tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67291027378094203942024-03-04T20:16:48.354-08:00Musings of a Mormon Metal-headI am a Mormon. I am a Metal-head. Some people have a hard time accepting these two facts together. Read on.......lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-79249041313135634042013-02-23T22:52:00.000-08:002013-02-23T22:52:01.418-08:00<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">USING THE PAST TO HEAL THE FUTURE</span></u></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>LEARNING ONE OF THE HARDEST LESSONS - 9 YEARS LATER</i></span></span></h3>
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For those who knew me as a child and teenager, I had it ALL figured out. I would easily find a way to a professional baseball career. This confidence was strong. I knew that I could do it. This is not a story that ends in the classic "I learned that I was wrong" conclusion. I still carry that confidence today. I could have done it had it been what needed to happen in my life. I've spent far too long looking for comfort and a second chance. Truth is, I've had my second chance, and I've made it count. I didn't take a second shot at baseball, because as much as I would have loved it, that's not what was right. I am writing this for so many reasons, and I think it will be the most meaningful post that you'll ever see from me.</div>
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I was the typical Mormon teenager. I went to church every week, mostly uninterested, but not a bad kid. I put my head down most of the time because I was tired, but I had a testimony of the gospel and knew that I had great worth in God's eyes. I was a good student, usually around a 3.5 GPA. Since I had my future secured as a pro ball player in my mind, there wasn't a whole lot to worry about. </div>
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Taylorsville High School has the best baseball program in the state, and one of the most consistently accomplished teams in the country. I chose to play in their league when I turned 13, leaving my friends at Granger in the process. After not being accepted by "the elite" for a whole year, I was finally shown some respect the following two seasons, but still being branded "the kid from Granger." I had some good years. I learned a ton about the game, but not much in life for those 3 years. </div>
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Meanwhile, during my 15 year old season, I had to select a high school to attend. My heart said Taylorsville, because that was my path to baseball opportunities. Every other aspect, mostly the geography and transportation issues, had me going to Granger, the place I didn't wan to go. My mother made a disappointing but true assessment, "But Devon, where will your real friends be?" </div>
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Granger High was pretty dull when I started high school. I did fine in school, joined the baseball team, took crap for leaving these guys for 3 years to play for the enemy. I had a positive sophomore year, followed by an academically exciting junior year (took 6 science classes and loved them). </div>
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<u>SENIOR YEAR - THE BEST WORST YEAR OF MY LIFE</u></h4>
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Senior Year. It truly was great heading into it, full of steam, full of anticipation. I had gotten my first 4.0 GPA in the final term of my junior year (which was due to a few teachers giving me some extra points for always participating and being respectful). I had one of the greatest terrible Senior years in high school history, all of my own doing.</div>
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<u>The Good</u></div>
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Academics were now at my mercy!!! I carried a 4.0 for my entire Senior year. This is something I'm still very proud of. I grew spiritually, and not just a little bit. I was set on serving a mission. I was disappointed not to be called to the Seminary Council because I thought I was a great example to many, yet humble about it. </div>
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My friends were a HUGE part of my success. I had been incorporated into the greatest group of peers that a kid could ask for. We were in the low to mid teens in number, and when we would hang out on the weekends, our parents didn't have to worry what we were up to. We were respectful, faithful, supportive, loving, and we all knew who we were, and where we came from. These are still my best friends to this day (with the exception of my beautiful wife who I didn't meet until college). My friends made me feel welcome, even as the most distant group member. They were all in Advanced Placement courses together, and I was not. I played baseball, and they did not. They were too busy getting their first year of college done in high school, which just so happens is brilliant. I wanted to be just like them. They made me want to be better. I felt such a guilt for what I knew, and they didn't. </div>
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Physically, I lost 45 pounds in the off-season doing aerobics. I went from 18% body fat to 7%, and I gained muscle in the process. I got faster, a lot faster. I was now fulfilling my dream of becoming the big money ball player, and I had a great attitude about life, school, and baseball. I was nominated by my teammates and coaches to be the team captain, which was a great honor.</div>
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<u>The Bad</u></div>
