xox,
Ellie:)
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
What Christmas is really about!
2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed,[b] who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.Jesus Presented at the Temple
22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant[d] depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.[e] She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.The Return to Nazareth
39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.I've learned that I love presents and the gifts under the tree. But presents and gifts don't compare to Jesus' love. He loves us so much he died for us. We went against him. We did not listen to him. We disobeyed him. But he still died for us. He gave his life for us. He is so powerful. I've learned that I don't need presents this year. I just need Jesus. He is my Savior! He is always there for me! He is my God! I love him! I hope you think the same about him too!
xox,
Ellie:)
Monday, December 16, 2013
A Different Side of Me
I know I've been kind of 'dead' for the last week. I haven't been posting any music reviews. Though I like a lot of songs, I don't feel inspired.
So I'm going to tell you guys about another side of me: my fictional writing side. Though I've admitted I write fiction before, I've never talked about it. The truth is, I plan to be an author. It's something I've dreamed about ever since I was nine or ten.
I started writing fairy tales when I was ten. They were short stories or mini novels. I thought I'd never leave my kingdom story world. I loved my stories and planned to make a career out of those. I had it all planned out. But then...
He came along.
He was one of the very first characters I imagined. A lot of stories in my head were based on movies or books I had read. There was nothing out of my actual imagination. But he was new. He was different. At first, he was this perfect character that I loved and hated to see make a mistake. It's hard to believe that now.
I wanted to keep him a secret. I decided he should be a little story world in my mind only. Only I knew him and the story. I never thought I'd bring it out in the open. With this idea, I did. He lead to my very first novel. In the end, I actually started hating. But it made me realize that I didn't have to hold it back. It was the first 'long' book I had written.
Afterwards, I began on another project with the same secret story world. I worked it in the first person. It was really great. I started a series with his best friend. I can't tell you how fun and great it was to write these books. The greatest part about it was that every book was better than the last.
No, I haven't got it published. I've only showed it to four people. Maybe I never will get it published. Though the future is uncertain, it's a blessing. I've learned to keep God the center of what I do through it. I was able to express myself in ways I can't express with talking. With these characters, Ellie and I have created a game. Every night we get in bed and stay up for a half hour at most. It's so much fun! The story is a part of me now. Someday I will fully express it, but not until I improve it more.
What's the point of this post? Well, I want you guys to know that you shouldn't hold anything back. In my experiences, it's good to keep things in your head, but you never know what will happen if you pick up a pen and write. It doesn't have to be a writing thing. The point is don't hold back an idea you have, even if its crazy. You'll never know what it can turn it into. That story I kept in my head is so much different now, in a good way.
So I'm going to tell you guys about another side of me: my fictional writing side. Though I've admitted I write fiction before, I've never talked about it. The truth is, I plan to be an author. It's something I've dreamed about ever since I was nine or ten.
I started writing fairy tales when I was ten. They were short stories or mini novels. I thought I'd never leave my kingdom story world. I loved my stories and planned to make a career out of those. I had it all planned out. But then...
He came along.
He was one of the very first characters I imagined. A lot of stories in my head were based on movies or books I had read. There was nothing out of my actual imagination. But he was new. He was different. At first, he was this perfect character that I loved and hated to see make a mistake. It's hard to believe that now.
I wanted to keep him a secret. I decided he should be a little story world in my mind only. Only I knew him and the story. I never thought I'd bring it out in the open. With this idea, I did. He lead to my very first novel. In the end, I actually started hating. But it made me realize that I didn't have to hold it back. It was the first 'long' book I had written.
Afterwards, I began on another project with the same secret story world. I worked it in the first person. It was really great. I started a series with his best friend. I can't tell you how fun and great it was to write these books. The greatest part about it was that every book was better than the last.
No, I haven't got it published. I've only showed it to four people. Maybe I never will get it published. Though the future is uncertain, it's a blessing. I've learned to keep God the center of what I do through it. I was able to express myself in ways I can't express with talking. With these characters, Ellie and I have created a game. Every night we get in bed and stay up for a half hour at most. It's so much fun! The story is a part of me now. Someday I will fully express it, but not until I improve it more.
What's the point of this post? Well, I want you guys to know that you shouldn't hold anything back. In my experiences, it's good to keep things in your head, but you never know what will happen if you pick up a pen and write. It doesn't have to be a writing thing. The point is don't hold back an idea you have, even if its crazy. You'll never know what it can turn it into. That story I kept in my head is so much different now, in a good way.
This proves you can learn something from this childish animated movies.
Friday, December 13, 2013
The Hobbit 2!:)
We're going to see the Hobbit today! Recently, I read the Lord of the Rings books and all of my family started getting into the Lord of the Rings. We don't usually see movies in theaters and we've never seen a movie the day it comes out so this is going to be epic!
Ed Sheeran wrote a amazing song for the movie. I thought I'd share it with you guys.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Music Review Monday #12: Give Me Love (Ed Sheeran)
Once again, I'm reviewing a British dude. No, it's not One Direction. (I won't be doing any of that for awhile) This time I'm going to review another guy who made his big debut to the USA in 2012 with 'The A Team.' His name is Ed Sheeran.
Now Ed Sheeran's style is a little different from most guys. While other men have a lot of loud songs, his music is quiet and soft. It's more acoustic and he has a soft and sensitive voice than is hard to come by. Last year, he penned One Direction's hit, 'Little Things' and this year, he contributed to Taylor Swift's hit, 'Everything Has Changed.' Also, he has been on tour with her all this year.
His latest single from his USA debut album, +, is called 'Give Me Love.' Its a soft rock that is sad. In it, he made the mistake of letting a girl go and speaks of it in his song.
"Give me love like her," he starts off. Immediately, he suggests that when his lover and him were together, they did some sleeping. "'Cuz lately I've been waking up alone/Pain splattered teardrops on my shirt/I told them I'd let you go."
He also sings that in order to take the pain away, he drinks. (In various songs, he mentions drinking) "Maybe tonight I'll call ya/After my blood turns to alcohol/Oh, I just wanna hold ya."
He begs the girl give him a second chance. "Oh, give a little time to me/Or burn this out/We'll play hide and seek/To turn this around/All I want is the taste that your lips allow/Give me love." The song goes on like that until after the second chorus. Crying out in a angry, and even forceful way, "Love me!", he sings, rather screams, this phrase many times. Afterwards, it quiets down and repeats for more than a minutes, "Give me love."
Though I do love Ed Sheeran's style, I must say that many of his songs aren't clean. This song is sweet and pretty, until when he's practically screaming. It leads me to think he's begging her to be sexual with him, as his many other songs do.
In other songs, there is one popular line, "I can't live without you." Some breakup songs, like this one, speak of ending their pain by alcohol or partying, but we know this isn't the way. Why do they sing about stuff like that? Because the thing there's trying to please, is the world. In the world, this life is all they have. They don't want to think of other possibility. That's why there's many party songs with lines like, "We sleep when we die."
