Meaning of "X"mas

Only one week left till Xmas!!  Now before everyone jumps on me for removing Christ from Christmas let me explain about Xmas.  In Greek the first letter of Christ is X(chi).  It has been used in past centuries as a shorter way of writing Christ in words such as Xian (Christian), Xianity (Christianity) and Xmas(Christmas).  Also like other abbreviations it is correctly pronounced as if it were written out in full, Christmas not exmas.  So next time you hear someone go off about how Xmas is taking the Christ out of Christmas, politely correct them on the proper usage and pronunciation of Xmas.

Here are the websites i used as reference for this post.  I really sugest you read through the first one.  It includes some stuff i chose to leave out of this post.  Such as some reasons people used Xmas instead of Christmas and other interesting stuff.
The Origin of "Xmas"
http://www.answers.com/topic/xmas

We would love to hear what your doing for Christmas this year!!  Leave us a comment on your holiday plans or if you have anything to say about this post.  Or you can send us an email at Faithblog.ej@gmail.com
Have a very merry Xmas!!!
~Tickledpink1994~

Prayer -- My thoughts on PrayerMarket . com

This is in response to a comment we received:

 

"John Wilson said...

Hey FaithBlog, my name is John. I read a lot of blogs on religion and prayer and I've i feel like I've ended up here once before. I'd love to hear your thoughts about this prayer exchange website PrayerMarket.com I thought it was an interesting idea and would be curious to hear what you (or other Christians) think about it I'll check back here in the next day or two, thanks & God bless John W."

I believe prayer is the most powerful tool available to Christians.  It has been proven time and time again (scientific evidence for answered prayer.) to help those who need it.  Because of this i think prayer requests are wonderful and we have our own section for them on our devotionals page.  But also i dont think prayer cannot be "bought".  Read the 2006 American Heart Journal study on the page linked to above.  I have a few other problems with PrayerMarket.  First as mentioned above no one else can write your prayer for you. i qoute from PrayerMarket "Write down what you'd like readers to say"  Think of prayer as a conversation with a friend.  You dont ask them to do stuff by reading something someone else wrote do you?  You'll put it in your own words.  While writing what you want people to say is not required by PrayerMarket it still shows a lot about the page.  Again prayer can not be bought.  You should NEVER EVER have to pay someone to pray for you!  Never!  The amount of things that stick out to me on this page as 'wrong' are to many for me to give a detailed explanation for each.  so here is a general list if you would like me to explain a certain thing leave a comment.

1. Yet again prayer can not be bought
2. The prayers must be recorded
3. Prayers can be 'pre-written'
4. "Recordings can be easily shared" over various social media

ok so maybe the list isnt that long.  but heres my last reason that i dont think the page is "authenticly" Christian:  It makes me uncomfortable.  Some of you may be laughing of rolling your eyes but seriously there is a reason most things make us uncomfortable.  GOD gives us this feeling to keep us safe.  peer presure often makes us uncomfortable, theres a reason for that.  same way with our faith.  This doesnt always mean theres something wrong but it does mean you should do some reasearch.

All in all i think this page is a "fraud".  I agree that it is a good idea.  We need places to share our prayer requests.  But i dont think this is the right way to do it.  I know ive said it a hundred times but prayer can not be bought.  Remember the story of Jesus and the moneychangers in the temple?  Read Mark 11:15- 19.  I want you to pay special attention to verse 17.  This verse really sums up my thoughts on PrayerMarket.

If you do have prayer requests here are some places to check out:
     Air1 prayer requests
     Klove prayer requests
also you can check out the prayer request section on our devotionals page.

these are just my thoughts on PrayerMarket.  I encourage you to research it yourself.  2 Corinthians 11:14 "Satan can change himself into an angel of light".  Just because it has a Christian name doesnt mean its right.  remember dont judge a book by its cover.  Satan likes to bind stuff in beautiful coverings.
love yall
~tickledpink~

Woman of Strength

yet again something i have read not something i wrote myself . . . unfortunately i don't know who wrote this.  Anyways here you go:

WOMEN OF STRENGTH

A strong woman works out everyday

to keep her body in shape . . .

but a woman of strength kneels in prayer

to keep her soul in shape . . . 

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything . . . 

but a woman of strength shows courage

in the midst of her fear . . .

A strong woman won't let

anyone get the best of her . . .

but a woman of strength gives

the best of herself everyone . . . 

A strong woman makes mistakes 

and avoids the same in the future . . .

a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes

can also be GOD's blessings and captilizes on them . . . 

A strong woman walks sure footedly . .  .

but a woman of strength knows GOD

will catch her when she falls . . .

A strong woman wears the look

of confidence on her face . . . 

but a woman of strength wears grace . . .

A strong woman has faith

that she is is strong enough for the journey . . .

but a woman of strength has faith

that it is during the journey

that she will become strong . . .

