Casting Crowns - The Altar and the Door free essay sample

For a number of music lovers, Casting Crowns seems to be one of the first (if not one of the greatest) bands to come to mind regarding the contemporary Christian genre. Their new album, The Altar and the Door, makes sacrifices in terms of sound and song structure, but proves how the bands lyrical talent has evolved over the years. The album opens with the explosive â€Å"What this World Needs.† Sporting a hard rock guitar riff and heavy drums and bass-this song may very well be the most upbeat that they have ever recorded. Unfortunately, it is probably the only song on the album that will really leave you bobbing your head from beginning to end. Thats not to say that the rest of the album is forgettable. In fact, it wouldnt be surprising to hear â€Å"Somewhere in the Middle† and â€Å"The World is Alive† on 104.7 The Fish or J-93. We will write a custom essay sample on Casting Crowns The Altar and the Door or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 3 in the near future. The piano and viola work on these songs are beautiful and Mark Halls voice reaches out inspiringly at every chorus. Other songs, such as â€Å"Every Man†, dont have as much of a conventional â€Å"praise† feel, but fans will appreciate Casting Crowns newfound mellow vibe on a majority of the tracks. Listening to the songs without showing regard to their lyrics would be like not listening to them at all. Every song practically tells a story and portrays a biblical theme. â€Å"East to West,† questions the ‘distance between wrong and right, and â€Å"Prayer for a Friend† tells of a persons misguided companion who needs Gods assistance. (Lord, I lift my friend to you / Ive done all that I know to do.†) Overall, the minor flaws are outweighed by the sheer value of the Christian messages present in every song. Newcomers may feel a bit hungry for the bands older material, but the group has certainly made a step forward in many important aspects. Casting Crowns - The Altar and the Door free essay sample For a number of music lovers, Casting Crowns is the first (if not the greatest) contemporary Christian band that comes to mind. Their new album, â€Å"The Altar and the Door,† makes sacrifices in terms of sound and song structure, but proves how the band’s lyrical talent has evolved over the years. The album opens with the explosive â€Å"What This World Needs.† Sporting a hard rock guitar riff and heavy drums and bass, this song may very well be their most upbeat. Unfortunately, it is probably the only song on the album that will make you bob your head from beginning to end. That’s not to say that the rest of the album is forgettable. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear â€Å"Somewhere in the Middle† and â€Å"The World Is Alive† on pop stations in the near future. The piano and viola in these songs are beautiful and Mark Hall’s voice reaches out inspiringly at every chorus. We will write a custom essay sample on Casting Crowns The Altar and the Door or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Other songs, like â€Å"Every Man,† don’t have as much of a conventional praise feeling, but fans will appreciate Casting Crown’s newfound mellow vibe. Listening to the songs without comprehending the lyrics would be like not listening to them at all. Every song tells a story that portrays a biblical theme. â€Å"East to West† questions the distance between right and wrong, and â€Å"Prayer for a Friend† tells of a person’s misguided companion who needs God’s assistance (Lord, I lift my friend to You/I’ve done all that I know to do). Overall, the minor flaws are outweighed by the valuable Christian messages. Newcomers may feel a bit hungry for the band’s older material, but the group has certainly made a step forward in many important areas.

