Happy Wednesday! Hope everyone's settling back into routine after Spring/Easter break! Today will round off April's series of Explained with the most recognised holiday: Christmas! Also, why not check out the rest of the series?
When?
Every year Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, with Christmas Eve on December 24th and Boxing Day on December 26th.
What?
Christmas is definitely the most well-known Christian holiday, both in the sense of the number of people having heard of it and celebrating it, and of how many people who know what it represents religiously. Christmas is a time for Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus, as told in the 'nativity' story. (You can find this in Matthew chapters 1-2 and Luke chapters 1-2.) Christians celebrate on this day with presents and cards and Christmas trees like many non-Christians, and traditionally with carol singing and midnight mass, which is a service with communion at midnight between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Seventeen year old English girl devoted to art, faith, and life. Read on to discover more about my thoughts, hopes, and creations.
Wednesday, 26 April 2017
Sunday, 23 April 2017
10 Netflix Series You Should Be Watching
Hi guys! Today I'll be giving you spoiler-free reviews of my top 10 Netflix series. Also, Happy St. George's Day!
4. Black Mirror - 3 seasons
Although Netflix only picked up this show after 2 seasons (so technically only the third season is a Netflix Original), they mirrored (punny) the tone of the series perfectly. Essentially, each episode is stand-alone and tackles the scenario of a different issue in a post-modern world. Technology is far more advanced than it is now (microchips in heads etc) and this seems to evoke more problems than useful solutions.
In Two Words: Thought Provoking.
Other
5. The Returned - 1 season
Originally a French TV show, the American remake apparently is very similar, just without the need for English subtitles. The premise is that numerous people who have died are suddenly appearing again. Each episode follows one of these returned people. It explores the relationships between the returned and normal people, as well as within the returneds. I’m only halfway through the series at present, so I can’t review the whole thing, but I like what I see so far!
In Two Words: Interesting + Original
6. Pretty Little Liars - 7 seasons
This show has been going on for years now, and the first episode of the second part of the final season (read that a couple of times and it’ll make sense) has just been released. Although (admittedly) there are too many twists and turns to the story, I and so many other people are completely hooked, and it’s even fun to just read through the fan theories. Basically, Alison DiLaurentis is missing, and her friends are getting texts from ‘A’, telling secrets that only Ali knew. Could she be alive? Is she even ‘A’?
In Two Words: Embarrassingly Addictive
7. American Horror Story - 6 seasons
Not for the faint-hearted, this show is so so so unique, in both it’s narrative(s) and format. Each season has some of the same cast, but they play different characters in a different setting. I’ve just finished the first season (Murder House) and am very much looking forward to watching the rest! Full of (as the name suggests) horror, this series will play with your emotions and logic simultaneously, doing suspenseful reveals very suspenseful-ly.
In Two Words: Disturbing yet Intriguing.
8. Skins - 7 seasons (3 volumes + 3 2-part specials)
SKINS. MY BABY SKINS. An English series, ‘telling it like it is’ about college life (college as in ages 16-18, not uni college). Drugs, sex, alcohol, and teen angst. I must admit, Skins gave me a false reality of what college was going to turn out like, as I haven't done nearly as many drugs as any one Skins character did. (Disclaimer: I haven’t done any drugs; that was a joke. Just to clarify.) The way Skins works season-wise is that every two seasons (which is one volume), the central cast changes. Then after three volumes (the third is very forgettable, I recommend only watching the first two) there are three two-part specials, in which we catch up with one character per episode from the previous volumes. I can’t stress enough how amazing this show is. It’ll make you laugh, cry, and hate society all in one ep. Special stuff.
In Two Words: Emotional Realism.
9. Outnumbered - 5 seasons
Outnumbered is another English series, following a family of a mum, dad, and three kids. When I was younger, my family used to joke that we were that family because our personalities matched up perfectly with those of the characters. It’s hilarious and so true to British life.
In Two Words: Relatably Nostalgic.
10. Hell’s Kitchen - 16 seasons
Gordon Ramsay makes fun of impeccable cooking done by intolerable aspiring chefs, who are competing to win a head chef position at one of Ramsay’s restaurants. Season 12 is my favourite, because I actually liked the winner, but every single episode is so so funny.
In Two Words: Guilty Pleasure.
