By RTF Editor B.J. Hamrick

One of my friends recently called my boy and I “green”. I wasn’t sure if she meant we were naïve… or eco-friendly. Of course those two labels are synonymous in our small town, where recycling places you in the same gossip category as an eco-terrorist.

I have to admit – my boy and I are slightly on the green side. We’re not obsessed with it, but we try to do things like wash our tin foil, scrub our cat litter, and fertilize our garden with our own septic system. Just kidding about the tin foil. (more…)

Happy Retro Day! This is for anyone who has moved away from friends or watched their friends leave them behind. (I’ve been there, too.) I hope you find this helpful and encouraging. Enjoy! ~Halee

by RTF Staff Writer Catey Yuen

I’m a social person. I’ve always had a lot of friends since I was really young. But when I moved from California to Colorado two summers ago, all of that changed.

When you’ve lived in the same state your whole life, it’s easy to stay in contact with people. After all, most of the people you know, you’ve known for a while. Almost all of my friends came from the church I’d been going to for years. It required very little for me to meet new people and still hang out with the old ones.

Then we moved and it all changed. (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…)

By RTF Editor B.J. Hamrick

The scar on your arm

Is only a clue

Of the scar inside

That once terrified you

The fear is gone

The scar remains

A reminder of loss

And the power of pain

Love is a man

With a scar on His arm

It runs deep like yours

He understands harm

The scar on His arm

Is only a clue

Of the scar inside

That He bears for you

****

I wrote this several years ago for a friend when he told me he struggled with cutting himself.

At the time I didn’t tell him that I understood how he felt… I couldn’t even admit to myself that I struggled with self-harm.

Eventually the day came when I was ready to ask for help…

If I knew where he was today, I would tell my friend — you are not alone, and you can be free from this.

I know.

Your journey starts with finding a safe place to be vulnerable…

Contact me or Halee at realteenfaith[at]gmail[dot]com for more information.

by RTF Assistant Editor Halee Matthews

Sam wasn’t a bad guy, really. In fact, he was a really great guy for a while.

Sam was chosen by God for a special purpose. An angel even appeared to his parents before his birth, telling them about the child they would be raising. And throughout Sam’s life, God was with him. He directed Sam’s actions and blessed him with an amazing gift.

Until one day. (more…)

Happy Retro Day! This story deals with relationships, especially friendships that may not be the best for us. I hope it gets you thinking. Enjoy! ~ Halee

by RTF Staff Writer Lydia Rule

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. (more…)

by RTF Staff Writer Judi Weiss

Your poison fills my veins
As you take me for a ride
It’s driving me insane
I need somewhere to hide (more…)

“Sometimes I really don’t like my parents. I don’t think they understand me at all! I don’t know what to do- they’re driving me crazy! Help!” ~ James

hey James,

Parents can be hard to get along with sometimes, especially when they don’t seem to see your point-of-view. But I applaud your effort to work on this problem! Here are some things you can do:

1. Talk to your parents. I know sometimes it may seem absolutely futile, but they need to know how you feel. So ask them if you can sit down and have a talk sometime. Schedule a time if you have to, but make sure you have their full attention. (more…)