Most young musical artist don’t want to take responsibility for that, but whether they choose to acknowledge it or not, they are doing so much more than just using the gifts God blessed them with to produce fun music you can groove to, but they are also a huge influence in our kid’s lives. Most of them selfishly choose to do, sing and perform what and how they want; ignoring the fact that their music encourages sexual immorality, negative thinking; addictive behavior and ruins lives. Yes, parents share the blame for allowing their small children to even listen to or watch the likes of Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Rihanna, the new Miley Cyrus and others who glamorize these things.

I loved secular music once. In fact, I remember thinking I’d have to give up the music I loved for HIM made me take a little longer to put both feet into my Christian walk. Now I am a woman after God’s own heart but I still love music. However, I hate the crap they call music these days; we are downloading ignorance that doesn’t teach or encourage in to our minds. I personally believe it is possible to produce a quality product that both teaches and is fun. It seems most (of today’s talented artist) just want to be famous, not taking into consideration the weight of the content of their music and how they carry themselves in the public eye.

Anyway, I stopped listening to music (not completely but mostly) for a while, because I haven’t found music to love again, until now. I finally decided to stop complaining and do something about it. So I downloaded legally some good Christian music I can do housework, exercise; bounce and meditate to. I downloaded some Kirk Franklin, Barlow Girls; Ron Kenoly; Michael W. Smith; Mary Mary; Nicole C.Mullen; Bebe and Cece Winans; Steven Curtis Chapman (my favorite); and more.

I have fallen in love with music again and now my step has more pep. After all music is a universal language.

Here are some of my favorites, check ‘em out:

• Cinderella- Steven Curtis Chapman
• Lift HIM up- Ron Kenoly
• I need you to love me- Barlow Girl
• Get Up-Mary Mary
• Thank You- Mary Mary
• When I Call on Jesus- Nicole C.Mullen
• I Believe in Love-Barlow Girl
• Miracle of the Moment-Steven Curtis Chapman
• My Life is in your Hands-Kirk Franklyn
• In the morning- Mary Mary
• Draw Me Close to You- Michael W.Smith
• I Know my Redeemer Lives- Nicole C.Mullen
• One Heartbeat at Time- Steven Curtis Chapman
• More to this Life-Steven Curtis Chapman
• It’s the God in me-Mary Mary
• God has Smiled on me-Mary Mary

To all Lady Gaga and Beyonce fans, my apologies for stepping on any toes here; but I really don’t think this was a very good video. 

This is a perfect example of how the media is Satan’s best device to corrupt human society. Maybe all those involved considers this video artistic expression; but I consider it another notch on Satan’s belt in his pursuit of the destruction of God’s beautiful creations; human beings and this world.   

We are heading for an ugly place, our children are in deep trouble; and today’s very talented top selling music artistes are taking us there. Intense I know; but the truth is intense sometimes. 

Now, about the actual video, what does this music video have to do with the lyrics of the song?

I have no clue. 

This video seems completely Gaga-style, but it didn’t fit naturally on Beyonce to me. Actually it looked God awful on her. I’m not saying Beyonce is any better a role model than Gaga, well, she’s not. I just thought she had a little more class than that. 

Beyonce and Lady Gaga’s wardrobe was a bit kooky; and some of Gaga’s looks reminded me of Madonna from her “Who’s That Girl” (movie-1987) days. They had some attention-grabbing; scary looking chicks in this video. The ending was weird; dumb; and unnecessary.  Okay, the whole video was like that.

 All and all this video stands for everything Christianity and God’s word stands against; it is sinful and awful (not because it’s sinful but because it’s just awful in my opinion). Seriously, if this video won an award, could anyone start off by saying; “I’d like to thank God first and formost…”

It is not worth a moment of your time. So why am I writing about it? Not very smart!

Anyway, you can waste your time and watch it below:

Here  is the revamped music video of “We are the World.”  Now called “We are the World-25 for Haiti.”