Special Mention
11. This Is Us - 1 season
Although I haven’t seen this myself, my friend Jemima loves it, as she explains in this post. The stories seem intriguing and relevant, which is why This Is Us is at the top of my to-watch list!
In Two Words: New Adventure!
Netflix Original
1. The OA - 1 season
Telling the tale of Prairie, a young woman who returns to her hometown after being kidnapped, is only the beginning for this slow-paced and original series. Prairie’s story, as well as those of the people she meets, is terrifying yet beautiful, and the closing sequence is so well put-together. Highly recommended!
In Two Words: Refreshingly Unique.
2. 13 Reasons Why - 1 season
(TW for this show: very graphic depictions of rape and suicide. Watch at your discretion, or skip these scenes.) Although originally a very successful novel (and my favourite piece of fiction of all time), 13 Reasons Why was recently turned into a series. Hannah Baker killed herself, and no one knows why. Until now. Clay Jensen, who has loved Hannah for an embarrassingly long time, receives a package on his doorstep. Inside? 13 tapes detailing 13 reasons why Hannah was driven to suicide.
In Two Words: Horribly Heartbreaking.
3. Stranger Things - 1 season
This splendid cast of young actors do justice an incredible story that plays with genre, relationships, and monsters. Seriously, the cast is absolutely exceptional. Will disappears. Eleven appears. Chaos ensues. PLUS, meet… the Demagorgon. What more could you want?
In Two Words: Surprisingly Hilarious.
1. The OA - 1 season
Telling the tale of Prairie, a young woman who returns to her hometown after being kidnapped, is only the beginning for this slow-paced and original series. Prairie’s story, as well as those of the people she meets, is terrifying yet beautiful, and the closing sequence is so well put-together. Highly recommended!
In Two Words: Refreshingly Unique.
2. 13 Reasons Why - 1 season
(TW for this show: very graphic depictions of rape and suicide. Watch at your discretion, or skip these scenes.) Although originally a very successful novel (and my favourite piece of fiction of all time), 13 Reasons Why was recently turned into a series. Hannah Baker killed herself, and no one knows why. Until now. Clay Jensen, who has loved Hannah for an embarrassingly long time, receives a package on his doorstep. Inside? 13 tapes detailing 13 reasons why Hannah was driven to suicide.
In Two Words: Horribly Heartbreaking.
3. Stranger Things - 1 season
This splendid cast of young actors do justice an incredible story that plays with genre, relationships, and monsters. Seriously, the cast is absolutely exceptional. Will disappears. Eleven appears. Chaos ensues. PLUS, meet… the Demagorgon. What more could you want?
In Two Words: Surprisingly Hilarious.
4. Black Mirror - 3 seasons
Although Netflix only picked up this show after 2 seasons (so technically only the third season is a Netflix Original), they mirrored (punny) the tone of the series perfectly. Essentially, each episode is stand-alone and tackles the scenario of a different issue in a post-modern world. Technology is far more advanced than it is now (microchips in heads etc) and this seems to evoke more problems than useful solutions.
In Two Words: Thought Provoking.
Other
5. The Returned - 1 season
Originally a French TV show, the American remake apparently is very similar, just without the need for English subtitles. The premise is that numerous people who have died are suddenly appearing again. Each episode follows one of these returned people. It explores the relationships between the returned and normal people, as well as within the returneds. I’m only halfway through the series at present, so I can’t review the whole thing, but I like what I see so far!
In Two Words: Interesting + Original
6. Pretty Little Liars - 7 seasons
This show has been going on for years now, and the first episode of the second part of the final season (read that a couple of times and it’ll make sense) has just been released. Although (admittedly) there are too many twists and turns to the story, I and so many other people are completely hooked, and it’s even fun to just read through the fan theories. Basically, Alison DiLaurentis is missing, and her friends are getting texts from ‘A’, telling secrets that only Ali knew. Could she be alive? Is she even ‘A’?
In Two Words: Embarrassingly Addictive
7. American Horror Story - 6 seasons
Not for the faint-hearted, this show is so so so unique, in both it’s narrative(s) and format. Each season has some of the same cast, but they play different characters in a different setting. I’ve just finished the first season (Murder House) and am very much looking forward to watching the rest! Full of (as the name suggests) horror, this series will play with your emotions and logic simultaneously, doing suspenseful reveals very suspenseful-ly.