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

many of us may strive to be a woman of strength by becoming a strong woman.  But it is by becoming a woman of strength that we become a strong woman.  Same goes for the guys . . . it is only when we give everything we have to GOD that we have anything.  

I still need someone to help me post!  if your interested email me at  faithblog.ej@gmail.com !

love yall and thanks for reading the blog,

~tickledpink~

Why Go To Church?

i got this in an email recently thought i would share it with yall:

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday... "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 203,000 sermons.  But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them.  So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor.

 It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" 

remember it is just as important to keep spiritually in shape as it is to keep physically in shape.

love yall and ill be finishing up the Renewed Strength post this week

Renewed Strength

My favorite verse in the whole bible is probably Isaiah 40:28-31.  to me this one section sums up all of the Bible. Its covers the creation "The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth", the fall of man "And the young men shall utterly fall", and finally the redemption "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength".  I would like to take each part of this verse and tell you what it means to me.  Everyday this week i will leave a comment on this post explaining my view on each part of the verse.  i would love to hear what yall think as well.  again don't be afraid to use the Anonymous name tag.

Hope you had a good Halloween.
love yall,
~Tickledpink~

Define: Faith

The very first thing i ever posted on this blog was "What is Faith".  I am now visiting this topic again.  Recently i have really been struggling with my faith.  Im just having a hard time finding GOD in my life and figuring out what what HE wants for me.  I know, from hearing others who are older and more experienced than i, that all Christians go through this at various times in their life.  That is why i am posting this, for anyone else who is trying to sort out their faith.

The Websters dictionary that we have at our house defines faith as "trust, confidence | complete acceptance of a truth which can not be demonstrated or proved by the process of logical thought".
The motto for this blog is Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is being sure of what we hope for.. and certain of what we do not see."

Faith is trusting GOD even when you can't see around the corner.  When your in the middle of life's maze, and you know that the exit is the other direction from where your going, faith is believing that GOD will get you there safe and sound.  Faith is holding on to GOD even when you don't have the strength to. 


What do you think faith is?  How do you find it when Satan is tossing you around like a hacky-sack?  How do you keep a hold of it through life's toughest times?  let us know what you think.


I don't have much more to say on this topic.  If you have something to add please feel free to leave a comment.  I know that a lot of us are scared or embarrassed to leave comments, but, lucky for you, there is this handy little Anonymous name tag that you can use so that no one will ever know its you!


Love yall
later

Prayer Request!!!

I ask all of you who read this blog to pray for a friend of mine who is going through a very tough time.  Her parents have gotten divorced.  A family member has died.  And all through this satan has not let up on her.  He has attacked her with all hes got.  I ask that you would pray for her to persevere through these times,  That you would ask GOD to be with her and show HIS presence unto her.

thank you all so very, very much!!
your sister in CHRIST

Books of the Bible

This is a song by ApologetiX about the best book EVER!!!

Follow along in the Bible
Follow along in the Bible
You'll never read any book that is better
Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
Joshua, Judges and Ruth
and 1 and 2 Samuel and Kings and Chronicles
Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther
And then Job, Psalms and Proverbs,
Ecclesiastes,
then Song of Solomon, Song of Solomon
Then Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Uh-huh
Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea
Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk
Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah
and after this is Malachi
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Acts (of the Apostles) and Romans,
1, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians
Philippians, Colossians, 1, 2 Thessalonians and 1, 2 Timothy
Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1, 2 Peter, 1, 2, 3 John, Jude, Revelation
That's the Bible
I like Bibles
Try my Bible
Bye-bye Bible

I would post the music but I cant figure out how.

Beyond Belief

GOD does not conform to who we think HE is. HE is who HE is. We can not think HIM any different. HE is the great I AM.

I have recently been struggling with my faith. Just one of those times when you don't understand anything and feel inadequate. I've been reading Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. the last few chapters talk about seeking GOD instead of who you want HIM to make you into. In other words seek GOD first THEN HE will change you. I was thinking about that tonight when i realized that i don't know who GOD is. I have been fitting HIM into a mold. Making HIM who i want HIM to be or think HE is. Then it occurred to me . . . does it matter what i think HE is?

GOD is a real and tangible being. HE is not a figment of our imagination. It sounds simple yet i find it hard to grasp. You see HE is who HE is. HE does not change. HE is real. Just because i think someone is some particular way does not make them so. I can understand this with other people but with GOD i find it hard.

In reality GOD is more real than anything we know. Yet for me HE is often , no, HE is, simply a story book character. HE is no different than the Greek gods. Of course i don't believe the Greek gods exist while i do believe GOD does. But for me it ends there, believing HE exists. Yet i am constantly told that there is more. That HE is more than just a belief.

I guess that is what is really meant by finding GOD. To go beyond belief.

