By RTF Staff Writer Stephany Mendia

In ten years there are two things I will remember about high school: The lives I touched, and the lives I wished hadn’t touched mine. (more…)

by Staff Writer Stephany Mendia

Christmas? Well it’s the most wonderful time of the year! There are chestnuts for roasting, marshmallows for toasting and Jesus’s birthday to celebrate!

I read the most interesting short story the other day, that you have probably all heard of — Jesus’s birthday being forgotten about due to Santa. If you haven’t read it, here’s the idea:

Jesus: Santa?
Santa: Yes?
Jesus: I’m sad.
Santa: Why are you sad? It’s Christmas right? It’s your birthday!
Jesus: Yeah. That’s the point
Santa: Why?
Jesus: Because whenever it’s Christmas, the kids only wait for you and not me! They only celebrate Christmas because of you! Why Santa, why not Jesus? Dec. 25 is for Jesus not for Santa.

When I read this, I started to think about the day I turned 13. Probably the worst birthday ever, and to top it all off, one of my closest guy friends never wished me happy birthday. (more…)

When I was younger going back to school was the best and worst of times. As I got older it was to be dreaded but then I hit high school and it just got old! Every year shopping for the same supplies, every year having to wait for teachers to learn my name, and every year longing for the first weekend of the school year. But it finally hit me this year… (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Stephany Mendia

If Change and I we were in a relationship, my Facebook status would be “complicated”. Isn’t that how it is for everyone? And the funny thing with God is, the closer our relationship with Him is, the more change He seems to throw our way. (more…)

by Staff Writer Stephany Mendia

Now this may sound greedy, but let’s be honest: we all want money, we all like walking around with some spending money in our pockets. But summer is for fun not work, at least in my mind it is. So I’ve come up with a solution: jobs we like to do!

In school when picking electives, teachers advise me to pick classes that relate to what I want to grow up to be and major in while in college, but I think that we should have the same attitudes about the jobs we hold. (more…)

By Staff Writer Stephany Mendia

I have a few guy friends who (I will be honest) are really good looking. They are like brothers to me, and I’ve seen them go through mood swings quicker than even I can! (more…)

by Staff Writer Stephany Mendia

I’ve got two really good friends who are currently in really wonderful relationships. I was there when they started to like their current guys, when they were in the “talking” stage, and even when one of them got asked out. And I’ll be honest — it’s exciting to help them get ready for dates, pick out presents, and hear their adorable stories.

But I think the best part has been that they’ve inspired me through their relationships. They’re both in healthy relationships and the part that gets me the most is that the boys are just right for the girls. (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Stephany Mendia

“How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!” (Psalm 133:1a, MSG)

There’s so much
My sister doesn’t know
Words I haven’t said
Feelings I don’t show

But if I had
All the nerve in the world
I’d give her these words
Forever hers to hold:

You don’t see that
You’re my biggest inspiration
That you give me big ideas
And I have for you the deepest admiration

Please listen, please understand
You’re the strongest person I know
If I could I’d give you all you wanted
In just one hand

When I look at you
All I see is beauty
And I’m forever grateful
For all the words of wisdom
From you to me

I someday hope to be like you
Sweet, smart, and talented too

I’m so glad God gave you to me
You’ve been everything a sister should
Without you I don’t know
Who I’d be…

****

Stephany (Steph) Mendia accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at age ten and has been living for Him ever since! She’s a youth worker in her church’s children’s ministry, loves kids, and has the most amazing friends and family. She attends a public high school, which has its challenges, but she loves it. She’s constantly laughing, smiling, writing, singing, and talking. You can catch up with her at her blog, Crazed About Jesus.