But the truth is that when you have Jesus, you don't need anyone else. You don't have to go to drugs or alcohol when someone leaves you, because with Jesus, you don't need anything or anyone. Of course, you dearly love the people around you and your life would be much different without them. But you don't have to fear when they do leave you, because God gives us strength to go on. We don't have trust other things to take our pain away because God is completely satisfying.
While I love Ed Sheeran's style of music, and I do like the chorus of this song, I'm not fond of his music because, though his music is soft and quiet, it talks about sex, drugs, and alcohol. This song isn't much different.
The only song Ed Sheeran song I do know that is clean is 'Lego House.' So you can check that out.
Now Ed Sheeran's style is a little different from most guys. While other men have a lot of loud songs, his music is quiet and soft. It's more acoustic and he has a soft and sensitive voice than is hard to come by. Last year, he penned One Direction's hit, 'Little Things' and this year, he contributed to Taylor Swift's hit, 'Everything Has Changed.' Also, he has been on tour with her all this year.
His latest single from his USA debut album, +, is called 'Give Me Love.' Its a soft rock that is sad. In it, he made the mistake of letting a girl go and speaks of it in his song.
"Give me love like her," he starts off. Immediately, he suggests that when his lover and him were together, they did some sleeping. "'Cuz lately I've been waking up alone/Pain splattered teardrops on my shirt/I told them I'd let you go."
He also sings that in order to take the pain away, he drinks. (In various songs, he mentions drinking) "Maybe tonight I'll call ya/After my blood turns to alcohol/Oh, I just wanna hold ya."
He begs the girl give him a second chance. "Oh, give a little time to me/Or burn this out/We'll play hide and seek/To turn this around/All I want is the taste that your lips allow/Give me love." The song goes on like that until after the second chorus. Crying out in a angry, and even forceful way, "Love me!", he sings, rather screams, this phrase many times. Afterwards, it quiets down and repeats for more than a minutes, "Give me love."
Though I do love Ed Sheeran's style, I must say that many of his songs aren't clean. This song is sweet and pretty, until when he's practically screaming. It leads me to think he's begging her to be sexual with him, as his many other songs do.
In other songs, there is one popular line, "I can't live without you." Some breakup songs, like this one, speak of ending their pain by alcohol or partying, but we know this isn't the way. Why do they sing about stuff like that? Because the thing there's trying to please, is the world. In the world, this life is all they have. They don't want to think of other possibility. That's why there's many party songs with lines like, "We sleep when we die."
But the truth is that when you have Jesus, you don't need anyone else. You don't have to go to drugs or alcohol when someone leaves you, because with Jesus, you don't need anything or anyone. Of course, you dearly love the people around you and your life would be much different without them. But you don't have to fear when they do leave you, because God gives us strength to go on. We don't have trust other things to take our pain away because God is completely satisfying.
While I love Ed Sheeran's style of music, and I do like the chorus of this song, I'm not fond of his music because, though his music is soft and quiet, it talks about sex, drugs, and alcohol. This song isn't much different.
The only song Ed Sheeran song I do know that is clean is 'Lego House.' So you can check that out.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Music Review Monday #11: Midnight Memories (1D)
This is weird, doing this again, especially after a two week break from music reviews. But here I am, once again, taking on One Direction.Being put together by Simon Cowell himself, this British boy band is the biggest boy band. Their third album in two years is taking a different direction, a different style direction. Instead of fully pop, this album is a little more rock.
In these songs, they are messages about commitment, love, and comforting messages about never forgetting where you truly belong. That's a good thing.
But unfortunately, this album is a little more on the sexual side. That's a bad thing.
In this review, I'll refer to the singers in mostly plural form, but the voice of the song is only one guy, if you know what I mean.
Wholesome Content
The only love song that doesn't really talk about a girl is 'Don't Forget Where You Belong.' The song is a comfort to the people who are struggling with their life, by reminding that they aren't alone and that home is a place where they will always belong. "Don't forget where you belong, home/If you ever feel alone, don't... made a lot of changes... but I know/The moon will be rising back home." 'Story of My Life' resents living in the past and nearly moves on from something that is hopeless, even though it hurts.
They promises a girl that they'll love her forever in 'Diana.' They sing how much she really means to them in a sweet hope. "I don't think you even realize/You'll be saving mine." Even though other love fails, they assure the girl that they'll be together forever. "We don't wanna be like them/We'll make it to the end." (You and I) Now matter what comes their way, a couple will always find each other in 'Through the Dark', even though their relationship might be a mess. "When the night is coming down on you/We'll find a way through the dark."
'Best Song Ever' is a decently clean song about a best night and song, just because the singer got to spend it with a very special girl. Though some songs by other music artists talk about being independent, 'Strong' tells us it's okay not to be that way. "I'm sorry if I say, 'I need you.'/But it's okay/I'm not scared of love.... Is it so wrong/To say you make me strong?" In 'Half A Heart', the singer, again, resents the past, and decides to start again with a girl that he confesses, 'is the other half of him.'
A sweet love song defines 'Better Than Words.' Though everything might be perfect, the guys wish for that final piece to their life. (Right Now)
Unacceptable Content
'You and I' goes a little too far with the promise. "Nothing can come between you and I/Even the gods above can't separate the two of us."'Midnight Memories' is more than just suggestive to the idea of sex. It begins: "Straight off the plane to a new hotel... maybe I'm wrong/But I do what I please." Even though they knows nothing is permanent it feels good, so they presses on. "I know nothing makes sense/For tonight, let's just pretend/I don't wanna stop so give me more." Another song speaks of sex directly. "You say we're better off together in our bed." (Something Great)
Even though the girl wants to take it slow, they beg her into running away with they in 'Why Don't We Go There?' Though they don't want the girl to be 'the one that got away', they wants to get addicted to her. "I wanna get addicted to you, girl." Looking like a good song, it is clear in 'Happily' that this girl is with another guy. "It's 4am and I know you're with him/I wonder if he knows I touched your skin."
Stealing another guy's girl is the subject in 'Does He Know?' "Does he know you're out and I want you so bad/Does he know you're mine tonight?" They think the girl lies about her virginity in 'Little White Lies." On top of that, they won't follow her rules when it comes to sexual content. You wanna make some rules/Cool, then we'll watch them break."
Why all this sexual stuff, you ask? The answer is in one of the last tracks, 'Alive.' It's a story about a guy who struggles with commitment issues. "I don't know why I want to be with every girl I meet." He goes to the doctor, but later that night, does it again. Then comes the untruth that it doesn't matter if what's right or wrong or how long it lasts. "Don't look back/Live your life/Even if it's just for tonight/I said, 'Hey it's alright/If it makes you feel alive."
As far as profanity goes, 'Midnight Memories' hints at the s word twice by saying 'sh.'
Conclusion
This album is full of the 'two is better than one' theory. That's a good thing. Many of these songs have more than decent messages about love and needing someone else to go on. Unlike other artists, they sing about the good part of love and what happens when you play it right.
But, furthermore, some of these songs are inexcusable. 'Happily' would've been a great song if it didn't involved another guy. That's what it's becoming, songs about jealousy and cheating. The most twist song of all, though, is 'Alive.'