I love you all may GOD bless through this week and may you go beyond belief to find a real and tangible GOD.

Verses

Romans 10:9 ⁹That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. This is probably my favorite verse. I really couldn't think of anything to post but here is another verse. <sup>Job 40:15-24

15</sup>Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.
¹⁶Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly.
¹⁷He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.
¹⁸His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron.
¹⁹He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him.
²⁰Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play.
²¹He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens.
²²The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about.
²³Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth.
²⁴He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares.

Job 41:1-10

¹Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down?
²Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?
³Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?
⁴Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?
⁵Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens?
⁶Shall the companions make a banquet of him? shall they part him among the merchants?
⁷Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish spears?
⁸Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more.
⁹Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?
¹⁰None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me?

Prosperity of the Wicked

Sorry about not posting yesterday i sorta came up blank with what to write about.

Really i haven't anything to write about today either but i do have a favorite verse i would like to share.

Psalm 73

¹Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

²But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

³For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

⁴For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.

⁵They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

⁶Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

⁷Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

⁸They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

⁹They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

. . .

¹²Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

. . .

¹⁶When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

¹⁷Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

¹⁸Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

¹⁹How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

²⁰As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

²¹Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

²²So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

²³Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.

²⁴Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

²⁵Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

²⁶My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

²⁷For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.

²⁸But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Remember this next time temptation comes along. Next time you wonder why you try to do right, remember this verse. Next time you ask why the wicked prosper and not you, remember this verse.
may GOD bless you today in all your endeavors
love yall

Recent Updates

I am sorry to say that Erryka will not be able to post this year. But in replacement my brother has agreed to post. We will still be posting every Sunday. We are also looking for others who would like to post on Faithblog. If you would like to post please email us at Faithblog.ej@gmail.com

Love yall

being a leader

I got back from boy scout camp a few days ago and one of the big things that they talked about was being a good leader and for me that's a big thing. so what is being a leader? Well one of my ideas is a shepherd why? Because a shepherd protects his flock(flock could mean family, friends, or anything else under the sun) think to Jesus not only was he willing to protect his flock but he also was willing to give his life up for them! Another idea of a leader is on who is willing to lead and yet follow.
A good leader follows those under him to learn while yes he leads he still follows. also a good leader does not make someone else do what he can't do or is not willing to do himself. One of the last things is a good leader is a strong Christian who asks God for help, a good leader is always willing to learn from God and his learns from his mistakes. So pray to God for guidance. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep. John 10:11.

Hi

Hi

To Trust

What does it mean to trust?
Trust is defined by Webster's Dictionary as

Confidence; a reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship or other sound principle of another person.


It means to have faith in someone.
It means to believe them even when everything else says not to.
It means that you would let them take the lead and you will follow without question or fear.

that is exactly what Proverbs 3:5&6 tells us to do

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Some times you can't see the end of the path sometimes you are afraid of where it might lead you. Other times it may be a steep path filled with dangerous obstacles, one that is hard to climb. Its scary to leave the safety of the well trod paths -- the ways which everyone uses -- where you never have to fear being alone.

Yet the verse starts with trust in the Lord. Not trust in yourself, not trust in the world, not trust in the paths, not trust in the known, but trust in the LORD.

after a while you'll realize He knows what He's doing.These paths aren't so unused after all.  You're not the only one walking them. there are plenty of other people out there who are using them. you wont be alone because Gods walking them with you. He's been on these paths before. He knows the way, He knows where they'll come out, He knows what foot holds to use and the best route up. He knows that at the other end is a place like you've never imagined. But only He knows the way to them. You have to TRUST that He will guide to the end through the twisting paths and up the steep mountain side.

WILL YOU TRUST THE LORD?

Wordy Weapons

And take the Helmet of Salvation
and the Sword of the Spirit
which is the word of God; Ephesians 6:17

When Satan attacks are you just going to stand there and let him beat up on you? Will you give in to the temptation? Or will you protect yourself? Will you fight back? Ephesians 6:10-17 tells us how to protect ourselves from Satan. Paul lists five different pieces of armor that we need to equip when dealing with Satan. But eventually that armor will wear down. If we just let Satan attack us then even if we are protected he will eventually get through. If we want to survive through the war then we have to fight. The last thing on Paul's list of equipment is the Sword of the Spirit. With this we are able to beat Satan back and maybe (just maybe) get a few seconds of rest. What is the Sword of the Spirit? It is the word of God. We all know that words can hurt, so why not turn the tables on Satan. When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness all Jesus used to beat him back was scripture. When we quote scripture we are telling Satan, "sorry to disappoint you but God says that you're wrong." Its like taking a sword and giving Satan a walloping. That is one reason it is so important to memorize scripture. Satan won't wait till we have our Bibles handy to attack. Hes going to hit us when we don't have Gods word handy, when he thinks we're unequipped. If we have memorized scripture then were ready anytime and anywhere.