In Two Words: Disturbing yet Intriguing.
8. Skins - 7 seasons (3 volumes + 3 2-part specials)
SKINS. MY BABY SKINS. An English series, ‘telling it like it is’ about college life (college as in ages 16-18, not uni college). Drugs, sex, alcohol, and teen angst. I must admit, Skins gave me a false reality of what college was going to turn out like, as I haven't done nearly as many drugs as any one Skins character did. (Disclaimer: I haven’t done any drugs; that was a joke. Just to clarify.) The way Skins works season-wise is that every two seasons (which is one volume), the central cast changes. Then after three volumes (the third is very forgettable, I recommend only watching the first two) there are three two-part specials, in which we catch up with one character per episode from the previous volumes. I can’t stress enough how amazing this show is. It’ll make you laugh, cry, and hate society all in one ep. Special stuff.
In Two Words: Emotional Realism.
9. Outnumbered - 5 seasons
Outnumbered is another English series, following a family of a mum, dad, and three kids. When I was younger, my family used to joke that we were that family because our personalities matched up perfectly with those of the characters. It’s hilarious and so true to British life.
In Two Words: Relatably Nostalgic.
10. Hell’s Kitchen - 16 seasons
Gordon Ramsay makes fun of impeccable cooking done by intolerable aspiring chefs, who are competing to win a head chef position at one of Ramsay’s restaurants. Season 12 is my favourite, because I actually liked the winner, but every single episode is so so funny.
In Two Words: Guilty Pleasure.
Special Mention
11. This Is Us - 1 season
Although I haven’t seen this myself, my friend Jemima loves it, as she explains in this post. The stories seem intriguing and relevant, which is why This Is Us is at the top of my to-watch list!
In Two Words: New Adventure!
Wednesday, 19 April 2017
Pentecost Explained
Hiya! Today I'll be explaining Pentecost and it's significance to the Christian church. Also, if you don't already know, Pretty Little Liars final season aired yesterday, and is on UK Netflix from today! I'm so excited to watch it!
When?
This year, Pentecost is celebrated on June 4th. It's normally different in the East to the West, but this year it's the same!
What?
Pentecost, sometimes called Whitsun, is a Christian festival celebrating the God-given gift of the Holy Spirit. Originally, it stems from Shavuot, a Jewish harvest festival. In the Bible, the apostles were celebrating this festival when they received the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in tongues, which is when somebody suddenly speaks in a foreign language as a gift from God. Pentecost represents this event, as well as the birthday of the church, and the beginning of the Christian mission. It is celebrated by wearing red and singing Holy Spirit-inspired hymns, and is symbolised by fire, wind, and doves.
When?
This year, Pentecost is celebrated on June 4th. It's normally different in the East to the West, but this year it's the same!
What?
Pentecost, sometimes called Whitsun, is a Christian festival celebrating the God-given gift of the Holy Spirit. Originally, it stems from Shavuot, a Jewish harvest festival. In the Bible, the apostles were celebrating this festival when they received the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in tongues, which is when somebody suddenly speaks in a foreign language as a gift from God. Pentecost represents this event, as well as the birthday of the church, and the beginning of the Christian mission. It is celebrated by wearing red and singing Holy Spirit-inspired hymns, and is symbolised by fire, wind, and doves.
Sunday, 16 April 2017
10 Bible Verses That Apply To Non-Christian Life
Happy Easter everyone! This is my first ever Easter as a Christian, so I'm very excited to see what today has in store for me. For you, it has this post! Here's 10 verses from the New Testament which I have carefully and dutifully hand-selected that can easily be applied to life as an atheist, agnostic, or any religion, including (of course) Christianity.
1. Freely give -Matthew 10:8
Giving gifts to friends and strangers is also a gift to ourselves; when we give, we feel better, more righteous.
2. Love your neighbour as yourself -Matthew 22:39
Love everybody! Always! Here, your 'neighbour' is not solely the people you live next to, it's those we cohabit with on Earth: everyone!
3. Love your enemies -Luke 6:27
Again, love everybody - even your enemies! Ever heard of killing them with kindness?