Teaching Social Skills free essay sample

Running head: Best Practices in Adaptive Behavior: Teaching Social Behavior Skills Best Practices in Adaptive Behavior: Teaching Social Behavior Skills in the Classroom to Improve Peer Relationships and Academic Achievement Kyna D. Monroe, M. Ed. Capella University Abstract This paper delves into utilizing best practices in adaptive behavior through social skills training. This study shows that teaching social skills in the classrooms plays a very important role in students academic performance and peer interactions. Implications foresee that social skills training will heighten the classroom ecology thereby minimizing negative student interactive behaviors and failure. to Improve Peer Relationships and Academic Achievement School psychologists have devoted almost exclusive attention to the assessment of and intervention recommendations for cognitive, perceptual-motor, and academic achievement difficulties of students. Studies addressing behaviors necessary for success in the classroom environment have focused upon variables such as overall chool climate (Wolf, 2001) and individual student characteristics (Gresham, 1990). A students characteristics is an important variable in a students environment to enhance his chances for success because some students succeed in a given situation while others do not, and many behavior characteristics can be modified by educating students in specific skill areas. We will write a custom essay sample on Teaching Social Skills or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Outcomes in this research study indicate that specific behavioral competencies such as academic achievement and peer interactions are clearly linked to social skills training lessons taught to students. For this reason, it is believed that social skills is an intricate component to the classroom curriculum and is an important focus in school settings. The definition of social skills that seems to make the most sense has been termed by Gresham (1990) as the social validity definition. According to this definition social skills are situational specific behaviors that predict important social outcomes for children and youth. In school settings, important social outcomes include, but are not limited to: peer acceptance, academic achievement, self acceptance, and school djustment. There are several strong arguments for developing socially competent behaviors in students. First, social skills and peer acceptance have been related to long term adjustment outcomes for children and youth. Achenbach, McConaughy, and Howell (2007) comprehensively reviewed the literature that used longitudinal and follow back studies and found that peer relationship difficulties in elementary school predicted long term maladjusted outcomes such as dropping out of school, Juvenile delinquency, adult criminal behavior, and psychopathology in

Using Your Medical Skills To Write an Essay Using Medical Language

Using Your Medical Skills To Write an Essay Using Medical LanguageThe National Health Examination Results (NHRE) are one of the essential components of an NHD to college students. The results are a report that contains the information of your personal medical records, and also includes any points you made while completing your exam. These factors will be used in your NHD essay sample to demonstrate how much of an excellent student you are.When it comes to the best way to use your NHD, you have several options. One of the most effective ways is to write an essay on the topic you chose for your NHD. If your essay is based around medical terminology, you can look at medical terms used in your record and then list them out in the form of sentences that follow the essay. This is known as an article essay and is typically used by those with little or no medical experience.On the other hand, if you have some knowledge about health care, then you may choose to write an essay based around com mon problems and illnesses that many people will face in their life. There are several ways that an essay may be structured, and depending on your particular interests, you may find that you want to adapt a format that fits your own needs.Students who focus on this medical literacy may wish to consider using stories to tie in the different medical terms. An example would be, you may need to list a few medical terms, but would prefer not to keep writing all the time. All you need to do is fill in the blanks, and when you are finished, you can simply write the story that you have filled in.Another great idea is to use a timeline to tell the story. Using a timeline gives you the freedom to set up a clear sequence of events that can then be re-visited whenever you are ready to make a change to your essay.There are manydifferent ways you can structure your essay. Many students are unable to use any of these types of essay techniques because they simply do not have the time or the skill. However, if you are a good writer and are considering taking a medical career test, then you will definitely want to consider using an essay based around the concepts and facts that you have gained through your studies.When you are writing your NHD essay sample, make sure that you use all the resources available to you. You should get the help of a tutor or get a research book to take advantage of various resources and help you write your essay using different methods.

