I just had an epic revelation. I want to bring people to know what Praisecore is. It is exactly what I have been searching for the past few days because it is a mesh of worship and hardcore music. It's awesome. Watch this vid; it will explain everything.
God Bless You!!
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Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tattoos and Piercings: The Christian Taboo
It's been about three years now since I have decided that I want to get a tattoo. Of course, people say that you can't just get whatever you want, because it's permanent (well, thst's almost a lie since people DO get whatever they want). But what I'm referring to a meaning. I actually want several tattoos to evangelize. Seems off huh? But I'll tell you why.
The traditional view of tattoos and piercings in the Christian community is simple: it's wordly and perhaps demonic, aka: you're going to hell. ButI don't think this is the case at all. I understand that in the Bible it says: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Yes, the body is the temple of God and we should glorify him in all we do but when it comes to the flesh, it isn't the temple of God. I believe that the temple of God in our bodies is our hearts and our minds.
Jesus said: "Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these defile you." Matthew 15:16-17 This is why I wholeheartedly believe that what matters most to God is your heart, not what you look like.
I mean, when we die, these bodies will rot and they will be of no importance. Why would God care about such a meaningless thing? What God cares about is the heart and the soul because those are the two things that define you and your actions.
I have met plenty of people who are covered in tattoos and piercings and guess what? They are on fire for God. They love him with their life. What more could God ask?
And now, for piercings. Everything I previously mentioned applies. I do think though that certain piercings are creepy, like nipple piercings and barbells on the back, but although they are weird, I don't think God wouuld stop loving or blessing anyone because of it. And no, you would never lose your salvation because of it.
The Bible does says to keep ourselves seperated from the world. Jesus said: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15 But even then, Jesus was speaking of pride, lust, and adultery. Throughout his life, Jesus was criticized and harrassed for being friends with thiefs, prostitutes, the handicapped, and the outcasts but he always shared his love and made a difference in their lives, shining the light of God in their darkness. That's what I want to do.
Many kids and even adults are oppressed, especially in the hardcore scene, and maybe, with God's help, I can be a light unto them and show them that there is a God who cares and loves them and wants to help them with their struggles. A simple tattoo or piercing could be the conversation starter that could lead them to know Christ.
Currently, I'm gauging (stretching) my ear piercings and I also want to get the snakebite piercings on my lower lip.
Why? I ask you, why not?
I plan to get several tattoos, eventually, and I'm really thinking about what they will say and look like (Thank God for you Anthony!!). I want them to glorify God.
God Bless You and have an awesome day!!! ^_^
The traditional view of tattoos and piercings in the Christian community is simple: it's wordly and perhaps demonic, aka: you're going to hell. ButI don't think this is the case at all. I understand that in the Bible it says: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Yes, the body is the temple of God and we should glorify him in all we do but when it comes to the flesh, it isn't the temple of God. I believe that the temple of God in our bodies is our hearts and our minds.
Jesus said: "Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these defile you." Matthew 15:16-17 This is why I wholeheartedly believe that what matters most to God is your heart, not what you look like.
I mean, when we die, these bodies will rot and they will be of no importance. Why would God care about such a meaningless thing? What God cares about is the heart and the soul because those are the two things that define you and your actions.
I have met plenty of people who are covered in tattoos and piercings and guess what? They are on fire for God. They love him with their life. What more could God ask?
And now, for piercings. Everything I previously mentioned applies. I do think though that certain piercings are creepy, like nipple piercings and barbells on the back, but although they are weird, I don't think God wouuld stop loving or blessing anyone because of it. And no, you would never lose your salvation because of it.
The Bible does says to keep ourselves seperated from the world. Jesus said: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15 But even then, Jesus was speaking of pride, lust, and adultery. Throughout his life, Jesus was criticized and harrassed for being friends with thiefs, prostitutes, the handicapped, and the outcasts but he always shared his love and made a difference in their lives, shining the light of God in their darkness. That's what I want to do.
Many kids and even adults are oppressed, especially in the hardcore scene, and maybe, with God's help, I can be a light unto them and show them that there is a God who cares and loves them and wants to help them with their struggles. A simple tattoo or piercing could be the conversation starter that could lead them to know Christ.
Currently, I'm gauging (stretching) my ear piercings and I also want to get the snakebite piercings on my lower lip.
Why? I ask you, why not?
