Music

I don't know about you, but I really love listening to music. It can't be just any music though...I'm pretty picky about what I listen to. I was brought up listening to both Christian and Classical music. My parents also used to put on those 'easy listening' stations as well which drove me nuts...you know...the kind they call 'elevator music'. Bleck! I still cringe when I hear that kind of music today.

When I'm feeling down or need a bit of quiet time alone, music always makes me feel better. My absolute favorite music has to be the slower more mellow inspirational Christian songs, but I do enjoy some of the more upbeat songs as well. My favorite artists are Selah, Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mercy Me, Point of Grace, Mark Lowry, Gaither Vocal Band, Steve Green, and Michael W. Smith. I also love to listen to Il Divo, Andre Boccelli, Josh Groban and Charlotte Church.

Music is soothing for the soul...the Bible has numerous verses which talk about singing, making music and praising the Lord through song. Here are some great ones:

• Ps. 95:2 "Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms."
• Col. 3:16 "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."
• James 5:13 "Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms."
• Ps. 92:1-3 "O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms."

As for classical, it's all pretty good...I absolutely LOVE anything by Mozart! I especially enjoy playing his flute concertos! Since Lionel started playing the violin, anything sweet and melodious played by a decent violinist also gives me goosebumps.

All that being said...I am trying to raise my children to also enjoy music...GOOD music. We don't listen to music played on the 'regular' radio stations (sorry, but I can't tolerate that junk!)...only good Christian stations and music from our own CD's are allowed. We also have been learning a lot about hymns and the stories behind them. While the kids are doing their seat work for school, we usually have ZRadio on the computer - they play some great songs on that station which actually helps the kids concentrate. If it's too quiet in our school room they immediately ask me to load the radio station. The only time it's off, is during test time and while Lionel is doing his Spanish since it's on the computer and he needs to listen well.

Here are a few of our favorite songs which were put to music on GodTube, a great Christian alternative to YouTube...enjoy!