Think about this. Getting drunk might make a person feel 'alive', but is that right? Having sex outside of marriage might make somebody feel alive too, but is it right? Compared to our definition of 'alive, there's is disappointing.
When I wrote down the good and bad songs in two different categories, it evened out, but unfortunately, the bad outweighs the good. I will mention that these guys did write a lot of these songs. It might be rock in some ways, but it still has the pop roots over the previous albums. Through the good in this album, is, in my opinion, better than previous albums, it's not worth it. These songs are just suggestive towards the idea. It's more than that. If they think that way or not, they're still influencing tons of teen girls. They're encouraging them to lose their purity by singing these songs, no matter what the case.
"It doesn't make sense," Harry sings in the title track.
You're right, Harry. It doesn't. It might make you feel alive, but it's not right at the least. It will never satisy you either.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Saturday, November 23, 2013
The Shocking Truth of Eating Disorders
Have you ever went into the faze when you stare at yourself in mirror, picture all the supermodels or your friends who you think are smaller than you and decide you need to lose some weight?
I have. I think every girl does at some point in their life. My 'faze' only lasted for less than few weeks, but I have felt that way. Everyone have different ways to lose weight. I decided to run around my room for awhile. At the time, I didn't feel like going outside. I also stopped eating as much. I skipped lunch and breakfast, but I didn't have it that bad. It's not just girls either, but I'll get to that.
But there are some girls who have it really bad. You probably have heard of eating disorders. Girls who have them starve themselves or eat a lot and then throw it up. It's called anorexia and bulimia. Some girls have it combined. When starving themselves doesn't work, they resolved the binge eating and then purging. That's eating a lot very fast to the point where you can't taste some of it and then throwing it up.
I heard of eating disorders a few years ago when I heard Demi Lovato's story. I had a idea of what it was, but I still wasn't sure. My friend told me about it and I did more research, but I didn't realize the seriousness of it till later. I watched a video about a girl's anorexic story. When she finally got help, they said she only had three days to live. There was pictures too. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was almost unreal.
They are some people who actually die from this. It's so sad, yet real. In some cases, it only start with just comment about a girl's weight. As Harry Style once said, one little thing that might have been meant as a joke can lead to a girl starving herself, which can lead to death.
Awhile after watching that video, I read a part of an article from a mom whose nine-year-old was anorexia. What's more shocking is that these people aren't just teens. 10% of people suffering with anorexia are under 10. That's still a small number, but can imagine a seven-year-old starving herself?
Why am I writing about this? Well, God reminded me of the seriousness of this week. Awhile ago, I wrote a fictional story about a boy with anorexia. I didn't really make him a boy for a special reason. It was because he was my main character and it sounded like something he would do. Eventually, I started thinking about it from a more 'realistic' perspective. Guys don't have eating disorders, I thought. I knew that they were some guys who went through this, but it was rare, wasn't it? Besides, even if a guy does go through it, it must be much different and less severe than when a girl goes through it. This is totally unrealistic.
Boy, was I wrong.
God confirmed this to me last week. I never changed the story though, and I'm glad I didn't. Last Tuesday, I had an opportunity to watch TV. I turned on a talk show just to see what celebrity was going to be a guest. Happily , Demi Lovato was going to be on the Katie Show. I was happy that I could watch it, but she was coming on later. I watched the show.
What should be on but a special story about guys with eating disorders. She actually had a fourteen-ear-old guy talking about his experiences . He said it began at age 10. He was starving himself and throwing up too. She actually had three guys on the show with eating disorders. One said it started with a doctor saying he was a little overweight. Another guy was older and he said he got over it after over twenty years. The saddest part of it was when she had a mom on there. She told the story of her son who died from eating disorders.
I feel tears coming on as I write this because this is reality. It's real and it's terrible. I really feel like God wanted to me to see that because, like what I said before, we don't get out on Tuesdays. If my brother hadn't had that dentist appointment, I wouldn't have thought to turn the TV on. I never would've saw that.
So I'm writing this post to raise awareness for this horrible disease. If you have a friend or you think you might be struggling with it yourself, I beg you to get help. Because like what I said, this is serious. It's only going to get worse if someone doesn't step out. So please think about what I'm saying.
Thank you for reading!
I have. I think every girl does at some point in their life. My 'faze' only lasted for less than few weeks, but I have felt that way. Everyone have different ways to lose weight. I decided to run around my room for awhile. At the time, I didn't feel like going outside. I also stopped eating as much. I skipped lunch and breakfast, but I didn't have it that bad. It's not just girls either, but I'll get to that.
But there are some girls who have it really bad. You probably have heard of eating disorders. Girls who have them starve themselves or eat a lot and then throw it up. It's called anorexia and bulimia. Some girls have it combined. When starving themselves doesn't work, they resolved the binge eating and then purging. That's eating a lot very fast to the point where you can't taste some of it and then throwing it up.
I heard of eating disorders a few years ago when I heard Demi Lovato's story. I had a idea of what it was, but I still wasn't sure. My friend told me about it and I did more research, but I didn't realize the seriousness of it till later. I watched a video about a girl's anorexic story. When she finally got help, they said she only had three days to live. There was pictures too. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was almost unreal.
They are some people who actually die from this. It's so sad, yet real. In some cases, it only start with just comment about a girl's weight. As Harry Style once said, one little thing that might have been meant as a joke can lead to a girl starving herself, which can lead to death.
Awhile after watching that video, I read a part of an article from a mom whose nine-year-old was anorexia. What's more shocking is that these people aren't just teens. 10% of people suffering with anorexia are under 10. That's still a small number, but can imagine a seven-year-old starving herself?
Why am I writing about this? Well, God reminded me of the seriousness of this week. Awhile ago, I wrote a fictional story about a boy with anorexia. I didn't really make him a boy for a special reason. It was because he was my main character and it sounded like something he would do. Eventually, I started thinking about it from a more 'realistic' perspective. Guys don't have eating disorders, I thought. I knew that they were some guys who went through this, but it was rare, wasn't it? Besides, even if a guy does go through it, it must be much different and less severe than when a girl goes through it. This is totally unrealistic.
Boy, was I wrong.
God confirmed this to me last week. I never changed the story though, and I'm glad I didn't. Last Tuesday, I had an opportunity to watch TV. I turned on a talk show just to see what celebrity was going to be a guest. Happily , Demi Lovato was going to be on the Katie Show. I was happy that I could watch it, but she was coming on later. I watched the show.
What should be on but a special story about guys with eating disorders. She actually had a fourteen-ear-old guy talking about his experiences . He said it began at age 10. He was starving himself and throwing up too. She actually had three guys on the show with eating disorders. One said it started with a doctor saying he was a little overweight. Another guy was older and he said he got over it after over twenty years. The saddest part of it was when she had a mom on there. She told the story of her son who died from eating disorders.
I feel tears coming on as I write this because this is reality. It's real and it's terrible. I really feel like God wanted to me to see that because, like what I said before, we don't get out on Tuesdays. If my brother hadn't had that dentist appointment, I wouldn't have thought to turn the TV on. I never would've saw that.