Haters out there talking about how it sucks. I don’t think it sucks at all and I am not comparing it to the original. It is modern and more relevant to these times.

Two complaints though; why the heck did they make Lil’Wayne one of the featured artist, yuck! and some of the lyrics were revised; taking mention of God out of the picture. What’s up with that, who can lend a helping hand greater than God? I’m scared to live in a world trying to live without God.

omitted lines:
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stones to bread
And so we all must lend a helping hand

revised lines:
So their cries for help will not be in vain
We can’t let them suffer
No we cannot turn away
Right now they need a helping hand

I like the duet with Janet and Micheal Jackson; I like the Hip-Hop ensemble; I like most of the artists featured in the video excluding Lil’Wayne; I like the scenes depicting a hopeful spirit of the Haitian people amidst tragedy. I think it is a cool video. I hope it raises alot of money to help Haiti and inspire people to give whatever they can. After all that is what it is all about, right?

Crazy lyrics
Songwriters: Burton, Brian Joseph; Callaway, Thomas Decarlo; Reverberi, Gian Piero; Reverberi, Gianfranco;

I remember when, I remember
I remember when I lost my mind
There was something so pleasant about that place
Even your emotions have an echo in so much space

And when you’re out there without care
Yeah, I was out of touch
But it wasn’t because I didn’t know enough
I just knew too much

Does that make me crazy?
Does that make me crazy?
Does that make me crazy?
Possibly

And I hope that you are
Having the time of your life
But think twice
That’s my only advice

Come on now, who do you
Who do you, who do you, who do you think you are?
Ha ha ha, bless your soul
You really think you’re in control?

Well, I think you’re crazy
I think you’re crazy
I think you’re crazy
Just like me

My heroes had the heart
To lose their lives out on a limb
And all I remember
Is thinking, I want to be like them

Ever since I was little
Ever since I was little
It looked like fun
And it’s no coincidence I’ve come
And I can die when I’m done

But maybe I’m crazy
Maybe you’re crazy
Maybe we’re crazy
Probably

© CHRYSALIS MUSIC; UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBL. RICORDI S R L; WARNER/CHAPPELL MUSIC INT’L LTD;

Keri Hilson covers Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy- I don’t think she did a bad job at all- I think it was a solid performance.

Crazy: Pepsi Music Exclusive Performance on Yahoo Music!

P.S- If you are looking at this post via e-mail; you will have to log on to asklatisha.com to see the orginal post featuring two videos with this song.

We also had a speaker from another church who spoke a message which he entitled “It Pays to Pray.” He used the word “HAT,” as an illustration of his message; pray is your protection and covering; just as a hat covers and protects your head; and the word “HAT’’ also stood for; when you pray; “God hears you; God answers you; and you will have a miraculous testimony.” We also sang beautiful songs like “Blessed Assurance,” “Count Your Blessings” and others. I think the lyrics of the song “Count your Blessings” are so simple yet so true and these words shouldn’t be forgotten when times are tough. Please take in these lyrics with me:

Count Your Blessings

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
o Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]

2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

What a lovely morning it was.

It’s A New Day -Lyrics

by Will.i.am.

I went asleep last night
Tired from the fight
I’ve been fighting for tomorrow
All my life
Yea I woke up this morning
Feeling brand new
‘Cause the dreams that I’ve been dreaming
Have finally came true

It’s a new day
It’s a new day
It’s a new day
It’s a new day
It’s a new day

It’s been a long time coming
Up the mountain kept runnin’
Souls of freedom kept hummin’
Channeling Harriet Tubman

Kennedy, Lincoln, and King
We gotta invest in that dream
It feels like we’re swimming upstream
It feels like we’re stuck inbetween
A rock and a hard place,
We’ve been through the heartaches
And lived through the darkest days

If you and I made it this far,
Well then hey, we can make it all the way
And they said no we can’t
And we said yes we can
Remember it’s you and me together

I woke up this morning
Feeling alright
I’ve been fightin’ for tomorrow
All my life
Yea, I woke up this morning
Feeling brand new
Cause the dreams that I’ve been dreaming
Have finally came true

It’s a new day
(it’s a new day)
It’s a new day
(it’s a new day)
It’s a new day
It’s a new day!

