What Year Is It?

"Hello again, hello. I just called to say hello..." You must all be amply shocked to be reading this. I know that I am. The long silence of this sage is shattered. Who knows how many posts I have missed? I lost count. I am pretty sure that one of them had something to do with Scripture verses. That was a great idea. Kudos to the champ that came up with that one. Other than some wonderful verses in Song of Songs, my favorites have to be:
"Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher. "All is vanity." Ecclesiastes 12:8.
Ecclesiastes is a very underrated book in the Bible, and it is definitely one of my favorites. Solomon is my most beloved author in Scripture, and his statements here and following this verse are both very thought provoking and they are relieving to me.

"¹² Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. ¹³ Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴ I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14.
This passage is simply uplifting to me personally. As a human being, I am extremely flawed. But whenever I get to feeling that I have failed my purpose as a Christian or I doubt my worthiness in Christ, I am thankful that I can pull out this passage and know that what I've done is of no consequence as long as I strive "toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." This is awesome to me personally. 

Anyhow, who knows what else I've missed in my almost year long absence. This post should by all rights be around 18.39 posts rolled into one, but I don't want to supersaturate your minds with my mad ravings. I'll tell you right now that the Queso Club has been more active than you would think in spite of how dead our blog has been. God Bless SmoothJazz for his dedication to the cause. I'll tell you that as an individual much has changed in my life recently, but I'd hate to bore you with the details. In stead, I would love to share with you 3 tasty jams and then I'll sprinkle something special on you...

"Out of the Silent Planet" -IRON MAIDEN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbSxzqA8QrA

This whole album is really quite splendid in my personal opinion. This song in particular is inspired by a great novel by the same title which is a part of a trilogy written by Clive Staples Lewis. 

"The Mighty Quinn" -Manfred Mann

Well, to be fair this song was originally recorded by the infamous Bob Dylan, but if I'm being honest with myself, I truly prefer the Manfred Mann version. There is an extended version of this song if you are truly looking for an experience. It's excellent stuff.

"Dear Mama" -2pac
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb1ZvUDvLDY
I must admit that this should be viewed with discretion. It has some sublunary themes in it. Drugs played a large part in the life of Tupac Shakur, but even though his upbringing and childhood weren't ideal, Tupac still loved his mother. That is truly touching, and his style is just stellar. He is my favorite rapper after all. Although, the drug and gangster lifestyle did come back to bite him. He was shot down in his prime. There are lessons to be learned from that.

Another topic my comrades discussed was favorite hymns I do believe. My favorite hymns are as follows:

"Shelter in the Time of Storm"

&

"Low in the Grave He Lay"

I was raised in a congregation of around 68 consistent members in Southern Louisiana, and the amount of soul that the brothers and sisters there would put into the hymns always inspired me as a youth. And I vividly remember whenever Hurricane Katrina was reaching the coast of the state (we lived 10 minutes off of the coast) and we met that Sunday morning and sang this song. There were only around 15 of us there that particular Sunday, but with the rain beginning and the horizon dark with the storm that would bring so much pain into the lives of many. It was reassuring to sing "Shelter in the Time of Storm." And God did protect my family and the church from the cataclysmic winds and rains.

Finally, to add a little something sweet to my post. This is something truly of my own, an allegory.

