I Got This

For by YOU i can run against a troop,

By my GOD i can leap over a wall.
Psalm 18:29

There is that overwhelming sense of relief, when you are standing there shoulders slumped, thinking there is no way you can climb this obstacle, and GOD says, "Jacqueline, I got this.  Its all under control." It's like there has literally been a weight lifted off your shoulders.  You can't help but smile.  HE has it all under control!

the GOD of Love and Peace be with you,
~Tickledpink

Good Works Diet

A common mistake for people who want to lose weight is to go on a fad diet. They will eat only certain amounts of certain foods for a certain period of time. While they may quickly. Shed the pounds, afterwards they gain back even more. Why? Because they did not change their eating habits.
As Christians we often do the same thing, but instead of trying to shed the pounds we try to shed sin. We girls often think that if we look a certain way then we will be loved and accepted. Christians tend to think that if we act a certain way then we will get to heaven. Just like a fad diet, these "good work diets" leave you worse off than when you began. These "diets" blind you to your true spiritual state.
The real trick to being skinny is changing your lifestyle, so it is with being righteous. Being like JESUS will get you nowhere, instead you must be with JESUS. When you are with GOD you can not be sinning. If you were sinning you would not be able to stand in HIS presence, and it is only when we are in HIS presence that we can be truly righteous. Good works come from GOD, GOD does not come from them.
Today I challenge you to stop dieting and change your lifestyle.

GODs grace be with you,
~tickledpink

Slippery Places

The other day i saw a spider fall into our bathtub.  I got to watch as he tried to climb back up the slippery tub.  He would get about halfway up then fall back down to the bottom.  Then he would try again.  It was like putting the ittsy bittsy spider song on repeat,  he climbed up then got washed down then climbed up then got washed down, over and over again.  It was impossible for him to reach the top unless some else helped him.

The bathtub is kind of like life.  A slippery wall that we must climb up to reach the prize. And as we try to climb back up we continue to slide back down.  Just like the spider we cant do it on our own.  Its impossible.  The tub is just to slippery and we just cant find a dry route up.  But GOD wants to help.  All HE is waiting for is for us to ask.  It is a long climb back to the top of the tub and we wont avoid every slippery spot.  But GOD will help us through it.  Just because you dont seem to be going anywhere dont give up.  God may be drying up a wet spot so that you can pass through or preparing you with the tools you need to scale the sheer face of life.  If you have hit a wet spot and slipped back down don't worry, GOD has had lots of practice picking people back up.  Every one of us has slipped at sometime or another and we often time find ourselves stuck in one spot, waiting impatiently for GOD to do something.  Dont get discouraged others have been there and survived, so can you.

I love yall all dearly
May God guide you through life's hardest places
later!!
~Tickledpink~

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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.