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During my Taylorsville baseball days, I was only about baseball. In the process of spending all of my free time playing ball (which was never a bad thing for me), I had let my priorities, some of my friends, and my values slip away. I got into some very dangerous things, and made some terrible choices. The people I chose to hang out with didn't have the same morals that I grew up learning. They ended up not being real friends. They helped me to build this image of somebody who I wasn't, and I took it the distance to the point of me not knowing who I was anymore. </div>
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Among all of the good things that happened in my final year of high school, unbearable guilt filled my soul. Every time it would sneak up on me, I swore it would go away. Halfway through the school year, just before baseball season, I was in the thick of it. Guilt when I woke up, guilt when I left for school, guilt when I got there, and so on and so on until I went to sleep at night. Truth was, I had a past that featured some things I wasn't proud of, and it didn't sit well. </div>
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One Sunday morning, I was sitting in church when I looked up toward the front of the chapel and saw something. My future daughter (I strongly believe) was standing there and staring straight at me. I looked down almost immediately, feeling a great deal of fear and confusion. I looked up again, and she was gone. Almost immediately my mind was made; I would be getting my entire past and the guilt associated with it off my chest that very day. When I got home from church, I told my mother and my bishop about my troublesome past. I had support from my family right away.</div>
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My bishop recommended that I call the police myself to report what I had told him. This was quite frightening, but I called them and set up an appointment. I won't forget the name of the man I spoke to, Detective Angell. He was great, understanding, helpful, and appreciative of my honesty. </div>
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I began the juvenile court process with a hearing. The judge saw how I was doing in school, and took into account my efforts on a sports team as the captain. He said that I was doing what I should be doing, and that he appreciated me coming forward to take care of my legal issues. I was back on the field that evening for baseball practice. </div>
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I guess I didn't understand the juvenile system, because I was soon notified that I had court coming up in a few weeks. I also found out that my judge had changed, and that I now had a loose cannon as a judge. This was upsetting.</div>
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I played 8 games of my senior season, and put up some very impressive numbers. I led the team, and I was living up to my own expectations. I felt needed, important, and accomplished. Most of all, I was having the time of my life doing what I loved most. I was setting the stage for my dreams to come true. </div>
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The court date came quicker that it seemed possible, and I was sent to a program to complete my community service hours. This was a residential facility, and I was only allowed 6 minutes to call my parents each week, a one hour visit from my parents every week, and I could leave for a few hours a week to get counseling. The biggest dagger in my heart; I was done being a baseball player.</div>
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I completed the program that I was ordered to in the shortest amount of time in the history of that specific organization. I was released on probation 4 days before school ended. Although I wasn't attending Granger for the final term of the school year, I was able to obtain my diploma as a Granger Lancer, and walk with my class at graduation. This meant a lot to be back with my friends who had worried about me for months. </div>
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After walking at graduation, I worked full-time outside in the elements moving granite and marble. The worst part about it was that I hardly got to keep any of my money, most of it went to pay off court fees. However, I got to see my friends more than I did while I was locked up, so things were improving. </div>
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When the courts were paid off, I left the place that I was working before I swung at my boss, which eventually would have taken place if I had stayed. </div>
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I started college and met my wife. She and I had a good talk before we ever dated, and we understood each other very well. We had some similar struggles, and both felt that we were trying to find ourselves. We fell in love, and we got married after dating for 5 months. It will be 7 years on St. Patrick's Day 2013!!!</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u>PRESENT DAY</u></span></h4>
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The main reason for me writing this post comes right back to where we started; Baseball. </div>
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Here I am, preparing a lesson for church, late on a Saturday night, and all of a sudden, it clicks; I know how to solve my problem.</div>