"The Voice of the Cave"
I was strolling one of life's many paths which led me through a barren, white wood. The crisp morning air was clean and wholesome to breathe. As I walked on, footfall following footfall, I came across a cave. I felt as though the cave might be holding some great experience or a wonderful treasure within, so I ventured forth from the woods to the cavern's odd entrance. As I stepped into the cave, I felt a warmth and protection from the winter's icy winds. I sparked a flame and set out into the deep and mysterious place. As I wandered through the tunnels I was in high spirits and I felt excitement in the exploration. I turned this way and that observing many formations and water flows of varying magnificence. After some time in the cave had gone by, I became disillusioned and confused. I began to seek the exit and retrace my many steps, but these efforts were to no avail. Suddenly, my fire began to fail and sputter. I did all that was in my power to keep the light alive, but it was all for naught. I was alone in the deep darkness of the chasm. I ran, I yelled, I continued to search hopelessly for an exit or a familiar sign, I fumbled along in the dark, and I fell to my knees in despair. I wept bitterly and gave up on ever escaping this tomb. Suddenly, I heard a voice call out from the darkness. I sat up and wept with joy, for surely I was saved. I called out to the voice, "Is someone there?!" The voice replied gently, "Yes." I asked, "Where are you?" She replied, "I am here. I am within this cave." I asked, "Do you know the way out of this cave?" She again replied, "Yes." I praised the Lord above for her. This voice was my savior, the voice of an angel. I beseeched the beautiful voice, "Can you take me to the mouth of this labyrinth?" She replied, "Yes." And so she led me on through the darkness in blind faith. I heeded her every word, and her voice was a sweet taste of Tupelo Honey. As she led me on I asked her many questions, and in these conversations I learned a great deal. She could answer anything I did inquire for she was incredibly knowledgeable. I told her of myself and of my goals and dreams. I told the voice of my spirit of adventure and my passions. I asked her many questions, and she would answer them all. Except, I asked of the beautiful voice, "Who are you?" There was only silence. "Tell me what it is you desire?" Silence still. "Oh voice of the cave do you love?!" I begged her answer me. Not a sound was to be heard in the now cold, empty, black tunnel. I wept aloud, "Please don't leave me! Show me the entrance to this place!" She replied, "It is this way." Relieved to hear her, I followed eagerly. As we continued I felt a breeze. I said, "Surely this is the way to freedom!" The voice simply replied, "No." I followed. Suddenly, I saw a light down to the right of my body. "I can see that is the entrance!" I called out. "No." She said again. I followed where she directed and soon I came upon a pile of huge stones blocking the way. "What is this?" I asked impatiently. "This is the entrance." The voice calmly said. "What happened to it?" I demanded. "It has caved in. You have missed your chance." She said. I pleaded, "But voice, you know all of the answers, where is the path to my freedom?" She replied coolly, "There is no path for you." I cried out, "Voice what about you; do you have a path?" But there was only silence.

What does it all mean? I wish I knew. Well, that's all I have this time folks. Who knows when next we'll meet? This life or the next? I do not know. Until then, stay veluptuous. 

SINCERELY,

SWEETnLOWE

 R.I.P. Dearest Kimbo Slice. You were a man after my own heart, a legend.

 R.I.P. Harambe. Your death was meaningless and you will live on in our hearts.

How to Conquer in a Christian University (or If Ducks Could Fly)

Salutations! I hope that you are all faring exceptionally well, my dearest well-farers. It is my pleasure to again pry open the ancient vaulted doors of this blog's crippled communication. I toss my crowbar behind me into the dust and watch, rigid and transfixed, as the dilapidated but dignified doors divulge to me long-hidden mysteries, carefully concealed and collected over the course of the blog's communication cessation. This succulent, silly sepulcher--which had become quite dirty and dank, by the way--of superb, nay sublime, solace and satisfaction sighs with the suggestions of simply sensational subjects supremely saintly and surely worthy of serving as sentinels to secure the succession of blog posts. I therefore scratch my nose, think about lunch and that one dude I met last Thursday, pick something out of my teeth, adjust my socks, sing a few lines from classic Italian operas, and enter the honorable hollow of hilarity that has been hiding within our hearts all along. Walking past several pillars of old crates and barrels, I casually brush off grime and observe the titles: "Women and Music," "Music and Women," "Led Zeppelin and Women," "Women and Women," "Led Zeppelin and Music," "Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin and Led Zeppelin," "Something Boring from SmoothJazz," "5 Reasons Your Pants Aren't Hip," "Tired of Buttermilk: Mooslick Quakzilli is Here to Help," "Zelda's 'Holy Dorito' Confirms Illuminate," "Embarrassing Stories," "Untitled," etc. With so many original and potentially world-changing ideas stored within this voluminous vault, I know I must choose the most vivacious of all for this particular post, as a means of jump-starting this ole jalopy of a blog. So, I choose to write about something that is about to become intensely relevant to some very good friends of mine: surviving life at a Christian university and thriving all the while. As someone entering his third year of full time education at a Christian University, I have a few insights and tips that I would like to share, although my experience is very limited, in some areas more than others. Anyhow, without further rigmarole, let us commence!