Adventist Music Guidelines Essays

Adventist Music Guidelines Essays Adventist Music Guidelines Essay Adventist Music Guidelines Essay however, implies that the dead go through that bright shining celestial door to Heaven. Therefore, that song is theologically unsound in the context of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, no matter how poetic the text, or how lovely the melody. As mentioned earlier, the text is indeed more equal than the musical element. However, without the tune, the text could never have the impact that comes from being coupled with good music that adds a new dimension.25 Even though the musical part plays an important role in church music as a whole, the message of the text which should not be overpowered by accompanying elements must take precedence.26 This means that when the congregation sings they should not be excessively caught up with that catchy melody and/or rhythm; the singers should strive to sing out as clearly as possible, so that the text of the hymns or songs is very audible. Therefore, the hymns and songs should be sung in a clear, natural voice. It is not loud singing that is needed, but clear intonation, correct pronunciation, and distinct utterance, so that Gods praise can be sung in clear, soft tones, not with harshness and shrillness that offend the ear.27 Mrs. White mentions that The long drawn-out notes and peculiar soundsare not pleasing to the angel.The songs in which every word is uttered clearly, in a musical tone are the songs that [the angels] join us in singing.28 Singing clearly is not enough, though. The singing should also be done with conviction and understandingthe singers should know and believe what they are singing. God is glorified by songs of praise from a pure heart filled with love and devotion to Him.29 In other words, the singers must not sing for the sake of singing, but they should sing from the heart. Only then will the hymns and songs become worthy of glorifying God. And the nearer the people of God can approach to correct, harmonious singing, the more He is glorified.30 The vocal treatment of the songs and hymns is just as important as the performance of the music. This applies mostly to the special music part of the worship service, when the congregation listens to the music being performed up front. The music itself might glorify God, but so must the singers and/or instrumentalists in their performance. In fact, The nuance which the performer brings to the presentation of a particular piece is a most important contributor to its power as a communicative medium.31 The performers of music in the worship music must be careful not to let themselves be the stars, or get all the limelight. They should keep one thing straight: they are singing (or playing whatever instruments) for the Lord, not performing just to get the attention, praise, and admiration of the congregation. Therefore, they must bring across the right message that they are praising God in their music. It is very important that the right Person is exalted in the church: God, not man himse lf. Since God is the One being glorified, He deserves the attention. Therefore, anything which calls for undue attention to the performer(s) such as excessive, affected bodily movement or inappropriate dress, should find no place in witnessing.32 Also, there should be no theatricality and prideful display when the singers and/or instrumentalists perform. If they perform with the objective of impressing the congregation with their refined abilities, then they are in the wrong place33they should not be playing music in church. Most, if not all, the music guidelines in worship service also apply towards music in evangelism. The songs should contain texts which are compatible with the Biblical teachings and beliefs of the church; the songs should be sung clearly. One point has to be stressed in this context: the performersthe music evangelistsshould bear witness for Christ, not bring glory to themselves. However, one aspect unique to evangelism is the audience. In evangelism, the audience can be considered as the target group; after all, the audience in this case are the people to whom the gospel message is directed. Therefore, it is vitally important to consider the audience as a whole in the choice of music. Factors like the general age-groups and religious backgrounds should be examined. The point is to identify the audience. Evangelism is like a bridge in some ways. The Christians are reaching out to the believers with the gospel message. Therefore, in evangelism the appropriate music is like an effective bridge, because the music then becomes a proper evangelistic tool. However, no matter who the audience is, the music must be honest and sincere. It must bemusic which rings true to itself. There must be no falseness and pretense about it.34 Simply said, the music must tell of the gospel message in a clear, unambiguous way. In this section about evangelism, the focus will be on youth as the audience. In youth evangelism, evangelists have chosen certain musical idioms which the youth can relate to. One of these musical idioms is rhythm, or better known as the beat. Most musical scholars agree that music is a combination of three things: melody, harmony, and rhythm. To be complete, the music needs to keep in equilibrium all the three components; for example, the beat should not dominate to the extent of overpowering the tune and the lyrics of the song.35 Therefore, in the use of youth-related musical idioms like the strong sense of beat, there must be a balance between the main tune of the song and its other componentsrhythm and harmony. It is not wrong to use carefully selected contemporary music in evangelism, agrees Mr. Staples, a missionary, as long as the music does not bear too much resemblance to secular musiccomplete with the overtones of violence, drugs, and sex.36 However, whatever the music chosen for evangelism, the guidelines must still apply, because The desire to reachyouth where they are with the gospel of Christ leads to the use of certain questionable musical idioms.37 These questionable musical idioms should be carefully examined with the music guidelines to church music as the standards. As a matter of fact, Mrs. White had something prophetic to say back in l900 when she heard certain kinds of music to which she was against. She wrote: Every uncouth thing will be demonstrated. There will be shouting, with drums, music, and dancing. The sense of rational beings will become so confused that they cannot be trusted to make right decisions. And this is called the moving of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit never reveals itself in such methods, in such a bedlam of noise.38 Even though it is fine to use selected contemporary music elements, the music evangelists must be careful not be overly occupied in the music as to the extent of breaking the rules (i.e. guidelines) in the effort to evangelize. In youth evangelism, there should be no compromise of standards, in particular, the standards of church music. Never compromise high principles of dignity and excellence in efforts to reach people where they are.39 In their evangelistic efforts the evangelists are not follow the ways of the world.40 Mrs. White said that instead of bringing the truth to a low level in order to obtain converts, they should seek to bring the sinful corrupted up to the high standard of the law of God.41 Music has been around for ages. It has also been used in the church for a good period of time; and in more ways than one, it has been (and no doubt will be) an important part of the church. However, times have been (and still are) changing, therefore the context and circumstances of church music have not remained stagnant. But the important thing to remember is that the guidelines must be kept in sight so that the ultimate goal of the Christian of glorifying and praising God is not blurred through the years. Since music is a medium in which the blending of the best and the worst can be done more subtly than through any other media form,42 the christians will have to be extra careful in the selection of music for church use. In conclusion, Dr. Lickey, a church musician, has this to say about judging the music for church use: Responsible Christians would not seek to see how close to the edge of purity they could get but would rather turn their backs to the world.43