I plan to get several tattoos, eventually, and I'm really thinking about what they will say and look like (Thank God for you Anthony!!). I want them to glorify God.
God Bless You and have an awesome day!!! ^_^
Monday, February 23, 2009
How music affects our lives
So, today, I've decided to talk a bit about the music I listen to, Christian Metalcore/Screamo and what it influences. For some reason, people think its ironic but really, I don't understand why. The biggest difference between Christian metalcore and secular (non-Christian) metalcore is in the lyrics and the message they give out. Let's compare the lyrics of the Christian metalcore band As I Lay Dying with a secular one, Converge.
As I Lay Dying- The Sound of Truth
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
truth that sounds right to our ears
but what wisdom is there within us
to live based on the feeling of our hearts
how many times has instinct let us down
never to be thought through
never to be questioned
say what you really mean when your ambition calls you
for what use is there in praying if you will only hear what you want to hear?
we have all heard what we wanted to hear truth that sounds right to our ears
we speak of fighting to resist this world but what about the battle within us?
if we have chosen to live against the grain then why are we all facing the same way?
there is no difference between us and them if we all blindly seek truth from sentiments
we have all heard what we wanted to heartruth that sounds right to our ears
Converge- The Great Devastator
No, I'll lay half empty half finished, half written, until my end
I'll leave the lights on just in case you want to be found again
To the dead, I wrote you countless lettersdear only some I sent
How easy it was for silence to saysome of the loudest of things
To speak so effortlessly the words and syllables that can crush in an instant
To our end, to the dear departed
are you my last chance or the first chapter in the greatest fable ever told
For the rope is getting shorter and these days
they are getting longer with every ghosts I find
They leave no heart unbroken, my great devestator
To our end, to the dear departed
are you my last chance or the first chapter in the greatest fable ever told
I'll leave the lights on just in case you want to be found again
My great devestator
Alright, I hope you read both lyrics. Which one seemed darker to you? As I Lay Dying or Converge? Well, if you chose Converge, you are quite right. There is almost a feeling of oppression when you read the lyrics, even greater when you hear the song. On the other hand, when you read As I Lay Dying's lyrics, you don't feel that. Maybe you think I'm crazy, and say "I didn't fell anything" or something like that. But, it's easy for a Christian to decern these things because of the light of Jesus Christ in us. Yea, it might sound preachy, but it's true. When we ask Jesus in our hearts, it's not to be taken literally; it's not like some spirit is possessing us. No, it's more like we are asking God to forgive us of the way we have lived our lives and ask him to open up our eyes and set us free from things that weigh us down, aka: sin. That sin can easily affect how we talk, react, and behave. It's a powerful thing.
When reading the lyrics of As I Lay Dying, you can sense truth. "We speak of fighting to resist this world but what about the battle within us?" That phrase is so powerful. Even at college I hear people taking about fighting to save the people of Darfur, bringing the troops back from Iraq, saving the children in Africa from AIDS, and finding a cure for cancer but what good is that when we fight with our brothers and sisters, disrespect our parents, lie, cheat, steal, do drugs, get drunk, sleep around, and backstab the people closest to us? In the end, it proves nothing. Even if we do find a cure for cancer, would that empower change in your life? No. It's probably going to feel great when they do but by the next day, you'll forget about it.
"No, I'll lay half empty half finished, half written, until my end, I'll leave the lights on just in case you want to be found again." What do these lyrics say to you? When you feel half empty, half finished...it's like you have no life left in you and you just want to die. How is that suppossed to make anyone feel good?I'm not going to say that Converge is a bad band. In fact, they are very musically talented but all I'm trying to show you is how strong lyrics can be.
I'll share my depression testimony with you. I first began listening to heavy music last summer. I was mostly listening to Slipknot, Killswitch Engage, Atreyu, Lamb of God, and Converge. By the time I was listening to their music everyday, there was oppression in my life. I started isolating myself from my family and friends, hating everything around me, contemplating on suicide, and cutting myself (and remember, I was a "Christian" then also). I eventually attempted suicide twice and cutting got bad, to the point where the school wanted me to leave until I seeked help. But no one could help me. It was a battle withing me, something that only God and myself could fight for. It was then when I gave God an ultimatum and I told him: either you kill me now and end my misery or you change my life ina way that the only thing I'll be able to do is live my life for you. The later choice was his will. I decided to give up all my music and everything that I thought was ok and let God direct me and not too long after did I find Christian Metalcore and it really changed my life, aside from the fact that God help me out first.
