Music

Music is God’s gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven.

As quoted by Walter Savage Landor.

Nowadays, when we turn the radio on or watch music channels on TV, we get all kinds of music. From Rap, to Rock, to R ‘n’ B, to Pop, to Techno and many more. When it’s our favorite song, we sing along or maybe even dance to it. It gets you into the ‘mood’.

What we don’t see is the lyrics. A certain song may have a tight beat or a funky tune to it, but we really don’t see into the lyrics. For example, we all love the song “Don’t Trust Me” by 3OH!3. It’s a cool and hip song that makes you wanna get up and dance when you hear it, no? There’s no harm to it, just classic fun.

“The song it’s about how I can’t be trusted, thus explaining the title of the song, right?”

When you read the lyrics and understand it properly, it’s actually not that fun. The actual meaning of the song is about not trusting ‘cheap girls’. The whole song is very degrading to women and yet we all enjoy it.

On the music charts now, whether it’s the US, UK or even here in Malaysia, these kind of songs are at the top of all. “Boom Boom Pow” by Black Eyed Peas is another example which is just plain meaningless. The whole songs practically just tells you that they’re still together as a group, and they’re more awesome and modern than we are.

I shall give another example, Ciara’s latest single, “Love, Sex and Magic”. The title of the song itself just sums up what the whole meaning song is all about. And not only us, the teenagers are hearing this, but also our little brothers and sisters, not more than 12 years old are tuning in to all these kinds of music.

“All I do is just listen to it and enjoy. I don’t really care about the lyrics. What we don’t know, won’t hurt us!”

Little do we know, what the song tells us, slowly it affects us in various ways.

No, I’m not saying that we should all just shut our TV and throw out our radio. But we should remain wary of songs on the mainstream. There should be a saying, “You are what you hear”.

Music could be use for good or evil. God gave us the gift of music, we could use it to glorify God or we could use it to glorify Satan. You could use it for virtue or you could use it for vice. We have the choice. It’s in our hands.

We could listen to bands like Switchfoot and Relient K. They sing about mind-provoking thoughts and faith and beliefs. If you like Post-Hardcore, you could listen to Divided By Friday. They’re not popular, but their songs are good. If you like one man kind of thing, listen to John Mayer or Jason Mraz. Or even Norah Jones.

As I mentioned before, we could decide for ourselves what we put into our mind.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts TO THE LORD. – Colossians 3:16

Do not give in to peer pressure. There is when you do not listen to music that the rest of the world listens to. Stick to your own beliefs and know that you’re doing the right thing.

We sometimes listen to music we don’t like but we still do, just for the sake of  joining a certain clique and not getting “left-behind” with our friends. Do not give in!

For I am in awe of God.

Materialistic

I was walking down the stairway from the car park, to the mall. When I reached the floor where all the teenagers normally hang out, I passed by a kid, not more than 12 years old, holding an Iphone. I always wanted one myself but because of the price, I obviously couldn’t afford it.

I stared at him and the Iphone.  “Wow, a small kid has an Iphone. Wonder when will I get one myself.“, I thought to myself.  “I don’t think a kid has many calls to make, so why does the parents find it necessary to get him such an expensive phone?“.

One word came to mind. That word is plain for all to see, that it’s something very obvious among us ourselves. Materialistic.

You’ve probably heard it everywhere, but it’s true. Teens are the main culprits in this case. We’ve been comparing possessions since a long time ago. It doesn’t matter Christians or other religions, we’re all the same.

It’s really sad to see situations like these. I’ve to admit myself, I’ve been struggling with this problem too. I’ve been trying my best not to buy many branded things. It’s a difficult thing to overcome, I know.

It’s just disgusting when I see people coming together, talking about their own stuff and comparing them. It’s just ugly and I hate it. I’ve seen people being condemned because they’ve stuff that are cheap or were on sale. People putting up on their blogs, about all these branded stuff that they bought and how expensive they were, what’s the point really?

Clothes, pants, shoes, accessories, mobile phones; these are just a few examples that we always compare. Thinking back, we’re spending money that our parents work very hard for. Spending it like a flowing river, that’s not helping is it?

My main question is; Which is more important, God or all you possessions?

Yes, possessions maybe fulfilling, but only for a short while. You’ll soon feel empty again and God is the answer for that little emptiness inside you!

The teachings of the Lord, God apposed to the values of materialism. He asked us to not practice this value but to store up our treasures in heaven instead.

