By RTF Staff Writer Jamin Goecker

Note from the editor: Remember to sign up for our book giveaway by leaving a comment on the previous post. The winner will be announced on Saturday.

Tears came to my eyes — not so much from pain but frustration. I dragged my foot, staring at the ankle I had just sprained on these stupid loose rocks. (more…)

by Staff Writer Jamin Goecker

There are a lot of opinions when it comes to dating, especially when it comes to how we as Christians should date. It’s hard to name all the books I could find on dating (from cheesy pick-up line books to I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris) or really add anything new to the discussion, but I’m going to throw in my two cents.

Let’s get the scary stuff out of the way right now: from my experience, dating in high school is a bad idea. Not because it’s morally wrong but because there’s just no point in getting emotionally attached to someone when you both are going to change so much after high school. Sure, I know there are high school couples that work out but the chances of that happening from my experience is like winning the lottery.

There’s a better way. (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Jamin Goeker

If you happen to be human and you’re reading this, then the chances are that you are going to relate to what I’m about to say: I have an idea of what my future spouse is going to be like. (more…)

by Staff Writer Jamin Goecker

Tim Hawkins, an outstanding Christian comedian, once said that when people say you have a servant’s heart, it means they’re calling you a pushover. There’s a job they want you to do (i.e., stacking chairs after church).

But a pushover isn’t what comes to mind when I think about Odis, someone I had the pleasure of meeting on a missions trip to Alaska. (more…)

Happy Retro Day! As you’re making plans for this Summer (can you believe it’s almost here??), I hope you take time to consider ways you can serve God with your time. That’s exactly what this devo talks about. Enjoy! ~ Halee (P.S. If you need some ideas on ways to serve this Summer, just email us. We’d love to help!)

by Staff Writer Jamin Goecker

Summer ushers in a ton of free time. It can be hard to decide what to do with all of it. Some people spend their summers partying. Others work till they resemble squirrels that have been placed inside a box and shaken around.

Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”

Sure, summer provides a great time to relax a bit or have fun with great friends. However, some people decide to use their spare time to change the world. (more…)

Happy Retro Day! I hope this devo helps you remember to rely on God for everything. Just imagine all the things He can accomplish through you! Enjoy! ~ Halee

by RTF Staff Writer Jamin Goecker

I yanked the starter on my lawnmower. The engine popped, my shoulder ached, but no life sparked within the mower. In the Texas sun, I tried everything I could to make the stubborn machine operational. Nothing worked.

Several months before, I’d been enflamed to attend a mission trip. I refused to ask people for money and opted to earn what I needed. I figured I couldn’t experience the benefits of a mission trip if I didn’t take the responsibility of paying for it. But the price tag was daunting for a guy with just a mower and weed eater; $800 plus airline tickets. (more…)

Happy Retro Day! As I was perusing the archives this week, I noticed this piece because it  has a great perspective about the future. Enjoy! ~ Halee

by RTF Staff Writer Jamin Goecker

I’m sure my eyes dilated when I saw it – a mustang for sale in a parking lot for about $4,000. The sleek exterior, down into the black interior and all the way to the dashboard looked fantastic. But my enthusiasm took a slap in the face when my dad and I read the odometer. 140K miles. The insurance would cost a lot and the mileage was about the same as a truck without being half as useful. (more…)

Happy Retro Day! If you’ve ever struggled with shyness, have no fear! This article contains some wonderful advice from someone who’s been there. I hope you find it useful and encouraging. Enjoy! ~Halee

by RTF Staff Writer Jamin Goecker

Zack listened to the guys chattering as the bus jolted down the road. He’d been around them since kindergarten, but he still hadn’t spoken to any of them. His tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth as he prepared to say something.

I’ll probably just sound weird when I talk. He slipped his headphones into his ears and pulled his hood over his eyes.

Are you like Zack? I was. (more…)