Fasting with a purpose

I have made up my mind to fast from one of my worst addictions...Facebook. This will be a 40 day fast starting tomorrow and on going until Easter. I am very excited about fasting. I did it last year too only I fasted from television with my whole family. I like to spend those 40 days spending more time with God and reading my bible more. Usually I don't have as much time with God because I'm chatting with a friend on Facebook or taking one of their useless quizes. I'm not doing this as a petition against Facebook, but as an oppurtunity to spend time away from it. I'm also hoping that I will build a better relationship with my family...since it is not going as well as I wish for it to be. Please comment and tell me what your thoughts on fasting are. I will probably have a lot more time on writing on this blog, so look for new posts. ;) God bless you guys. --Grace

Bungee Jumping or Witnessing (which is easier?)

"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." -Acts 20:22-24

Probably the biggest thing that I'm learning from the book of Acts is witnessing. Personally, I don't think I'll have any problems when witnessing. I know what to say, how to answer any questions--my only probelm is actually doing it.

I think witnessing is one of the biggest issues for Christian youth today. Growing up in Christian homes, we think we have it together. We don't drink or do drugs, we obey our parents, we go to church and youth group--we're "good little Christian kids." There's just one thing missing: sharing our faith. Most of us here aren't afraid to perform in front of people, fly a plane, or go bungee jumping...but when it comes to sharing our faith, we're at a dead halt.

I want to be like Paul, who preached courageously even if he was put in jail or flogged. In fact, he considered his life worth nothing, and the only thing that mattered to him was spreading the gospel all over the world.

We sometimes don't think so, but we, in a way, "witness" all the time. We tell our friends about a new movie, new TV show, or a new band no one's ever heard of. If Jesus is such a huge part of our lives, why should telling others about Jesus be any harder?

I understand most of us are homeschooled and don't get the same opportunities as kids who go to school and are around the unsaved everyday, but let us pray for God to give us opportunities to share our faith. If you have trouble figuring out what to say, follow GOSPEL:

God created us to be with Him.

Our sin separated us from God.

Sins cannot be removed by good deeds.

Paying the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again.

Everyone who trusts in Him alone has eternal life.

Life that's eternal means we will be with Jesus forever.

*A great website is dare2share.org, where I got the acrostic above, and you can get more witnessing ideas as well as how to witness to different types of people.

QUESTION: But let's think of some ideas of our own--how can we begin to share our faith with others? And let's try not to think of clichés or cheesy poems taken off t-shirts; let's think of real things. What are some ways we can insert God in our conversations? What are some other witnessing techniques that you've learned? Can't wait to hear your ideas!

Benefits of Being a Christian on Valentine's Day

So I felt like the spoiled girl who everybody hates because she gets everything she wants on Valentine's Day. A very sweet guy surprised me on Valentine's Day with a teddy bear and chocolates.

...my dad. :)

I was talking with some of my friends about how Valentine's Day went; most of them said something like they got a text message like "Happy Valentimes Day," "The Pizza is Dying," and "Happy Worst Day of the Year"--basically Valentine's Day was just any other day. Nobody had a big Valentine's banquet or went on a romantic date.

Probably most of us had a Valentine's Day just like that--probably most everyone in the world. There are a lot of people out in the world that don't have love--not just a boyfriend or girlfriend or spouse, but some people don't have families period. Some people don't have friends, or at least true friends. Maybe one of us felt unloved on Valentine's Day.

But I wouldn't think so, if each of us are Christians.

Despite what our situation may be--we may not have the love of our family, our friends, our "special someone"--but we have something better: the perfect love of God that will never fail us. Even if not one person on earth loved us, we are loved by God, and that love should be enough for us. And because God loves us, it is our job to show His love to those that do not have love.

So this leaves us with some big questions: True love is more than just giving gifts or just saying "I love you." What is true love? How do we truly love other people?

The Power of Prayer

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18).

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Isn't it awesome that we can always talk to God no matter where or when?And that He actually listens to every one? It still blows my mind. I used to hate it when my mom asked me to pray at mealtimes. And even when I began to understand the power of prayer I still was embarrassed when me and my family would pray over a meal at restaurants. Even now I still forget to pray. But I am so thankful to God that He listens.

One day my brother Nathaniel accidentally ate something with peanuts in it. He is very allergic to them and it caused him to go into shock. He couldn't breath. He could have easily died within the next thirty minutes. We rushed him to the hospital. I was about eleven at the time, and all I remember doing was praying the whole way there. My mom was praying too.

As we took Nathaniel into the waiting room we noticed he wasn't wheezing anymore. By the time a nurse had a look at him he was perfectly fine. God had completely healed him. This is one of the many miracles Jesus has done in my life.

Alright, I know some of you have already shared, but what are some other things Jesus has done in your life because of prayer?

TURN IT UP!!!

Scroll down to see our new music player! We've got some great songs from our favorite Christian artists like Skillet, Red (their new stuff, too!), Jeremy Camp, Superchic[k], Anberlin, and much more...a LOT more! Thanks to Justin for putting it up!