But keep on storing up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal – Matthew 6:20

Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” – Matthew 19:21

I’m not trying to criticize but I’m trying to make you people understand that possessions are not everything. After you die, you can’t bring your earthly possessions along with you. The only possessions that matter are those in heaven.

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” – 1Timothy 6:10

Do not care so much about what you have or how others will look down on you if you do not have any branded stuff. What matters is that how the one from above is looking down on you. Whether you’re of the pure hearted or not.

My parents use to tell me this, when I want a certain thing and I can’t have it, “Childrens in Africa can’t even have enough money for food. Why are you complaining? You should count your blessings instead.“

Count your blessings. Do not compare what you have with the richer ones. That way, you’d always be unsatisfied with what you have. Instead, compare yourself with the less fortunate ones and try to help them.

because where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:21

Here I Am

Pain.

You there. You may be hurting inside about specific reasons. Don’t worry, God is with you. Whether you believe it or not. I don’t care about your race or religion, God loves you.

I know, it’s difficult but hold on. You may have too much to handle but don’t give up, you’re strong. It may feel like it’s the end of the world but it’s not. I too have felt like that but I kept the faith and continued on and I’m happy to say that things turned out like how I hoped it will.

This year didn’t start off well for me. If I may, I would say that this year has gotta be the worst one yet. It started off with conflicts and anger, not what I really wanted. I was lost. I certainly was. I didn’t know who to turn to, who was real and who was not. Failures, one after another. Rejections, not new for me. It may have been because of my mistake, but I learned from that.

That night, I found my bible by my bedside. I’ve never really notice it till then. And then it all came back to me. God. He was always there for me. Why was I even searching for comfort when he was right there, welcoming me? I’ve learned to depend on God, give my all to him, and not worry for he will provide.

I’m not saying that from then on, I’ve never sin or make mistakes. I still do, but I’ve learned to fall back on him.

You may be struggling with your own problems, trying hard to find solutions and answers. But let me tell you this, doing it on your own is tough, nearly impossible. But with God, all things are possible. He will help you, guide you, just like what he has done for me. No, you’re not useless. But some things are just too difficult, too complicated.

It’s not that once you’re a Christian, everything’s smooth, all goes well and you live a happy and joyful life. You still do have problems and difficulties in life. But being a Christian, we rely on him and we always turn to him, not to some other materialistic stuff.

Sometimes, being a Christian is way more difficult, there are always expectations for you. And you’re suppose to live up to it. It sucks, it really does. I’ve seen Christians backsliding and it’s no joyride. It’s painful and sad, especially for the one up there.

Trust in God. He is the solution for everything. Giving my all to him, was the best decision I’ve ever made. And I’m calling you all out there, do the same. You’re lost, just like how I was. Come to him, come to the Father, our Saviour.

For I am in awe of God.

We All Rock Along.

I remember every night we spent on weekends with good friends,
We did nothing but it seems like we did so much back then,
Back then we were kicking, laughing, all relaxing and taking things for granted,
We did anything but just that little rush.

So very true..

-johnnywho?

Depression

I’m having problems and that’s obvious. It’s something that has been with me since quite a long time ago. And time is not an answer. Time can’t do a shit for me. I’ve problems in every aspect. Except family.

My major ones are with friends. I’ve some real deep problems. It’s like I keep telling myself that tomorrow’s gonna workout, tomorrow’s gotta be better, but it ain’t happening for me.

I pray every day for things to work out, but I guess God’s testing me, maybe?
Look, I’m sorry for how I am. Please, help me, don’t keep distance from me, cause I really can’t take this anymore.

I’m going public with this, cause I want people to know, how messed up I am. It’s official.

I need help, and I need it quick.

-johnnywho?

Jealousy

I’ve this jealous feeling right now.

Jealousy typically refers to the negative or angry thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of insecurity, fear, and anxiety that occur when a person believes a valued relationship is being threatened by a rival, or when another person is perceived to have some type of advantage.

-johnnywho?

Of Blogspot And WordPress.

Let me get this straight.
I use to blog in blogger but switched to wordpress a few months back for the fun of it.

I thought it was a great idea cause over there, for me, it’s easier for blogging. But there’s this problem. I can’t seem to get feedback from other readers cause you can’t have a chatbox there and people can’t seem to see the comments button..and no, not Janet Jackson’s song.

Not getting feedback is no fun cause you can’t know other readers opinion or what they have to say to you, or to that certain post.

So I’ve decided to switch back to blogger from wordpress. I guess I’ll juggle both blogs but we’ll see.

The blogger blog, HERE.

-johnnywho?