Know Where Your Classes are Before the First Day, and Be Early for Every Class.

I recommend visiting the campus and locating each of your classrooms so that you can strategically plot out your daily trajectory to maximize efficiency. Also, it is important to be early so that you can choose good seats in your classrooms. Several studies have shown that the most productive students tend to sit either on the front row or in a line from front to back in the middle of the classroom. Trust me; it helps. Also consider where the best bathrooms are located on campus and incorporate those into your daily trajectory so you can establish certain regular bathroom visits during the course of your day.

Work Harder in the Classes that Do Not Interest You in the Slightest.

Every semester you will have at least one class that becomes an unbearable annoyance, not because of the amount of work involved, but because of how uninteresting the material is to you. Do not live with that burden. Discipline yourself to invest time and mental energy in that class. Personal investment is the best way to make a dead-boring class come alive to you. If you don't do this, you will have a worse semester for it and probably get a bad grade in the class.

Get to Know Your Professors.

Though it can be intimidating at times, getting to know your professors is an investment that reaps a myriad of blessings. It will help you from getting frustrated in their class, make that class more interesting, increase your enthusiasm for the subject material, and supply you with some wonderful mentors. Most teachers are actually quite gentle and understanding if you decide to relate to them as persons instead of scary test-giving machines. Also, once you have a relationship with them, it is much more comfortable to come to them with questions and concerns regarding their classes.

Everyone Else is as Insecure, Lonely, and Nervous as You Are.

I technically can't affirm that the above statement is true. But it is good to remember that you are not the only one who encounters struggles, disappointments, and self-doubt whilst making your way through college life. If you let those things isolate you, they will only grow and ruin many positive opportunities for you. But if you relate to other people who, although they seem to have it all together, are going through the same trials, you will experience wonderful support and community among your collegiate peers. And never forget to laugh when things get ridiculous.

Experiment in All Things, but Always be Yourself (Who You are in Christ).

This is going to be a great and exciting time to experiment and try new things. You should set about, in a sincere search for truth grounded in the Truth, to reexamine your life, your interests, your beliefs, your relationships, and your potentials. Learn about lots of things and do not limit yourself beyond reason, but never feel like you have to do what others are doing. You are not them. You are unique and beloved by God, with unique interests and potential that should be uniquely utilized in His holy service. I particularly suggest spending time in different social circles and finding clubs and student organizations that orient social activities around service projects, spiritual growth, and social justice activism (*cough* HUmanity).

Put Academics First (after God).

In college, you will find that there are many different things that all vie for your precious time. If you let a lot of these things distract you from doing the best you can in your academic endeavors, you will end up making things a lot harder on yourself. However, if you consistently dedicate the time to take care of academics first--and to do them well--you will do yourself a big favor and find that you still have some time left for other sorts of things.

Finally, do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6). 

Let's be honest, freshman year can seem ominous, but it's really gonna be pretty great. There is really not much to worry about, and when we do worry, we have a God who listens and understands. Things will be a bit challenging, but God will not give you more than you can handle. I can testify to that for sure. When that first day comes, you will find yourself around a lot of surprisingly nice, attractive people who walk around with you to some pretty cool classes and who become brothers and sisters throughout your time at your respective Christian University. So, don't sweat it. I know that my advice is certainly not the best, but its what I can offer right now. In addition, if you happen to be homeschooled, you might need this:

Have fun storming the castle, argue for the "sloppy wet kiss," and avoid all things hipster, trendy sandals, hammocks, inordinate amounts of coffee, and all the other ridiculous things that weird people do in college. And enjoy being surrounded by attractive, friendly Christian peers for four years! Peace!