A Brief Overview of Émile Durkheims Role in Sociology

A Brief Overview of Émile Durkheim's Role in Sociology Who was Émile Durkheim? He was a famous French philosopher and sociologist known as the father of the French school of sociology for his methodology combining empirical research with sociological theory. The following outlines his life and career and his published works. Early Life and Education Émile Durkheim (1858–1917) was born in Épinal, France, on April 15, 1858, to a devout French Jewish family. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather had all been rabbis, and it was assumed that he would follow their lead when they enrolled him in a rabbinical school. However, at an early age, he decided not to follow in his familys footsteps and switched schools after realizing that he preferred to study religion from an agnostic standpoint as opposed to being indoctrinated. In 1879, his good grades got him into the École Normale Supà ©rieure (ENS), a well-regarded graduate school in Paris. Career and Later Life Durkheim became interested in a scientific approach to society very early on in his career, which meant the first of many conflicts with the French academic system- which had no social science curriculum at the time. Durkheim found humanistic studies uninteresting, turning his attention from psychology and philosophy to ethics and eventually, sociology. He graduated with a degree in philosophy in 1882. Durkheims views could not get him a major academic appointment in Paris, so from 1882 to 1887 he taught philosophy at several provincial schools. In 1885 he left for Germany, where he studied sociology for two years. Durkheims period in Germany resulted in the publication of numerous articles on German social science and philosophy, which gained recognition in France and earned him a teaching appointment at the University of Bordeaux in 1887. This was an important sign of the change of times and the growing importance and recognition of the social sciences. From this position, Durkheim helped reform the French school system and introduced the study of social science in its curriculum. Also in 1887, Durkheim married Louise Dreyfus, with whom he later had two children. In 1893, Durkheim published his first major work, The Division of Labor in Society, in which he introduced the concept of anomie, or the breakdown of the influence of social norms on individuals within a society. In 1895, he published The Rules of Sociological Method, his second major work, which was a manifesto stating what sociology is and how it ought to be done. In 1897, he published his third major work, Suicide: A Study in Sociology, a case study exploring the differing suicide rates among Protestants and Catholics and arguing that stronger social control among Catholics results in lower suicide rates. By 1902, Durkheim had finally achieved his goal of attaining a prominent position in Paris when he became the chair of education at the Sorbonne. Durkheim also served as an advisor to the Ministry of Education. In 1912, he published his last major work, The Elementary Forms of The Religious Life, a book that analyzes religion as a social phenomenon. Émile Durkheim died of a stroke in Paris on November 15, 1917, and is buried in the citys Montparnasse Cemetery.

