This month, we’re talking about causes, ways you – yes you, the teen sitting at home – can make a difference in this world. You have that power. Here’s what an RTF alumnus, Derek Hanisch, had to say:

“We all have causes that are near and dear to our heart. As a childhood cancer survivor, I want to end cancer. Every year my town hosts the Relay for Life. This is an all night event where everyone comes together to fight cancer. There is a track the people walk around. Throughout the night, there is much laughter, and much reflection. This year I was honored to give the opening speech. As you listen, I challenge you to find a cause that you’re passionate about and find a way to support it. That may involve speaking out on the cause, or donating your time or money towards it. Either way, you can make a difference.”

Check out Derek’s speech:

What causes are you passionate about? What do you do to make a difference?

By RTF Contributor Derek Hanisch

I looked in the mirror and smiled. With a little imagination I looked as if I belonged at Hogwarts. (more…)

By Guest Writer Lydia Rule Collins

There I was, praying to God about the day. “Dear God…” Ok, I thought, I sound under control. “Please help me to manage my temper and give me wisdom so I can handle myself better…”

I suddenly stopped praying. I was trying so hard to keep it all together, when what I really needed to do was let go. It was time to be real. I broke down, cried, and told God how I really felt: I was angry, hurt, and upset. (more…)

by Guest Writer Sarah Rupp

Enemy. When I think of that word, I tend to think of terrorists, murderers, rapists, and thieves. But the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as, “One that is antagonistic to another; one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent.”

Being a cosmetology student, I know several girls who could be classified as enemies according to that definition. And you may know several at your own school who are “mean girls.” Mean girls are enemies. (more…)

by Guest Writer Sarah Rupp

In a few weeks, I am going on a service trip to Canada with my youth group. We will be fixing up a camp and getting it ready for the campers. The week’s projects consist of digging a ditch, cleaning up the cabins and the grounds, and building docks for the lake. Now, I’m excited because I’ve never been out of the States before, but when looking at all the work to do, it’s easy to get down about it. (more…)

by Staff Writer Derek Hanisch

We were a well-oiled machine. A scoop of chicken-flavored protein. A scoop of vegetables. A scoop of soy. A scoop of rice. Weigh the bag. Seal it. And there you go: one meal packed for a starving family in a third world country.

As I was packing food with Feed My Starving Children, I risked a glance around me. Surrounding me were 600 people who had given their time to serve. It brought joy to my heart to see all of these people who had willingly become servants for a higher cause.

The 600 people in this community were not only giving up their time for a two hour shift to package food for Haiti. This was a 24 hour event. For 24 hours servants in groups of 600 were able to do something great. They were able to be the hands and feet of Christ, putting their faith into action. (more…)

Happy Retro Day! This week’s piece is a great reminder to all of us to continue pursuing excellence and honoring God in all we do. Enjoy! ~ Halee

by Catey Yuen

It all started with a very good idea. Isn’t that always how it starts? At the beginning of the school year, I told God, “I’m really excited about school this year. I want to learn everything you have to teach me.”

He took me seriously. (more…)

Happy Retro Day and congratulations to all of you who are graduating (or have graduated) this year! For those of you who have chosen to continue your education, this week’s article has some great tips for you. Enjoy! ~ Halee

by Maddee Schrader

Seniors: pay attention. Most of you have a month until that glorious day when you’ll fling off graduation caps. By now you’ve probably made plans about college. As summer sets in, invading your mind with thoughts of sand and sun, it tends to overwhelm those university-related musings. After all, it’s the last summer. Next year you’ll be worrying about dorm rooms and fall schedules.

That’s okay – enjoy summer. Take a trip with your family. Relax. Remember to slather on that 30+ SPF sunscreen. But don’t forget that your life is changing in a few months. You might consider setting aside a day each month to check on college-related stuff. There are a few issues you should check on. (more…)