Superbly,
SmoothJazz

Actually love and enjoy chapel. It is a blessing to worship. 

An Obligatory Post (or A Poem with Purview)

Here at The Queso Club, there are two things we love best: 1) neglecting our blog; and 2) occasionally crafting sonnets of mediocre quality. Seeing as we have lately exceeded expectations as far as the first is concerned, this post will focus on the second. I have (rather hastily) penned a pensive poem about the persevering power of individual moral decisions in the cosmic battle between good and evil. I would like to apologize for not revising the poem so as to enhance its literary quality, and I would also like to recommend the book that inspired the writing of this piece: People of the Lie by M. Scott Peck, M.D. This poem seems lacking to me, and I may draw it out into several fourteen-line stanzas, of which the following would be the first. If you don't like it, you should get that checked out. Yes, Chris, ya heard me!

People of the Lie

Good or evil, the imminent choice,

a cosmic fate determined

for each will to rot or to rejoice;

each moment each soul long-term and

eternally engages conflict:

the will's narcissistic derelict

against reality divine,

a sick sinner's moral sclerosis

against a terrible truth,

the guards neurosis and psychosis

against the all-loving Sleuth,

Light to save the people of the lie;

the soul in shadow dying will die

pale beneath its own lonely shrine. 

I could write several pages explaining the meaning of this poem from an intellectual, theological, and psychiatric standpoint, but I will spare you all. Suffice it to say that the most important decision you will ever make is the next one. Be on guard. Every moral choice (aka. every choice) oriented toward evil is a dangerous step away from the True Living God into Satan's suffocating straight-jacket of lies. Don't let love of self destroy self; rather, let self be realized through the love of God (both meanings are implied). For Him you were made; for you he longs. If you shut the door to Him you will shrivel into a pathetic, deluded existence damned to your own world and dominated by the lies of an ever-tormenting narcissistic lust. So, yeah. If I update this poem, I assure you that it will not be so grave. Now go forth and live with meaning. Peace!

Superbly,

SmoothJazz

One for the Lads

Salutations!

I trust that you all are doing well and are behaving appropriately. (I'm metaphorically looking at you, Chris.) It is my truest delight to offer something a bit different in this post. While I am returning to the theme of music in order to force my own tastes upon your delicate palates, I am doing so in a slightly more creative way than has perhaps been accomplished previously. But, O, thou shalt never know the oppression that is inflicted upon you. You shall merely think, "Look at that, another harmless, mediocre blog post. My psyche is in no peril." Yes, your psyche is in fact in dire peril, in dire straits. For I am going to offer a salutary shout-out to each other member of the Queso Club and list a couple of songs that serve in my mind as musical representations of their being. So without further to do, let us commence! (Be sure to keep an eye out for subliminal messages.)

SweetNLowe

I start with my admired companion SweetNLowe. When I first met this stud, I was rather nauseated. We were kinda awkwardly playing FIFA together, and he kept getting mad and standing up and yelling. I was thinking throughout the experience, "This guy and I will never get along." Well, I was sorely wrong. Not as sorely wrong as when I once thought that WWE wrestling was real, but I was sorely wrong nevertheless. (You disappoint me, John Cena.) (You too, Chris; but I still love you, man; my arms are wide open.) We have shared some blissfully hilarious moments with one another and have embarked on some uncanny adventures. He has endeared himself to me through his penetrating wit and his interesting opinions, not to mention the pamphlet of things that I've said that he has apparently penned. I am one of the very few people who knows his most embarrassing moment, and harmony and contention alike within the confines of our relationship have resulted in mutual refinement, understanding, and sharpening. His memory does not pass through the hustle and bustle of my mind without inciting cheerfulness and joy. So, though more could be said, I salute you, SweetNLowe. Keep is classy, Sir. Oh, and here are some songs that remind me of you.

