Should Christians only listen to Christian music?

Many people have been asking me lately whether or not Christians should only listen to purely Christian music. There is not one straight answer. I'm sure if you googled that question there would be thousands upon thousands of blog articles, like mine, or even studies about it. My answer: There is no one answer, but it's your personal opinion. I, personally, have a playlist of strictly worship songs and/or normal everyday songs you would hear on your local Christian music radio station. I have about 158 songs of though, but I don't listen to all of them in one sitting. On the other hand I do have a playlist of current/older songs; for example, I have: The beat, by C2c; Mirrors, by Justin Timberlake; and finally Sail, by Awolnation. These are not all bad songs. I try to stay away from those songs that have bad meanings or a lot of cussing. I feel like that causes me to think badly or feel bad, and I don't like that.
The things I like about Christian Music:
1. An uplifting experience.
       How can you be sad or mad when you listening to a song about God's love or his great sacrifice.
2. Makes me happy
       What more can you say?
3. Never forgetting
        When I listen to Christian music it always reminds me of Jesus and God. You can never forget who the artist are referring to!

There is nothing really bad about Christian music. But some people say that Christian music, some people don't like Christian music because it turns 'Christian' into an adjective.  Who knew? Christian can be used as an adjective or a noun. It's just like any other word that can be used as a verb or adjective. For example, The jumping frog croaked as he sat on the lilly pad. 'Jumping' is used as an adjective to describe the frog.

The things I DON'T like about current music:
1. Bad Messages
          Typically music that you hear on the radio have bad or suggestive messages in the song. Niki Minaj, Macklemore, and even LMFAO have bad messages.
2. Annoying Beats
           I know, I know. The songwriters what the listeners need to remember the songs, so whether they use annoying beats or repeated choruses, the songs are annoying.
3. Bad Singers
          'nuff said

I personally don't care what type of music you listen to. I want you to be happy with what you do. But this is my opinion.


with god's love
~MM

Personalities- The Good, the Caring, and the Pushy

As we all know, we all have different personalities. Back two weeks ago, our youth pastor, Sam (her blog samtidball.blogspot.com) and her husband did a personality test. We had four main color or personalities, red, blue, green, and yellow. A red is  someone who likes to get to the point and likes to take charge in task. A blue is a indesiscive person. They like to think through things before doing them. A green is someone who cares and shows compassion, like me. A yellow is someone who likes to party. They are easy going and don't do well when focused. There are many test out there and the one I used while typing this is: http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl . There are 68 questions. These personalities are not all that are out there, but these are the most popular.

I took the test and here's what I got:
                    ESFJ: "Seller". Most sociable of all types. Outstanding host or hostesses. They excel in service occupations involving personal contact. 13% of the total population.


I hope you guys have a great day!!
~MM

9/11: A day we will never forget

9/11, a major event in our history. This event created 911. It created a stir, not just with other countries, but it stirred up all the Christians in this country. I'm sure we all remember where we were on the day it happened.Whether it be in the car, or walking, we heard all at the same time. It was the worst terrorist attack we've ever had. I personally, don't remember where I was (being only 2 at the time) or what I was doing. But, we all have our story. We have that one place where it causes memories to come back. For me, when ever I see cantaloupe, I think of my granny. She loved it. Before, continuing please watch this video;  The Skit Guys; 9/11. It says that this event was meant to harm America. But, we as Americans  took it and ran the other way. This is so true. We took it to the church. We prayed and we gathered. It was a good time for the churches. People started going back to church because they thought it would help the people effected or help themselves. They found God in their hearts and claimed him in his heart. If this event was meant for harm, the American population stood up and helped each other. It might not make sense right now, but eventually you'll understand.

Today, construction workers in New York are building two new World Trade Centers. This picture is the new world trade center light up on 9/10. It is a beautiful sight. It shows how Americans can come together and make history.

