pastor’s question rolled around in my brain. “Premarital… cosexual…” Sex! He said sex! He couldn’t want me to say yes!
Happy Retro Day! This week we’re taking some time to look inward. This article has some great pointers for being authentic in your faith, but it’s also fantastic advice for any number of situations. Enjoy! ~ Halee
By RTF Staff Writer Catey Yuen
Actions speak louder than words.
How many times have you heard that before? I’ve heard it, at a rough estimate, more than a million times in my still-brief life. But I never really thought about it until just recently.
I’m part of a Christian young speakers’ group. I’m used to representing Christ and my group on the platform. I can look really good if I try hard enough and I’m thinking about it.
But get me off the platform and how well do I represent Christ? Am I consistent in my witness, or am I causing people to think badly about God’s people sometimes? (more…)
This week, we’re going to reverse roles. Instead of answering a question, I’m asking you a question:
“What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?”
There’s no wrong answer here, and you’re not being graded. I promise! This is your chance to help another reader, so think about it and comment. I’m looking forward to reading your advice!
“I don’t like the way I look. I spend hours getting ready every morning, trying to make myself look better. My parents tell me I shouldn’t care so much, but I just want to look good. Is that wrong?”
~ Alissa
Hey Alissa,
It’s not wrong to want to look nice. When you put work into your appearance, it gives you confidence. And a little confidence is definitely a good thing.
If you’re a Christian, your body is God’s temple. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (more…)