On the devotionals and Challenges page im going to start posting a Monthly Verse. Even if you already know a lot of scripture, it never hurts to learn more. My challenge this week to all of us is to equip Gods word to our hearts that we might be ready when Satan attacks.
Love yall

Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God,
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13

Breakfast

Dear LORD, Please Bless this food that it may nourish our mind, body, and soul that we may be grater witnesses to YOUR glory. Amen.
Hunger. We all hunger for food. Physical food like bacon and eggs satisfies our stomach. Without eating everyday we would die. Our bodies can not survive without food. The thing is you can't just eat once and then go on with your life. You have to eat daily. To be strong and healthy you need to eat multiple times a day. And junk food doesn't work. You can't survive off of chocolate bars. You need to eat food that will strengthen your body.
Hunger. We all hunger for food. Physical food like bacon and eggs satisfies our stomach. But we need more than just physical food. We also need spiritual food. If we do not feed ourselves daily from GOD's word we will die. You need to feed yourself spiritually as often as you feed yourself physically. Its something we all need to work on. Reading our Bibles once a day isn't enough. We should constantly feed ourselves with JESUS.
But the Bible is just the main course. Devotionals, Worship, Christian Books (see side panel), and Encouraging Friends 'n family are also important to our spiritual health. Consider them the side dishes or desert. To get our "Daily Serving" of GOD we need to incorporate all the "dishes". Remember just like we can't survive off physical junk food neither can we survive off of spiritual "junk food". Its important that we watch what we put into our hearts. Junk food isn't always bad for you. You just have to make sure it doesn't distract you from the main dish.
We all need to make sure that were eating plenty of spiritual food. Get with some friends and check yourself on your Spiritual intake.
Love yall

Blessed are they
which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:
for they shall be filled.

Summer

whew! I dont know about yall , but my summer is FlYiNg by like crazy. Im starting school in a short 3 1/2 weeks. I had a whole list of things i wanted to ( fully ) accomplish. But it just hasnt quite happened that way. One of my goals was to read every night for 10 minutes in the bible, and to journal one page every night. I have found that I really like to journal - its a good place for thoughts that you would rather nobody else knew, or just to go over what happened during the day without boring anyone except yourself. Another was to start, and hopefully get a big chunk out of my drivers ed done. I have accomplished the first level on the internet ( out of 7 ) and I now need to take my permit test, so I have a long way to go. I would rather take driving slower anyway, I dont feel nervous about driving here in small town USA, but I dont want to drive in the "city" :D. Usually I make a post and try to make a point to it, but I started to ask what the point of this blog is anyway?? I recently went to visit my Grandma, and was encouraged to hear that she does like to read what I write, and she likes how it comes to a point. I was happy to hear this, because improving this blog was one of my summer "projects". So, I suppose my point today is never underestimate how much your words mean to someone. You are either constantly building someone up, or tearing them down. Its your choice, your words are not dictated by anyone but yourself. Make a point to build people up today!

James 1:19

James 1:19
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

In HIS image

I will praise YOU, for i am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Psalm 139:14

GOD has made each one of us in HIS own image (Gen. 1:27). HE made us how HE wanted us. We are each beautiful. Everything that defines us as who we are was designed by GOD. HE made blondes for a reason. HE made short people for a reason. HE made extroverts and introverts all for a reason. Each one of us plays a role in HIS plan and we are specifically designed for that role. If we were any different we not be able to do the job HE has planned for us. You may be afraid to talk, don't worry, GOD needs someone to listen. You might never be quiet, don't worry, GOD needs someone to speak out for HIM. You may not be able to stand still, don't worry, GOD needs someone to spread the word. You might be afraid of large groups of people, don't worry, GOD needs someone to talk to individuals. You see GOD has a job for each and everyone of us, and HE created us just right to do that job. So praise the LORD for you are fearfully and wonderfully made!!

Talents

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

GOD has given each one of us special talents. These may range from being a pro baseball player to being able to listen politely to your friends. Many people though don't recognize their talents. They think that since they cant sing or dance or play sports that GOD didn't give them any talents. This isn't true. GOD gave each of us talents. Some maybe more than others but at least a little bit to all. Some of the most worthwhile talents are the ones that aren't widely recognized. A good listener, a patient person, and an excited optimist are all example of big talents in little packages. Others of us are afraid to use our talents. We just let them sit there never trying to improve what we've got. If your talented at something it should be super easy right? Just cause GOD gave you a talent for something doesn't mean you're automatically the best at it. If GOD gave you a talent for listening that doesn't mean that you might not sometimes get tired of hearing people talk. Another thing we do is keep our talents to ourselves instead of giving them to GOD. We can not use our talents to their fullest if we keep a hold of them. We have to give them up to GOD. HE will do things with them that we did not even think possible. Just like Erryka said last week, sometimes what HE does with them might not make sense right then, but one day we will see that HE had a plan.

