My Grandpa

Today was the memorial service for my grandpa. Though it was very sad to see him for the last time, I had to remember and remind everyone else that it wasn't the last time I was going to see him. Because of Jesus, He lives in Heaven. I just know he is. That's why I can be happy. I wanted to share something I went through the day before the visitation.

We had just been at our grandma's house for an hour or so after a long drive.I was really tired and irritable. Then my dad told me I was going to have to sleep in the sun room. The sun room wasn't as dark as I'm used to, and it has a really loud heater. I was extremely irritable and upset. So while I was dealing with all these things, I went down to basement. The basement has a room filled with all sorts of junk, grandpa's junk. I walked into that room. Seeing that it was half empty since my uncle clean it up , I just broke down and started bawling. Crying harder, I sat down in a chair in the middle of the room. I was crying because almost everything in the room was Grandpa's and it just brought up memories of him.

I just sobbed on that chair for awhile. Every once in awhile I would quiet down, and then I would see something of Grandpa's and I would start bawling again! I swear I cried harder than I'd ever had in my life. It just went on like that for at least ten minutes. For some reason, all of a sudden, 'Dynaminte' popped into my head as I was crying. "Shut up!" I yelled at myself. "Life isn't always a party, you know!" Then I started to think about God, and then I started talking to Him.

"Why is there so many bad things in this world?" I said, a little loud. "Why does things have to change? Why can't things just say the same? I'm not mad, I'm just really, really sad!" Again, I started bawling again. I started thinking about the times I reading or doing something else when I could've visited him. Thinking about these things, I just bawled and thought for a little while.

Then I looked over at a shelve and saw a stack of license plates. Since I thought it interesting, I got up and went over to look at them. At the top of the pile was a license plate that looked new. Picking it up, I stared at my grandpa's name, feeling sad all over again. Putting it down, I tried to get pick up some of the older licences plates. Because they were stapled together or something, I couldn't pick them up. 

That got me to thinking. It reminded me of how I can't do things with Grandpa's old body, but I'll be able to do things with his new body in Heaven. I think it was God's way of telling me he was in Heaven now and everything was going to be okay.

Because Jesus saved us, today wasn't the last time I saw my grandpa. Because God forgave my grandpa, He is Heaven now singing God's praises with his mother, father, and brother. Because Jesus died on the cross, He saved my grandpa. Though this whole thing is very sad, it's also very happy. He isn't suffering anymore. He's rejoicing.
Why?

Because his Father saved him.

Holla at the DJ

This song was on Disney Channel. It's a little annoying, but she sings good!

This is a really sweet song. It reminds me of my grandpa. I just got home from the visitation. When I saw my grandpa in the casket, my aunt started crying. My dad wrapped his arm around her and said, "This is just his earthly suit." "What a beautiful way to put it," my aunt replied. It freaked me out, but I just have to remember that this was his temporary home. Right now, he's in his permanent home.

Like a Star

I just figured out what this song is talking about. I thought it was about God, or maybe having a good time, but it turns out its about a guy. Listen to it if you don't believe me. I still like it though.I like the feeling this song is talking about. We just have to remember to control our feelings.. and our love. "Be angry and do not sin," the Bible says. The same thing applies with love. You can love and have special feelings. Just make sure they're pure and holy.
In Christ,
Sarah

Hey this is Ellie,We are in Rochelle at my Grandma's house.The way up to Rochelle was kinda scary it was raining very hard and we could hardly see,but thank Jesus we are okay.Me my sister and my Brother slept in my Grandma's sun room.In the morning i saw most of my dads family!It was very fun getting to see my uncles looking at my Grandpa's clothes and taking them.(because my Grandpa died)I will be very exited to be seeing more of my cousins.I with my aunt Lisa who lives in Washington the state so we don't see each other alot.It is nice to see my family. Signing off,
                                                                         Ellie

Rudo's Bath

 Rudo hasn't had a bath in, like, three months. Since we're leaving for our Grandpa's funeral today, and we have to leave Rudo with a friend, we had to give him a bath last night.

This is Rudo right after his bath. See how happy he looks.

This is when he gets out of the bathroom. He has a funny way of drying himself off.

Well, we're off to our Grandpa's house. See you guys!