 (Caterwaul for ninety-nine, my green stereo pleas.)

 SpockHawk

Oh, Dear SpockHawk, where does one begin? You have always been such an influential and beloved figure in my life and in the Queso Club. When I first met you, I supposed we could get along alright, although I still thought you queer. Well, we've gotten along marvelously, and I have discovered in you a most wonderful character full of meekness, jocularity, care, and the most splendid queerness one could want in a companion. You've always been a hand of gentleness and a voice of faith. Amidst the precious memories of absurdity and downright zany encounters, there have been even more precious moments of unspoken understanding and instant empathy in which a single word or a meeting of the eyes establishes beyond doubt a tender connection between hearts of a common disposition. It is these moments that forever ground my admiration and prayer for your personhood. No truer friend could one find, though one may search o'er many mountains and many seas. If nothing else can be properly expressed, may it suffice to say that the Queso Club would not be here in all its glory without your initiation and overall purpose in life. Cheers to you, Bro. Here are some jams. 

(Candy-Canes evacuate the veranda of the Prince.)

HoneyBagel

First of all, let's not forget that positively hilarious moment at TLC when the name HoneyBagel was coined. I believe that was originally some sort of 1-10 involving Julio Olivieres. Anyways, that was a golden moment that had a whole table of groggy guys in a fit of undignified chuckling. Point to you, my good man, point to you. I didn't really have any negative reaction to you initially. You were just a nice enough little lad with unruly hair and dorky glasses. But you have become so much more. You have matured greatly in thought, in faith over the years that I have known you and have inspired me to be more kindly and good-natured towards people. You have a brilliant knack for impeccable humor and for bringing people together in good cheer, not to mention those break-dance moves you've been working on. (Just one word of advice on that matter: don't forget to tuck in those glutes when you go for the double-overhand-fisherman's-bird-glove maneuver on ice. I once deflated my left side for lack of such prudence. Always the left...) I delight in sharing ideas with you, in rambling about good music, and in sharing personal precepts of faith and daring dreams for the future. I so admire your good heart, your honest and solemn reverence, and your cheer which expresses your love for those around you. Dream on, HoneyBagel, and keep it fresh and fluffy. Now, songs for you!

(Beef stew is on the rise, I hear from tubby plywood.)

Well, there ya go, folks. As you have surely deduced, this blog, this enterprise, is manned by only the most capable, accomplished scholars and statesmen. They are dear companions and dearer brothers of the faith. This post is a salute to them. FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK, WE SALUTE YOU!!! Shalom and Godspeed! 

Superbly,

SmoothJazz

(SAVE THE WHALES!) 

Melodious Music

Salutations, random stranger! I am one day behind the deadline. Please forgive me.

Anyway, today, I wanted to talk about something that affects us all in life: music. I'm sure those of you who have read previous posts now that I'm very passionate about music, and it's true. Music is an active force in my life. I love listening to music, playing music, writing music, etc. I love the whole lot of it. To me, there is something musical in everybody. We all something that can drive us musically. Some of us are natural born singers (not me). Some of use love learning how to play different musical instruments, whether it be the piccolo or the guitar. Some of use love just sitting down and listening to it. Why is that though? Why do people feel so connected to music? I've got some ideas.

Like I said, people feel connected to music. This could be because the lyrics have a special meaning to them, or they really dig the instrumental patterns and solos, but no matter what, they feel connected. Now, you know this blog is very Christ focused, so I'm exploring this with a Christian mindset. I think people are so connected to music because it connects use to God. Besides prayer, music is a tool God lays out in the Bible to help connect us to him and minister to others. But why? Once again, let's dive in. 