What talents did GOD give you? Will you let GOD use them for HIS glory? We'd love to hear from you so feel free to leave a comment.
Love yall

Prayer

Since I havent posted in forever I hope this post means more to those of you who read it. My personal story of prayer has been over the years I have prayed at meal times and bed like my parents have always taught me. It is habit, habit is good to a certain extent but dont let habit override the reason you pray. Prayer should be talking to God, and God talking to you. Not literally of course. I have never met anyone who has personally heard Gods voice as we think a voice is. But He does answer. Sometimes no , sometimes wait, sometimes yes. So on with my personal experience with prayer is back to habit. And then my parents announced about 5 years ago that we were about to move. I prayed long and hard - I didnt want to move again and I did get mad at God for not sweeping in and fixing everything. But now that I look over my life Im glad I dont still live where I did. Yes I miss my friends, sports, etc but I can see some sense in Gods decision now that my head is clear.

So, about a year ago I started praying really hard for something to happen ( which I will keep a secret so as to not embarrass this person ) but I prayed really hard in January through about March for this. When it didnt happen right away I did what I had always done, kinda got mad cause I thought God said no. I didnt think much about it after that but I still really wanted this really bad. Then in August what I had prayed for sorta came, but my head was so full of it i didnt even see it. I only looked back about a month ago and was speechless to see that God did answer my prayer, just not as fast as I wanted it . And once again now that my head is clear I understand why I didnt get what I wanted when I asked for it.

Sweet Dreams

Surrendering our dreams to GOD is probably the hardest thing to do. They are our dreams right? Not GODs. Since it is my dream i want to control what happens. GOD does have a tendency to not do things my way. The problem is we might can control the dream but we can't control the world. GOD can. The world will throw things at us that may rip our dreams to shreds and we cant do anything about it. GOD can. Our dreams may turn to nightmares right before our eyes and we can do nothing to stop it. GOD can. If we hand our dreams over to GOD well... HE can.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge HIM,
and HE shall direct your paths.

and

Proverbs 20:24
A mans steps are of the LORD;
How then can a man understand his own way?

Intimate Worship

What more exciting thing is there than to worship our GOD?! To lift our praise to HIM? Its magnificent!! Why is it then that at church on Sunday i only see a handful of people really worship? I don't mean you have to be all dancing in the isles but really HE created us, HE loves us!! GOD deserves more than a halfhearted worship!! When i worship GOD i forget that I'm in church with a bunch of people; its just HIM and me! This happens when you worship HIM from your heart. If you will put aside all your fears and worries for a few seconds and really tell HIM you love HIM then you'll forget about everything else. Why? Because then you will feel an amazing thing!! You see GOD is there when we go to church. Sometimes though we overlook HIM. But once you find HIM you will never want to leave. There is a song called I Could Sing Of YOUR Love Forever if you will begin to sing then you will want to sing forever.

Today i challenge you that when you get church this morning or Wednesday or whenever you go next that you will sit in the very back where you don't have to worry about people seeing you (if you want go ahead and sit in the front it doesn't matter its just easier in the back) and for one minute lift your hands and sing to GOD! HE is there and HE will hear your praise!
Good luck and i love yall

Over the mountains and the sea
Your river runs with love for me
And I will open up my heart
And let the Healer set me free

I’m happy to be in the truth
And I will daily lift my hands
For I will always sing of when Your love came down

I could sing of your love forever
I could sing of your love forever
I could sing of your love forever
I could sing of your love forever

Oh I feel like dancing
It’s foolishness I know
But when the world has seen the Light
They will dance with joy like we’re dancing now

Scripture Memorization

Dont be turned off by the title of this post. Lately, I have been very disappointed when people have started talking about a subject, and I know its in the Bible, but i dont remember where. School, and songs are always a good thing to learn and memorize, but think how precious the Scriptures should be to us as Christians. It is what we base our faith on, what we hope and believe in. Because we have the Scriptures we have information about Jesus, early Christians, and practical life proverbs, however do we really take time to read it. Yes, some people now the lyrics to the top 20 songs in on itunes but they dont even pick up their bible!. Some people even read it, but dont really pay attention to it. Yes , im talking to those of us "me included" that are reading with our ipods on, or while we are talking to someone, texting, etc just so we can "get it done for the day" and check it off our what i should do list. So, I say start with Proverbs, these are some of the best lessons you will ever learn. Read one chapter a day, it should take less than five minutes. If you dont have five minutes, read one verse, you can not honestly tell me you dont have 20 seconds now can you? Jot down passages that are helpful and memorize them. You never now when you will need them.