May God Bless all who was affected by this,

~MM

Distractions

Distractions are many many things. The denotation of the word distraction is;that which distracts,  divides the attention, or prevents concentration. In today's time distractions can be from Facebook, Twitter, My_Space, cellphones, or electronics in general. All these thing draw us away from the truth. God! I know you could probably find some page for "God" or "Jesus".  But, no page or profile can capture God. God is this huge figure in people's lives. I like to think god as almost a stalker(in a good way). He's is always watching and hearing things we are doing/saying. He is like a Narrator that can tell stories in 3rd person omniscient point of view. He knows all! 

Distractions are building walls in between us and God. Every single text we send or every funny pic of Desmond we like, we are building another wall between the truth and us. As my favorite song by Building 429 Walls are Coming Down 

'I don't wanna stand at an arm's length From the hands that are reaching to save me Right here right now His hands are reaching out I don't wanna stand at an arm's length From the hands that are reaching to hold me Right here right now my walls are coming down' 
This is so true. We need to tear down our walls that we built. His hands are reaching out for every single person in this world. He loves every single one of us.






                                      ~MM  

Signs

Instead of talking about signs of God, which you are probably thinking is what I am writing about, I am writing about actual signs, like; stop signs and beware of dog signs.
I am taling about encouraging signs, important, and notice signs.





An encouraging sign says important sayings or words that encourage you. I have one in my room that says 'Faith makes things possible, not easy'. I find this type of sign the most important when feeling down.

An important sign is one that says something is true with everyday life. The one in my room has some lyrics from Where I Belong by Building 429. It says 'This is not where I (we) belong'. I find that so important, it is true. We originally belong with God.


A notice sign is something that is happening, or going to happen. I made a sign that reads: 'Notice: God is always watching!'. We all know it's true. He sees anything and everything we do. This sign just reminds us in the morning, or whenever, that he is doing it.

I hope one of these types of signs can help or enhance you christian faith.

Have a great week!
~MM

Prayer

God is Good,
God is Great.
Just Praise with all,
To knees we fall.
Our Life is yours,
so do what ever,
you want with thou.
I love you and you love me.
Amen

My Sunday Testimony

About, four Sundays ago my youth pastor Sam Tidball (her blog: samtidball.blogspot.com) gave us these journals. She said you write down what ever we wanted to. She gave us a couple of things that we could do. 

1. Ask god to give you images about things that you can pray for and lead you to halping or doing what ever that thing is. 

2. Write down vivid dreams

3. Write down our prayers 

One night, I couldn't sleep. So I wrote a prayer down that went like this:

Dear God, 

I yearn for sleep. In fact, I need sleep. I know this is your plan. I ask for sweet dreams and great love. Please send me images of something so I can share you love and help who/what ever. 

            A....

I started to write Amen, but then I flashed back to a couple Sundays back and remembered what Alex Dickey (a leader for our youth) said that when we say amen its like we are ending our conversation with God. When really we are always talking to God. 

During that night I had multiple horses in my dreams. I knew that was what God was calling me to go share his love with. 

The next day at school my friend; was wearing a shirt with horses on it. I saw it and told God
"I think this is the sign. I will follow!" 

After talking to her she finally said " My parents are still not back together. I think they might be getting a divorce." I told her that I was so sorry! We prayed and she started to cry. We walked to class before we were gonna be late. 

Everyday we still pray to give her family togetherness. 

This Journal has helped me share God's love that is never ending. It has helped me become a leader and a better follower. 

This is my testimony... What's yours? 

Journals - The most important thing

Journals are there when you are mad, sad, or happy. You can write down what ever you want, unless you have a pesky brother, that always wants to find it, for all you Girls.
There are multiple types of Journals like;
1. Diary
2. Prayer Journal
3. God Journal
4.  or a basic book of paper that you write down anything and everything.

The first journal, is a diary. It's a journal that you write down your feelings, ideas, tell about your day, or for girls which guy your into.

