[source]

by Editor Halee Matthews

“Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” ~ Mark 9:24

When I was a kid and I read that verse, I thought it was kinda screwy. I mean, he believed, he had unbelief. Did the dude believe or not? Maybe he wanted to believe. But in that case, why say “I do believe”?

But I’ve grown to realize, like much of life, it’s not that simple. Belief isn’t a simple yes or no deal. There will always be degrees of it.

For example, I believe there are no aliens. Well, I believe that about 85%. (more…)

Dear Halee,

So I’m in high school and I have a huge crush on two amazing guys. They’re both really awesome guys and great Christians. Problem is, I don’t know which one I like more. But now, one of the guys is in a relationship with one of my friends. When I found this out, my stomach just dropped and everything around me just stopped. Does that mean I like him? I don’t know what to do.

~ Tara*

***

Hey Tara,

That’s definitely a tough situation! I can understand how frustrating that is. I think you owe it to yourself and these two guys (and the friend who is dating one of them) to be sure of your feelings before you do or say anything.

Maybe this will help clarify things a little bit. Think about these questions and see which guy comes to mind: (more…)

by Editor Halee Matthews

The future. At this point in your life, it’s probably a word you’ve heard a lot. And that’s what we’re talking about this month. We’re going to highlight some careers you may want to consider. We’re going to help you figure out what you want to do and be. Because you’ve got a lot of decisions to make. Like are you going to go to college, and if yes, what will you major in? What are you going to do after high school or college? What career will you pursue?

That’s a lot of choices for someone who may not even be able to vote yet. (more…)

by Editor Halee Matthews

Every April, I remember. I remember a day that took my life and turned it upside down. I remember a day when what I thought I wanted, who I thought I was, changed. Forever. (more…)

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…)

Yeah. We know. Christmas is less than a week away. And you’re thinking, If I don’t have all my gift-shopping done now, I’m out of luck! Didn’t we tell you we’re here for you? Um, it’s still true. Just sayin’…

So because we know that sometimes life gets crazy and you realize you forgot to buy something for your slightly crazy half-cousin Mary Sue, we’re highlighting the best charity (aka online) gifts you can give. Basically you can buy a super-useful gift for someone in poverty and send a card to Mary Sue, letting her know you donated in her honor. So not only can you knock that person off your gift list, you can help change the world. Yeah. Pretty awesome.

(more…)

Yep. We know. You’ve been eagerly anticipating Monday to see what new gifts we will suggest. It may be the first time you’ve looked forward to a Monday. =) Well, the wait is over! This week it’s time to explore the best fun gifts.

You’ve heard us talk about this one before, but we’re crazy about Funglish, $20. It’s not your average board game. It’s like Pictionary, but with words. Which is super fun for those of us whose stick figures would stump Picasso. A perfect gift for friends who like to have fun. We think this game rocks. (more…)

Yep. It’s that time. The time when people go out of their minds trying to find the perfect gifts for their friends and family. And since we care about you, we’re gonna help you out. It’s a crazy world out there and you really do not wanna wander out unprepared. Heaven forbid, in your quest for a great gift, you accidentally come between a grandma and the last toy of choice. (Seriously. It would be bad.)

Each Monday from now until Christmas we’ll be throwing out awesome gift ideas. This week we’re focusing on gifts for the artists or writers in your life. Not just because we’re artists and writers. (Okay, maybe it is. But we had to start somewhere!) (more…)