Adios for a half a week,

Sarah and Ellie

I want to dedicate this song to my grandfather, who passed away early this morning at 5 AM. I'm really glad God had it all planned out and He's still in control. Thanks to Him, my grandpa got to spend a day at home with his family. I'll really missed him, but I know God has a plan for his life.

One of the first things Dad told me after he told me the sad news was how Grandpa always wanted to be at church early. "He got there really early this morning," he told me. I'm so glad God has given my dad so much strength and happiness through all this.

And me? I'm okay. The encouragement and joyfulness of my dad has really helped me. Please pray for my Grandma. She's a really strong Christian, but they were together for more than 50 years. Even though I was never extremely close to my grandpa, I see how he really cared for his family. I'll miss him, but I know he's in a way better place and I know God had a special plan for his life.

My grandpa loved to watch TV, especially the old westerns. But right now, I'm sure he's witnessing something way better than what his Dish ever had to offer. So I'm happy for him.

In Christ,

Sarah

My Dad

Today is my dad's birthday! So I wanted to do a special post for my dad since I couldn't give him a present due to our five day trip. Though he is getting older, he is still acts like a kid sometimes.... okay, a LOT. But I still love him for who he is.

First of all, we have a lot of differences. One of our differences is that we don't share the same taste in music. In Christian music, we agree on pretty much everything, but secular music... not so much. While I listen to 'Mix 96.5'. he listens to 'Old Country 97.7'. He is extremely clean and neat while I can't even seem to keep my room clean. He is neat and organized, but most of the time, I forget to shut my dresser's drawels. He is extremely socilable while I'm shy and usually can't carry on a conversation with someone unless I'm close to them. He is outspoken about his faith, but I haven't picked that up yet.

I think the reason we get along so well is because we both love Jesus so much, Though we have many differences, we both love God equally. We both have the same love for Jesus and we both have the same desire to glorify Him.

Dad teaches me so much. He really helps me understand the world and he exposes lies that I don't see otherwise. I am so blessed and thankful to God to have such a great Dad who is so involved in my life and cares about what I see, talk about, and listen to.

For those of you who know my dad personally, you know that he can be a little crazy and weird sometimes. Some of you probably wonder how it doesn't embarrass me when my dad sings 'Climb Every Mountain' at Walmart, at the top of his lungs. But you know what? It doesn't embarrass me at all. I love everything about my dad. Hey, God knows me better than anybody and He's the one that put this guy in my life and I am  thankful that He did.

So happy birthday, Dad! I love you so much! I want you to know that I might get mad at you, we may fight, but I don't ever want you to change your awesome personality. God created you and gave you the desire for Him. I wouldn't change a thing if I could... or if I got paid for it.

I'm Back!!

Dear Faithful Blog Readers,
I'm back. Though it was a hard trip, I feel like I got closer to my family members and to God. My dad and I had a lot of laughs. On the way home, we went to Dairy Queen and got a few cheeseburgers. Because they were really good, I woofed mine down in no time at all while Dad talked on the phone. After he got off the phone, he looked at me, smiled, and said. "You're so beautiful." I smiled back and it made me feel special, but then I started to get suspicious. So I looked in the mirror and what do you know.... I had mustard on my chin.  I admit, I am not the neatest person ever. My dad and I love to joke about that. "So beautiful!" my dad exclaimed, and we laughed pretty hard.

This story reminds me of God's love. I always never really understood how God can allow his children to do such sinful things. I never understood how God can look at us, dirty and messy, and see something beautiful.

Now God has showed me.

The thing is God doesn't see our messiness. God doesn't see our mustard on our chin. He sees His Son's perfect score. That's what gives God the willingness to forgive us time and time again.

So maybe you're like me, you got a lot of mustard on your chin, but I want you to know that no matter how messy you are, if you're God's child, He doesn't see your messiness. He sees Jesus' perfect score and He will forgive you. I have no doubt.
In Christ,
Sarah

Hey Ellie again, you might think that since Sarah is gone and she can not post in Rochelle, i can change our name,backround,Change the name to Ellie instead of Sarah and Ellie.No i am not going to do that, but i can post a song that she is tired of me listening to!!!Please don't tell her.

Well Thursday i thought of this post,but i can not think of a annoying song for Sarah. I found out. I love you Sarah thank you for being my sister. I miss you very much!!!