So I'm writing this post to raise awareness for this horrible disease. If you have a friend or you think you might be struggling with it yourself, I beg you to get help. Because like what I said, this is serious. It's only going to get worse if someone doesn't step out. So please think about what I'm saying.
Thank you for reading!
Monday, November 18, 2013
The Best Music of 2013 (in my opinion)
Instead of doing a music review, once again I'm taking a break because for some reason, I don't feel inspired. So instead of doing that, I thought I'd post some favorite 2013 songs since it's coming close to the end of the year. It's hard to believe.
Wonderfully, I have a lot of favorites from this year. I'm just going to post a lot of things, not in order by importance. I'm just going to post it and say something about why I like it.
Of course, this song is one of the most beautiful of the year and in all time history! It's so sweet and loving. Taylor sounds amazing, and Ed Sheeran's voice is so soft and beautiful! I love his style of music so this song is definitely a favorite from the new album!
This song was surprisingly my favorite Katy Perry song of all time! The first verse relates to me so much and the triumphant sound of it is great. Definitely Katy at her best, and one of the best songs of all time.
Britt Nicole is my favorite Christian artist. Christian music can't compare to secular. This song is so inspiring and I LOVE Lecrae. I'm hoping there will be a music video.
Okay, their whole album is so awesome, but this is my favorite. It has a unique message about being original that is totally awesome. It's really catchy too:) Go listen to their album! You will not be disappointed!
After listening to this song, no one can question that Demi Lovato is one of the best vocalist of all time! Apart from having a honest message about falling in love, this song has a great beat and is very clean.
I'm posting this song because I'm so proud of this group. I followed their time on the X Factor. Everyone doubted them, but they came out standing strong and have great messages about self respect.
There's nothing really special about this song, but its very catchy and cleaner than most of their songs. The music video is definitely my favorite of this year. If you haven't seen it, you need to. It's hilarious.
I know it's kind of weird of me to post another Taylor Swift song, but this song is so inspiring. It's not really a typical love song, which makes it unique. It was based on a true story too.
I'm closing out with this song because the first time I heard it, I came to tears, which is a little unusual for me. Every time I hear it I want to cry because it's so beautiful. I don't really like this artist, but she did a great job on the vocals. Until you've read the Hunger Games book can you really appreciate the song, but it's still a amazing song.
This post is a little long, but I love music. That's why.
Sarah:)
Wonderfully, I have a lot of favorites from this year. I'm just going to post a lot of things, not in order by importance. I'm just going to post it and say something about why I like it.
Okay, their whole album is so awesome, but this is my favorite. It has a unique message about being original that is totally awesome. It's really catchy too:) Go listen to their album! You will not be disappointed!
This post is a little long, but I love music. That's why.
Sarah:)
Friday, November 15, 2013
Wrestling with God... and winning?
It's occurred to me that I haven't posted about some spiritual in awhile. So I'm going to post about something I've been thinking about.
And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.
When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, "Let me go, for the day has broken." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." And he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." Then he said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed." (Genesis 32:24-28) You might have heard this story before, how God renamed Jacob to Israel. It never made much sense to me. I mean, wrestling with God and winning? How could anyone wrestle with God and win? It's just confusing.
But then I started thinking about the decades and centuries after that, after Jacob died. God called the Israelites out of slavery, but after that, they did a lot of things wrong. They complained when God gave them food. They continually disobeyed Him and didn't trusted Him. Again and again, they would forget God and give their lives to worthless and unsatisfying things. That's why God called the prophets.
These are the people that wrestled with God and won. It made no sense. Until I began to think.
In a way, they did prevail. Because no matter how many terrible things they did to Him, He never could let them go. He contemplated forgetting them and killing them because of the terrible things they did to him, like when they made the Golden Calf. He had to every right to, of course. He had brought them out of slavery and they made a idol when Moses wasn't watching! It's a wonder God didn't punished and forget them.
Yet, He didn't. He went on and on about how mad he was at them and how horrible they were to Him. He had every right to. He let Babylon attack them. But He never did forget them. He loved them when they hated Him. He was faithful when they weren't. Even when God decided to hand them over to Babylon, He still said that He would bring them back again.
So Israel did wrestle with God, and in a way, Isreal did win because though God wanted to, He could never let go of His people. Still, He continues to be faithful to us even when we're not. It was His example which lead the prophet, Hosea, to be faithful to his wife, who cheated on him.
God's love prevails over all and it's just amazing to think about it. I feel great whenever I think of Jacob or Israel because I've reminded of God's amazing love towards the people of Israel and to me.
"I will heal their apostasy. I will love them freely for my anger has turned from them.... they shall return and dwell beneath my shadow." (Hosea)
When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, "Let me go, for the day has broken." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." And he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." Then he said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed." (Genesis 32:24-28)
But then I started thinking about the decades and centuries after that, after Jacob died. God called the Israelites out of slavery, but after that, they did a lot of things wrong. They complained when God gave them food. They continually disobeyed Him and didn't trusted Him. Again and again, they would forget God and give their lives to worthless and unsatisfying things. That's why God called the prophets.
These are the people that wrestled with God and won. It made no sense. Until I began to think.
In a way, they did prevail. Because no matter how many terrible things they did to Him, He never could let them go. He contemplated forgetting them and killing them because of the terrible things they did to him, like when they made the Golden Calf. He had to every right to, of course. He had brought them out of slavery and they made a idol when Moses wasn't watching! It's a wonder God didn't punished and forget them.
Yet, He didn't. He went on and on about how mad he was at them and how horrible they were to Him. He had every right to. He let Babylon attack them. But He never did forget them. He loved them when they hated Him. He was faithful when they weren't. Even when God decided to hand them over to Babylon, He still said that He would bring them back again.
So Israel did wrestle with God, and in a way, Isreal did win because though God wanted to, He could never let go of His people. Still, He continues to be faithful to us even when we're not. It was His example which lead the prophet, Hosea, to be faithful to his wife, who cheated on him.
God's love prevails over all and it's just amazing to think about it. I feel great whenever I think of Jacob or Israel because I've reminded of God's amazing love towards the people of Israel and to me.
"I will heal their apostasy. I will love them freely for my anger has turned from them.... they shall return and dwell beneath my shadow." (Hosea)
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
10 THINGS ABOUT US!
HELLO THERE!!!
Emmy from the blog My Journal did a post on ten random things about you, and she tagged me so THANKS Emmy!!
2. I am literally obsessed with Taylor Swift and have memorized the lyrics to almost all of her songs and watched all her tours on Youtube.
3. I just got a Instagram with my two very good friends: my awesome friend Mila and my closest friend ever, my sister, Ellie.\
4. Ever since my dad got a hymn jazz CD, I've realized how cool jazz is. Since then, we have had quite a few jazz dance parties.
5. My dad has a 'knack' for nicknames and because of it, my nicknames are the funniest (may I mention embarrassing) in the world.