Doubting Thomas

So im having a hard time deciding what to talk about today. There are a lot of things on my mind right now. I want to talk about daily devotion, relation vs. religion, and worship. When just doing one subject i already write a book i cant imagine writing about three! But im not sure which one i should do. Today at my church was youth sunday. on youth sunday all us youth get to lead the service. One of the guys who spoke talked about doubting Thomas. He asked us if we ever doubt GOD, and told us that we need to communicate those doubts to HIM. Would Thomas have ever believed it was really the LORD if he had not voiced his doubts?

today i challenge you to voice your doubts to our SAVIOR.
love yall got to go mow a lawn

E-Mail

hey just wanted to let everyone know that faithblog now has an email account
if you have something you would like us to post on our blog let us know at

faithblog.ej@gmail.com

we will check the email at least weekly
love to all my sisters in faith!

JESUS_freak

Click on the picture to see the full size image

Whats the point?

2 posts ago i wrote about a book called "To Save A Life" . One statement sticks alot tho.

Whats the point of all THIS if it isnt going to change you. The boy says that after he goes to a youth group and they are mainly just playing around , having a good time. Just 3 weeks before was the last time his friend walked through the doors, and the next day committed suicide. Now, get me right, im not at all saying church should be totally serious/no fun ever. But, i think sometimes we get way caught up with our "church group" or what we are doing and forget the whole reason were there. but seriously, what is the point of all this if it isnt going to change you. you leave the doors of the church, and immediately pull out your cell phone, computer, ipod etc. and it throws all that church stuff out the window. Anymore, being a Christian doesnt necessarily mean anything to me- Just because people use it so loosely. Even surveys have been conducted showing that 75% of America says they are Christians???? what??? who actually is living it out , really. I would more think that maybe 10% are really Christians. What does that say about us! people are obviously in churches. But , are they really saved.? So, i ask again. What is the point of all THIS if it isnt going to change YOU?

Anouncements

Just a couple of things i want to say

first i would like to thank those who have commented on our posts that's the whole point of this blog! so thank you! Second i would like to make sure everyone understands what Faithblog is about and the few rules we do have. Our goal with this blog is to create a place where we can openly and truthfully talk about our faith and anything else that we feel uncomfortable saying to other people. I would like to point out that when you comment (which i hope you will) there is an option to remain anonymous please feel free to make use of this. Also Erryka and i do not know everything so when we ask a question we probably do not know the answer that's why we ask them so we would appreciate your comments and thoughts. Now on to our long list of rules 1. All comments must be "mother appropriate" so if your mom wont let you say it then don't post it (a note on this rule when we say mother we refer to the strictest of moms so keep your comments clean!) 2. there's only one rule so follow it!! Like i said its a long list . As of the moment anyone who visits can comment we would like to keep it this way so if you wouldn't mind following our long list of rules we would really appreciate it!! There's one last thing i would like to say regarding our rules list. This blog is currently GIRLS ONLY but in hopes of more comments Erryka and i were thinking of opening it up to guys. But before we do this we want your opinions. So if you wouldn't mind leaving your vote through a comment please do.

So i think that's everything Ive got to say
thanks for reading Faithblog and please feel free to leave a comment!
love to all my sisters in faith
later

I Love Salt

"You are the salt of the earth;but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men." Matt. 5:13

How much salt does it take to flavor something? Very little right? How much love does it take to improve someones day? A smile, a hug, a pair of ears? last week Erryka challenged you to take your eyes off yourself and look at other peoples needs. This week i challenge you to act on that. Now that you see what other people need show them that you not only see it but you care about it. Remember the formula for J.O.Y.?

I also challenge us to hold each other responsible to these challenges. I havent held through a single one yet!! which is sad since im the one posting them!! So find someone who will remind you and remind you and remind you to go out there and LOVE!!!

Love ya and happy belated easter!!!

To Save A Life

Recently I have been more keenly aware of pressure coming from all areas of life. I have read the book , To Save A Life, and heard the song How to Save A Life by the Fray. But I have only just now understood it. I guess I knew it was there, but I really didn't understand what all of it was, or that stuff was all connected. Teens are so pressured. Parents and friends only know the part of it, and me and Jacqueline probably only deal with a fraction of it just because we are homeschooled and therefore are not gone all day to a school. But it's very real. Music, friends, drugs, school, church, activities, photos, electronics, computers, cell phones, internet, movies, all these things are pounding teenagers. Mostly for the bad. Im not saying that all those things are bad, but so many times we walk around like zoombies, cause we stayed up till 3 in the morning on what? the internet, cell phones, friends, listening to music, doing homework cause our life is so chaotic with sports and school that thats the only time to do it. When you hear a song, and think the beat is cool, isnt the first thing to do is just go buy it? Look around though, there are people suffering all around you, and you and I are so caught up in our own little world, that we dont even look at somebody who is dying on the inside. I encourage you to think more about what other people are dealing with this week, you never know - maybe this week you will learn how to save a life.