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Yesterday, my high school baseball coach held an Alumni Dinner for his former players. Last year, we had an Alumni baseball game, and it was a blast. It still rips my heart out to have to walk off the field and realize that I could have been more. Anyway, we got to tour the new Granger High that is being built, and it is phenomenal. State of the Art EVERYTHING has been put into this new facility, and it is HUGE. The technological capabilities blow me away!!! Yet, it is bitter sweet. That old building that has gained lots and lots of meaning to me since I walked into it my first day of 10th grade with sadness. I was realizing just how lucky these kids are, which was accompanied by myself, and many others, proclaiming, "Why can't I be starting high school now?" Through the envy, I see the flaw. I am ungrateful. I am selfish. Though I am thrilled for the kids who get to have this amazing place to go every day and be with friends, I wouldn't trade what I had, and what I learned from it.</div>
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After the tour of the new school, we went to the cafeteria of the old school for the dinner. I noticed some of the other guys grabbing some old jerseys off of a table as a way to remember the playing days. I saw one still sitting there. I stayed in my seat for a while, and then curiosity got the best of me. Could that be my old jersey? I got up and immediately saw my number on the back of that jersey. It was surreal to pick it up. So many memories running through my head. I played my last meaningful baseball game 9 years ago in this jersey. This is when I realized some more hard facts; I was so good at baseball that I forgot to be a good Priesthood holder. I cared so much about baseball that at certain times, I didn't care about my morals. I was so caught up in this game that I would have been alright with giving up important things in life just to keep playing.</div>
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And therein lies the most important lesson:</div>
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o If I was as good at being faithful to my God, who has given me everything, as I was at baseball, I'd feel pretty good about myself. If I cared as much about others as I did about baseball when I was young, I would feel more worthy to meet God. </div>
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The fact is, I am very happy with how things turned out, especially considering how much of an impact losing that game tore my soul to pieces (or so I thought). I have an amazing wife who loves and supports me more than I ever thought possible. I have a 3 year old son who I love unconditionally, and he loves sports as much as I do. I have a supportive system of family and friends who would answer my call in the middle of the night if I just needed to talk (but my wife gets to hear all of my bellyaching instead). </div>
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I love my Heavenly Father. I love his son, and my savior, Jesus Christ. I will serve them. I am so happy for the kids who get to go to a new school that has everything that I wished I had, but I'll take the best lessons with me from that old, beat up school. I have the mercy of a God that will forgive if the sinner repents with the right reasons, and with sincerity. I have been blessed with luxuries that millions will never know, and I think we all forget this too quickly. I am a sinner, and God still loves me, and will never give up on me. I know that Christ lives, and loves us with a perfect love that we will never know on this Earth until he returns.</div>
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Thank you to all of you who have helped me to be who I am. </div>
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Don't get me wrong, I miss baseball to this day, and it still sucks to walk off of a field, but I realize that it is not my rightful path, and I still have not moved on. I think it's time. It has done so much for me that I'm grateful for. I owe most of my confidence as a person to a game. </div>
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Til' next time</div>
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Devon Smith</div>
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lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-83938159743967783222012-06-03T05:58:00.001-07:002012-06-03T05:58:39.597-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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HAVE YOU EVER LOOKED IN THE BACK OF THE BOOK FOR ANSWERS? </h3>
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SOMETIMES YOU CAN'T......</h3>
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As an intro, I'm going to bring up those ever painful memories of doing homework. Oh, boy. Wasn't it great when we could find answers to every odd numbered question in the back of the book? Torture being made easier gave us hope, which was probably false hope, but still, some hope to hold on to. <br />
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Everybody has times in their life when the answers would be awesome to have, but even if they were available, they were written in code. <br />
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Without fail, something you can do to bring on such trials is to do what I've done far too many times to make sense of it; Pray for patience. Why would one want to do this? Something about becoming a better person is the only common theme that I can remember when making this choice. Once it's done, there is no going back, you just have to take whatever comes. <br />