6. About three years ago, I did a spelling test on the fifty states. I misspelled one, the one I live in!
7. Lately, my family has been watching Pride and Prejudice and love that time period.
8. Apart from music, I love reading and am obsessed with the amazing Hunger Games series.
9. I have a awesome pen-pal, who I met through a maginize a long time ago and am still writing to her today.
10. I got teary eyed when I listened to 'All Too Well' by Taylor Swift.
(Rules:)
1. Put the name of the blog that tagged you on post
2. Write 10 things about you
3. Tag as many friends as you want
4. Have fun!!!
2. When i'm bored I make funny faces or talk in different ways
3. I can call myself weird but people other than myself can't call me weird
4.I'm good at thumb war
5. I can talk to you all day about Royal Tailor and converse!!
6. I always get my family to play games!
7. I LOVE taking pictures of ME!
8. I long for a minion suite!
9. I call myself a hobbit if I go outside with bare feet
10. I have a pencil holder that a cheeseburger!
I tag:
Anna
Isabelle
Rebecca
Grace
Thanks again, Emmy! Have fun everyone!
Sarah and Ellie:)
Emmy from the blog My Journal did a post on ten random things about you, and she tagged me so THANKS Emmy!!
Sarah
1. I LOVE writing fiction and plan to hopefully publish a book or two when I get older.2. I am literally obsessed with Taylor Swift and have memorized the lyrics to almost all of her songs and watched all her tours on Youtube.
3. I just got a Instagram with my two very good friends: my awesome friend Mila and my closest friend ever, my sister, Ellie.\
4. Ever since my dad got a hymn jazz CD, I've realized how cool jazz is. Since then, we have had quite a few jazz dance parties.
5. My dad has a 'knack' for nicknames and because of it, my nicknames are the funniest (may I mention embarrassing) in the world.
6. About three years ago, I did a spelling test on the fifty states. I misspelled one, the one I live in!
7. Lately, my family has been watching Pride and Prejudice and love that time period.
8. Apart from music, I love reading and am obsessed with the amazing Hunger Games series.
9. I have a awesome pen-pal, who I met through a maginize a long time ago and am still writing to her today.
10. I got teary eyed when I listened to 'All Too Well' by Taylor Swift.
(Rules:)
1. Put the name of the blog that tagged you on post
2. Write 10 things about you
3. Tag as many friends as you want
4. Have fun!!!
Ellie
1. I love colorful socks2. When i'm bored I make funny faces or talk in different ways
3. I can call myself weird but people other than myself can't call me weird
4.I'm good at thumb war
5. I can talk to you all day about Royal Tailor and converse!!
6. I always get my family to play games!
7. I LOVE taking pictures of ME!
8. I long for a minion suite!
9. I call myself a hobbit if I go outside with bare feet
10. I have a pencil holder that a cheeseburger!
I tag:
Anna
Isabelle
Rebecca
Grace
Thanks again, Emmy! Have fun everyone!
Sarah and Ellie:)
Monday, November 11, 2013
My Views on Music
Instead of posting a music review, I would like to explain how I do music reviews. I've realized I haven't really clarified how I criticize music.
The last music review got a lot of feedback, which is totally awesome:) I realize some of you lovely readers didn't agree with my points. I want to let you know that I respect your opinions and I'm glad you shared them with me because you did make me think about some stuff.
Now I want you to know I really do like One Direction. What I pointed out is pretty much the only thing I dislike about them. The reason they're not my favorites is because I just like girl singers better than guys. But I want you to know I didn't criticize them just because they're not my favorites. Taylor Swift and Demi Lovato are some of my favorite artists and I call them out about this.
The profanity in songs is what I dislike them most. (Thankfully, so far, One Direction is innocent of this) I mean, it doesn't really surprise me when a artist has some suggestive songs about sex because it's so typical. I can honestly say I don't know of a artist that doesn't have suggestive music about 'it'. Most of the music, though, can go either way. I mean whenever somebody says 'take me home' that could go either way. I think it really depends on the person singing it. If Bruno Mars, a artist that flat out says the word sex, sings 'take me home', I would be inclined to think that it could likely mean... You get the idea.
I hate the profanity in the songs the most is because that some songs would be perfectly fine if they didn't have to cuss in it. Demi Lovato and most secular rappers are guilty of this. It's really terrible.
One of the arguments of last week's post was the song's writer. To be honest, I don't consider who wrote the song. I don't think it matters. The singer still agreed to sing it. If I wrote about something that I didn't believe in or thought was wrong, I don't think anyone should care about what I have to say.
Sure, there are some cases when the artist might be overwritten by the record company. But it's still wrong and he or she was still wrong to sing it. I'm not denying you guys don't know that, but I'm stating my own views.
"I think when you set out to be an artist, first and foremost—a musician, a rock 'n' roller—you don't come with this kind of, like, hey, I also want to be a role model that, obviously, will let you down because I'm a human being," says pop songstress Katy Perry. "And a lot of people see me as a role model but I'd like to kind of turn that around and say I appreciate that but I'd like to be seen as an inspiration. Because a role model, I think, will fail you."
I know Katy Perry obviously has a lot of views that are wrong, but I think she's right on this one. Having a role model in the music industry will only fail you because they all do things that we don't agree with. Taylor Swift is my favorite singer in the music industry period, but some of the things she says I think is wrong. But I love her music. I love the things she does as a artist. She connects with her fans in a way no other artist does. Her music, other than her pop stuff, is unlike any other music. I like her for that. She's an inspiration to me, but not a role model, (though she was at one point), because I've realized that if we should have any role model, it should be the people we know, not the people we just see on a screen or listen to on our headphones.
I have to remind myself every day when I look at all the terrible things that some artists are doing, that these are people, like me. People that are lost, just like I was at one point. People who do bad things, like what I did and still do. But I also remember that these people need prayer because God created them. So matter how mad I get at a rapper or Miley Cyrus for using their influence in a terrible way, I have to remember that these are just people like me.
So, while we can look up to people for the message that they send, it should only be a inspiration to us, not a role model. That's only going to hurt us. I like Miley Cyrus for her music, (some of it) not for what she does. We can enjoy the gifts that God has given these people without looking up to them as a role model.
In Christ,
Sarah
P.S Some of you Directioners might have seen my other review, 'Kiss You'. I posted that a long time ago when I really didn't like them at all. I thought their tunes were catchy and that was it. I want to apologize for that post. I'm not saying I changed my mind about the things I said, but I definitely went too far. I was trying to make it sound funny, but some of the things I said were unnecessary. So I want to apologize for being too critical.
The last music review got a lot of feedback, which is totally awesome:) I realize some of you lovely readers didn't agree with my points. I want to let you know that I respect your opinions and I'm glad you shared them with me because you did make me think about some stuff.
Now I want you to know I really do like One Direction. What I pointed out is pretty much the only thing I dislike about them. The reason they're not my favorites is because I just like girl singers better than guys. But I want you to know I didn't criticize them just because they're not my favorites. Taylor Swift and Demi Lovato are some of my favorite artists and I call them out about this.
The profanity in songs is what I dislike them most. (Thankfully, so far, One Direction is innocent of this) I mean, it doesn't really surprise me when a artist has some suggestive songs about sex because it's so typical. I can honestly say I don't know of a artist that doesn't have suggestive music about 'it'. Most of the music, though, can go either way. I mean whenever somebody says 'take me home' that could go either way. I think it really depends on the person singing it. If Bruno Mars, a artist that flat out says the word sex, sings 'take me home', I would be inclined to think that it could likely mean... You get the idea.