4. Do to others as you would have them do to you -Luke 6:31
Basically, if you're kind to people, they'll be kind to you. If you're unkind to people, they'll be unkind to you. Plus, why wouldn't you want to make people happy?
5. Go in peace -Luke 7:50
Simple, yet essential.
6. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done -John 13:15
Even if you don't believe that Jesus was (is) the son of God, you have to admit that he was a pretty decent guy. Follow his example in this way.
7. Glory, honour, and peace for everyone who does good -Romans 2:10
Do good, and you'll have good done to you! People are a lot more likely to want to help someone who's already helped them.
8. Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience -Colossians 3:12
It's not just Christians who can be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient! All wonderful qualities.
9. Weakness was turned to strength -Hebrews 11:34
Don't be discouraged by your weaknesses. Not only will they not bring you down, but they'll raise you up instead!
10. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry -James 1:19
I can't stress this one enough. Listen to one another so you don't misunderstand, be hesitant when judging with your words, and see all sides of an argument before destroying yourself in anger.
1. Freely give -Matthew 10:8
Giving gifts to friends and strangers is also a gift to ourselves; when we give, we feel better, more righteous.
2. Love your neighbour as yourself -Matthew 22:39
Love everybody! Always! Here, your 'neighbour' is not solely the people you live next to, it's those we cohabit with on Earth: everyone!
3. Love your enemies -Luke 6:27
Again, love everybody - even your enemies! Ever heard of killing them with kindness?
4. Do to others as you would have them do to you -Luke 6:31
Basically, if you're kind to people, they'll be kind to you. If you're unkind to people, they'll be unkind to you. Plus, why wouldn't you want to make people happy?
5. Go in peace -Luke 7:50
Simple, yet essential.
6. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done -John 13:15
Even if you don't believe that Jesus was (is) the son of God, you have to admit that he was a pretty decent guy. Follow his example in this way.
7. Glory, honour, and peace for everyone who does good -Romans 2:10
Do good, and you'll have good done to you! People are a lot more likely to want to help someone who's already helped them.
8. Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience -Colossians 3:12
It's not just Christians who can be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient! All wonderful qualities.
9. Weakness was turned to strength -Hebrews 11:34
Don't be discouraged by your weaknesses. Not only will they not bring you down, but they'll raise you up instead!
10. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry -James 1:19
I can't stress this one enough. Listen to one another so you don't misunderstand, be hesitant when judging with your words, and see all sides of an argument before destroying yourself in anger.
Friday, 14 April 2017
Easter Explained
Man I've lit had this written for so long and I still manage to post it late... Sorry!
Happy Wednesday! Today we'll be learning about Easter in Christianity.
When?
Easter mainly consists of Good Friday (April 14th), Easter Sunday (April 16th), and Easter Monday (April 17th). It's dates change every year, but these are correct for 2017.
What?
Easter is arguably the most important Christian holiday, because it pays tribute to the resurrection of Jesus, which is obviously very important in Christianity. Jesus was crucified on the cross on Good Friday, then rose from the dead three days later on Easter Sunday, when his grave was found empty. He was seen again by his disciples on that same day, and this resurrection gives Christians a hope of their own resurrection and a certainty of what they believe.
Happy Wednesday! Today we'll be learning about Easter in Christianity.
When?
Easter mainly consists of Good Friday (April 14th), Easter Sunday (April 16th), and Easter Monday (April 17th). It's dates change every year, but these are correct for 2017.
What?
Easter is arguably the most important Christian holiday, because it pays tribute to the resurrection of Jesus, which is obviously very important in Christianity. Jesus was crucified on the cross on Good Friday, then rose from the dead three days later on Easter Sunday, when his grave was found empty. He was seen again by his disciples on that same day, and this resurrection gives Christians a hope of their own resurrection and a certainty of what they believe.
Sunday, 9 April 2017
FAQ Of Me
Good morning! Today's post will hopefully be kinda fun. I asked friends and strangers to ask me questions, and I also wrote down the questions that I'm most commonly asked.
Is it difficult?
Again, at the beginning yes, but not anymore. Sometimes I wish I wasn’t vegan so that it was easier to eat at restaurants etc, but I so don’t regret my choice.
Christianity
When did you become a Christian?
