My thoughts on Christian and Secular concerts

Can you tell me which is Secular and which is Christian?

Should Christians attend concerts? Here is my simple answer... no.

Why you might ask, well here is why...

Secular concerts- As a Christian exposing yourself to what goes on at secular concerts will effect you, whether you think it will or not. If we were strong enough why would the Bible tell us to be not of the world? The things of this world is not of God, so as a child of God why would we want to participate in what the world has to offer? As Christians we are still sinners, sinners saved by grace but still sinners none the less. I believe we should not be filling our minds with the lyrics of secular songs. By reading them you will see that they will talk about adultery, drinking, sleeping around etc. Doesn't the Bible teach us to NOT do these things? Do you agree a Christian SHOULD do these things? So why sing the words to something you know is wrong?

Secular singers are all about themselves. They sing because they want to glorify themselves. By screaming their name, asking for their autograph are we helping to glorify them? The Bible teaches we CAN'T serve God and man... we need to choose.

Another reason I believe secular concerts are NOT for Christians is because of the drinking, smoking ( if it's an outdoor concert) swearing and immodest attire or unmoral dancing that happens.

It is sad to see pictures of Christians new or old on face book for example at a secular concert, dressed very immodestly. How will the world know we are a child of light when we look as dark as the world?

The devil is smart he knows how to make evil and sin look fun and interesting... that's why we need to stand up and fight. I've heard people say " oh it's just a concert, It's just one singer who I enjoy"

But once you let your guard down even just a little the Devil will take advantage of that!

Following God can be tough, friends may laugh at you, you may think your missing out on what you see others doing but we were NOT promised it would be easy but we ARE promised it will be well worth it. SO worth it!

So that's my thoughts on secular.

So what about Christian concerts, those are better right?

Well, not really...

Christian Concerts- You see, all the time you hear a Christian artist say " I use my talents to praise God, to write songs to help encourage others" and so on and so forth. That's great, praise God... So why the need for concerts with flashy lights, intros that request cheers and standing O's? Why the meet and greets? Well, for the same reason the secular artists do, to please themselves, and to glorify themselves.

Christian singers should be singing to encourage others and to minister to the lost through the way of music, for example like someone would do singing a special in church, but sadly with most this ISN'T the case.

Christian artists nowadays are even leaving the names God and Jesus out of their songs, they are too afraid to even put the gospel message boldly in their songs, because they might offend.

I love music, I believe it can be a wonderful form of worship but ONLY if it is truly done with worship.

This is why I choose NOT to listen to contemporary Christian music. Some of their songs do have wonderful lyrics but if you can't hear them through the music played what is the point?

I am not writing this to judge but to share my thoughts and maybe it will encourage someone...

Here are some verses I encourage you to look into, that back up my beliefs on this topic.

I Peter 5:8

Romans 12:2

John 17:14

John 18:36

I John 2:15-17

a Daybook entry

Got this idea from a ladies blog at joyfulmomofmany.

Outside my window... dreary... in the 30's a "take a nap, read a book or watch an old movie type of day.

I am thinking... about upcoming spring plans. Gardening, making some crafts for Logans bedroom...

From the learning room... nothing at the moment. Haven't started up toddler school since the end of last year. Have been planning and thinking up lessons and activities though :)

I am thankful for... my family. I need them. My heart feels like it will burst with happiness. I am so thankful for them!

From the kitchen... Nothing lately, sadly... have plans for jelly bars and maybe some banana bread soon.

I am wearing... a brown shirt with way-to-big-for-me blue jeans ( that's a good thing they are getting big eh?)

I am reading... in devotions- Ephesians, book (when I get the chance)- Reshaping it all

I am hoping... I can be the wife and mom my family needs and the Lord has called me to be.

I am creating... ideas for Logans Mickey/Toy Story room, including a bookshelf window seat :)

I am hearing... my little boy watching Princess and the frog ( a new favorite)

Around the house... housework to finish, couple of loads of laundry to do

One of my favorite things... organizing and decorating and pinterest. Oh and Saturdays with my family. Not in that order.

