Studies have shown background noise to have an affect on attitudes and behavior. In essence, the more active the sound the more activity generated within the mind and behavior. Similarly, calmer and more melodic the music generates less activity and promotes relaxation. Retailers and other places of business have long used this research in determining the type of music to be played. Trendy clothing retailers will likely prefer to play fast beat and high energy music to create a sense of excitement and even connect the shopper to a fashion runway setting. Doctors offices typically play classical or easy listening styles of music to calm anxiety that may be present in their patients. Places with a lot of visitors and commotion may also use classical music to ease the chaos. Selecting the type of music or background noise is critical but so is the level. Too much of a background noise produces the opposite affect. For instance, classical music produces a calm affect but not when played too loudly. Too little background noise results in individuals becoming uncomfortable and seeking to escape the silence.
The home environment is similar in demonstrating the affect background noise has on attitude and behavior. I've personally noticed that what I listen to even if only played in the background has an affect on my attitude, concentration and productivity. The absence of noise is uncomfortable as I am highly conditioned from the loud modern day life to expect some degree of input at all times. The simplest response is to turn on the television, movie, radio or log onto social media. However, those resources are rarely beneficial in moving me forward in life in a positive direction. They also have a tendency to turn into needless noise themselves.
Over time I've come to rely on a handful of sources for adding more favorable background noise to my home during the days. One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:8 which states: "Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy --think about such things." I know that for me I'm more likely to think in this manner if I have made an effort to put such content into my mind. The effort is not as much about blocking any and every poor influence, but to use greater discretion as to what will be primary. For me, and in my home, I desire for the noise to be uplifting and edifying while also spiritually and intellectually challenging.
For the most part, I have my Pandora Praise & Worship station playing hymns. I'm not opposed to contemporary worship songs, and, in fact, I do enjoy many of them. However, I love a good hymn! Many more of those speak to my heart. At times throughout the day I find a moment or situation that brings a lyric to mind. How often I have sung "I need thee every hour!" A few favorites on my Pandora station include:
Journey: A Praise Offering [album] by David Carnes
Adoration: Solo Piano Hymns [album] by David Nevue
Beginnings [album] by Fernando Ortega
Hymns: A Place of Worship [album] by 4Him
Greatest Hymns [album] by Selah
One aspect of seemingly everything transitioning to an online presence is the ability to find great sermons and messages. My top favorites are Greg Pinkner from a program called Crossroads held at Fellowship Church in Tennessee and Andy Stanley of North Point Ministries in Georgia. I had the privilege of attending Crossroads while in college. I enjoyed that Pinkner had a very unforced sense of humor, and taught Bible-based lessons on a college level. Even though I'm no longer in college, I still tune in to his messages and they still challenge and convict me. I really enjoy reading the Bible and learning on matters of faith, and his messages support that endeavor. Andy Stanley's messages are, to me, of a similar strong foundation. He also mixes humor with more serious content. He has a great real-life application approach without turning into a self-motivation talk.
It's been great to listen to messages and music online while doing the mundane household activities like dishes and laundry. I've also played them while working on long projects, especially sewing projects. I'm not opposed to non-Christian media, and frequently part take of them as well. The above mentioned sources are, however, my favorites for accomplishing the goals of providing calm and edification. I've found that in the noise of everyday life, there are means of issuing calm. Even greater is the ability to for spiritual growth in and praise to the Lord!
*Note: Reviving Homemaking is not affiliated with any of the sites, companies, products or individuals mentioned or included in the links, and was not asked to include or recommend them in this post. (I simply like what they have to offer!)
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Thanks for the Pandora ideas! After seeing Jamie Grace at WinterJam, my girls (4 and 7 yrs.) have wanted to listen to nothing but their "God Girl" station. Today will be different though after they get their 20 min fix!
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