by RTF Staff Writer Jamin Goecker

In case you haven’t noticed, guys and girls are different.

I’m sure you’re thinking, No! Really? What gave you that idea?

The truth of the matter is, God made us different for a reason. He didn’t make man and woman back in Eden and say, “Oh my. What have I done? These are completely different!” (more…)

We decided to suspend Retro Day this week in favor of this interview because making you wait an extra day just seemed mean. (Don’t worry, Retro Day will resume next week.)

By RTF Media Editor Jamin Goecker

JG: What went through your head when you heard that your music was becoming so successful?

CM: “Nunh unh… For real?!…Who says?” (more…)

By RTF Media Editor Jamin Goecker

Chris McClarney’s first CD, Introducing Chris McClarney, is coming out this January — but he is not new to having his music appreciated. With absolutely no marketing dollars behind him, his songs found their way onto the iTunes charts and have touched the hearts of Christians around the world.

Jamin Goecker: Chris, when did you develop an interest in music?

Chris McClarney: I have been singing for as long as I can remember. We had a piano at the house and I was playing as soon as I could reach the keys.

Sometime around 13-14 years old I decided that guitar would be the better instrument for impressing the ladies, and mostly due to its portability (you can’t exactly carry a baby grand in your trunk), guitar became my primary means of making music. (more…)

by RTF Staff Writer Jamin Goecker

How many times do you think you read passages in the Bible without applying it to yourself? It happens to me more than I’d like to admit, which leads me to make a confession: when I talk to people, I don’t concentrate enough on what God wants to have my mind set on.

Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Full of grace? I thought. What does that mean? (more…)

Happy retro day! This week I found a devo that has some great thoughts about friendship. It will definitely make you appreciate your friends. Enjoy! ~Halee

by RTF Staff Writer Jamin Goecker

Do you have a powerful friendship? Can you rate it by how many texts you get ending with LOL? What can be expected from a strong friendship anyway?

Writers Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were friends throughout their lives. They critiqued each other’s works which later became known as The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia.

William Wilberforce and William Pitt helped end the slave trade in the British Empire.

Jonathon, son of the first king of Israel, and his armor bearer took on a detachment of enemies. The two men drove the Philistines back and sent terror through the enemy’s army (1 Samuel 14:1-23). (more…)

by RTF Staff Writer Jamin Goecker

Perseverance is something all of us will need at some time or another. When I think about perseverance, I think about my family when they moved to Japan from Texas last summer.

I come from an Air Force family so we’re used to moving around a lot, but last summer was a move like none other.

First off, my older brother and I weren’t going with them. That was hard for all of us, but even without my older brother and me going, my mom and dad had to transport 5 kids across the country.

After all our stuff was gone, my family’s official orders were delayed in getting to them, which meant that they were stuck for a couple weeks. I won’t lie, though, that’s one delay I enjoyed.

The day finally came for them to head across the country, however, and we said our goodbyes. My brother and I planned on driving out to see them off in Washington State before they left the country, but it was still hard to say goodbye. (more…)

Happy Retro Day! This week I decided to re-introduce some awesome fiction based on a powerful true story (you can find the true story in Matthew 14:22-33). Enjoy! ~Halee

by RTF Staff Writer Jamin Goecker

Peter lifted his eyes from his oar to see how the boat faired in the lashing wind. The disciples heaved at their oars as the sails overhead creaked and threatened to tear.

Peter couldn’t see John as water washed over him.

“John!” Peter abandoned his oar and leapt across the vessel.

The ship lurched and threw Peter to the deck. His head cracked against the bottom of the boat. His vision blurred, and the wind and groans of the men sounded far away.

“Peter!” John said over the gale, “Get control of your oar, for Jehovah’s sake! I thought you said you were a fisherman.” (more…)

by RTF Staff Writer Jamin Goecker

Last month about 1900 students from local high schools and youth groups listened to fellow students give their testimonies and challenge them to live for Christ at an event known as Fields of Faith. About 200 teens accepted Jesus as their Savior, 200 rededicated their lives, and 100 requested prayer.

Sally Higgins, 18, is a senior in high school, and she shared her testimony in front of everyone who came. (more…)