In Psalm 95:1, it says " Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord. Let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation." Even back in the days of King David, people used music to connect to God. I used this to say this is not a new concept. God intended for us to feel his presence. There is a reason so many people love the book of Psalms. In it, David and other prophets and ministers paint a picture of different emotions through music. Emotions of love, sorrow, anger, and many more are all present. No matter what emotion though, the use it to worship God. So, like I said, it appears to be God's intent for us to worship through music. 

Also, God wanted us to minister through others using music. In Ephesians 5:19, it says "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing make music in your heart to God." It says very plainly at the beginning to use music to uplift others. Minister to others using music. I don't have much to say about this. My creative juices are zapped. Anyway, while writing this, I've decided to share three or four songs each post for you guys to check out. It may be a gospel song, a rock song, or some king of mixture of the two. Either way, I hope you find encouragement in the songs I post. Some will be heavy songs, others lighthearted. Here are the first few. 

- "Sing and Be Happy" 

A classic hymn. It has a good message. Sometimes, it is best to just throw down your anxieties and and praise God. This is best quality performance I could find of this, too. 

- "Let It Rain" by Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton was a genius. 

- "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison 

While this song isn't about God and the Christian faith, I can't help but think of Him when I here it. Just ignore the whole "Krishna" part. 

Freshly yours,
Honeybagel

Manifesto of SmoothJazz

Hey! I hope that you are all doing well. Just so you know, the last topic isn't posted yet because our dear friend SweetNLowe has been busy lately, but I'll go ahead with my turn anyways. As a disclosure to this post, let me say that I am going to express aspects of my faith and assert truth claims about God, about people, and about the world. I ask for your sincere respect, and I will exercise the boldest humility I can muster. If we can agree on a mutually self-critical dialogue over issues that aren't going to be decisively resolved, then we can bless each other, refine our philosophies, and maybe even change our mind on matters of utmost importance. That is what I ask, and I trust that you will follow through so long as I fulfill my part of the agreement.

My Manifesto of Faith (SmoothJazz)

It may have occurred to you by now that I am a Christian. And it has certainly occurred to me that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the King, and my personal Savior and Friend. With that announced forthright, I reckon I'll use this opportunity to explain how this is so, and what it means for me. So, without further to do, let us commence!

I come from a home of two parents and multiple older siblings. My parents are both professing Christians, although my father has gone through bouts of depression and anxiety in which he ceased to participate in the local Church. He came from a poor family with 11 children, and my mother comes from a smaller family with only two sisters. They were both raised to live by Biblical values. However, my mother has the more mature faith, as she has come to ask questions in order to understand what God is really like, what the world is really like, and what the scriptures are really trying to say. My father, on the other hand, possesses a faith that is largely uncritical and inactive. They have both influenced me in in positive and negative ways, creating boons to my faith as well as obstacles. However, as my faith is really due to my own experiences, their influence is limited.

As a young child, I had my tantrums, of course, but I behaved well overall and gained a reputation as a goody-two-shoes. By observing the praise and validation that I received by being someone who listened, helped, and worked studiously, I began to become self-righteous, and as that trend progressed, my very identity was secured by being a "good boy" and by performing tasks with near perfection. This, however, was destined to culminate in my earliest life crisis.

Around the age of ten-twelve, the age at which a child develops the cognitive faculties required to think abstractly and morally, I began to struggle more and more with the fact that I was not perfect and wholly good, as I tried so hard to be. This created an identity crisis, as I lost my only self-definition. This was further exacerbated by the dark, disordered passions that I was beginning to experience, partly due to the influence of some neighborhood boys, who were older than me, and of course puberty. These passions included most notably rage, pride, and sexual lust. Thus, my life was dichotomous. There was the perfect me that I still acted out despite its clear falsity, and there was the rebellious, angry, and wicked me that began to capture the heart of who I really was. Amidst this all, there was a feeling of suffocation, as I felt the goodness and purity deserting my inner life, which was being overrun by pride and hate, hate towards many people, although self-hate was the source of most of it. More and more I felt the darkness within and the terrible suffering of knowing my own inability to change the course that my life had taken. The best I could possibly do was to return to sinful self-righteousness, which had started the whole damned process. 