The peacekeeping mission of the united nations in Democratic Republic Research Paper

The peacekeeping mission of the united nations in Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda - Research Paper Example Democratic Republic of Congo is a large country. It is also the home for the prestigious rain forest, rare species of the world and valuable minerals as well as natural resources. However, Congo is one of the poorest countries and most chaotic on the planet. The unrest in the country is estimated to have claimed lives of millions in the past decade (Mays 11). The country lacks necessities like electricity, medical facilities, law, and order in most of its parts. Mass rape and human brutality have been a common phenomenon in these parts of the country. In the first year after of independence of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mobutu Sese Seko seized the country and declared himself as the president (Youtube). He ruled the country for five years. Several events occurred in the country that led to the deterioration of Mobutu’s government. First, the army of the country mutinied, the governor of Katanga attempted a coup, and the prime minister of the country died (Sitkwoski 87). All these events led to the United Nations peacekeeping mission respond to restore order in the country. When Kabila took over as the president, he tried reforms that saw a relative peace prevail in the country for about two years. Kabila was, however, weakened by domestic protests, international critics of his poor tyrannical governance and the poor economic drive of the country (Mays 12). The soldiers and the military defense of the country deployed and rioted to protest against the poor leadership of Kabila. Kabila, instead, enforced his rule in a dictatorial way, a process that led to a sharp schism of the country into three segments. One of his bodyguards allegedly assassinated him and the act led to the incision of the United Nations militia force into the country (Tull 18). Upon its establishment, the United Nations organization authorized deployment of military liaison from all other

Professional Sports Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Professional Sports - Essay Example The analysis of the advertising campaign made it evident that NHL’s â€Å"Inside the Warrior† campaign is an example of exploring the crisis masculinity in the field of sports. The articles made it evident that without the presence of a masculine character in sports, the success of that is a cause of concern. In the similar milieu, the NHL’s success will be in doubt for public consumption, without the presence of a masculine figure. A number of scholars have argued that the presence of masculine character is vital in every field so as to fulfill the objectives and serve the purpose. In the words of Connell, 2005; Edwards, 2006; Messner, 1992, â€Å"MacInnes and other scholars within sociological and cultural studies suggest that men, both individually and collectively, are experiencing a displacement of male power/privilege regarding their customary roles in institutions such as politics, employment, education, and family.† Despite several literature debat es pertaining to the veracity, scenery, and potential effects of a crisis of masculinity remain unresolved. Whannel (1999) suggests, â€Å"Whether or not there is a crisis, there certainly is a lot of talk of one† (p. 254). In the next half of the study, a critique of the article that describes the impact of masculinity crisis in the field of sports will be done. CRITIQUE At the outset, I would like to throw light on the fact that sport is medium that provides man to prove his masculinity. I would not compare the levels to which different sports offer different levels of masculinity, but what I would like to shed light upon is the role played by hockey in showcasing one’s masculinity or the other way where an individual gets the opportunity to reflect upon his masculine ability. I agree with the thoughts put forward in the article that the visual representation in the form of looks and appearance are extremely important. As mentioned in the article that â€Å"The visu al representations of men circulated by the media, including those available through advertising and marketing campaigns, provide benchmarks of masculinity against which some men measure themselves† clearly exemplifies the statement made above is true. However, the role of the promotional media is important as they are the one who are responsible for creating the image of the sports person. On the contrary a good image always does not resemble a masculine image and the question of masculine image is also a subject of debate among the scholars and practitioners around the world. Arguably, the various forms of masculinity portrayed through advertising can contribute to social constructions of the crisis of masculinity. According to my opinion masculinity can be conceptualized in a number of forms and one of forms which I believe is the sportsperson’s ability to appeal to the audience. Hence I agree to the articles where it mentions masculinity â€Å"involves persuasion o f the greater part of the population, particularly through the media, and the organization of social institutions in ways that appear ‘