The second journal is a prayer journal. It's where you write down your prayers or important bible verses, for example:
         Dear God,
                        I wish for sweet dreams and great love. I yearn for images of something/one for me to pray for.
                                         Amen

The third one is a God Journal. We all have one whether you know it or not. It's in your mind. When God speaks to you he's basically writing in your journal. I know in mine there are multiple pages of them saying "Follow me with your heart, not your senses" or "Pastor McGarvey."  My youths pastor's might say "Even though they might be annoying love them!" or "Treat them he third onewith love, respect, and they'll do the same for you."

The third one is probably the most important to me.


The fourth one is basically explained eveything up there in the list.


I hope you have a blessed week and may God's love run through you to others,
 
                                              MM

Trish Lober - Singer, Songwriter, and Piano Player

I have a piano teacher, a really good one, or some people know her as a singer/song writer. Her name is Trish Lober. Her newest song is called "My Rock". It's about who/what is your rock. In this song she says that her rock is Jesus. Which is true.



I recently had an interview with her. I asked her the following questions about her song "My Rock" :


1) What called you to write this song? 


Her Answer:
The song, "My Rock" was probably birthed out of my devotional time with the Lord in the mornings. I believe I was thinking about how God never changes - He is "immutable". I decided to do a re-write of the song a few years ago, which is when I re-named it. I was thinking about our country and the "signs of the times" and thus wrote the new lyrics around this topic - how we can have peace in an circumstances if Jesus is our Rock. 


2) How long have you been singing? 


Her Answer:
Well . . . that's a tough one because I have never considered myself a singer! A songwriter, yes, but not a singer. I have only been singing my songs for approximately 12 years. I have been writing songs for 33 years though!! I started off singing my songs, however I then had no desire to do this and only pursued songwriting. Around the year 2000, the Lord was impressing me to sign my own songs . . . so, though I has absolutely no confidence in my voice, I went forth in obedience and began to sing publicly again. I believe that, as I have been obedient to what he has called me to do and have been diligent to try to improve my voice, He has made it sound much different that what it did 12 years ago. 


3) What is the main idea behind this song? 
Her Answer:
Jesus is unchangeable - a rock - an anchor, if you will. So, the idea behind the song is that if our hope and trust is in Him, we will not be shaken. We can have peace and joy in the midst of the storm if he is our rock. 


4) What are you wanting your listeners to get out of your song? 
Her Answer: 
I want them to be inspired to make Jesus THEIR ROCK!!!! 




To Find out more or to hear her song go to: 


        www.trishlober.com 

Dear Cell Phone

Dear Cell Phone,

Today I woke up and saw you laying there. You’re just another distraction. You cannot bring me back to the lord. Let my bible do that. You cannot show me how to be a better Christian. Let my youth pastor do that. You cannot tell me that I am getting off track with my faith. Only my friends and family can do that.

But, do not let this letter fool you. Yes, I do like how you let me stay in touch with my friends in this day and age. Yes, I do like how you can let me get on the internet for a price of $30. Yes, I can talk to my family or friends on the go. But, you cannot equal what a good old-fashioned talk can do.

If you’ll do your job which is just to let me use you when I absolutely need to. I would really appreciate it. Also, If you let my church family be a steady foundation instead of a signal that can die if you go through a tunnel.

It would be very much appreciate it!

~ Michael  

Happy 2012!

I just wanted to wish you a healthy and happy 2012!! 

Make a wish! The amazing story of Tyler

Today  we presented a wish to a kid. He was a bone disorder and he just found out that he was elidgeable to make a wish for the Make A Wish foundation. Today we made his wish come true. I hope he has fun in Disney World.

He was a miracle. They told us about his sickness. That only 1 out 7 people survive. He was a living miracle!!

That just shows how amazing god is!!!

Made to Love

Have you ever heard the song "Made to love" by tobyMac? It is amazing!!!

He is really Good.
Here are the music lyrics;
Made to Love Written and sung by TobyMac

The dream is fading, now I'm staring at the door
I know its over cause my feet have hit the cold floor
Check my reflection, I ain't feelin what I see
It's no mystery
Whatever happened to a passion I could live for
What became of the flame that made me feel more
And when did I forget that...