I hate the profanity in the songs the most is because that some songs would be perfectly fine if they didn't have to cuss in it. Demi Lovato and most secular rappers are guilty of this. It's really terrible.
One of the arguments of last week's post was the song's writer. To be honest, I don't consider who wrote the song. I don't think it matters. The singer still agreed to sing it. If I wrote about something that I didn't believe in or thought was wrong, I don't think anyone should care about what I have to say.
Sure, there are some cases when the artist might be overwritten by the record company. But it's still wrong and he or she was still wrong to sing it. I'm not denying you guys don't know that, but I'm stating my own views.
"I think when you set out to be an artist, first and foremost—a musician, a rock 'n' roller—you don't come with this kind of, like, hey, I also want to be a role model that, obviously, will let you down because I'm a human being," says pop songstress Katy Perry. "And a lot of people see me as a role model but I'd like to kind of turn that around and say I appreciate that but I'd like to be seen as an inspiration. Because a role model, I think, will fail you."
I know Katy Perry obviously has a lot of views that are wrong, but I think she's right on this one. Having a role model in the music industry will only fail you because they all do things that we don't agree with. Taylor Swift is my favorite singer in the music industry period, but some of the things she says I think is wrong. But I love her music. I love the things she does as a artist. She connects with her fans in a way no other artist does. Her music, other than her pop stuff, is unlike any other music. I like her for that. She's an inspiration to me, but not a role model, (though she was at one point), because I've realized that if we should have any role model, it should be the people we know, not the people we just see on a screen or listen to on our headphones.
I have to remind myself every day when I look at all the terrible things that some artists are doing, that these are people, like me. People that are lost, just like I was at one point. People who do bad things, like what I did and still do. But I also remember that these people need prayer because God created them. So matter how mad I get at a rapper or Miley Cyrus for using their influence in a terrible way, I have to remember that these are just people like me.
So, while we can look up to people for the message that they send, it should only be a inspiration to us, not a role model. That's only going to hurt us. I like Miley Cyrus for her music, (some of it) not for what she does. We can enjoy the gifts that God has given these people without looking up to them as a role model.
In Christ,
Sarah
P.S Some of you Directioners might have seen my other review, 'Kiss You'. I posted that a long time ago when I really didn't like them at all. I thought their tunes were catchy and that was it. I want to apologize for that post. I'm not saying I changed my mind about the things I said, but I definitely went too far. I was trying to make it sound funny, but some of the things I said were unnecessary. So I want to apologize for being too critical.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Music Reivew Monday #10: One Direction (Story of My Life)
Today, I'm reviewing a One Direction song. Actually, it might be just me, but I find this song very sad, yet meaningful in a depressing way.Most of you know that One Direction is releasing their third studio album in just two years. Ever since their breakthrough hit, their very first song I might add, 'What Makes You Beautiful', the band soars through the charts. They have won the hearts of millions of fans all over the world.
I know a lot of Directioners, in person and over blogging. Though I've never been into them that much, I admit that they are pretty talented and hilarious. Might I add, (this is painful) a little cute. I can understand why the band has been successful. But... even so, they're not very high on my list. I'll talk about that later. (And if you don't want to read this post. Skip to the end and read.)
'Story of My Life' is a song speaking of love, tragic love actually. It begins with doubt from the girl, sometimes the boys don't get. "Written in these walls are stories I can't explain/I leave my heart open, but it stays empty/She said she didn't feel the same about us in her bones/IT seems when I die these words will be written on my stone."
Now it seems like this guy could be... talking about suicide or the breakup? "And I'll be gone, gone tonight/The ground beneath my feet is open wide/The way I've been holding on too tight/With nothing in between."
The chorus tells the story of this relationship and how it ended. "The story of my life/I take her home/I drive all night to keep her warm/And time is frozen/The story of my life/I give her hope/I spend her love/Until she's broke inside."
The second speaks of the wish to forget this girl, but the boys can't. "Leave my heart open/But it still stays in this cage/I know that in the morning now I see us in the night on the hill/Although I am broken my heart is untamed still."
No matter what they wish, they know that the relationship is hopeless. "But baby chasing your heart is like chasing the clouds."
Though this song has a bit of hope, it speaks of a hopeless and broken relationship. It speaks truth. We try to forget things. We try to forget the people who have broke us and let us down, but there are some things we just can't let go off. Thankfully, it does eventually resent living in the past. But moving on is not a subject in this ballad.
The music video, which was released today, takes a different direction. It shows the boys remembering their family as they live in the moments they can't get back.
We never known when life will take a whole different direction, as these talent completions have shown us. So we should live today as if the next day everything will know will be gone. Anything can happen. God has a plan that no one knows about. So we should 'live like there's no tomorrow'.
Of course, this doesn't really when applied to temporary relationships. Something what we want to think is good can be bad for us.
I actually do like One Direction. Don't get me wrong. I love how they're goof half the time, but when the time comes, they are willing to be serious. I've realized why One Direction is such a popular choice, especially with teenage girls. Because they care about girls. They sincerely care. Half the rap songs out these days are totally insulting to woman. That guy, Robin Thickke, who's video is still on the top ten on iTunes, actually has lyrics like, "I fell in love with 'that thing'." That makes me want to puke.
On the other hand, One Direction don't see woman as 'thing'. They're not trying to be heartthrobs either. You know they're sincere when they talk about us and they're very sweet. But, all things considered, I won't follow One Direction for really one reason. They might have good intentions, but still, they have on they wrong with that. I'm just going to say this plainly because I know it without a doubt. They're views on sex before marriage are wrong.
Think about it. They're released two albums, one to come. The hit albums are called, 'Up All Night', 'Take Me Home' and 'Midnight Memories.' What idea do you get after reading these titles? Even in this song is suggestive! No fan can deny that these guys talk about night a lot. Their hit, 'Little Things' talks about the girl talking in her sleep. Ask yourself this question. How would he know she talks in her sleep? Furthermore, how would he know she has dimples in the back of the spine? The answer is pretty clear.
You might think that this is unclear. But one song talks about it directly. A bonus track on their second album, 'Truly, Madly, Deeply' starts out like this: "Am I awake, asleep, or something in between/I can't believe that you are here/Lying next to me." You can't argue with that.
I think people just don't really realize what they really mean because, again, they have stolen the hearts of teen girls. But we have to apply this to a Biblical perspective when the world doesn't.
