Secular Music - to listen or not to listen

{Drawn by David Richardson}

At the being of this year in this post, I stated that I dislike secular music. This lead to a commenter asking why this was and me doing a lot of thinking, and then trying to explain my reasons as best as I could. Ever since then the subject of music has been at the back of my mind. What do I really think? Should I listen to secular music? Why? Why not? Every now and again a new realisation would come to me and force me to reconsider those questions again. So where do I stand now? That's what this post is all about - my opinions on listening to secular music.


In the summary of my answer to that question a reader posed, I said this:

"So the bottom line is (to me at least) to read, watch and listen to what will build us up, not tear us down. We should always seek to have our ‘entertainment life’ under God’s direction. If we are always seeking to follow Him in this area, it’s less likely that we will watch, listen to or read things that are harmful or distracting. Also (to quote my good friend Annie), “I know most of the time when I’m doing something wrong, and that’s where I’ve got to draw the line.” "

I still stand by this view. To put it another way, my basic thoughts are this:

If I know a song will distract me from God or pollute my thoughts I avoid it. For me, those songs are a big percentage of all secular music I hear. However, I know that for many Christians, a lot of those songs will have no negative effects on them. If that is the case for someone, they should feel free to listen to those songs. Personally, however, I have to avoid them. 

 For example, I have to steer clear almost every romantic song ever written - in fact, even if it's written by a Christian! Why? Because after hearing them I too often fall into I.W.R.L.S. - I Want Romantic Love Syndrome. :P I am tempted to think romantic thoughts or pine after romantic love, instead of finding fullness in God.

 However, there are a few exceptions to this 'rule' for me. One is "Smile" by Uncle Kracker. It's a love song through-and-through, but is so upbeat and funny that it just makes me smile, and nothing else, most of the time.

Two other exceptions are "Counting Stars" by One Republic and "Riptide" by Vance Joy. These are two songs that under normal circumstances I would most definitely shun - the lyrics are not great at all, and just a warning, don't go looking at the music videos! However, these songs are very strongly connected in my mind with one of my most beautiful memories, which also involves the lyrics of these songs re-written. So I can actually listen comfortably to these two songs because my mind is completely washing over the lyrics and focusing on both my sweet memory and the 'alternate' words.

 One point I really want to stress is that individuals may have different "pollutant resistance" levels. Mine is quite low. Other people I know, however, can listen to songs that I never could without being negatively affected. In turn, some of their friends can listen to songs that they couldn't. I therefore have no right to judge either my friend's music choices or their friend's music choices. Where appropriate, I can encourage them to make wise decisions and avoid any songs that have negative affects on them, or warn them that I think listening to such-and-such a song is a bad idea, but I can't lay a blanket rule that no Christian should listen to secular music or certain secular songs. Individuals can make up their own minds on what is or isn't harmful to them, as long as they continually submit to God in regards to what touches their ears. 

That is my opinion. Feel free to voice yours.

Cassie xoxoxo

P.S. Same principals apply to books and movies. Personally, my pollutant resistance level is higher for movies, and significantly higher for books.

Spring/Summer Modesty!

A friend recently asked me for tips on how to stay modest and comfortable this spring/summer. After I wrote my reply I had the idea of putting all my hints into a blog post. So here it is! My few tips on how to stay modest, comfortable and chic in the heat. (To my Northern Hemisphere readers: I know it's not spring up north, but keep a few of these points in mind for when it is. Also, I'm not sure what department stores you have where you live, so unfortunately my specific-store-related hints probably won't apply to you.)

• First of all, here's what I know's in the shops that I avoid: see-through tops and skirts (often made of chiffon or lace), low-cut tops, shorts/dresses/skirts shorter than a few inches above my knee, tops with arm-holes that are low enough or loose enough to show my bra when I lift my arms, tank tops and singlets (these tend to be too low and too tight or show bra straps), backless (or practically backless) tops/dresses etc. Dresses and tops like this:

are in fashion, but I avoid them because of the see-through (or backless) upper.)

• I love the cute, light '60s dresses like this:

 

and this: 

 

that are in fashion now. In fact, I'm wearing one right of the first style right now, and have one of the second style in my wardrobe! They have high necks and are most often a decent length.

Looking at Target Online recently, I've found a few in these styles, although they are a little pricey. Also on Big W online there are a few.

• Go long skirts! I don't actually have any, but I've seen friends wearing them. You can get nice light ones in summer. Check out Target again.
• During summer I practically live in denim shorts. I got mine from Target last year (starting to see a theme? :P). If I remember correctly, there's a style called 'Boyfriend' (go figure!) that is nice and loose. But that may be a faulty memory. Also cargo shorts seem to be good, although I don't have any.
• As for tops, these are harder I think. My style is more dressy, elegant; you don't really find me in over-loose t-shirts etc, so I personally can't escape to that kind of style. Even the trendy styles like this:

don't look as great on me as they do on some of my friends. However, many of you would probably rock that style, so go for it! Many of those kind of tops are very modest. But anyway... For me my greatest find has been the basic Emerson 'rib' tees (or whatever they're called) at Big W:

 

(Mine's dark blue.) Not the best quality, but very cheap, very simple, very modest, and, as it fits oh-so-subtly around my curves, elegant enough to satisfy my style. 