Signing of,

Ellie

Hannah Montana

Great Song!!!

Hey Ellie, please still pray for my Grandpa and Grandma. If you have any prayer requests please comment,and me and Sarah will pray for you.
Signing off,
                      Ellie

Hey this is ELLIE!!! Sorry me and Sarah have not posted in a while. Keep in prayers for our Grandpa who is very sick, Also keep in prayers for our Grandma to be strong through this situation,Prayers for Sarah and my Dad they are in Rochelle with our Grandpa and Grandma. Well I'm not in Rochelle I'm at my house. Unfortunately i could not come, but I'm with my mom and brother! I miss playing with Sarah alot. Soon her and I can catch up and talk!!!!Also happy birthday to my dad! His birthday is Saturday!!!Happy birthday to my Dog Rudo!!!! He is going to be two(fourteen in dog years) this Monday.
Over and out,
                         Ellie

Phillippians 2:14-16

 [14] Do all things without grumbling or disputing, [15] that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, [16] holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
(Philippians 2:14-16 ESV)

Born in sin, Saved by Christ

I'm been trying to think of a song I should review for some time now. I think I've finally decided which one I should review. When it comes to music, I like challenges. Not all the time, but most of the time. So, I want to see if I can tackle one of the most popular, annoying, twisted songs in America. Yeah, like challenges.

I was born that way.

As I write this, I ask myself, Why am I doing this? Seriously, I dislike Gaga extremely. That's one of the reasons why I LOVE 'Control' by Royal Tailor!

Okay, I'm getting off subject.

I was also born that way. (My dad calls it 'scattered brain'.)

Lady Gaga is the weirdest and worst artist that I can think of in the music industry, but she's also one of the most popular as well. She's extremely weird. For instance, she wore a dress made out of meat. She's still extremely popular. She still has over 10 million followers on Twitter.
 How sad. This world 'likes' weird for some reason. Why? Because when sin entered the world, it twisted everything up.  So the most unappealing things are suddenly appealing. Weird, isn't it?

'Born This Way' started a record as the most purchased song by a female artist. (That record was later smoked by Taylor Swift's 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together') Though the song like it has a wholesome message, it is very twisted.

Gaga begins this song by talking, "It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M," she says. "But keep your paws up. 'Cause baby you were born this way."

 I don't know what that means.

She begins singing about a childhood memory of her mother. "We were born superstars," her mother said to her. "She rolled her hair and put my lipstick on," Gaga remembers. "There's nothing wrong with who you are/She said, 'Cause he made you perfect babe/So hold your head up, girl and you'll go far/Listen to me when I say."

That's where the twisting part comes.

"I'm beautiful in my way/'Cuz God makes no mistakes/I'm on the right track, baby/I was born this way/Don't hide yourself in regret/Love yourself and you're set/I'm on the right track, baby/I was born this way."

Yeah, sure. One of the many problems with this song is the title itself. Sure, we were born this way. We were born in sin. Is that something we're suppose to be happy about? However, some of it is true. God created us specially and He doesn't make any mistakes. Because He saved us, we don't have to hide ourselves in regret and we can love ourselves. But, since this song lack this message, is crumbles within itself.

Then comes the annoying bridge. "Don't be a drag/Just be a queen." This line fits with Gaga's views. Her number priority is having a glamorous life. Biblical views don't match up with this view. Why? Because God will accept anyone! You don't have to be a queen to be in His kingdom!

Since Gaga is extremely gay, it's no surprise that she outs that in the mix. "No matter gay, straight, or bi/Lesbian, transgendered life/I'm on the right track, baby/I was born to survive." It also speaks out to bullied kids. "When life's disabilities/Leave you bullied, outcast, or teased/Rejoice and love yourself today."

Because, baby you were born this way.

This message is extremely twisted. Though God makes no mistakes, He is not here to love us for who we are. He's here to redeem us. He's here to save us. He's here to changed us, to give us a desire for Him that no one can take anyway. That doesn't mean that God doesn't love us for who we are. He does. When we have Jesus, he longer sees a big blob of sin, junk, and messes. He sees the perfect score that Jesus gave us. We were born this way! We were born in the sin! But guess what? Gaga's right! We don't have to hide in regret!

Why?

Because Jesus saved us. Though we were born in sin, we don't have to live in it.