Summer 2016. The changes inside me were happening from a lot earlier than that, but Summer was when I really kind of accepted those changes, and allowed myself to label myself.
Why?
Well, that’s a very long story, but if you’re close enough to me and we have enough time I’ll gladly tell it to you. The gist is that I wasn't a very nice person pre-‘conversion’, and I realised that if I was someone else, I wouldn’t want to be friends with me. Therefore, I started to change my attitude and my actions, and as a result my inner feelings and spirituality started to change too. Months passed until I finally realised ‘hey, I believe in a God…??’ and that was the start of the new me (must be said v sarcastically).
What does that mean for your daily life?
Well, on Sunday mornings I go to church, on Wednesday evenings I practice Worship at church (Worship is essentially praising God through singing and playing instruments), on Thursdays I go to Youth Group, I pray everyday, I read some of the Bible everyday, and my outlook has changed.
What denomination are you?
I don’t actually label myself as any denomination, because I haven’t yet found one that defines me correctly. If I do find one eventually, that’d be great; but for now I’m fine with solely being a Christian.
Aren’t all Christians homophobic?
Nope. As probability and population suggest, there are a whole bunch of gay Christians, who obviously won’t be homophobic. Some Christians are, but there are a lot who may not necessarily be pro-gay but they certainly aren't homophobic.
Aren’t all Christians anti-abortion?
Again, nope. I am pro-life (although every case must be treated subjectively) because of my beliefs but there are a lot of Christians who (especially in certain circumstances) will condone abortion.
Aren’t all Christians creationists?Nooooo. There are so many different interpretations of Genesis (where the Adam and Eve story is) and many of them align with evolution and the Big Bang and everything else scientific. I personally don’t know where I stand on the literality/symbolism debate of Adam and Eve, but again I’m not stressing too much over finding an answer quickly. I know I’ll find my answer soon enough, be it correct or not.
Do you just sing hymns all the time?
Seriously, no. Listen to Hillsong/Bethel/Jesus Culture. They are some of the best Worship bands of all time.
Education
You do dossy subjects - aren’t you smart, though?
I do do dossy subjects (Drama and Film), and I am sort of smart. I chose to do subjects I enjoy at college, and those aren’t Maths or Science based. Sorry?
Your GCSE results were amazing - why are you worrying about A Levels?
(For context, I achieved 7A*s and 5As at GCSE.) Because they are SO MUCH HARDER! Seriously, I’m getting Cs and Bs, having never got anything lower than an A pre-college.
What do you want to do at university?
I want to study Theology and Religious Studies. Basically, I want to learn more about different religions and what they believe and their histories, and maybe learn a Biblical language alongside it.
So you want to become a vicar? A nun?
No. That’s the first thing my mum asked me when I told her I wanted to do Theology. Honestly, it’d be a blast to be a nun, but that’s not my calling.
What do you want to be?
Ultimately, an actress. And yes, I know that no one makes it, and I know it’s all down to who you know, and I know it probably won’t happen. But, I’m gonna give it a go anyway.
Are you pressured by your family?
This is the most interesting question I was asked. I’d say that I am, but by the pressure I put on myself to live up to their expectations, not by something they actually do themselves. I want to live up to the examples set by my brothers, and I want to make my parents proud. That’s pressure enough, I guess.
Lifestyle
What’s your favourite… Book?
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher. It’s actually recently been made into a Netflix TV show! (Which is really well-done, btw.)
Film?
Zero Day (2003) dir. Ben Coccio. I’ve already talked about how much I adore this movie and it’s characters, and I’ll link the post here.
Musician?
Oh I have no idea… I always love Green Day and the Smashing Pumpkins, but at the moment I’m getting back into Van Halen and Aerosmith.
Author?
I hate to be all stereotypical-white-girl-tumblr but John Green is an absolute mastermind.
TV Show?
I’ve almost finished the first season of American Horror Story and I’m LOVING it. Also, the Pretty Little Liars final season is airing soon, and I am so so so excited!!
Actor?
Martin Freeman is so talented, and so is Andrew Scott. A very Sherlockian theme to this question but the cast of BBC Sherlock is just too fantastic to not be mentioned!
Musical?
Les Miserables… Closely followed by Miss Saigon. Yep, I’m into the sad ones.