During this time, I remember being isolated at home, doing schoolwork and living in superficial happiness that would regularly be broken by intense remorse, shame, hate, and mourning. Many were the nights that I cried myself to sleep. However, the positive of this experience was that I began to really look for existential answers for the first time in my life. Originally, I tried every method under my power to make something of myself that I could respect and still call "righteous" in an effort to save face. Eventually, I began to think about all that stuff that I'd been told in Church all of my life. I began to listen to the sermons, even to sing some of the songs. In so doing, it occurred to me that my ultimate well-being didn't rely on my being perfectly good by my own efforts. WHAT A RELIEF. I heard about what Jesus had done to offer His righteousness to helpless sinners like me. WHAT A REVELATION. The more I thought about these things, the more I became convicted that He was the only way to redeem my pitiful life- so pitiful, in fact, that He loved it so triumphantly. Nonetheless, Satan still had a hold on me through the sin in my life, and I was still tormented, not quite able to make the step, the step which seemed like stepping off of the highest cliff, surely to the result of losing the life I had, not knowing that anything else was truly available. However, I continued to wrestle, and I finally talked to my parents, barely able to communicate over the wrenching of my heart and the tears of my eyes. I told my parents about my sins, and they told me about forgiveness. That Sunday night I was baptized, and everything changed. 

Or did it? I was on a high for several days, and life seemed so full of new light that pierced my tired soul with beams of uncontrollable joy. Yet, my daily life was still just as much bound up in sinful habits and anger and hate and lust. I continued to live with these things and found myself often discouraged. At this point I didn't even have any friends to go to with these struggles. However, after some time I got involved with the youth group of the local Church. It was among these new companions that I set my face to heaven and determined to allow myself to allow God to change my life in all the small ways that mattered so much, one little thing one day at a time. 

I would read scripture everyday and meditate on certain practical instructions to the end of intentionally following through in my life, particularly in my strained relationships with my siblings. It was the hardest thing I have even undertaken and currently undertake. I was daily reminded of my weakness and the embedded selfishness in my heart, but God's grace was always with me. 

This would be my path for the following years, although their were certainly some detours through various valleys. I gradually began to desire a faith that went deeper than simply focusing of God's grace and trying to do better. I started to study my Bible seriously and to talk with a good friend of mine about theological interpretations of the Word. This continued for a while, and was accelerated to a magnificent degree when I discovered my unquenchable thirst for Christian literature. I began reading book after book that challenged my narrow worldview and refined my self-understanding, especially in relation to God Himself. I also became a big fan of Christian apologetic. (I have since taken a step back from any simplistic attempts to "prove Christianity.")

Through short mission trips and other experiences with the youth group, I began to realize the missionary aspect inherent in the Christian faith, as well as the communal aspect, and I made several friends for life, including the spectacular young lady who is the object of all of the love songs that I have shared on here. I have found brothers and sisters in whom I can confide the worst parts of me, and I have been liberated accordingly. I continue to submit to God, His liberation, and His plan of redemption of which He invites me to participate. I have become much more open minded and critical of Christian faith, while also more sure and convicted of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I have also been gladly challenged by responding to the ideas of New Atheists, behaviorists, postmodernists, and so on. All of their ideas have been a pleasure to understand as best as I can, and I can confidently say that new tools for a life of ministry and holy service have been discovered. I have especially become espoused to the idea of theology as a metadiscourse that integrates other narratives into a holistic system of faith that relies on Christian beliefs for ultimate explanation and meaning. Most importantly, I ask God everyday to show me how to love as He loves. I really feel like I am coming into my own, and that God is making me who He intends, in spite of my persistent selfishness and rebellion. PRAISE YHWH. 

