By RTF Editor Halee Matthews

Dear Halee,

How come I never see anything about how to stop masturbation? Is it not bad? And what is it, anyway?

~ Kelli* (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Matthew VanTryon

He sat in his room with his ear pressed to the door, listening intently for the sound of his parents closing their bedroom door. As he heard the click of their bedroom door signifying his privacy, he eagerly ventured over to his computer. Who cared that it was almost midnight on a school night and that he had final exams the next day? He just wanted his usual pleasure.

As he dove into cyberspace and filled his mind with images that seemed to never end, the minutes slowly ticked away, unbeknownst to the eager teenager. Around three hours later, his head hit the desk as he fell asleep. (more…)

By RTF Editor Abbie Miller

As soon as I walked into the youth room, I knew.

There was a certain tension in the air. Deep lines creased the foreheads and lips of our leaders. The youth pastor was pacing like a caged, nervous, blushing animal. When we all sat down, we realized we were going to be talking about sex. Ugh. In .0004 seconds, exactly 100% of the people in the room wanted to be anywhere else. (more…)

By RTF Editor B.J. Hamrick

“I’m just saying… I love you.”

Whoah. Hold up. Rewind – fast forward – anything to get me out of this awkward moment. Did Joe really just say he loved me? How did we go from football-talk to romance-talk in 3.5 seconds? How did he seriously think I was interested? (more…)

Hello! I’m a member on Real Teen Faith! I just had a question for you all!

I’m about to be dating a girl at my school. We’re both Christians and really involved in our youth group and church. However, she’s a senior, and I am a junior, and she’ll probably be leaving for college next year. How can I know if the relationship will last? And how can I make the most of the time we have together?

Thanks for setting up such a great website for us teens! If you’d like to post my question as a topic on the site, feel free!

-God Bless, Daniel* (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!

(more…)

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.

(more…)

“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…)