J.O.Y.

If you could have anything you wanted what would that be? Why? Because it would make you happy? So you would be joyful?

Joy. What an interesting word. We all sang songs about it when we were little. you know "Ive got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart! where?"or"Ive got Joy like a fountain in my soul!". But what does Joy mean? Joy is defined as "the emotion of great happiness". hmm... so why dont we sing " Ive got the great happiness down in my heart"? When i was little one of my sunday school teachers defined joy as JESUS first, Yourself last, and Others in between!! Puts a little different perspective on those two songs then "the emotion of great happiness"!
This week I challenge you to be J.O.Y.ful!!! Forget about yourself for thirty minutes everyday and live for GOD and HIS people!!! Its amazing how we get that emotion of great happiness when we serve others!!

Love yall
Pray you all have a week filled with great happiness!!!

OOPS!!!

Whoops i was supposed to post yesterday!!! oh where did that remote go? please Excuse while i go find it real quick... Ah here we go now to rewind time ... come on remote, work!!! Well so much for that ideal...

Have you ever wished you could rewind time? Maybe because you wish you could take back something you did or maybe so you can do something you didn't. There's a song by Kris Allen called Live Like We're Dying. It really emphasizes that life is short and its fast the chorus goes

Yeah, we gotta start
Looking at the hands of the time we've been given
If this is all we got and we gotta start thinking
If every second counts on a clock that's ticking
Gotta live like we're dying

We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or to throw it all away
We gotta tell them that we love them
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we're dying

I'm reading a book at the moment called Walking on Water by Madeleine L'Engle she says

"When we lose waking up in the morning as though each day was going to be full of adventure, joys, dangers , and wake up instead to the alarm clock and the daily grind, and mutter about TGIF, we lose
the newborn quality that is so lovely in the child.”

I have often asked GOD to give me life. Now I see that HE has, it is I who have failed to grasp hold of it. I challenge you to this week live! GOD has given us all we need HE is simply waiting for us to do it!

I hope everyone has a good week
love y'all

The End

Most little kids end a paper they wrote for school with "The End" cause it seems so appropriate for them. Thank Jesus that he didn't do that! He didn't say , The end when the world is over. We have a hope in Christ Jesus that in "The End" of this world we will still live. Many of you know I am home schooled. And one thing that we do is take a bible class. This week my verse to memorize was

2 Timothy 3:1-5, and verse 12 - which says, But mark this : There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

While we as Christians, are facing the end of this world, lets not forget those who have no hope and this is it for them. I for one am excited when I see the bible fulfilled. But, I still feel bad for those who reject Christ, b/c they dont have any hope at all. If you dont know Jesus, know where you are going now. Look to the right of this blog and there are steps to lead you too Christ, and if you are saved but want to share Christ with someone else , feel free to write the steps down , and put them in your purse, or pocket.

You Are MY Witness

Yesterday a lady came up and wished me good luck on a basketball game. She didn't even know me. This morning i saw her again, I had completely forgotten about yesterday. She asked how our games went and we said we had won one. "thank the LORD!", she said, "HIS name is JESUS!"
Wow what a witnessing opportunity. We spoke probably five sentences and she was able to turn the conversation to CHRIST!
I challenge you to talk to someone today who you don't know. Ask them how they've been or offer to pray for them. They may take no notice or already know CHRIST but then again they may have know clue who HE is or they may need a reminder.

I have declared,
and have saved,
and I have shewed,
when there was no strange god among you:
therefore ye are my witnesses,
saith the LORD,
that I am God.

Let us know how things go!!
love yall

HIS NAME IS JESUS
IT IS THE SWEETEST NAME I KNOW

Fount of every blessing

So this morning i left the house and halfway to town realized that i didnt have my retainer. I figured i had left it at home so i let it be. Then i went to the department of public safety to get my permit well turns out their closed presidents day. When we got home we searched every trash can in the house for my retainer. We didnt find it. I prayed to GOD that HE would show it to us but HE didnt seem to listen (at least to the "now" part) and we leave town Wednesday. Today was turning out to be pretty bad. Then i turned on the radio and heard a song of praise (i listen to air1). It got me thinking how often i praise GOD. I mean sure every Sunday morning and Wednesday night, whenever HE does something great, or ya know a good song comes on the radio; but i never really praise HIM when things go wrong. Sure i turn to HIM for help, but i dont thank HIM when HE doesnt. Sure i tell HIM HE's great and awesome (buttering HIM up) but i dont thank HIM. I get so caught up in how i need help that i dont see the help HE does give. We were able to get me an appoitment with my orthodonist for tuesday my reatainer will be in that evening, it will only cost us $95, normally the things are in the hundreds, I now have more time to study for my driving test. When we cant see GOD provide, it just means were looking in the wrong place.