Now, I have realized that music is a big factor in how our generation lives. Look at the people around you? Aren't they influenced by what they listen to in the way they dress, speak, and act?
That's pretty much it for my "how music affects our lives" rant. I thought it was something I needed to get out of my chest. I don't think there's anything wrong with heavy music (actually, I love it). But to seperate myself from music that I know won't make me think positively, I try my best to only listen to Christian metalcore. There is a HUGE variety out there of Christian artists who are not ashamed of being what they believe in and it filters through their music.
So, if you take anything from my little rant is, God loves music and it doesn't matter if it's metalcore, the message is what matters. I love God with my life and listen to harcore music and that hasn't changed my walk on the Christian path.
Take Care and God Bless You!!
For more info on this topic, visit the following links:
Secular Perspective
http://ezinearticles.com/?Music-And-Its-Influence-On-Behavior&id=733185
Christian Perspective
http://www.touchet1611.org/MusicPersonalTestimony.html
(when he says KJB churches, it's just a denomination, but we all serve the same God so it can apply to any church, person, and denomination)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKXnHvSWz1M
This guy sums up everything I said perfectly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmjgXPxyIF0&feature=related
This dude talks about how music and dancing is from God, no matter what type, of course, as long as the message glorifies God, it's worship
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGgVFc1JSWw
Interview with Demon Hunter, amazing, what it's like being in a Christian metal band
And, finally, here is a list of super awesome Christian metalcore/screamo heavy bands:
***= my favorites but really, all these bands are awesome
Advent
As I Lay Dying***
A Plea for Purging
August Burns Red***
Becoming the Archetype
Blindside
Chasing Victory***
The Chariot
The Devil Wears Prada***
Demon Hunter***
Flyleaf
Haste the Day
JesusWept
Norma Jean
MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE
Oh Sleeper
Showbread
Sleeping Giant***
Soul Embraced
This Runs Through
With Blood Comes Cleansing
xDEATHSTARx***
As I Lay Dying- The Sound of Truth
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
truth that sounds right to our ears
but what wisdom is there within us
to live based on the feeling of our hearts
how many times has instinct let us down
never to be thought through
never to be questioned
say what you really mean when your ambition calls you
for what use is there in praying if you will only hear what you want to hear?
we have all heard what we wanted to hear truth that sounds right to our ears
we speak of fighting to resist this world but what about the battle within us?
if we have chosen to live against the grain then why are we all facing the same way?
there is no difference between us and them if we all blindly seek truth from sentiments
we have all heard what we wanted to heartruth that sounds right to our ears
Converge- The Great Devastator
No, I'll lay half empty half finished, half written, until my end
I'll leave the lights on just in case you want to be found again
To the dead, I wrote you countless lettersdear only some I sent
How easy it was for silence to saysome of the loudest of things
To speak so effortlessly the words and syllables that can crush in an instant
To our end, to the dear departed
are you my last chance or the first chapter in the greatest fable ever told
For the rope is getting shorter and these days
they are getting longer with every ghosts I find
They leave no heart unbroken, my great devestator
To our end, to the dear departed
are you my last chance or the first chapter in the greatest fable ever told
I'll leave the lights on just in case you want to be found again
My great devestator
Alright, I hope you read both lyrics. Which one seemed darker to you? As I Lay Dying or Converge? Well, if you chose Converge, you are quite right. There is almost a feeling of oppression when you read the lyrics, even greater when you hear the song. On the other hand, when you read As I Lay Dying's lyrics, you don't feel that. Maybe you think I'm crazy, and say "I didn't fell anything" or something like that. But, it's easy for a Christian to decern these things because of the light of Jesus Christ in us. Yea, it might sound preachy, but it's true. When we ask Jesus in our hearts, it's not to be taken literally; it's not like some spirit is possessing us. No, it's more like we are asking God to forgive us of the way we have lived our lives and ask him to open up our eyes and set us free from things that weigh us down, aka: sin. That sin can easily affect how we talk, react, and behave. It's a powerful thing.