Isn't so discouraging how backwards everything is these day? Gay marriage seems to be accepted by everyone... even our President, who's a professing Christian.
But, you know what? Though it seems that all depressing, and backward things are taking over the world, God is still standing! He is still looking down at us and loving us. He is still faithful, even when we're not faithful to Him.

I wrote my own chorus to this song. Even though the message is pretty twisted, we can come to the conclusion that God can make truth out of anything.

I'm beautiful in my way
'Cuz God redeemed me.
I wasn't on the right track.
But Jesus saved me!
Oh, sure I have some regrets.
But now I have Jesus and I'm set.
I wasn't on the right track.
But Jesus saved me!

Awesome songs

signing off,
Ellie

This is one of my favorite songs by her! I love her to death. I can't stop listening to this song. It's so sweet!

I just got home. In the car, I was listening to the radio. They were playing 'I Knew You Were Trouble.' After it was over, I changed stations. They were about to play a song. As I waited, I thought, "It would be funny if they played 'I Knew You Were Trouble'. They did! Though I like the tune of that song, it is super over played on the radio. If I hear it again, I swear I'm going to puke! Our beagle, Rudo, has many nicknames. One of them is 'Trouble'. So we change the word 'trouble' to 'Rudo'.  "I knew you were Rudo when you walked in/Oh! (oh)/Oh (oh)/Rudo/Rudo/Rudo." It's pretty funny. Our dad loves nicknames. A few of Rudo's nicknames are, 'Diswasher' (Because he licks the silverware when my dad is putting the dirty dishes in the dishwaser) and 'Automatic Napkin'. It's just a little piece of my crazy life.

In Christ,
Sarah

P.S Fine, I admit it! I'm listening to Taylor Swift, but it's NOT 'I Knew You Were Trouble'.

Dear Faithful Blog Readers,

I recently finished my first theology book. I've never really read one.. I always start a theology book and never finish it, but I actually finished this one. So it was a great accomplishment and totally worth it. It was I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris. Yes, I know it's old and I know I'm not allowed to date yet, (I'm not even sure I will now) but it totally changed my view on dating and I planned to use it for when I write a letter to Taylor Swift. (By the way, please pray for her). I totally recommended it to anyone, especially Miss Swift. It was an AWESOME book! What have you been reading?

In Christ,
Sarah

Demi and Simon! SO FUNNY!!!

So funny! I LOVE their relationship! Demi, don't you ever quit the X Factor!

The Smallest Commandment

Q. What seems like the most unimportant commandment in the Ten Commandments? (In my opinion)
A. The tenth, coveting.

Why?

Coveting seems like the smallest, most unimportant commandments. Two reasons,
1. We break it so often we tend to forget.

2. It's the kind of thing that you don't say out loud. All you have to do to covet is just... well... think. Like maybe: Oh my goodness! She got that for Christmas! Oh, I so want that! I wish my parents were that generous! In order, to... say, lie, (another 'unimportant' commandment,) you have to speak. Coveting is more hidden than that. It's so easy to do it!

So... why did God put this rule on the Ten Commandments? I mean, gee, does God really expect us to keep this commandment? Why didn't He just think of another commandment in the Ten Commandments. Like, don't be prideful?

Well, even though coveting seems so small, it's actually really important.

Let's start at the basics. Coveting is simply wanting something that you don't have. It's pretty easy to do. Sometimes we just can't help it. I can't help wanting my ten-year-old cousin's iPad. We girls can't help wanting that really cute guy who has a relationship already. You, guys, can't help wanting that girl who looks so pretty in her tight skirt. Coveting is so easy. It's natural to do.

Well.... while coveting doesn't seem so important, it's what it can lead to that matters.

I mean, think about it. A unmarried couple might sleep together and regret their decision afterwards. Outside of marriage, sex is obviously a abomination to God. It's a terrible sin.  But where did this horrible sin start? Most likely, coveting. The guy took something he didn't own. Why? Because he wanted that! The girl took happiness and love, that didn't belong to her.Why? Because she wanted it. Suppose the girl gets pregnant and then gets an abortion Which is another unthinkable sin? How did this whole thing start? From one little sin. Coveting.