It’s been a long time waitin’
Waiting for this moment
Been a long time praying
Praying for this moment

We hope for this moment
And now that we own it
For life I will hold it
And I ain’t gonna let it go

It’s for fathers, our brothers,
Our friends who fought for freedom
Our sisters, our mothers,
Who died for us to be in this moment

Stop and cherish this moment
Stop and cherish this time

It’s time for you and me
For us and we
That’s you and me together

I woke up this morning
Feeling brand new
Cause the dreams that I’ve been dreaming
Have finally came true
Yea, I woke up this morning
Feeling alright

‘Cause we weren’t fighting for nothing
And the soldiers weren’t fighting
For nothing
No, Martin was dreaming for nothing
And Lincoln didn’t change it for nothing
And children weren’t crying for nothing

It’s a new day
It’s a new day
A new day
It’s a new day
It’s a new day!

High School Musical 3: Senior Year Movie 

You know when you hear a song for the first time; some songs, they grab you right away and you know for sure you love them; and then there are other songs you listen to and it doesn’t catch you right away but you listen to it over and over a few times and then you’re hooked. Well; I am hoping that will soon be the case; where my opinion of High School Musical 3 is concerned. I really liked High School Musical and I absolutely loved High School Musical 2 but I am not at all sure; whether I love, liked or thought the third edition of that franchise was just okay.

            I am actually very surprised that I get to review this movie at this time; I was certain that I’d have to wait for the DVD; because I had no one to go to the theater with; luckily; I went with my pen-pal visiting from Japan (how cool is it to say that) and I thought since music is an universal language; taking her to see a musical; especially with a sexy cast her age (she’s nineteen); I can’t go wrong. She loved it.

            For me; I am not really sure how I feel about it; I mean the musical numbers; choreography and creativity were okay. The cast are so easy on the eyes; don’t tell my husband; but I have a little crush on Corbin Bleu and would put his poster on our walls; if he’d let me.

            This movie just reminded me that I am not a teen anymore; I am all grown-up now and that time of our lives is becoming un-relatable for me (scary); I think in a way; I am also a bit jealous of these teens; now at their crossroads and having the time of their lives. I can’t 100% say the same for me, when I was there. I am not sure now, that I used that time wisely. However, setting all emotions aside (if that’s even possible for me); I wasn’t in love with the music as much as I was with the previous HSM movies. I really think that they were way too many lovey-dovey scenes with Gabriella and Troy (not jealousy speaking here, I swear); after a while; it’s like enough already. Plus there really isn’t that much chemistry among the couples; it all felt like just acting to me. I don’t know why there was so much emphasis on the three new characters Tiara Gold; Jimmie Zara and Donny Fox; if it was so we’d fall in love with them and yearn to see them in HSM4; it didn’t do that for me. However; they were a couple of scenes with the character Jimmie that were cute; maybe a little funny. They were a’ight; but they didn’t add to the movie in my opinion.

            I am not being a hater; as most movie critics and reviewers often are; I love HSM and it’s cast; I am going to miss them when they go their separate ways; I felt very sentimental during the Graduation scene at the end but life goes on; we all have to grow up; whether we like it or not. I am looking forward to seeing all these great actors in the future and I am looking forward to seeing their growth. Meanwhile; I’ll watch this movie again, when it comes out on DVD and see what I think then.  