When reading the lyrics of As I Lay Dying, you can sense truth. "We speak of fighting to resist this world but what about the battle within us?" That phrase is so powerful. Even at college I hear people taking about fighting to save the people of Darfur, bringing the troops back from Iraq, saving the children in Africa from AIDS, and finding a cure for cancer but what good is that when we fight with our brothers and sisters, disrespect our parents, lie, cheat, steal, do drugs, get drunk, sleep around, and backstab the people closest to us? In the end, it proves nothing. Even if we do find a cure for cancer, would that empower change in your life? No. It's probably going to feel great when they do but by the next day, you'll forget about it.
"No, I'll lay half empty half finished, half written, until my end, I'll leave the lights on just in case you want to be found again." What do these lyrics say to you? When you feel half empty, half finished...it's like you have no life left in you and you just want to die. How is that suppossed to make anyone feel good?I'm not going to say that Converge is a bad band. In fact, they are very musically talented but all I'm trying to show you is how strong lyrics can be.
I'll share my depression testimony with you. I first began listening to heavy music last summer. I was mostly listening to Slipknot, Killswitch Engage, Atreyu, Lamb of God, and Converge. By the time I was listening to their music everyday, there was oppression in my life. I started isolating myself from my family and friends, hating everything around me, contemplating on suicide, and cutting myself (and remember, I was a "Christian" then also). I eventually attempted suicide twice and cutting got bad, to the point where the school wanted me to leave until I seeked help. But no one could help me. It was a battle withing me, something that only God and myself could fight for. It was then when I gave God an ultimatum and I told him: either you kill me now and end my misery or you change my life ina way that the only thing I'll be able to do is live my life for you. The later choice was his will. I decided to give up all my music and everything that I thought was ok and let God direct me and not too long after did I find Christian Metalcore and it really changed my life, aside from the fact that God help me out first.
Now, I have realized that music is a big factor in how our generation lives. Look at the people around you? Aren't they influenced by what they listen to in the way they dress, speak, and act?
That's pretty much it for my "how music affects our lives" rant. I thought it was something I needed to get out of my chest. I don't think there's anything wrong with heavy music (actually, I love it). But to seperate myself from music that I know won't make me think positively, I try my best to only listen to Christian metalcore. There is a HUGE variety out there of Christian artists who are not ashamed of being what they believe in and it filters through their music.
So, if you take anything from my little rant is, God loves music and it doesn't matter if it's metalcore, the message is what matters. I love God with my life and listen to harcore music and that hasn't changed my walk on the Christian path.
Take Care and God Bless You!!
For more info on this topic, visit the following links:
Secular Perspective
http://ezinearticles.com/?Music-And-Its-Influence-On-Behavior&id=733185
Christian Perspective
http://www.touchet1611.org/MusicPersonalTestimony.html
(when he says KJB churches, it's just a denomination, but we all serve the same God so it can apply to any church, person, and denomination)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKXnHvSWz1M
This guy sums up everything I said perfectly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmjgXPxyIF0&feature=related
This dude talks about how music and dancing is from God, no matter what type, of course, as long as the message glorifies God, it's worship
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGgVFc1JSWw
Interview with Demon Hunter, amazing, what it's like being in a Christian metal band
And, finally, here is a list of super awesome Christian metalcore/screamo heavy bands:
***= my favorites but really, all these bands are awesome
Advent
As I Lay Dying***
A Plea for Purging
August Burns Red***
Becoming the Archetype
Blindside
Chasing Victory***
The Chariot
The Devil Wears Prada***
Demon Hunter***
Flyleaf
Haste the Day
JesusWept
Norma Jean
MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE
Oh Sleeper
Showbread
Sleeping Giant***
Soul Embraced
This Runs Through
With Blood Comes Cleansing
xDEATHSTARx***
Saturday, February 21, 2009
I forgot
So, our youth group's worship team is playing a set (of like 5 songs) tonight at our church. I'm really excited but I'll tell you how all that goes later. haha I have sooo much to write and let people now, but now is not the time. God Bless!!!
First
Alright so, I decided to start blogging, not because loads of people are doing it but because somehow, it can make a deference in someone's life. I strongly believe in the impact a simple word, simple, or action can make because everything has a purpose. Yea, I might sound like an idiot, but everything that happens in one's life, from the little things to the big things, really shape your character, actions, and goals. Keep that in mind.
