Sex in Songs

So tonight while cleaning my super messy scrapbook room, I've been listening to Today's Hits on Pandora and it's got me thinking how insane it is that many of the popular songs are about sex. It's ironic how people are comfortable publicly singing about sex, dancing to songs about sex, and watching music videos about sex, but yet don't go around talking about sex to anyone and everyone they meet. I mean don't get me wrong, I'm a married woman, and I know sex is a beautiful unmatchable gift our God created for us to be able to enjoy between husband and wife.... I don't know, it's just got me thinking. Is listening to the provocative, lust inducing, sometimes offensive songs on the radio, putting a stumbling block in our growth as Holy children of God? Are we choosing to hinder our sanctification process by listening to music porn? Would Jesus Christ Himself be listening to the radio stations I enjoy most? Would I feel comfortable playing my favorite today's hit songs for my Lord to listen to with me as we go for a drive together?  I know there is freedom in Christ, but I also know "all things are lawful but not all things are helpful"  (1Corinthians 6 and 10)

 We are told "we are in the world, but not OF the world." Is listening to the world's music causing us to be a product of the world? In the words of Jesus, "I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth."  (John 17:14-19 ESV) 

I'm sure... no, I'm positive, there will be some with differing answers to my questions and I would love to hear them!  I know living as a Christian in this world is not easy, and we can easily be too extreme on some subjects. That's not my intention. I don't believe every "secular" radio hit is a stumbling stone, in fact I know some songs are so good, inspirational, encouraging and even speak of true love. I'm not a legalist, I don't believe the music we listen to, that doesn't honor God, means we are not saved or will send us to hell.  I just believe it could hinder the spiritual growth and sanctification that our Heavenly Father desires in His sons and daughters.  Remember He desires to transform us! :) "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect". (Romans 12:1, 2 ESV)  

So...I conclude with this, I love music, all types! I love songs with good fun dance beats, in fact, I'm looking for songs to add to my "Fun" songs playlist. I want songs that are new, upbeat, hip and clean enough that I won't be embarrassed to listen to with my awesome teenagers and feel like I'm violating their innocence.  So friends and family, I'm open to some of your favorite suggestions, so please share! :)

Molasses Sandwich Cookies

For 11 years now I've hosted a Christmas cookie exchange dinner party for 12. I look forward to it every year, not just for the delicious assortment of goodies, but also because it's worth it to me to be able to set aside a night to visit with a few girlfriends, new and old, during the busiest time of year by enjoying a nice dinner, dessert and games together.  This year I came across a cookie I wanted to make but couldn't find the recipe, so I combined two recipes to make these  Molasses Sandwich Cookies.  I wound up making a total of 24 dozen this year and giving away lots as gifts. My family wishes I wouldn't have given so many away, because they still wanted more. So here is the yummy recipe, I know I'll definitely be making again next Christmas!

Molasses Sandwich Cookies

• 1-1/2 cups butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup Sugar crystals
• White Chocolate (melted) (1/2 pound)
• Green and Red Tube frosting or Green and Red (Wilton) melting chocolates.

FILLING:
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Add more sugar if necessary for thick and creamy consistency)


Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and molasses. Combine the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in a separate bowl; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

Use a 1 inch cookie scoop to form dough into balls. Dip top 
rounded side of cookie ball into sugar crystals. Place crystal side up onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes or until tops are cracked. Flatten hot cookies slightly and cool on wire racks. 

Melt white chocolate and dip half of baked cooled cookies (6dozen), halfway into melted white chocolate, dry on waxed paper. 
Decorate Holly’s with green and red frosting 
or green and red melted chocolate. 
(I used a sandwich bag with a tiny piece of the corner cut off). 

Make Filling, cream shortening and butter together, add sugar milk and vanilla. Beat until smooth and creamy. Spread filling between a decorated cookie and a plain cookie to form a sandwich. 

Yield: 6 dozen sandwich cookies. (Recipe can be doubled, or larger sandwich cookies made using a 2 inch cookie scoop)