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Recently, I once again asked for Heavenly Father to teach me to have more patience. It's like he sits in heaven waiting for us to ask, because these prayers seem to be answered faster than any other prayer. This time its really got me grasping at straws. I've really done myself in. Now I want to take back that prayer, but even if I could, I obviously needed to work on myself, so I wouldn't take it back anyway. <br />
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And so it goes. As an answer to my prayer, I find myself in a situation that I've never been in before. I have no idea what formula to follow, no idea of what the final outcome will be, and no clue of what the lesson to be learned will provide. Oddly enough, I do know how to show my work while solving these problems, which ought to make my old teachers happy for me. <br />
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The worst part of it right now is that I'm slowly finding out that many of the issues that I now face are my own fault. What's up with that? It's like I'm being told to turn the other cheek multiple times, but if that's what I'm supposed to do, then I'll keep doing it. I have already hit rock bottom. I have had thoughts and feelings that were unknown to me previously, and almost done some very stupid things. Prayer and support have been vital to my overall health and strength. <br />
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THIS IS WHERE THE HEAVY METAL COMES IN....</h3>
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Tim Lambesis (As I Lay Dying), one of my heroes, gave us some insight. "It seems our problems solve themselves, when we look beyond us, to those truly in hell." I've tried to incorporate this thought, and it helps. Even though this is probably the toughest trial overall that I've had the pleasure of having, doing things for others seems to ease the pain. Doing work in the LDS temples is probably the most spiritual way to serve others. Simply doing the extra kind thing for my family is doing a lot for me as well. It's not so hard to do the latter, because I love them unconditionally. If they happen to read this, I hope they hear it and know it once again. <br />
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Sometimes we resemble a heavy metal ballad, even without knowing that we do. We (usually our intentions) can be misunderstood, like the music that I listen to. The words are not always heard clearly until we've heard them many times in repetition. There is a lot of noise that is making it even harder to focus on the message. In our lives, we have to repeat ourselves a lot when trying to convey feelings to others, and there are many distractions. Just like a song, each person will take what is being said differently. <br />
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There is a song by Born Of Osiris called "Singularity." It is an extremely heavy, loud, and chaotic sounding song. At the same time, I hear more passion in that song than so many others that I've heard. With somebody that is not talented in the art of metal-listening, they would probably get a headache and not feel positive after hearing it. Does that mean that the person who wrote it is unsuccessful as a musician? That depends on their reason for writing it. If it was written for themselves (which in this case is apparent to me), then they succeeded quite well. <br />
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THE LESSON....</h3>
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As long as we are doing what we know we should be doing, we are showing our work. Even if we don't know the formula, the answer, or our learning objective, we will gain much. Keeping the commandments, praying, going to the temple to do work for the dead, and shifting focus away from myself are the ways that I'm dealing with my trial. Will it work out for me in the end? I don't know that right now, but I'll do my best to show my work, that way when it's all said and done, I'll be able to learn whatever I needed to. <br />
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If only I had the strength (musically or spiritually) of the band For Today, I'd be better off. The lyrics to a song on their new album, Immortal, are encouraging and instructional:<br />
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For Today - Fearless<br />
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"We will not <br />
We will not<br />
We will not be afraid<br />
WE ARE FEARLESS!!!!.....<br />
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I can feel the courage rising in the hearts of the sons of God, <br />
I can feel a fire burning, across the Earth we stand as one.<br />
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Though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, <br />
We will fear no evil, for we know that you are near.<br />
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We will not<br />
We will not<br />
We will not be afraid<br />
WE ARE FEARLESS!!!!<br />
SO LET THE DEVIL COME"<br />
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I guess that is why I prayed for patience. So that I can have that kind of strength. I hope it works, but for now, it's kicking my butt :(<br />
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<br />lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-12629859592252242612011-09-11T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-11T01:04:55.347-07:00Look, I'm conforming!!! Something for everyone :)<div>
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I am embarking on too many of these off-themed posts. It seems that the number of Christian metalheads following my blog is near zero, so I'm going a slightly different direction with a few posts. <br />
