Abbie Miller
by Debra Weiss, RTF Staff Writer
If God sent you a box of candy hearts, what would they say? Perhaps some of these things…
BE MINE
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16
LOVED MORE THAN U NO
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. (more…)
By Debra Weiss
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” – Proverbs 18:10, NIV
Normally, when storms circle I stand out in the middle, unprotected from the elements, trying to deal with it the best I can on my own.
I’m not sure exactly what standing out in the middle of the storm accomplishes other than making me cold and miserable.
But this year, I’m determined to endure the storms differently. This year, I’m going to be what some would call a coward. (more…)
By Debra Weiss, RTF Staff Writer
Lately, I’ve been challenged to really live with eternity in mind. I can’t help thinking that accomplishing a huge to-do list through my life doesn’t really mean anything unless it makes an impact for eternity.
Maybe I’m being a bit judgmental, but I look around at Christianity in America and I can’t help but think that we’re putting this huge effort into being comfortable Christians. I mean think of how many books, seminars and conferences there are for Christian teens today. There’s nothing wrong with more information but we get to this point where we feel we “can’t give to the missions” until we attend the next seminar, the next conference, etc.
Doesn’t it seem like we’ve lost focus on what we’re supposed to be doing somewhere along the way? God’s Word isn’t about being comfortable. Living the Christian life shouldn’t be about comfort. If we’re comfortable, if we’re not regularly being stretched, challenged to show Christ’s love, reaching out to others in life’s gutters, then aren’t we missing something huge? Aren’t we missing something important?
Maybe I’m just being weird but I think that I’m not supposed to be as comfortable as I am where I am. Does that make any sense? lol. Probably not but I thought I’d share it anyway…I just thought that maybe my new beginning has to do with living life with eternity in mind…living like I’ve always meant to but never taken the time…
By Debra Weiss, RTF Staff Writer
Recently, I met someone online. We come from different countries, different religions, and different customs. But for all our differences, we have one thing in common—a hunger for truth.
She’s a Muslim and most of her family is Muslim. Her older brother is an atheist. She doesn’t seem too sure of what she believes. She asks me questions about what I believe and why I believe that way.
With each question she asks, I am forced to peel back the layers of theology and years of pat Christian answers. I am both surprised and delighted by what I find each time.
A God that is not too busy to hear a small child’s prayer. A God who cares for each of us. A God that loves us deeply and sent His only Son to save the world.
With childlike delight, I read the story of Christ birth. And as I read, the story feels new and fresh, stripped of all the fancy words and pretty theology.
I find myself thanking God for sending someone into my life to challenge and inspire me, for it is through the simple elementary questions that I am reminded of the true reason for the season—Christ’s birth.
“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart;” ~ Matthew 15:18
I’m often tempted to think how I speak doesn’t matter, but it does! According to Jesus, the way I speak portrays my heart.
Words. Are they pure? Compassionate? Or laced with anger or hatred?
If I think pure thoughts, I will speak purely. If I think kind thoughts, then I will say kind things.
Get away from everything and spend some time with God today. That’s what I must do. I need to ask Him what does my heart REALLY look like? Examine how I’ve been speaking to those in my life (whether they be friends, parents, or siblings).
What about you? Have your words been right? Have they been pure? Or compassionate?
If our words aren’t honoring God, then we aren’t alone as we change. We can ask God to forgive us and He helps each of us make a sincere change.
By Debra Weiss, RTF Staff Writer
First Impressions
IntheTimes.com is a fun, unique, and exciting website. Their aim not only as a magazine but as a website is immediately clear. Every page feels like it supports the overall aim of In the Times.
The first impression also left my head spinning as the design feels a bit cluttered at first glance. While the background is fun, it feels distracting and pulls readers away from the content. A simple white background works wonders to correct this problem.
Tone
The tone of the magazine is chatty and upbeat, as though I were talking to a best friend or big sister. The topics covered are relevant to today’s teen and it doesn’t feel as if the editor is shying away from important issues such as purity, trusting God, putting Him first, and more.
Content
In the Times.com’s content is recent and updated daily. The blog format is an excellent choice for this website and the format feeds into the chatty, big sister tone. However, I would love to find a way to comment on the posts and perhaps interact with other readers in the process. Maybe allowing moderated comments would be a consideration for future versions of the site.
Interviews with recording artists such as Krissy Nordhoff, Tammy Trent, Lindsey Kane, and Cadia, provide fascinating entertainment stories that build up rather than tear down. The format “the story behind the song” is easy to read, even in a short amount of time! (more…)
The Invitation
By: Debra Weiss, RTF Staff Writer
I feel like God isn’t listening to my prayers.
I don’t think God really answers prayer these days…
I’ve given up praying; God isn’t interested in my problems.
I’ve talked to the teens that have uttered these statements. Once optimistic, they’ve been beaten down by life. A parentsʼ divorce, chronic illness, surgery, depression, addictions, eating disorders, the death of a loved one…the list of their burdens is endless. (more…)
Standing For What You Believe
Interview with a guy who stood for the right thing
By: Debra Weiss, RTF Staff Writer
Shadrach, a young man captive in a foreign country, took a bold stance—and brought revival to an entire nation. But he didn’t do it alone. He had the help and support of his friends.
Sitting at a corner booth in a nearby McDonald’s, Shadrach barely looks old enough to hold a learner’s permit. Yet his blue eyes speak volumes about his passion for Christ.
He’s dressed casually and just come from school. He has a goofy grin and an easygoing manner.
Before we begin the interview, Shadrach stops midway through his Big Mac to make one thing clear, “We weren’t looking to be heroes or big shots. We just wanted to serve our King.” (more…)