So while One Direction has hope, they have one gap. Purity. Losing your purity is something you can never take back, something that you could live in forever. Unfortunately, One Direction don't see value of purity.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Be Patient
One day I was thinking about my broken Ipod and how I so wanted it to be fixed. I will soon fix it whose my Dad finishes his storm shelter (we don't have a basement). Lately our dad has been making a storm shelter for us and he's been busy doing work for it every Saturday. I just want to fix my Ipod so bad but I got to understand that he's busy and he can't do things I want him to do fast. So one day I thought why don't I help him so this project will be done soon. I don't have to dig dirt or get dirty, but I can help him with chores inside like laundry or pick up the house a little bit. If you want something to be done but you need someone to do it with you and that person is busy doing something else, be patient and help that person. Thank you Dad for putting all your hard work into this storm shelter for us!! Thank you to my Mom too for taking care of us!! Here are some of the pictures of the storm shelter my dad is making (along with my brother)
<3Ellie<3
How tall the shelter is
inside of the shelter which is still in construction Lol
our big pile of gravel
<3Ellie<3
Monday, October 28, 2013
Music Review Monday #9: Prism (Deluxe Edition)
Once again, I am going to talk about Katy Perry. Hopefully, this will be the last one for awhile. But after reviewing two of her new songs, I thought I must review her anticipated new album, Prism. (Just the album title. No song is actually called Prism) Actually, Katy surprised me. After hearing 'Roar', hope filled me that, perhaps, this album would be worth listening to and enjoying. A few of her old songs (Teenage Dream, for instance), I only listen to once in awhile because of the tune. It's so good, but I know the song itself isn't worth listening to because of the lyrics
Thankfully, this album goes in a much different direction then the party-filled Teenage Dream. In fact, many of these songs are very serious and do have a point in them. Katy has come far since her divorce and this album proves it. These songs talk about love in a different way and definitely more meaningful than ever before
Many of you know Kay used to be a Christian artist. Since then, it is seemed her faith is a thing of the past. But this album actually has a lot of spiritually.
The question is: Is that good or bad?
Actually, a bit of both.
Wholesome Content
'Unconditionally' is definitely one of the album's highlights. The song talks about unconditional love in a way that could relate to any family relationship. "I will love you unconditionally... I will take the bad days with your good/I'll do it all because I love you," she sings sweetly. 'Love Me' is similar, in which Katy realizes that self-respect and self love is a key thing when it comes to a good relationship with the ones you love. She even confesses that she hates how she looks sometimes, but says, "But who I am is I'm meant to be."A broken heart turns up on 'Ghost' (a song about her divorce), as Katy sings about the sudden disappearance of her beau. Through it all, though, she doesn't speak of anger or hatred for her ex. In fact, she sings of giving a second chance on friendship terms, "So rest in peace/I'll see you on the other side." Katy tries to make peace in 'Choose Your Battles.' Stopping her own fight, she sings that survival isn't everything and in the end, love conflicts never are worth it.. "Choose your battles.... stop digging your own grave... There's so much more to live for... I don't wanna be the last one standing."
On one of the last tracks on the album, she admits to making her own mistakes. Confessing no one, even her, is blameless. "It's so easy to throw you under the bus... I say these things to hurt you/But I'm only hurting myself... But let me be the first, baby to say 'I'm sorry." In 'Roar', she decides to call her own shots and take chances instead of letting everyone make decisions for her.
'Double Rainbow' is about a once-in a-lifetime relationship, which is not flawless, but worth it. She contemplates suicide in 'By the Grace of God', but in the end, she decides to stay and gives God the credit. She even quotes Scripture. "Yeah, the truth will set you free."
Unacceptable Content
Actually, other than 'By the Grace of God', all the spiritually mentioned is this album is not good. A lot of it is Eastern religion.'Legendary Lovers' is the first track that is about this. The song starts out like this, "Under a sliver moon, tropical temperature." Quickly, she sings about karma. "Never knew that karma could be this rewarding... say my name like a scripture." Maybe I'm wrong, but a line in this song could hint that it's talking about a same-sex relationship. "You're my blushing Juliet," she sings.
'Walking on Air' rejoices over sex and Heaven. "Angels are jealous of our love," she coos. On that line, 'Birthday' is a song about physical love and sex. "If you want all/I'm the girl you should call... I'm going to catch you in your birthday suit/It's time to bring out the big, big balloons!"
'Dark Horse', definitely the song with the most sexual content, is the story of a man falling in love with a witch. Katy doesn't say anything terribly suggestive, but her guest rapper, Juicy J does. "UH, she's a beast/I call her Karma/She'll eat your heart out... She can be my Sleeping Beauty/I'll put her in a comma/D---, I think I love her/Turns the bedroom into a fair/Her love is like a drug."
The only other profanity turns up on one of the only party song's in this album, 'This is How We Do.' "Channel that/H--- yeah." In this song, she sings lazily and encourages kids using their rent money to buy bottle service and partying all day and night.
In 'This Moment', Katy convinces her guy to 'put her love into motion' because 'all we have is this moment'. 'Spiritual' takes Biblical things and turns them into sexual metaphors. "Lay me down at the altar/I'm a slave to this love/Your electric lips got me speaking in tongues."
Conclusion
Katy Perry definitely surprised me. I was expecting something far worse than 'Roar.' I had high expectations for this album, but I should have known with Perry, there's some strings attached.A lot of this album was blasphemy and it disgusted me. The spiritually was totally twisted into a sexual fair. When I heard 'Dark Horse', I had yet to find out that was just a taste of how sexually and yet, spiritual this album was.
But the profanity was very mild and there were only a few party songs. This album is better than 'Teenage Dream', but it still really didn't impress me. I really like 'By the Grace of God' and 'Unconditionally.' Though she was divorced, most of these songs were happy love songs/
This album was very twisted, but I'm going to make a statement. Katy Perry seems really bad, but through everything that she's done, I think she'll still searching. She still hasn't decided what she believes about God and everything else. We must pray that God will show Himself to her in a different way then He did her childhood. I think her divorce has pushed her in the right direction.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
X Factor Again
This girl is so inspirational! When you first see her, you would never guess she had that kind of disability and be so happy! Love the X Factor Season 3:)
-Sarah
Sunday, October 13, 2013
ROYAL TAILOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ROYAL TAILOR'S ALBUM IS NOT OUT YET BUT YOU CAN LISTEN TO IT ON HIS WEBSITE!!!! I'M SO EXCITED!!!
ELLIE:)
ELLIE:)
Friday, October 11, 2013
Homeschooling and Education
Dear Blog Readers, Bloggers, and Followers,
It's occurred to me that I've never really blogged about being homeschooled before. In fact, I don't think I've ever mentioned that. So there. I'm homeschooled. Actually, one of the reasons why I've thankfully for blogging is because, ironically, most (if not all) of my blogging friends are homeschooled. I never thought I'd meet so many homeschooling friends! This is cool for me since I don't know many homeschool who are not local or from my state.
Most of my lovely followers are homeschool in fact. This is just another reason why I am so glad God put blogging in my life.
I do like homeschooling. It has its ups and downs though. No education is perfect. To tell you the truth, recently, I've been feeling like I would rather go to public or private school, mostly because I feel like I'm missing out on the social things. I've always been shy, and I feel like part of that is because I spend a LOT of time at home. (For a lot of my life anyway) It wasn't till this year when we started going to YHOP and texting when I really started making more friends.
But after watching this video, for like to hundredth time, I realized I should be proud of being homeschooled.I REALLY LIKE Blimey Cow and this video has to be my favorite. Actually, most of the public school kids I meet, want to be homeschooled.