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Movie

What perfect timing for this movie to come out on DVD. It’s a great family film with an excellent cast portraying a variety of quirky characters. Set in the early years of the Great Depression; we follow; Kit (Abigail Breslin); a 10 year old aspiring journalist; her kind parents (Julia Ormond and Chris O’Donnell); her friends; and boarders; a dance instructor looking for love; a magician; a mobile Liberian (who is a horrible driver) and others. With all that is happening in the world today; especially with the economy; this movie reminded me how significantly blessed I am. This was a really enjoyable film of dreaming, believing, hope, determination, courage, persistence and togetherness. This is a perfect Christmas gift for anyone who enjoys inspiring and enjoyable family movies. Watch and be reminded that no matter how bad things get we are very fortunate in this time; we have each other and hope. 

Iron Man Movie

I think Robert Downey Jr; whom I have always been a fan of many of his movies; did an excellent job as Tony Stark; a wealthy weapons manufacturer; he was compelling and funny. Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane was the villain in this movie and boy was he a villain. Terrence Howard was alright as Col. James “Rhodney” Rhodes, nothing to scream about but I heard they are going to replace him in the sequel with Don Cheadle, I’m sure he’ll do much better (don’t get me wrong, I do love Terrence but in this movie he lacked his usual “The Best Man” type charm).

Anyway; Tony Stark makes an armored suit to save his life after finding himself in a life-threatening situation. After witnessing first hand what his weapons can do when in the wrong hands; he decides he doesn’t want to produce weapons anymore; his business partner doesn’t like that very much and would stop at nothing to destroy anyone who get in his way; including Tony Stark. A battle ensues. What can I say about this movie? It’s very entertaining for those who like action, humor and suspense. Would make an excellent holiday present; a great gift combo would be with Iron Man and Hancock; even better would be to add “The Incredible Hulk” to the mix. Good movie. This is great entertainment for a movie night.

 Kristin Chenoweth – A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas

 This is my first Christmas product purchased for the season and the year. When I bought it I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into; even though I was some what familiar with Kristin’s voice; from the movie “RV” and t.v series “Pushing Daisies;” I had no idea; if I would like this album or not; I just knew I am a big fan of hers and Christmas; so why not buy her Christmas album. 

            When I pressed the play button on the C.D player; I knew it was going to be alright and I didn’t waste a dime; not that I thought I’d be disappointed anyway but you just never know. It’s jazzy; smooth; fun; joyful; sweet; enjoyable and Christmassy; if you love Christmas and traditional Christmas music then there is no reason you won’t like it.

            It sounds like an exquisite Broadway musical soundtrack. I love the song choice for this album; “I’ll be home for Christmas,” “Christmas island,” “The Christmas Waltz;” “Do you hear what I hear;” “ Sleigh Ride/Marshmallow;” “Sing;” “ Silver Bells;” “Come on ring the bells;” “What child is this;” “Home on Christmas Day;” “Born on Christmas day;” and finally “Sleep well little children/what a wonderful world.”

            Picking a favorite on this album will not be an easy task but if I had to it would definitely be Kristin’s take on the inspirational and beautiful Sesame Street classic “Sing.”

I think it really is a lovely way to spend Christmas indeed and it would make an awesome gift; a good combo would be to add the holiday 2006 movie “Deck the Halls;” which Kristin also co-stars.

 Kristin Chenoweth-Sing 

I Love you so much: Book written by Marianne Richmond

I love children’s books; especially books that speak to the spirit and confidence of a child. It is my desire to write children’s books for such a thing as reminding children how special they are no matter what; despite their imperfections and the mistakes they make; they are forever loved and are so precious. That’s what this book is about. The poem is absolutely uplifting and I will treasure its kind and loving words; this is the kind of poem we need to read to our children every night before they go to sleep or at the very least once a week to remind them how loved they are. This is a wonderful book about love and it has very beautiful illustrations. I would not only read it to my children; I would read it to my heart and mind to remind myself of God’s love for me and the love I should have for myself. I think it’s another wonderful holiday gift for children and adults alike. This treasured gift would fit perfectly in the hands of folks in need of a reminder that no matter what; every single one of us is special and loved in the unlimited and forgiving way describe in the book. This book is a new-found favorite for me and I hope for you too.