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In order to not entirely abandon my theme, I will be discussing metal, but I have good news for you plain rock fans......TriViuM's new album has something for EVERYONE!!!!!!!! That's right, I'm going to break down a few songs that I think could be enjoyed by any music lover. <br />
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TriViuM's 5th album, In Waves, is so broad, but so musically charged. I'm just gonna jump right into the songs I want you to try for me:<br />
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<strong><em>Built To Fall</em></strong><br />
Guitars mellow enough for any rock fan, great sounding vocals, and if you listen to the lyrics you can really feel Matt Heafy's passion. Kind of a song about inner struggle of letting feelings take control, but trying to be a good person. Possibly a good vs. evil song. (Here is an amazing acoustic performance on a rooftop in France <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd1LJwEsbDY&feature=player_detailpage">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd1LJwEsbDY&feature=player_detailpage</a>)<br />
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<em>Possibility of you liking it: 8.5 out of 10</em><br />
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<em><strong>Of All These Yesterdays</strong></em><br />
The first part of this song sounds like a male version of Evanescence. This song is more mellow and a little bit slower at first. Speeds up toward the middle and end, but I think anyone would love this song. Best vocals on the album.<br />
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<em>Possibility of you liking it: 9 out of 10</em><br />
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<em><strong>Watch The World Burn</strong></em><br />
This has to be the happiest sounding TriViuM song ever. The beginning is pretty much a fast paced rock song, the vocals use a lot of major chords, thus sounding happy/hopeful. A little bit of screaming, but only backing vocals, not much. One of the best solos I've ever heard.<br />
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<em>Possibility of you liking it: 7.5 out of 10</em><br />
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<em><strong>Black</strong></em><br />
This song was the biggest surprise to me on the album. It is the most Metallica-esque. A little stronger than most of you might like, but a killer tune with a mean solo that gives you an idea of just how intense metal can be. However, very musical. A great example of why I like metal. <br />
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<em>Possibility of you liking it: 6 out of 10</em><br />
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<strong>*The "possibility of you liking it" feature is my best judgement on an "average Joe" opinion. If you like rock, I'd add 1 to 2 points, it's that good.</strong><br />
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I'll spare you the details, but it may surprise you how much you might also like:<br />
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<em>In Waves<br />Inception Of The End<br />A Skyline's Severance<br />A Grey So Dark</em><br />
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<strong>PRODUCT PLACEMENT TIME</strong><br />
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I'm going to give you a few other bands to check out that steer more for more musical recordings, ones I think everyone should try:<br />
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<strong>Dream Theater</strong> - Sounds like (Rush, STYX, Muse, Trans-Siberian Orchestra)<br />
<strong>Dragonforce</strong> - Instrumental work STILL blows me sky high, fastest guitars ever!<br />
<strong>Megadeth</strong> - A lot of people choose Metallica over Megadeth (Just like I did before I actually listened to Megadeth). I will say this, Megadeth wins by a landslide in songwriting and musical flow. Still love Metallica, no disrespect.<br />
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To Close, I'm EXTREMELY EXCITED to see two of my very favorite bands in concert together later this month. TriViuM and Dream Theater will be playing at Kingsbury Hall on Sept. 30, and I can't wait.<br />
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Thanks, and REALLY DO give some of this music a shot.</div>
lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-32870420862167272522011-07-03T23:43:00.000-07:002011-07-04T00:48:30.274-07:00Celestial Completion....An interesting view of the end!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvn_TgDF7DJkoDsFCbAgl94ztD9eC9cJdvymKj-IYF6a0TzS_BZxf0PGbCFWniBaTVTwcXGrQfL2fAeYlivZ99stLkp561t1opPLCr-pd_sYn1nT83AQ8Fqo2BdTN-wS2B1tq-9_EQWa3f/s1600/Celestial+Completion.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvn_TgDF7DJkoDsFCbAgl94ztD9eC9cJdvymKj-IYF6a0TzS_BZxf0PGbCFWniBaTVTwcXGrQfL2fAeYlivZ99stLkp561t1opPLCr-pd_sYn1nT83AQ8Fqo2BdTN-wS2B1tq-9_EQWa3f/s320/Celestial+Completion.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625398505733352674" /></a><br /><br />Ladies and gentlemen, I have discovered a masterpiece. But before I get into that, I just want to say that it's been a few months since my last post, and I feel very incomplete. I love sharing my feelings, and it's very rewarding when someone I don't know likes what they have read. Even if these posts are more of a personal journal of what helps me in my life, one day somebody could stumble upon my thoughts and gain something valuable, and that is why I do what I do.