Anyways, that's about all I can say right now. My personal evolution continues, and I look forward in confidence to what He will show me through the blessings and trials that await me in life, Lord willing. I hope that my story has come across clearly, and I hope that you may be spurred to thought about your own position in life. God bless you, even if you don't know Him. In fact, may He bless you with revelation of His Holy Self. I love Him more than anything, and love you enough to earnestly desire that you all might know Him and love Him as well. He is so good. So surprising. So faithful. So gentle. So fierce. So paradoxical. So jealous. So compassionate. So Holy, Holy, Holy. If that sounds good to you, open your heart and find a Church friend or two to talk to. Peace!

Superbly,

SmoothJazz

Top Ten Underrated Led Zeppelin Songs

Happy Zeptember! As the name implies, it as a month to celebrate the music of Led Zeppelin and just how great they are. I realize I talk about them a lot, but after this, no Zeppelin posts or references on this blog until January from me.

I wanted to celebrate this somehow, but I didn't want to do the cliche "Top Ten Led Zeppelin Songs." Instead, I decided to do something a wee bit less subjective. Instead, I've decided to do the "Top Ten Underrated Led Zeppelin Songs." These are songs that I feel, despite Zep's immense popularity in the music world, just don't get enough radio play and appreciation. I don't know what to say now, so let's go!

Honorable Mentions:

"The Rain Song" 

"Dancing Days"

10. "Thank You" 

I've talked about this song in the past, And it's one the mixtape. The guitar and drums are a bit weak, but the keyboards and vocals are this song's true catch. The lyrics are down-right beautiful. It is a shame I've never heard it on the radio. 

9. "Out On The Tiles" 

I really like the guitar part on this song. And, similar to "Thank You," I've never heard it on the radio. It's sad. The entire album of Led Zeppelin III is very underrated. 

8. "We're Gonna Groove" 

I almost put this song at the top spot. And as I type this, I'm wondering why I didn't put it higher. Musically, it's not the best, but I've met "hardcore Zeppelin fans" who have never heard of this song and had no clue it existed. That is plain ol' sad. 

7. "Bron Y Aur Stomp"

This is actually SmoothJazz's favorite Zeppelin tune, and I don't blame him. This is another one that many people have never heard of, which is disappointing. It has some of the best acoustic guitar work in a song ever. 

6. "Four Sticks" 

This is a tasty jam with some mighty fine drum work. The only thing that could've made it better was if Tyrone Davis had been a co-vocalist on this track. 

5.  "Your Time Is Gonna Come" 

Not only is this a wonderful song, but it reminds me of a woman. IT'S THE DOUBLE HIT WOMBO COMBO!

4.  "The Rover"

I honestly think these next four are far superior to "Stairway to Heaven" and "Kashmir." If you have no clue what I'm talking about, people consider those two Zeppelin's best. Anyway, "The Rover" is a great song, and it is a shame it was never played live. Shows how underrated it is. 

3. "Down By The Seaside" 

A slower, but beautiful, Zeppelin song. I've actually heard this one on the radio, but it is an amazing song and deserves much more attention than it gets. All the instruments are so harmonious on this track. 

2. "Bring It On Home"

I don't know if I'll ever be able to make a "Top Ten Led Zeppelin Songs" post (too many good ones), but this has always been one of my favorites. It's hard rock at its finest and even has a little bluesy twang. I really enjoy it. 

1. "Ten Years Gone" 

I consider putting a lot of songs at number one. "Achilles Last Stand," "The Rover," "Gallows Pole," "Since I've Been Loving You." But in the long run, "Ten Years Gone" takes the cake. Just listen to it. It's beautiful. Shoutout to SmoothJazz for introducing me to this amazing song. 

Freshly yours, 

Honeybagel