A few plans for the rest of the week... working at the church, church tonight, church clean up Saturday. Catching up on Missionary books

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Aren't little toddler hands ADORABLE! <3

"There Is Hope" Evangelistic Tool - Bible Baptist Church

Gardening Plans

I contemplated container gardening but my little area to work with is... well, little. I don't really want to dig into the ground... so what did I do?... searched pinterest of course! Found this unique and very cool way to garden. Pallets! Add a little garden tarp to the bottom, fill with dirt and ta da! So So Cool :)

Isn't this the coolest?! My choices for veggies include: tomatoes of course, carrots ( sons fave ) Lettuce for salads, cucumbers ( maybe ) onions, green and red peppers, beans ( maybe ) and zucchini ( hoping )

For my flower boxes. I heard this type of flower keeps mosquitoes away. Worth giving a try right? And they are so pretty and cheerful!

Herbs: love how this is displayed and plan on doing it just like this on my front porch/ deck/ itty bitty space on my stairs. Just because it's small doesn't mean you can't make it purdy, am I right? :)

So what do you think?

Spring Inspiration

I am in such a decorating mood. Like some new throw pillows and a craft or two to help decorate our home for Spring... Here are a few things that have inspired me

:)

This would be so precious in a cute colored frame!! so stinkin cute man!

Really want to make this...now! and little blue vase next to with maybe some pussy willows... for real that. would. be. ADORABLE!

How cute are these pillows!! Seriously love them!

Homemade Bird Feeder...How sweet!

Donut Muffins

I adore these. Bake them but try to wait until they are completely cool, even a day later... SO beyond delicious!

Doughnut Muffins

Ingredients:

For the muffins:

• 1 3/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/3 cup oil
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk

For the coating:

• 1/4 -1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a muffin tin.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
3. Combine oil, sugar, egg and milk in a large bowl. Add dry ingredients and stir only to combine.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. While muffins are baking, melt butter in a small bowl. In another small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.
5. Shake muffins out of the muffin tin while the muffins are still hot.
6. Dip muffins in the melted butter and then into the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Place on a wire rack and allow to cool.

CrAzY Maine Weather

Happy Spring!! Tuesday was the start of a new season. Spring is a favorite of mine. It is a time to renew. A time to deep clean the home and get it ready for warmer weather, a time to really get focused on getting fit and gaining the energy for all the activities that come along with Spring/ Summer. It's a time for new. New leaves budding, new flowers blooming etc. I just love it. And who can forget about Easter! A time to give praise that the Lord has risen again! A time to give thanks. I also love the flowers, decorations and food that come with it.

Although the calendar has said Spring the past week living in Maine during the past two weeks we have experienced all four seasons!

Spring

Summer ( highs of upper 80's and even 90's! With humidity believe it or not! In March no less!?!?!)

Fall ( Today is feels SO much like fall yet looking out the window at the sun shining it looks Spring?!)

Winter ( before the calendar technically said Spring we were having temps in the low 30's)

Maine is odd...

an update

I am so horribly bad at updating this blog. I have so many recipes, news and just this and that I would love to share but finding the time to sit down and type it out... ya it just doesn't happen.

So to catch up on what's been going on at my homestead here's the news, I can't promise it will be an exciting read.

I live in Maine, it's March, Spring has only been around for 3 days... Yesterday it reached the 90's in the sun.... ?!?!?! huh? what? YES you read that right. That's like July weather in Maine, but hey I am not complaining... Needless to say we have been spending much time in the great outdoors. Hubs took us to the playground the other day, we've gone on walks and rode bikes... oh warm weather how I miss you dear friend.

Spring Cleaning... I have gone through closets and storage and even cleaned out our car and my Hubs workshop for his business. I have done a few baseboards and all that but no real deep clean run through of our house yet... I plan to start a spring cleaning womens series next week that includes a cleaning plan. I found it through a blog I follow. Should be fun! :)

Gardening. I NEED to start my seeds, but I haven't gotten them yet. This is the year guys, I will make a patio garden, you just watch me! :) I also want to grow herbs like, parsley and basil and rosemary. But I heard rosemary attracts spiders!!! ahh dun dun dun, ok maybe NOT rosemary then!

My little boy is growing. like. a. weed! It's sad really. He has transitioned to a Toddler bed! He has done very well adjusting too. So proud of him!

Church activities are in full swing! Almost every weekend is booked for awhile.

I have started decorating somewhat for Easter, going to make some crafts and will post photos soon.

I have stepped up my game and am losing some weight. I have lost and inch the month of March, not terrible but could do better I know...

well, I have drawn a blank in what else to write, have housework to finish and going to take my little guy for a walk then work on the Church's missionary books so.... Later!

would you consider giving to this ministry?

check out this site, and if the Lord lays it on your heart to give it would be such a blessing and encouragement to this filmmaker.
Thank You!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/all4himfilms/memories-and-blessings-christian-film