Song?
My all-time favourite has to be Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas but at the moment I’m really loving How Far I’ll Go by Auli’i Cravalho from Moana and Misconceptions 3 by Lecrae feat John Gives, Jgivens, and Jackie Hill Perry.
What song got you into singing?
This is such a tough question! I guess I’ve always loved singing and performing, but my passion really began when I heard On My Own from Les Mis for the first time. What a song.
What Hogwarts house are you?
SLYTHERIN PRIDE. Always have been, always will be. Although, if I could choose a hybrid house it'd be Slytherdor. I used to be kinda Ravenclaw-esque but now I'm a whole lot braver, plus I am very short-tempered.
Do you have any pets?
Aw this was such a cute question. Yep! At the moment I have one cat called Indy, as well as a bunch of pond critters. I used to have another two cats (Ozzie and Freddie), a rabbit (Lady), and three guinea-pigs (Stripe, Chip, and Scruffy) but sadly they are no longer with us.
Veganism
When did you become vegan?
June 2015 - almost 2 years ago! I started off only having one or two vegan meals a day, but I’ve been completely vegan for a long time now. :)
Why?
Well, the short-term cause was that I saw a video on how animals in factories are treated, and it disgusted me so much that I stopped eating meat straight away.
Long-term though, I explain a lot of the positive effects of veganism in this post.
What do you actually eat?
CARBS. So many carbs. Basically, I eat what you eat, but without the stuff I don’t eat, and with substitutes instead. (Linda McCartney is the BEST for meat subs, btw.)
Do you miss any foods?
Not really. At the start I did miss foods, especially cheese, but now I’m so accustomed to not eating them and I'm so much more aware of the negative effects of eating animal products.
June 2015 - almost 2 years ago! I started off only having one or two vegan meals a day, but I’ve been completely vegan for a long time now. :)
Why?
Well, the short-term cause was that I saw a video on how animals in factories are treated, and it disgusted me so much that I stopped eating meat straight away.
Long-term though, I explain a lot of the positive effects of veganism in this post.
What do you actually eat?
CARBS. So many carbs. Basically, I eat what you eat, but without the stuff I don’t eat, and with substitutes instead. (Linda McCartney is the BEST for meat subs, btw.)
Do you miss any foods?
Not really. At the start I did miss foods, especially cheese, but now I’m so accustomed to not eating them and I'm so much more aware of the negative effects of eating animal products.
Is it difficult?
Again, at the beginning yes, but not anymore. Sometimes I wish I wasn’t vegan so that it was easier to eat at restaurants etc, but I so don’t regret my choice.
Christianity
When did you become a Christian?
Summer 2016. The changes inside me were happening from a lot earlier than that, but Summer was when I really kind of accepted those changes, and allowed myself to label myself.
Why?
Well, that’s a very long story, but if you’re close enough to me and we have enough time I’ll gladly tell it to you. The gist is that I wasn't a very nice person pre-‘conversion’, and I realised that if I was someone else, I wouldn’t want to be friends with me. Therefore, I started to change my attitude and my actions, and as a result my inner feelings and spirituality started to change too. Months passed until I finally realised ‘hey, I believe in a God…??’ and that was the start of the new me (must be said v sarcastically).
What does that mean for your daily life?
Well, on Sunday mornings I go to church, on Wednesday evenings I practice Worship at church (Worship is essentially praising God through singing and playing instruments), on Thursdays I go to Youth Group, I pray everyday, I read some of the Bible everyday, and my outlook has changed.
What denomination are you?
I don’t actually label myself as any denomination, because I haven’t yet found one that defines me correctly. If I do find one eventually, that’d be great; but for now I’m fine with solely being a Christian.
Aren’t all Christians homophobic?
Nope. As probability and population suggest, there are a whole bunch of gay Christians, who obviously won’t be homophobic. Some Christians are, but there are a lot who may not necessarily be pro-gay but they certainly aren't homophobic.
Aren’t all Christians anti-abortion?
Again, nope. I am pro-life (although every case must be treated subjectively) because of my beliefs but there are a lot of Christians who (especially in certain circumstances) will condone abortion.