• The Regatta brand at Myers has some nice, modest tops for reasonable prices.
• I know layering isn't the best option in summer, but if you have too, go for a Target Essentials basic t-shirt. Although a bit too see-through to wear on it's own, it's perfect for layering. Same If you need a singlet or leggings - go Target Essentials.
• Swim-wear is a big one. I think it's a given for us that bikinis are a no-go. Personally, I think that even one-pieces are still too immodest. I wear a one-piece under a rash-shirt and sports skort (skirt and shorts in one). 

This is a sports-material skort

I possibly could omit the rash-shirt, but I prefer to be on the safe side.

• Pray before you go summer shopping. And praise God when you find something! Oh, and a bit of research on online helps, so you can just walk into the department store and ask for what you've seen online.

Hope these tips help you!

Cassie xoxoxo

Lessons in Prayer

(From http://wallpaperhdfree.com/)

Prayer: that beautiful highway of communication with God that is so often underestimated, undervalued and underused. This I have known for years, but what have I learnt recently about prayer?

That it is a connector to friends far away. Praying for them somehow brings me closer to them, unites me with them, identifies me with them.

That prayer needs to be balanced. As well as a balance between thanksgiving and petition, there needs to be a balance of who I pray for. Although it is good to consistently pray for people who I am continually reminded of each day, others should not be left out of my prayers because I am so buys lifting up others before God all the time. Also, just because family are more familiar, that is not an excuse for not praying for them. Family are just as, if not more, important than friends, and should be placed as such in my prayer life.



Two points. Only two? Two is enough for now, I think. I will learn more in the future, as God chooses to reveal them to me.



Cassie xoxoxo

Where Feet May Fail

Hey guys! No idea if you've heard this song, but I thought I'd share the lyrics with you, because is it just soooo wonderful, beautiful, inspiring, uplifting etc. I bought the Hillsong United version on iTunes after being touched over and over by it at our youth worship nights. I've listened to it about half a dozen times in half a day, it's that good.

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLrQWVpoh7U

Hello again!

Aha! My proof that I was on holidays! This is taken at Bowen.

Hi wonderful people! No, I haven't deserted you! And I do have a really good reason for not posting so long... I've been on holidays away from a computer for 7 weeks! And recently, since I've been back, I have been trying to come up with a post, but nothing's come to mind yet. (Any suggestions?) However, there should be a post soon! Thanks for sticking around!

Love,
Cassie xoxoxo

Set an example.. in purity

 OK guys, I have been busting for this post! It's so exciting!!

 So it started when I had the idea for this post serries. As I've mentioned, I started by checking out the words in my concordance. All of them meant just what they say in our modern English Bibles. All but one. All but PURITY!

 The Greek word for purity is hagneia. By delving into the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (yes, I know it sounds terribly scholarly and important, but it really is a handy thing to have around) I discovered that the root word of hagneia is hagnós. And there it was, written as though almost insignificant, but truly sensational to whoever knows it. The original meaning of hagnós. Oh girls, can you guess what the original meaning of hagnós is?? Here it is:

‘That which awakens awe.’

Aaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!! Isn't that perfectly splendid! The original meaning of purity is 'that which awakens awe!' Doesn't that give you a sense of what purity is really supposed to look like? It's beautiful, girls; stunningly, awe-inspiringly gorgeous! Oh, I know it may not seem like it in the world today. But there is a stunning beauty in a girl who is both pure in the Lord's sight and radiating purity from her life. I know. I have seen it. It's been said about me too. (Yeh, I know, that sounds like I'm boasting about what others have said about me. But I'm not. I just happen to be part of an example where people see the beauty of purity and dedication to God. I sure don't have it all together!) 

 Isn't that encouraging! So girls, when you hop of the computer and go into the world to shine God's light and purity, remember that it's beautiful. Awe-awakening, in fact.

Cassie xoxoxo

Set an example... in faith

{Sorry that I couldn't post on Saturday! I truly was busy. And it has taken a while to gather my thoughts for this post.}

 Faith. Greek word: pistis. Dentition: trust, belief, faithfulness. I looked into this word a bit. Found the verse in a dozen or more different English translations of the Bible. Went to the trusty Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (it's not actually as impressive or scary as it sounds). There actually wasn't much that helped me clarify or flesh out the idea of faith. So I brought it back to my instincts. What I think of when I hear the word faith. What I think Paul meant when he told Timothy to 'set an example for the believers in faith.'

 First of all, I think it means the simple faith that children have in God. An informed, but sweet, uncomplicated faith of a child in his or her heavenly Father. Luke 18:17 says, "Truly I tell you, whoever will not receive the kingdom of heaven like a little child will never enter it." And while we are to mature in Christ (Colossians 1:28, Ephesians 4:13-15, Hebrews 5:14, 1 Peter 2-3), I think we should retain a simple faith in God - faith that He is good, that He works everything for His glory and our good, that He is who He says He is, etc.

 Second, I think it also means that we are to set an example in our faithfulness. We are to be set-apart for God, faithful to His ways. We are not to be one of those 'Christians' who claim to be in Christ, but are unfaithful to Him and really live in darkness, not light. Instead, we are to be faithful to God and His work in us. Faithful to Him no matter what the rest of the world is doing. Faithful to setting an example for believers.

Cassie xoxoxo