by Staff Writer Shannon Meiers

“Is cheating ever okay?” is one of many ethical questions which tend to be confusing and controversial.

Some would say it’s okay as long as you don’t get caught. I beg to differ. And I don’t think everybody considers how difficult it is to cheat on school work and not get caught.

I should know. I’ve tried that. And failed miserably. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Allow me to wind this tape back to an hour before “the busting.” (more…)

by Staff Writer Shannon Meiers

A friend of mine says that the day after Valentine’s Day should also be made a national holiday, Single Awareness Day, and I quite agree. When our guy friends asked us why our opinions were thus, my friend replied that on Valentine’s Day, all the dating girls get goodies from their boyfriends, and they get all lovey-dovey.

And where does that leave us single girls?

With feelings of nausea. (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Shannon Meiers

When I was seven years old, I was an only child. A lonely only child. (more…)

by Staff Writer Shannon Meiers

My heart sank. The 9 words I dreaded most in the English language had just been spoken to me: “Well, if that’s really what you want to do.”

I wondered why I was visiting this relative. And why did I have to open my big mouth and tell her that I wanted to be a missionary? Not just that I wanted to, but that I was feeling called to?

To make matters worse, another relative had already said something similar to me, and I was not feeling at all encouraged. (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Shannon Meiers

Also, I heard the voice of the Lord saying, whom shall I send, and who will go for us?

Then said I, Here I am; send me. (Isaiah 6:8, NIV)

How many of us read this verse and think; “Yes, totally! I’ll go wherever He leads me!” and then two weeks later, you’re fighting your Jonah instincts. You want to run away from what God has called you to do. Because it’s just too hard. Or so you think. (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Shannon Meiers

To My First Love,

You were always there for me.  From May to August, you let me sleep in — even when I wished for the hustle and bustle of last year. You let me write a book and you put a stop to my school subjects, forcing me to finish it on schedule.

There were times I complained that you were boring. (more…)