This world is full of coveting these days. All you have to do is listen to the radio. The hit song, 'Want U Back' by Cher Llyod is a good example. This song tells a story of a girl who dumped a guy, and then sees him with another girl. "Boy, you can say anything you wanna/I don't give a sh/No one else can have you/I want you back/I broke up thinking you'd be crying/Now I feel like sh/Looking at you flying." Cher isn't thinking about the guy's feeling, she's  jealous of his happiness! If you listen to the song, it's pretty obvious that Cher is mad and jealous. Still, she sings, "This ain't even jealousy." But I don't blame her. I've done it many times.   (Through she does not cuss, she says the first syllable of the s- word.)

Jesus commanded us to covet because He wants us to be happy with what he gave us, even if we think we don't have hardly anything. Because no matter what kind of situation you're in, God has a plan for you and He has a reason for everything. Maybe you're single, maybe you're poor, maybe you're alone, or maybe you're sick. No matter what, God is faithful and He has a special reason for everything even when we don't see it. He's given us everything we need. Put it this way: God will give you everything you need because He loves and wants what's best for you. That's why we shouldn't covet. We need to be thankful about what God gave us now.

You have all you need. All you need to do is be satisfied with it.

Bridgit Mendler

I like this song!
Over and out
                     Ellie

 I read this today...

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
(Ephesians 6:12 ESV)

 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
(Matthew 10:28 ESV)

Remember, people, that all of the things that matter in this earth, won't matter on Judgement Day. So forgot your fear, and witness to somebody. Remember, if we have Jesus, we SHOULDN'T fear death at all! Why? Because He has saved us from hell already.

In Christ,
Sarah

Britt Nicole cover- 'Home'

I love this cover. It's way better than the original!

In Christ,
Sarah

P.S: This is the lead single from the winner of American Idol's album. It's not Christian, but it's pretty good.

Demi Lovato

I love this song.

Dynamite

I am disgusted right now. Why, you ask? I'll tell you. A few seconds ago, I was on the computer, reading stuff and listening to Taylor Swift. I was actually to think about something to review. Then I remembered that Danae suggested 'Dynamite'. So, since I don't know the song's lyrics very well, I looked them up.

I was shocked. I mean, I thought I knew the most of the song well, but the problem was that I didn't the second verse very well.

I remembered once at writing class, my friend, Michelle was talking about a Christian version of 'Dynamite' she had discovered. She said it was great, because she loved the beat of the original version, but the words, not so much.

I remember thinking, "Well, overall, the words aren't that bad."

Now I know why she doesn't like it.

'Dynamite' is a very popular song. It's done by British rapper, Taio Cruz, who I don't know much about.  (other than he sings that super, super, annoying song, 'Break Your Heart') It released May 2010, and it is now the second best selling song by a British artist after Adele.

I hadn't heard it until I heard China Anne McClain, a Disney star, sang a cover of it. (Without the bad part of course) The first time I heard Cruz sing it, I thought, "Well, he doesn't sing as good as her." I actually wanted to get the China Anne McClain version.  A year ago, I looked at the lyrics and thought, "Well, this is good overall." The only problem was that I was looking at the China Anne McClain version.

Now that I look at the Taio Cruz version, I am shocked and dismayed. I didn't know. One of the many problems with rappers is that they talk so fast that whenever they say something bad, you can't hear it.

But I see it now.

I'm sure you all know the very well known bridge. "I throw my hands in the air sometimes/Sayin' AYO/Gotta let go/I want to celebrate and live my life saying AYO/Baby let's go!"

That's not too bad.

Then comes the slightly annoying part. "I came here to dance, dance, dance/I hit the floor 'cuz that's my plans, plans, plans/I'm wearing all my favorite brands, brands, brands/Give me some space for both my hands/hands/hands/'Cuz it goes on and on and on."

Then there's the chorus, which is where we learn the location of this song, at a club. "We go rock this club/We can go all right/We go light it up/Like it's dynamite."

That's not bad either. What's bad comes in the second verse where Cruz takes the cuss words to the max.

"I came to move, move, move/Get out the way/Me and my crew, crew, crew/I'm in the club so I'm gonna do, do, do/Just what the f---/Came here to do, do, do."

There's the line. I really shouldn't be surprised though. He is a rapper. Rappers are known to cuss a little more than pop and country artists do.