Anyway, moving along, I'd like to start this blogspot (>.<>
My name is Elaine Marie, I kinda don't like my name though. I was born in Puerto Rico on March 27 (my birthday is coming up actually). I was born and raised in a super strict christian home, like the traditional pentecostal crazy home (but no worries, it's not so bad anymore). I'm mostly Puertorican and Domenican but part Spaniard (like 15%) and German (like 5%), which I find totally awesome. Either way, I like playing video games (I'm probably the only girl I know that can play Guitar Hero on lefty flip on Hard/Expert mode HOOORAY!!). I like anything from RPGs to FPSs and so on and so forth. I love photography and music, anywhere from The Beatles to Metallica, Coldplay to Bloc Party, to Skillet to Flyleaf, The Devil Wears Prada to Demon Hunter, VERY wide rock music taste. I love classical and techno also. I'm short (4'111) but have a huge heart for God. I love Him with my life (I'll be telling you why in other blogs). So many bad things have happenned in my life (and I'm only 18!!!). I use to cut, attempted suicide twice. I used to think that everything in this world was useless and a really hated everyone, especially my family and God. Yea, I doubted God's existence all the time. I used to think He hated me and that there was no way He had come down from heaven to earth to save everyone in the world through Jesus. I used to think it was a load of BS but you know what, sometimes you need to hit rock bottom to realize that there is only ONE being in this whole universe who really cares about you and no matter what you do or say, He loves you just as you are, no strings attached. No one on earth can comfort or love you like God can. I mean, He sees and knows all, He knows what you're going through; your pain, your tears, your anger, He knows and believe me, He is willing to help you but only if YOU let Him. Do you really think He wants you to be unhappy? NOT AT ALL!!! Let me put it this was. Think of a person who loves you, like REALLY loves you; they mean everything to you. That warm feeling of warmness you get when you are around the...multiply that by 100, 1,000 if you want. That's how much God loves you. But, enough with me preaching, this is my blog and I'll be postingmy testimony and things that happen to me or other people or around the world.
God Bless you and if you need advice or want someone to pray for you, you can e-mail me at crimsonxcrescent@yahoo.com ^_^ And remember, press on because there is nothing better than not loosing sight of your goals.
Anyway, moving along, I'd like to start this blogspot (>.<>
My name is Elaine Marie, I kinda don't like my name though. I was born in Puerto Rico on March 27 (my birthday is coming up actually). I was born and raised in a super strict christian home, like the traditional pentecostal crazy home (but no worries, it's not so bad anymore). I'm mostly Puertorican and Domenican but part Spaniard (like 15%) and German (like 5%), which I find totally awesome. Either way, I like playing video games (I'm probably the only girl I know that can play Guitar Hero on lefty flip on Hard/Expert mode HOOORAY!!). I like anything from RPGs to FPSs and so on and so forth. I love photography and music, anywhere from The Beatles to Metallica, Coldplay to Bloc Party, to Skillet to Flyleaf, The Devil Wears Prada to Demon Hunter, VERY wide rock music taste. I love classical and techno also. I'm short (4'111) but have a huge heart for God. I love Him with my life (I'll be telling you why in other blogs). So many bad things have happenned in my life (and I'm only 18!!!). I use to cut, attempted suicide twice. I used to think that everything in this world was useless and a really hated everyone, especially my family and God. Yea, I doubted God's existence all the time. I used to think He hated me and that there was no way He had come down from heaven to earth to save everyone in the world through Jesus. I used to think it was a load of BS but you know what, sometimes you need to hit rock bottom to realize that there is only ONE being in this whole universe who really cares about you and no matter what you do or say, He loves you just as you are, no strings attached. No one on earth can comfort or love you like God can. I mean, He sees and knows all, He knows what you're going through; your pain, your tears, your anger, He knows and believe me, He is willing to help you but only if YOU let Him. Do you really think He wants you to be unhappy? NOT AT ALL!!! Let me put it this was. Think of a person who loves you, like REALLY loves you; they mean everything to you. That warm feeling of warmness you get when you are around the...multiply that by 100, 1,000 if you want. That's how much God loves you. But, enough with me preaching, this is my blog and I'll be postingmy testimony and things that happen to me or other people or around the world.
God Bless you and if you need advice or want someone to pray for you, you can e-mail me at crimsonxcrescent@yahoo.com ^_^ And remember, press on because there is nothing better than not loosing sight of your goals.
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