Archive for the 'Guest Writers' Category

May 2, 2008

Miss Match by Erynn Mangum

Review by Maddee Schrader, RTF Staff Writer, 16 

Erynn Mangum published Miss Match when she was twenty-three, and calls it semi-autobiographical. I’m always cautious of first-time authors, but in several cases have felt shamed afterward for doubting. Enough said.

Lauren Holbrook is twenty-four, living at home and working at a photography studio owned by her best friend from first grade. Besides being alarmingly addicted to coffee (“liquid candy bars”) and Milky Way bars, she might be considered normal save for her unusual hobby.

She is a matchmaker. (more…)

Filed under: Real Teen Faith Writers, Guest Writers, dating, real review

April 1, 2008

The Cross by Lawrana M., 14

(Excerpted from Real Teens, Real Stories, Real Life)

The cross that hangs from my neck
is a symbol of who I am

What I hold close to my heart
some people will never understand

He died for them, too,
not just for me

If they knew someone died
on Calvary

Would they wear this cross
like me?

Or is this a secret that everyone knows
and chooses not to believe

Not comprehending it comes with love
and forgiveness for eternity

Filed under: Guest Writers, RTF books, real poem

February 12, 2008

Pick her up, God

by Brooke Giddens 

She thinks she’s cool doing drugs and partying every night
My only prayer is that she will one day see the light
she hides under her make up and black hair
Somedays I wonder if she even really cares
She seems so happy with such and awful life,
But sometimes I wonder if she thinks of death by knife
She says she used to cut herself, but she stopped this year.
Her stories pain me and nearly bring me to tears.
I want to say, “Why Lord have you given me so many blessings?
When this girl has nothing.
I invite her to church, but she doesn’t want to come.
She says last time she went the congregation all made fun,

(more…)

Filed under: faith in action, Guest Writers, real poem, self-injury

January 15, 2008

by C.W. Ross, Guest RTF Writer 

Artist:chasetheglow
Title:chasetheglow
Website: http://www.myspace.com/chasetheglow
Style: Alternative Rock
Rating: 8.9 out of 10

Chasetheglow was formed recently in the spring of 2007. While the band itself is new its individual members aren’t having previous music experience being in other bands.

For example, I first hear lead singer Sara Pecchia’s vocals a few years back when she was in the band Identity. Back then I was amazed by her vocal talents being that she was still only a teenager, so when she recently contacted me about a new band she was involved with I couldn’t wait to hear their music.

I wasn’t disappointed Sara always had the vocal talent but now she also has the extra wisdom that comes from life experiences that adds that extra bit of passion to her vocals. (more…)

Filed under: Guest Writers, music, real review

August 24, 2007

Closer than a Brother
By Michelle Payne, Guest Writer

Proverbs 18:24 …and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

“Michelle, Ms. Debi wants you to come over on Wednesdays to pack and deliver food for the needy families in our area.”

Little did I know, God was going to use Ms. Debi to draw me closer to Him. You see, I pray every night, read the Word every day, know what I believe, and have concern for the lost. Yep, I’m a pretty religious about my relationship with my heavenly Father, huh.

(more…)

Filed under: Guest Writers, real devos

August 7, 2007

What’s a Life Worth?

by Brian Perceful, guest writer RTF

Every so often I read of something online or on in a magazine that really gets to me. Last year as I was making my daily rounds of my favorite sites like Drudge Report, CNN, Xanga, Myspace, and a few others I was quite dumbfounded on what I read and saw.

Maybe you saw it as well. Maybe you read about it.

It seems that some bored people thought it to be a great idea to take out their life’s frustrations on random homeless people in the Ft. Lauderdale, FL area. A total of four beatings occurred with one leading to a fatality. Not only were these attacks unprovoked, it seems that the guys who turned themselves in really have no reason behind the attacks. Not only were they senseless, worse yet they were heartless and I feel a direct reflection of our culture in general. (more…)

Filed under: Guest Writers, real issues

July 14, 2007

I am serene. I have full awareness of what I have chosen … If I must die, I will die. Somebody, a long time ago, did it for all of us … I never thought it would end this way. But I am ready to face the consequences. - Abdul Rahman, an Afghan convert to Christianity, quoted in AP

Am I Willing?

by Kelsey Shaw, guest writer

To think about a person having to fight for their right to go to church, believe in God, and talk about it, is strange and unfamiliar in the good ol’ U. S. of A. To add to that, the fact he is not scared to believe in something that may get him killed is mind blowing. It makes me wonder, if I were in his position, would I do the same? Would I still have a relationship with Jesus? (more…)

Filed under: Guest Writers, real quote, real devos

July 4, 2007

Note from RTF: Many of you who visit this site love to write. This is an opportunity to share your writing and get paid.

RTF isn’t associated with Chicken Soup for the Soul, but Suzie has written several stories and essays for Chicken Soup books, and would love for you to see your stories get published in this nationally-known series of books.

The Success Principles for Teens Story Call Out

The “Most Wanted Stories” List

(First Half: Chapters 1 – 14 )

Be part of our exciting new project and get your story published in our upcoming book, The Success Principles for Teens! (more…)

Filed under: Guest Writers