The rest of the song is pretty simple. In one part, Cruz sings: "I'm gonna take it all/I wanna be the rest one standing/Higher over all/I want to be the last one landing/'Cuz I believe it/And I just want it all/I just want it all."

Non-Christians (like atheists, etc.) often want everything because 'everything' is all they have. Since they don't know for sure what's going to happen after they die, they want to have everything while they can. The amazing thing is that we don't need everything because we know what's going to happen when we die! We don't need everything because we already have everything! We may not be rich in this world, but we are rich in Christ!

Isn't funny how most of popular songs in this world are party songs? 'Party In the USA', 'Hit the Lights', 'Teenage Dream', 'Telephone' and 'Good Time' are just some examples. Some party songs are okay, but some are not. The thing is that you don't want to have too many.

See, you can treat your music to the food you eat. You need to eat healthy stuff, like vegetables, fruit, eggs, and bread. Those are like good Christians songs, like 'All This Time', 'Don't Have Love', 'Ten Thousands Reasons', 'Motion of Mercy' and 'White Flag'. There's nothing wrong with some sugar in your diet. You can eat stuff like ice cream and cake. Those are like good secular songs, like 'Give Your Heart A Break', 'Skyscraper', 'Love Story', 'What Makes You Beautiful' 'Good Time', and 'Firework'. But too much sugar can make you sick. If you eat too much sugar, you abuse your body. Just like too many secular songs can hurt your relationship with God.

I must admit that I have had too much 'sugar' in my diet. I am way better about it now. Though I didn't own many secular songs, I listened to them many times. I am better about it now, but I have to remember that God should be my first priority. He should be the thing I love more than anything else.  Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.," Jesus says in Matthew 16:24. Later, He asks: "For what profits a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?"

Remember, Jesus is the most wonderful thing you could have, but you have seek Him first everyday to have Him. Though you can't change your heart by yourself, Jesus will help you. He WILL give you a desire for him. He gave it to me.

To listen to the Christian version of 'Dynamite', click here.

Making my Chia tree i got for Christmas. My best friend has lots of plants in her room.  It expires me to make my own.

I was just singing this song in my head. Great song!

Britt Nicole... again!

Just got addicted to this song.... Love her music!

In Christ,
Sarah

Ellie is offically addicted to Carly Rose Sonclair's cover of 'As Long As You Love Me'. I've lost count of how times she watched that video! It gets really annoying, but I still LOVE her. I am getting addicted to her music. Hopefully, she'll get signed to a record deal.

In Christ,
Sarah

Carly Rose Sonenclair

She is Awesome!!!!!

Girl on Fire

Alicia Keys has been around for awhile. Though I've heard of her, I hadn't  heard her until I listened to 'Girl on Fire' after reading Grace, Gold and Glory, a autobiography by two-time Olympic gold winner, Gabby Douglas. When Keys performed this song at the VMAs, Gabby did some flips during the second half of it. Why? You'll find out soon.

This song is about the determination, the independence, the passion, the strong wiliness, and the hotness, of woman.One of the inspiration of this song was giving birth to her son, Egypt, but the main inspiration was when she interviewed a woman named Amber Rose. She read the interview over and read a line that said, "She's like a girl on fire." Right when she read that quote, she knew she had to write the song. "It just spoke to everything I am feeling and was feeling at the time. You know, it was energy of finding your light, finding your space, and finding and claiming your own path.... and the way that the chorus is like screaming at the top of my lungs, 'I am!' and 'You are!' You just feel like 'I can' and I mean, 'I will'," Keys said at an interview.

There are three versions of this song actually. I've only heard two, and those are the ones I will be talking about in this review.


 The normal version begins like this: "She's just a girl and she's on fire," Keys' powerful voice sings. "Hotter than a fantasy/Longer than a highway." She speaks of her appearance. Notice that word: hot.

"She's living in a world and it's on the fire/Feeling the catastrophe/But she knows she can fly away," she speaks of this woman's determination. "She's got both feet on the ground/And she's burning it down/She's got her head in the clouds/And she's not backing down."

"This girl is on fire!" Keys almost screams powerfully. "She's walking on fire/This girl is on fire!"

The second verse has a lot of big talk. It speaks more about the powerful presence of this girl. (Whoever, she is) "She looks like a girl/But she's a flame/Better look the other way/You can try, but you can never forget name/She's on top of the world/Hottest of the hottest girls say/We got both feet on the ground... and we're not backing down."
Okay....