I was made to love you
I was made to find you
I was made just for you
Made to adore you
I was made to love
And be loved by you
You were here before me
You were waiting on me
And you said you'd keep me
Never would you leave me I was made to love
and be loved by you

The dream's alive with my eyes opened wide
Back in the ring you've got me swinging for the grand prize
I feel the haters spittin vapors on my dreams
But I still believe
I'm reachin out, reachin up, reachin over
I feel a breeze cover me called Jehovah
And daddy I'm on my way
Cause I was made to love...

I was made to love you
I was made to find you
I was made just for you
Made to adore you
I was made to love
And be loved by you
You were here before me
You were waiting on me
And you said you'd keep me

Never would you leave me I was made to love
and be loved by you

I was made to love you
I was made just for you
Made to adore you
I was made to love
And be loved by you
You were here before me
You were waiting on me
And you said you'd keep me
Never would you leave me I was made to love
and be loved by you

(nah, nah, nah, nah - nah, nah, nah, nah, nah)
(nah, nah, nah, nah - nah, nah, nah, nah, nah)

Anything I would give up for you (nah, nah, nah, nah, nah)
Everything, I'd give it all away (nah, nah, nah, nah, nah)

Anything I would give up for you (nah, nah, nah, nah, nah)
Everything, I'd give it all away (nah, nah, nah, nah, nah)

Anything I would give up for you (nah, nah, nah, nah, nah)
Everything, I'd give it, I'd give it all away, Oh yeah

Cause I was made to love you (I was made to love you)
Yeah I was made to love you (I was made to find you)
Cause I was made to love you (I was made to adore you, made just for you) (nah, nah, nah, nah, nah)
I was made to love you (I was made to adore you, made just for you)
Cause I was made to love you (I was made to adore you, made just for you) (nah, nah, nah, nah, nah)
I was made to love you (I was made to adore you)  

Yeah I'm loved by you
Yeah I'm loved by you (nah, nah, nah, nah, nah)
Yeah I' m loved by you (nah, nah, nah, nah, nah)
(nah, nah, nah, nah, nah)
(nah, nah, nah, nah, nah)
This is so is so true. We were made to love God. We were just made for god.


We were made to love GOD and always remember that!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Sometimes you don't have to give your mom something. (maybe a card) I would give my mom a card and a kiss or hug!

Rain Like God

I think rain is kinda like God.  Lately, we have had alot of storms in Tennessee. We were all dirty but, now we are clean(and a little torn up.) I know what your thinking "This guy is crazy! What is he talking about??" We here's what I say! I LOVE GOD!!! I love it when he creates a storm and shows us how awesome (and distructive) he can be. I just think that he has a plan.
 Just think about it God's blood kind of represents the rain. When you pray and ask "God, please forgive my sins." God's blood washes you clean. I really feel close to God when I am standing at the sound board and hearing how magnificent the praise band is. They are singing " I lift my hands to the joy of the lord." I can't  help but, to put my hands up in the air because the power of the lord is in the lord.
 Since, you probably read the title, your probably wondering how rain represents God? Just hear the rain pitter patter pitter pattering on the ground. As it hits the trees it is washing away the trees' pollen to make it clean. If you think about it's kind of saying "I am the lord your God and I am washing away YOUR sins."
 I just find that interesting. God died on the CROSS for YOU! I don't think we appreicitate it enough. I know since I am 11 yrs old about to be 12 I never known how much christ our lord gave up for us. HE died and shed his blood for US, so we could expirence his love he gave to his Disicple and who ever loved him. My pastor always tells me that we never know what he did untill you let your life go for God.
 Ever since I gave my heart to god (which was about 2 months ago, when I started Confirmation) I never stoped thinking about how God FORGIVES and LOVES us even though we may have had the worst life.
 God DIED and FORGIVES. Always remember that.