Aren’t all Christians creationists?Nooooo. There are so many different interpretations of Genesis (where the Adam and Eve story is) and many of them align with evolution and the Big Bang and everything else scientific. I personally don’t know where I stand on the literality/symbolism debate of Adam and Eve, but again I’m not stressing too much over finding an answer quickly. I know I’ll find my answer soon enough, be it correct or not.
Do you just sing hymns all the time?
Seriously, no. Listen to Hillsong/Bethel/Jesus Culture. They are some of the best Worship bands of all time.
Education
You do dossy subjects - aren’t you smart, though?
I do do dossy subjects (Drama and Film), and I am sort of smart. I chose to do subjects I enjoy at college, and those aren’t Maths or Science based. Sorry?
Your GCSE results were amazing - why are you worrying about A Levels?
(For context, I achieved 7A*s and 5As at GCSE.) Because they are SO MUCH HARDER! Seriously, I’m getting Cs and Bs, having never got anything lower than an A pre-college.
What do you want to do at university?
I want to study Theology and Religious Studies. Basically, I want to learn more about different religions and what they believe and their histories, and maybe learn a Biblical language alongside it.
So you want to become a vicar? A nun?
No. That’s the first thing my mum asked me when I told her I wanted to do Theology. Honestly, it’d be a blast to be a nun, but that’s not my calling.
What do you want to be?
Ultimately, an actress. And yes, I know that no one makes it, and I know it’s all down to who you know, and I know it probably won’t happen. But, I’m gonna give it a go anyway.
Are you pressured by your family?
This is the most interesting question I was asked. I’d say that I am, but by the pressure I put on myself to live up to their expectations, not by something they actually do themselves. I want to live up to the examples set by my brothers, and I want to make my parents proud. That’s pressure enough, I guess.
Lifestyle
What’s your favourite… Book?
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher. It’s actually recently been made into a Netflix TV show! (Which is really well-done, btw.)
Film?
Zero Day (2003) dir. Ben Coccio. I’ve already talked about how much I adore this movie and it’s characters, and I’ll link the post here.
Musician?
Oh I have no idea… I always love Green Day and the Smashing Pumpkins, but at the moment I’m getting back into Van Halen and Aerosmith.
Author?
I hate to be all stereotypical-white-girl-tumblr but John Green is an absolute mastermind.
TV Show?
I’ve almost finished the first season of American Horror Story and I’m LOVING it. Also, the Pretty Little Liars final season is airing soon, and I am so so so excited!!
Actor?
Martin Freeman is so talented, and so is Andrew Scott. A very Sherlockian theme to this question but the cast of BBC Sherlock is just too fantastic to not be mentioned!
Musical?
Les Miserables… Closely followed by Miss Saigon. Yep, I’m into the sad ones.
Song?
My all-time favourite has to be Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas but at the moment I’m really loving How Far I’ll Go by Auli’i Cravalho from Moana and Misconceptions 3 by Lecrae feat John Gives, Jgivens, and Jackie Hill Perry.
What song got you into singing?
This is such a tough question! I guess I’ve always loved singing and performing, but my passion really began when I heard On My Own from Les Mis for the first time. What a song.
What Hogwarts house are you?
SLYTHERIN PRIDE. Always have been, always will be. Although, if I could choose a hybrid house it'd be Slytherdor. I used to be kinda Ravenclaw-esque but now I'm a whole lot braver, plus I am very short-tempered.
Do you have any pets?
Aw this was such a cute question. Yep! At the moment I have one cat called Indy, as well as a bunch of pond critters. I used to have another two cats (Ozzie and Freddie), a rabbit (Lady), and three guinea-pigs (Stripe, Chip, and Scruffy) but sadly they are no longer with us.
Wednesday, 5 April 2017
Lent Explained
Hi guys! :)
Today is the first Wednesday of April, meaning it's the first day of April's series! This month's series is called Explained, in which I'll be briefly explaining what different holidays mean to Christians, starting with Lent (which we are currently in the middle of).
When?
Lent this year began on March 1st, and will end on April 13th.
What?
So, Lent. Lent occurs once every year and lasts for 40 days (plus Sundays). It comes before Easter and just after Shrove (Pancake) Tuesday. For Christians, Lent is a time of prayer, preparation, and reflection; to think about the time leading up to Easter, and what Easter means to Christians (which you'll find out next week!).