"Everybody stands as she goes by/Cause they can see the flame in her eyes/Watch her when she's lighting up/No one knows she's a lonely girl/And it's a lonely world/But she's going let it burn, baby, burn," she sings.

There's not much more to this version of the song that that. This song shows the meaning of 'girl power.' Speaking of girls, we are not treated like men are. The reason for is we're not like guys. God created us differently in His own special way. Girls are sensitive and do things differently than guys. I wouldn't say that guy aren't sensitive, but they're sensitive in a different way. My point is that women because are treated differently, we tend to write songs like this. Why? Sometimes we feel like we need to 'prove' ourselves to guys. In certain times, this is necessary, but others times it isn't. The truth is that we are created equally, but we are also created differently.

The music video shows that women can take of themselves and their family with a man. Half of revolves around a young single mom and part of it is Keys lying on a couch with a shirt  that only came up to her chest. In it, the single mom (played by Keys) lives in a small house and does everything to keep her family safe and sound. She takes care of her kids and a elderly woman, while everything else even though there is a man living in the house. The guy and her sit on a couch together. Then, the man wraps his arms around her and tries to kiss her. She pushes him away. Through the video, we see how much this woman cares for her family. Instead of putting her own desires first, she rather puts her family's safety and desires first. This is a good example for single and married women everywhere.

The idea that a woman can take care of a family is true. Woman are capable of taking care of a family, but really a family always needs a Father. A family can survive without a earthly father, but in truth, it cannot survive without a Heavenly Father. Because the music video and the song lacks this message, no surprise, it crumbles.

Warning: This part of my review contains something that's a lot different... and weirder.

Now, the second version (known as the 'inverno' version) is  different. First of all, it features the rapper, Nikki Minaj who adds a very weird and interesting verse into the song. The inferno version starts out with Minaj rapping a very strange, yet victorious verse. It is somewhat like the ending of Frank Peretti's amazing novel, This Present Darkness. (an old book, but I know some of you have read it, so you know what I mean)

"Spirit of Marilyn/Calling me," she begins, referring to the actress, Marilyn Moore, who supposedly committed suicide. "Said she would never leave /Continued to torture me/Tellin' me to come with her/Underneath my comforter/Pills and some her rum with her/Tip me on the balcony/Tellin' me to jump with her."

Yes, I know. This is very strange. Bear with me.

This is where hope and Gabby Douglas comes in as Minaj concludes: "Hey, I'm in the ghost/But I ain't doing stunts with her/I ain't trying to be that/Haters wanna see that/But I got 'em aggy/'Cuz I win the gold like Gabby."

I have never heard sometime like this, but then again, I don't listen to rap music (expect for Lecrae), and I've heard that a lot of it is like this. (Well, intense, like this, I mean) The saddest part about all of this is that it's real. Well, maybe not the ghost part, but the part about suicide. Not a lot of people like to talk about this, but suicide isn't uncommon. Why, you ask? Because a lot of those people don't see the point life. Because a lot of people are overloaded with the problems in their life. Because many people don't have God.

The message that Minaj presents is, though very strange, encouraging and hopeful. Even though the verse does not mention God, Minaj later does... some of it in a even weirder way. Her prayer is half okay and half really weird. She "Dear God/If you're here, God/Make the fire disappear when they stare, God/Do you fear, God?/'Cuz I fear God." The thing she asks of God could be connected to the pressure that every star goes through. Then she rambles on about something that I don't understand. "And in my backyard, there's a deer, God, and there's a horse ranch." Then she asks for, what Plugged In says, flattery from her fans. "And to my core fans/Keep reppin' me/Doing to the death me/X in the box/'cuz ain't nobody checkin' me." It's funny how she can't rhyme with God.

Confused? As am I.

Every woman goes through trials. Every single person comes to a point in their life where they ask themselves, "Who am I living for? Whose standards am I going to go by?" How we answer this question is what matters the most. We have to deal with a lot of stress, pressure, and tragedy. There's a lot of lies and evil out there. We can come to the assuring conclusion that with God, we can survive it all. Jesus will never fail you and He will take care of you. He will NEVER leave you to fend on your own.

Sweet Jesus

I love this song!

Happy new year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!