Jemma is a brilliant young woman, with stellar grades, a small group of close friends, and an enviable summer internship. But inside, she’s a jumble of doubt and insecurity. Her faith has been shaken by the unshakeable feeling that God simply isn’t as close as her Sunday school teachers always… Read More »Faith Over Feelings: 6 Biblical Truths For When You’re Down
We spend a lot of time talking about deep topics on this blog (which is amazing, btw), but once in a while, it’s nice to take a break from the tough stuff and touch on something lighter. Like, for example, our favorite standout characters in YA novels. Who are your… Read More »Standout Characters in YA Novels: Lauren’s Picks
If you’re struggling with temptation, your best bet is to flee the situation. No joke. Even unbelievers recognize the simple power of removing triggers when breaking an addiction. An alcoholic should avoid bars and an emotional eater shouldn’t keep a stash of chocolate. But how do you resist temptation if… Read More »How to Resist Temptation: A Christian Teen’s Battle Plan
Pride = the quality or state of being proud. Also one of the seven deadly sins, right up there with greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. Proverbs 16:18 tells us “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Clearly, pride is a weed you don’t want taking… Read More »20 Awesome Things Christian Teens Can Take Pride In
Time for a little mental wellness check up. What three adjectives would you use to describe how you feel about your life right now? When I consider my life, I feel . . . Category 1: Angry, anxious, frustrated, scared, lonely, depressed, stressed, apathetic, ashamed, powerless, confused, disgusted, sad Category… Read More »Feeling Meh? Here’s How to Cultivate Joy Outside Yourself
Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, or habitual sin? Do toxic thoughts about yourself, life, and/or God live inside your brain, rent-free? Maybe you’re able to pull off an aura of nonchalance, but inside your mind, a terrific battle rages. You don’t want to be unhappy, but the mental undertow… Read More »Tell Yourself The Truth: 10 Lies Christian Teens Must Stop Believing Now
Like any longstanding group of people, Christians have their own jargon and overused phrases. Someone who comes to faith is said to be “born again.” A Christian who tells her coming-to-faith story is said to “give her testimony.” When sharing the good news of Jesus with non-believers, we urge each… Read More »The Battle’s Already Been Won . . . What Battle?
In my last post Pulpit or Stage? A Critical Look at the Criticism of Christian Fiction, I urged readers to lay off their criticism of faith-based fiction. YA Christian fiction books offer a great alternative for conscientious readers looking for clean entertainment that encourages faith (as long as you don’t… Read More »6 Red Flags to Watch For in YA Christian Fiction