Some people (not just Christians) give up something for Lent; normally something 'bad' like chocolate/alcohol/smoking/etc. This represents when Jesus fasted from food in the wilderness for 40 days.
Today is the first Wednesday of April, meaning it's the first day of April's series! This month's series is called Explained, in which I'll be briefly explaining what different holidays mean to Christians, starting with Lent (which we are currently in the middle of).
When?
Lent this year began on March 1st, and will end on April 13th.
What?
So, Lent. Lent occurs once every year and lasts for 40 days (plus Sundays). It comes before Easter and just after Shrove (Pancake) Tuesday. For Christians, Lent is a time of prayer, preparation, and reflection; to think about the time leading up to Easter, and what Easter means to Christians (which you'll find out next week!).
Some people (not just Christians) give up something for Lent; normally something 'bad' like chocolate/alcohol/smoking/etc. This represents when Jesus fasted from food in the wilderness for 40 days.
Sunday, 2 April 2017
10 Best Buzzfeed Quizzes
Hi guys - Happy April! This month is gonna be an interesting one as far as daintilydreaming is concerned - so hang in there for some educative and hopefully fun posts this month!
To kick off April, here's 10 of my favourite Buzzfeed quizzes. I've spent many a History lesson doing these instead of the actual work, so I hope you enjoy doing them as much as I do.
If You Get A 10/10 On This Quiz, King Henry VIII Won't Behead You
I got 6/10; looks like I'm getting beheaded.
Build A Wardrobe And Get A Lovely Compliment
Mine was 'You're Radiant'. How lovely!
Take This Fast-Food Test And We'll Guess Your Exact Age And Height
I got 17 years old and 5'3". Pretty close! (I'm 17 and 5'5")
Pick An Outfit And We'll Guess Your Exact Age And Height
This time was less accurate: 21 years old and 5'4". Still kinda close, though.
This "Harry Potter" Test Will Reveal Your Exact Age
17! This is literal magic.
Can You Identify The Disney Movie By Its First Spoken Line?
10/10! YES I CAN, BUZZFEED.
Just Pick A Bunch Of Food And We'll Tell You Which Disney Villain You Are
Mother Gothel - love her. Tangled is one of my fave ever Disney movies.
Which Beyoncé Hit Are You Based On Your Zodiac Sign?
Drunk In Love!!! Yaaaaasssss. I love this one solely for how random it is.
Take This Disney Test To Find Out Which Hybrid Hogwarts House You Belong In
SLYTHERDOR (Slytherin + Gryffindor). How accurate.
Literally Just Pig Out On Some Junk Food And We'll Guess Your Height And Shoe Size
I thought we'd end on one that's creepily accurate, but it didn't turn out this way. 5'9" and shoe size 9. Nope. 5'5" and shoe size 5***
If You Get A 10/10 On This Quiz, King Henry VIII Won't Behead You
I got 6/10; looks like I'm getting beheaded.
Build A Wardrobe And Get A Lovely Compliment
Mine was 'You're Radiant'. How lovely!
Take This Fast-Food Test And We'll Guess Your Exact Age And Height
I got 17 years old and 5'3". Pretty close! (I'm 17 and 5'5")
Pick An Outfit And We'll Guess Your Exact Age And Height
This time was less accurate: 21 years old and 5'4". Still kinda close, though.
This "Harry Potter" Test Will Reveal Your Exact Age
17! This is literal magic.
Can You Identify The Disney Movie By Its First Spoken Line?
10/10! YES I CAN, BUZZFEED.
Just Pick A Bunch Of Food And We'll Tell You Which Disney Villain You Are
Mother Gothel - love her. Tangled is one of my fave ever Disney movies.
Which Beyoncé Hit Are You Based On Your Zodiac Sign?
Drunk In Love!!! Yaaaaasssss. I love this one solely for how random it is.
Take This Disney Test To Find Out Which Hybrid Hogwarts House You Belong In
SLYTHERDOR (Slytherin + Gryffindor). How accurate.
Literally Just Pig Out On Some Junk Food And We'll Guess Your Height And Shoe Size
I thought we'd end on one that's creepily accurate, but it didn't turn out this way. 5'9" and shoe size 9. Nope. 5'5" and shoe size 5***
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