Archive for the 'real advice' Category

July 26, 2008

Crawl

By Derrick Hanisch, Guest Writer, 21

One of my favorite bands is Superchick. Sad, but true. One of my highlights of Sonshine was seeing them perform. I even stood in line to get a poster autographed. It was really cool. Yes, while Superchick does sing about being a one girl revolution, and about how every girl is beautiful, they have some really cool lyrics.

I was listening to their newest CD today. I’ve listened to it a lot, and there’s one song that really stands out to me. It’s called “Crawl”:

How long will this take?
How much can I go through?
My heart, my soul aches
I don’t know what to do
I bend but don’t break
And somehow I’ll get through
’cause I have you (more…)

Filed under: Guest Writers, loss, music, real issues, real lyrics

July 25, 2008

Americans are willing to expend some energy in religious activities such as attending church and reading the Bible, and they are willing to throw some money in the offering basket. Because of such activities, they convince themselves that they are people of genuine faith. But when it comes time to truly establishing their priorities and making a tangible commitment to knowing and loving God, and to allowing him to change their character and lifestyle, most people stop short. We want to be ’spiritual’ and we want to have God’s favor, but we’re not sure we want him taking control of our lives and messing with the image and outcomes we’ve worked so hard to produce.” - George Barna

Filed under: faith, faith in action, real quote

July 24, 2008

Always Near

By Debra Weiss, RTF Staff Writer

You’ve sat in the waiting room more times than you can count, know more doctors than seems fair for someone your age.

You can probably speak more medical lingo than even the most accomplished doctors—and you’ve yet to graduate high school.

You have withstood test after test. Hospital stays become the norm while doctors scratch their heads. Then it’s on to a new drug, a new list of side effects to be alert for.

Friends are few and far between. Most of them are out doing “normal” teenage things while you’re just struggling to get by.

You try to stay strong. But words like faith and hope seem like foreign concepts most days.

You’ve tried praying but the only word you get out is “God…” before you stop because the pain is just too big for words.

You are the chronically ill teenager. . . (more…)

Filed under: Debra Weiss, Real Teen Faith Writers, faith, real devos, real issues, real question

July 21, 2008

Keeping Her Word

B.J. Hamrick, RTF Staff Writer

I’ve always told my sister, Molly, that I would write about her. She’s always told me that if I do, I’ll be the one who ends up being written about – on the obituary page of the local newspaper. At least the police will know who to look for when my bloated, lifeless body floats to the top of the local river tomorrow.

It will. Because Molly always keeps her word. (more…)

Filed under: BJ Hamrick, Real Teen Faith Writers, family, friendship, real story

July 18, 2008

One of my best friends recently became religious. She told me that we could not be friends because I use curse words sometimes, and because of my relationship with my boyfriend. She also said that if I do not put God ahead of everything in my life that I won’t make it to Heaven.

I was raised a Catholic and I believe very much in God and my faith. I may not go to church every weekend but I believe that faith is faith…it’s not the building you practice your faith in.

The only thing wrong with my relationship with my boyfriend is that we argue sometimes like any other couple.

My friends says my relationship brings her down. I don’t swear all the time and I make sure I don’t use the Lord’s name in vain. I just feel like she’s making me out to be this horrible person that I’m not. I’m 15 years old and have fought off the temptations of drinking and drugs. I have not touched them and will not.

Please help me. I’m very confused.

-Kayla L.

(more…)

Filed under: faith, friendship, real advice

July 17, 2008

I’m 17, dating a guy, and I have a question: how can you know when the guy you are dating really loves you?

What a great question…

If they respect you enough to wait

If they want the best for you

If they are unselfish

If they define intimacy as getting to know who you are on the inside (more…)

Filed under: dating, real advice

July 15, 2008

Friendship Choices

Lydia Rule, RTF Staff Writer

Your closest circle of friends will reveal much about your personality, interests, goals, and even spiritual walk with God. Choosing friends wisely is no laughing matter—it’s a serious issue that reflects your heart.

That is why people often look at my family with a suspicious eye. You see, we have a very close friend that is not at all what you would expect from a Preacher’s family with three impressionable daughters.

And yet, this friend, like a bad case of the fleas, always sticks to us.

He is inherently lazy, cares very little about work, and sleeps the day away. This of course, is a trait the Bible shows us is wrong:

Proverbs 19:15
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

He has a foul mouth (not to mention breath), little moral understanding, considerably rude manners, very preoccupied with the baser things of life, and yet he is allowed to be around the Pastor’s three girls any time he pleases. (more…)

Filed under: Real Teen Faith Writers, T. Suzanne Eller, friendship, lydia rule

July 11, 2008

Hi! I was wondering how you think I could get my friends and family to become Christians, or at least go to church with me and believe in God? I think its really awesome. Can you give me some thoughts about what to do? Thanks a lot. God Bless, and thanks.

Rachel

(more…)

Filed under: faith, faith in action, friendship, real advice