There was a time when I didn't think the first thing about popular music. (Christian and secular) I didn't know anything about the culture. But now that I do know, (a lot in fact), I realize that those days were a lot better. I realize now that the culture is not cool! And yes, I do agree. It would be like heaven if we didn't know who Lady Gaga was. (Lately, instead of her, its Miley Cyrus) Haha.
Besides that, I want to talk about education. I've noticed, through the years, that most of my friends and family don't really like school. It just isn't them. It's me too. I hear my friends talking about how they hate math and science. Don't get me wrong. I'm not a big fan of it myself. But while I was pondering this, I started thinking about all the kids in other countries who can't learn because they don't have the resources. I thought about all the kids that would love to learn, but they can't because for various reasons.
It's sad to think about, but it also makes me thankful. A lot of kids would do anything to have the education I have. I want to tell you right now, whether you're in public, private, or homeschool, you are blessed. The things you learn every day is the information that God thought of himself. (Expect if you're in public school and they teach about Evolution) He is going to use those things in your life.
So the next time you're doing your science, feeling bored out of your skull and wishing for something else to do, think of that.
In Christ,
Sarah
It's occurred to me that I've never really blogged about being homeschooled before. In fact, I don't think I've ever mentioned that. So there. I'm homeschooled. Actually, one of the reasons why I've thankfully for blogging is because, ironically, most (if not all) of my blogging friends are homeschooled. I never thought I'd meet so many homeschooling friends! This is cool for me since I don't know many homeschool who are not local or from my state.
Most of my lovely followers are homeschool in fact. This is just another reason why I am so glad God put blogging in my life.
I do like homeschooling. It has its ups and downs though. No education is perfect. To tell you the truth, recently, I've been feeling like I would rather go to public or private school, mostly because I feel like I'm missing out on the social things. I've always been shy, and I feel like part of that is because I spend a LOT of time at home. (For a lot of my life anyway) It wasn't till this year when we started going to YHOP and texting when I really started making more friends.
But after watching this video, for like to hundredth time, I realized I should be proud of being homeschooled.I REALLY LIKE Blimey Cow and this video has to be my favorite. Actually, most of the public school kids I meet, want to be homeschooled.
There was a time when I didn't think the first thing about popular music. (Christian and secular) I didn't know anything about the culture. But now that I do know, (a lot in fact), I realize that those days were a lot better. I realize now that the culture is not cool! And yes, I do agree. It would be like heaven if we didn't know who Lady Gaga was. (Lately, instead of her, its Miley Cyrus) Haha.
Besides that, I want to talk about education. I've noticed, through the years, that most of my friends and family don't really like school. It just isn't them. It's me too. I hear my friends talking about how they hate math and science. Don't get me wrong. I'm not a big fan of it myself. But while I was pondering this, I started thinking about all the kids in other countries who can't learn because they don't have the resources. I thought about all the kids that would love to learn, but they can't because for various reasons.
It's sad to think about, but it also makes me thankful. A lot of kids would do anything to have the education I have. I want to tell you right now, whether you're in public, private, or homeschool, you are blessed. The things you learn every day is the information that God thought of himself. (Expect if you're in public school and they teach about Evolution) He is going to use those things in your life.
So the next time you're doing your science, feeling bored out of your skull and wishing for something else to do, think of that.
In Christ,
Sarah
Thursday, October 3, 2013
LIEBSTER AWARD:)
Rules:
Acknowledge the blog that nominated you.
Answer the 11 questions the nominating blogger created.
List 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers that deserve some recognition.
Post 11 questions for them to answer.
Notify them that they've been nominated.
1: Books or movies? favorite book/movie?
Sarah: Books. Well, my favorite book right now is The Hunger Games, but my favorite book of all time is A Charmed Life Series by Jenny B Jones.
Ellie: Probably books and my favorite book is a charmed life series!!!
2: If you could go anywhere, where would you go? Why?
Sarah: I go to London just because I loved a British accent!
Ellie: I would go to Dallas Texas or London
3: What is your favorite Blog?
Sarah: I have a LOT so I'll just say three. God's Girl, She's Not Afraid, and Praise Him with Dance
Ellie: again lots of favorites but I LOVE The Song of My Life, Shine Through the Dark, and God's Girl
4: What instrument do you play or want to play?
Sarah: I play piano, but would love to play guitar!
Ellie: I play piano too, but would like to play guitar
5: What is your favorite season? Why?
Sarah: Autumn. I love the colors.
Ellie: Autumn!!:)
6: How many sibling
Sarah: three counting our beagle
Ellie: same
7: What is your favorite part of Blogging?
Sarah: Expressing myself, in ways I can't express in words.
Ellie: I can write long post or short posts whatever has been in my mind.
8: What is your favorite song?
Sarah: 'Roar' by Katy Perry and 'Remain' by Royal Tailor
Sarah: 'Roar' by Katy Perry and 'Remain' by Royal Tailor
Ellie: 'Ready Set 'Go' by Royal Tailor and 'Clarity' by Zedd and "If only" by OBB
9: What are your hobbies?
Sarah:Writing, and playing piano
Ellie: Singing, Babysitting, reading, snapchatting, texting, and playing games with family
Ellie: Summer cause I like gymnastics
11: Acting or Singing? Why?
Sarah: Singing since I love music!
Ellie: Singing cause i'm good at it!!!
We nominate:Sarah:Writing, and playing piano
Ellie: Singing, Babysitting, reading, snapchatting, texting, and playing games with family
10: Winter or Summer Olympics? Favorite winter/summer Olympic?
Sarah: Summer, probably last year's one because I love Gabby DouglassEllie: Summer cause I like gymnastics
11: Acting or Singing? Why?
Sarah: Singing since I love music!
Ellie: Singing cause i'm good at it!!!
Anna at: God's Girl
Noelle at: Praise Him with Dance
Melody at: The Song of my Life
Danae at: Shine Through the Dark
Questions for Nominees'
1.Favorite book/movie? What book/movie?
2.If you could meet any celebrity who would it be?
2.If you could meet any celebrity who would it be?
3. What is your favorite music star and what's your favorite song?
4. What are your favorite blogs?
5. What inspires you about blogging?
6. Which do you like better Google Plus, blogging, Facebook, or email and why?
7. Who is your role model and why?
8. Are you a girly girl, tom boy, or In the middle and why?
9.Whould you rather Act in a show or sing in a show why?
10. How many siblings would you like to have and why?
11. If you could be in any book or movie what would that book or movie be why?
Hope everyone likes the questions!! Thanks again Grace for nominating us!!!
In Christ,
Sarah and Ellie:)
4. What are your favorite blogs?
5. What inspires you about blogging?
6. Which do you like better Google Plus, blogging, Facebook, or email and why?
7. Who is your role model and why?
8. Are you a girly girl, tom boy, or In the middle and why?
9.Whould you rather Act in a show or sing in a show why?
10. How many siblings would you like to have and why?
11. If you could be in any book or movie what would that book or movie be why?
Hope everyone likes the questions!! Thanks again Grace for nominating us!!!
In Christ,
Sarah and Ellie:)
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