What if you were an orphan? I know what you’re thinking. Okay, Halee, I see where this is going, but I’m not exactly ready to adopt right now. I kinda need to finish high school…

Don’t worry. I’m not advocating teen parenthood! But you’re not too young to make a difference. Check out this video and then we’ll talk:

Okay, so you may not be ready to take care of a kid (even though that video might’ve made you want one. There’s time for that later.). (more…)

Happy Retro Day!! To go with our current them of “back to school”, we decided to re-post this great story from Halee about her hilarious high school debacle. Enjoy!

By RTF Editor Halee Matthews

It was a rite of passage – a mean, painful initiation. Nearly every person at my high school suffered through it at some point… except me. I managed to dodge it until the end of my junior year, when it found me in the place where the stairs lie in wait for their next victim. (more…)

Halee: Once upon a time, there were some slightly crazy editors. Okay, fine. There were some definitely crazy editors. And in the spirit of collaboration and fun, they decided to gather and create some collective craziness.

(Okay, 3 look crazy and 1 just looks scared…) (more…)

by Editor Halee Matthews

Still bored, huh? Don’t worry, I’ve got more ideas.

6. Tutor. Even though school is out, some parents are trying to help their kids work on their math skills or iron out the wrinkles in their grammar. Whatever the case, pick a subject you’re good at and make good grades in, and let families know you’re willing to do a little tutoring. Just keep it fun and interactive. Then both the kids and parents will appreciate your skills. (more…)

by Editor Halee Matthews

It’s summer (just in case you missed the blinding sun and scorching heat). And now that you’re over the “woo hoo, no school” phase, you might find yourself a little bored. (Unless you’re in summer school, in which case, you have my sympathy.)

If you find yourself staring up at the ceiling, debating how to fill your time, here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Volunteer. Great causes are always looking for people to help them out. You could go with a longer term commitment, like several weeks, or just a few days; most organizations are flexible. (more…)

Happy Retro Day! In the spirit of summer, I decided to recycle a past devo for your reading pleasure. Enjoy! ~ Halee

by Assistant Editor Halee Matthews

Let’s pretend you’re barely past your teens, dedicated to your family, and a hard-worker. You’ve been working on your father’s farm since childhood. You have one younger brother who can be a pain, but, well, he’s your brother.

One day, that brother decides he’s had enough of hard work. He hits your dad up for money and takes off. So you step up. You do extra chores and work harder to make up for your brother’s absence. It’s tough but you’re dedicated to making sure the farm runs well.

After a hard day of work in the field, you return to the house to find a party. You find out that your brother has returned so your dad decided to celebrate.

The news throws you for a loop. A party… for what? For running away and leaving you with extra work? For wasting his money and coming home only because he was starving? (more…)

By RTF Editor Halee Matthews

Submitted to the grave,

To do battle for my soul,

My Lord, my God.

Souls of the world to save,

His broken body death’s toll,

My Lord, my Saviour. (more…)

By Editor Halee Matthews

I stared at the scuff mark on my shoe.

One fabulously bright streak of white began at my toe, running along the side toward the back.

A white streak? Really? Aren’t most scuff marks black?

Just my luck. Especially since I was wearing black shoes. (more…)