"Come thou fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,
Mount of THY redeeming love.

Sorrowing I shall be in spirit,
Till released from flesh and sin,
Yet from what I do inherit,
Here Thy praises I’ll begin;
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home."

Will You Be Left Behind?

Hey -

As many of you know I have been in bed the last few days recovering from surgery, but I have also had a lot of time to think about things. One thing that i have been very interested in lately are things happening around the world... and here in the U.S.A. what i am referring to are earthquakes and snowstorms, and other rapid changes taking place. What does the bible have to say about this? Well first and foremost before you ever listen to anyone talking about the bible or preaching first you need your bible. We as humans do make mistakes even if we are the biggest church the U.S. or have gone to seminary for 10 years or whatever. So first I want you to pick up your bible with me and search the scriptures. I am sure many of you have read the following passage in Matthew 24 I encourage you to read the whole chapter. I will throw some verses in though:

Matthew 24:4-8

Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, I am the Christ, and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

Wow, I was shocked. I mean even the small town where I live has had an earthquake. But lets keep reading.

Matthew 24 : 42

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

Are You Ready If Jesus Came Now?

Do You know without a doubt where you will go?

Will he come back for You?

Or will you be Left Behind?

If you have not accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior I beg you to do so. You never Know when he will be coming back, or if you will go to him first. No one knows when they will die. Look to your right on this blog and there are simple steps for you to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord.

Feel Free to Leave Comments :)

Ten Questions

Really think about these questions

1. Can GOD make anything wrong?
2. Is GOD perfect?
3. Are we made in HIS image?
4. What is a Christian?
5. Was JESUS real?
6. Is GOD in control?
7. Does GOD love us?
8. Why do bad things happen?
9. Can we spread the word?
10. What is faith?

we would be delighted to know what you think!

PRAYER REQUEST

Hey i have a friend who is going through a really tough time right now. Everything is starting to fall apart at once. If yall would keep her in your prayers that would be awesome.

Matthew 18:19
Again i say to you that if two of you agree on earth
concerning anything that they ask,
it will be done for them by my father in heaven.

Lies Young Women Believe

I have recently been reading a book that my mom got me. It's called Lies Young Women Believe by Nancy Leigh Demoss and Dannah Gresh. It lists the top 25 lies that mostly teenage girls believe. Among the 25 I picked out a few to tell you about. #1. is I've Never been exposed to satanic activities - the main point of this section, is that surprisingly every girl i think is exposed to satanic activities on a DAILY basis, and about 75% Take Part in them. #2 is "Of Course I'm a Christian I........" These lies were surprising to say the least. #3. In certain situations its ok to break the law if im not hurting myself or others. This one really caught my attention because im very guilty of a few to say the least of this chapter. It talks about burning cd's ( guilty ) , exceeding the speed limit (guilty of thinking about it ) , downloading free music (guilty) and lots of other things that we usually justify our guilt by saying something like Its ok to break the law if im not hurting myself or others. The chapter really points out the lies we all believe. Next in the book, is a chapter dedicated to showing you how to stop believing those lies. And just to give you a sneak peak at my favorite part: percentages! How many young women aged 13-19 that ARE active in their youth groups have recently participated in satanic activities - 72% had looked at hororscopes , 28% had their palm read, 42% had participated in psychic-related activities, and 82% had watched supernatural and spiritual themes in movies or on tv.

I highly recommend this book for anyone. Especially for girls my age or 12-19ish range i think it is very helpful. And gives you some pratical tips to overcome the lies that young women are facing daily.

~~~E~~~

Fruitful Growth in the Faith

Second Peter 1:5-11

But also for this very reason,
Giving all diligence,
Add to your faith virtue,
To virtue knowledge,
To knowledge self-control,
To self-control perseverance,
To perseverance GODliness,
To GODliness brotherly kindness,
To brotherly kindness love.

For if these things are yours and abound,
You will be neither barren nor unfruitful
In the knowledge of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.
For he who lacks these things is shortsighted,
Even to blindness,
And has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

Therefore ,brethren, be even more diligence
To make your call and election sure,
For if you do these things you will never stumble;
For so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly
Into the everlasting kingdom
or our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.

Define: Love

Love ... what a complex word. Today love is used in many different ways. So when CHRIST tells us to love what exactly does HE mean? The dictionary has very broad terminology for the word but the Bible does not. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says

Love suffers long and is kind;
Love does not envy;
Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
does not behave rudely,
does not seek its own,
is not provoked,
thinks no evil;
does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
Bears all things, Believes all thing, hopes all things, endues all things.
Love never fails.

Today I challenge you to Love. Make a list of all the things love is and is not and how you could apply it to your life.


May Christ guide yall today
I love you all and remember LOVE NEVER FAILS