real devo: rumors

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DON’T FORGET: Register to win a free iPod by commenting on a post any day this week.

You can comment once every day for more chances. Winner announced Friday, March 19, 2010.

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By RTF Staff Writer Kalli Simmerman

Those who have no sense deride their neighbors, but those who have understanding hold their tongues.

Proverbs 11:12

“Did you hear what she did last night?” The whispers were all about the school. I felt my cheeks grow hot as I clutched my books tight to my chest and hurried away from the two girls who were quietly talking over by the lockers. I felt their penetrating stares at my back as I practically ran down the hall.

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real advice: where to go for help

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“Where can I go when I need help?” – you

This Friday I want to give advice to all our readers. I am going to introduce you to some resources so that you don’t have to feel helpless when you or someone you know is struggling. The following includes some common problems, along with some organizations where you can find help any time:

Self-injury (cutting)
Door of Hope: This organization offers free counseling (online or by phone) by certified Christian counselors for teen girls or young women.
ASHIC (American Self-Harm Information Clearinghouse): Here you can find a variety of resources and information about self-inury. (more…)

real questions: we want yours

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Hey everybody!

Over the past couple of years we’ve gotten a lot of questions from you guys. Questions about relationships, self-injury, sex, suicide — you name it. Each time we hear from you, we remember why this site is here — because of awesome people like you.

So we just want to remind you that if you have a question, we’d love to hear from you. No topic is off-limits. We would also love to share your question on the site, but you can tell us if you’d rather that we didn’t (we will never share your real name).

So go ahead and unload your problems in the contact box or email us at realteenfaith at gmail.com. Just put “advice” in the subject line.

Drop by every Friday to check out this new feature! Until then, we’re looking forward to your questions!

Halee, BJ, and E.

PS – We’re especially looking for your relationship questions for February!

real issues: invisible chains

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Try to imagine this: your family is utterly destitute and can barely provide for one meal a day. Because you have to help your parents provide food and clothing for all your siblings, it is impossible for you to go to school.
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A friend of your family—or even a relative—comes to your father, and offers to provide for you. He promises to take you to the city, give you a place in his home, supply you with every commodity, and even let you go to school. You can hardly believe it—this seems like a dream come true!
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Your parents accept immediately. You pack your few belongings, and travel to the city.
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But things are not as they seem. (more…)
real life: kourtney keeps her baby

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Guest post by Tricia Goyer

… I’m proud that Kourtney Kardashian carried her baby … and that she chose to speak out about it.

My hope is that many young women will get the same message: “You may regret not having the baby.”

Kourtney Kardashian’s unplanned pregnancy forced the shocked reality TV star to make one of the most difficult decisions in her life: Would she have the baby or terminate the pregnancy?

“I definitely thought about it long and hard, about if I wanted to keep the baby or not, and I wasn’t thinking about adoption,” Kardashian, 30, who was shooting E!’s Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami at the time, tells PEOPLE exclusively. “I do think every woman should have the right to do what they want, but I don’t think it’s talked through enough. I can’t even tell you how many people just say, ‘Oh, get an abortion.’ Like it’s not a big deal.” Read the rest here.

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Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children’s book, 10 Minutes to Showtime.

Real article: sex w/mom and dad

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Ignite Your Faith tries to make sense of MTV’s Sex With Mom and Dad – a show where Dr. Drew Pinsky gives teens and parents advice on how to talk openly about sex and sexual issues.

Sex with mom and dad -Ignite Your Faith by Todd Hertz [Christianity Today]

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 Link: Real Advice: Same sex attractions

I often hear from youth who ask this question: If being gay isn’t part of God’s plan, then what do I do with these feelings?

Great question! I haven’t walked in your shoes, so I know what to say, but not necessarily what you are facing as you embrace your faith and make a 180. But Mike Ensley does and he answers this question on his blog on http://exodusyouth.net.

This dialogue is in depth. It’s honest. And it’s helpful because he’s not just throwing words at you. He’s lived it. Thanks for asking such an honest question. I pray that this is a great resource for you.

Suz