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