<br /><br />So, with that said, Becoming The Archetype released an album earlier this spring entitled "Celestial Completion." From what I gather it is about the end of the world, or the second coming of Christ (whatever you choose to believe). There are some awesome themes, which are mostly religious, but not entirely. Some of the themes just make the album epically fun and exciting. Let me point some things out to you:<br /><br />I will take it easy with the lyrics (since it bothers so many of you), so I'm going to focus on the concepts. THERE IS SOME GREAT STUFF TO THINK ABOUT. When this world ends and is born again, how exactly is it going to happen? <br /><br />We know that there will be famine and difficulties like we've never seen before, that's what the scriptures tell us. But what about that moment when the faithful are no longer mortal? This album gives a very interesting version of transfiguration/translation. The album cover alone depicts a person undergoing the change from mortal body on earth to celestial and eternal entity. <br /><br />I have noticed a recurring theme in a lot of christian metal, and that is the use of the word "light" to represent the gospel or the word of God. Makes sense, doesn't it? I really like how it is used on this album. There are 3 occurrences in regards to "Celestial Completion" that are noteworthy:<br /><br />"<em><strong>Father of lights<br /> Shine upon us here<br /> Take the darkness from our hearts<br /> Make it disappear<br /> Reflect, refract<br /> Break me<br /> Remake me<br /> A mirror that reflects your glory<br /> Break me<br /> Remake me<br /> A mirror that reflects you perfectly</strong></em>"<br /><br />We all want to become like our Heavenly Father. We are created in his image, but have to undergo the tests and trials of this world. Essentially, even if we don't admit it, we all came here to prove that we can start from scratch, and become like God, and live in his presence forever.<br /><br />"<em><strong>See the darkness that conceals you<br /> Evaporating, exposing the soul<br /> And as the light reveals you<br /> Let it in, let it take control<br /> As death corrupts<br /> Beauty is revealed<br /> As the whole world falls apart<br /> Broken souls are healed<br /> We are breathing light<br /> It sets our hearts aglow<br /> We are breathing light<br /> Eternal is the overflow</strong></em>"<br /><br />When I read this, I think of Joseph Smith. When he experienced Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appearing to him in the Sacred Grove, he was overcome with the darkness of the adversary, but then, he saw "two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description." Is that the case for all of us? I tend to think so.<br /><br />Again, when Joseph was visited by the Angel Moroni, he records that a light appeared in his room that "continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday." He also spoke of the exquisite whiteness of the robe that Moroni wore, and that he believed no earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant.<br /><br />Lastly, if you watch the music video for "The Magnetic Sky," there are a few things to notice:<br /><br />0 Did they really make an RPG game for the NES system just for this video?<br />0 The band survived because they were not alone, and neither are we.<br />0 The light in the end of the video is very bright, and it is clear to me what the message was supposed to be.<br /><br />Becoming The Archetype is dead even with FOR TODAY as the most religious metal band that I've ever heard. The message that I take away is always a strong one that makes me want to be a stronger and better person. I think about the fact that we are running out of time in this world, but that this world is a temporary state of existence, and that if we make the right decisions, we will get to experience all that God has and wants us to share with him. <br /><br />This music is fun for me, but it also means a lot to me. For you UN-Metal types, you may enjoy the following songs from the album that are not heavy:<br /><br />Breathing Light<br />Path of the Beam<br />The Magnetic Sky <br /><br />Thank you all, I love you as brothers and sisters. If I'm not acting like it, please remind me. <br /><br />Devon Smithlasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-88648984067722415562011-04-16T10:29:00.000-07:002011-04-16T19:27:03.654-07:00Fine....since you asked me nicely<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFKkl8eiRwHZQkixeJHbjdemumW8kKqHz-s3JnDJ3LfdZdRC__eHcqQpiKZXOCcKfynCaj_2-6Ho8gw3xqj5h8Q0DwCVq927pffqiVP0JQSE1SfgZ0srqSnkKcy-8ccBzrpPXmamDDave/s1600/helping_hand.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596258134151388466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFKkl8eiRwHZQkixeJHbjdemumW8kKqHz-s3JnDJ3LfdZdRC__eHcqQpiKZXOCcKfynCaj_2-6Ho8gw3xqj5h8Q0DwCVq927pffqiVP0JQSE1SfgZ0srqSnkKcy-8ccBzrpPXmamDDave/s320/helping_hand.jpg" /></a> <br />I was challenged by some friends to write a blog post that was not about heavy metal. I wasn't big on the idea, but I am going to give it a shot. <br /><br />This might actually be easier than I thought because in the last couple of days, my time listening to metal has been cut down drastically (thanks to my headphones taking a dump). I usually go to sleep listening to something nice and heavy, as if it weighs down my eyelids. All I have for a backup plan are some really crappy headphones that sound absolutely atrocious, so I've only been listening to clips from the Radio From Hell morning show from X96. <br /><br />I have actually had a lot of time to re-focus, if you will, on the pre-metalhead Devon. I have been listening to a lot of alternative, classic rock, and oldies. I still love all of the other music that I used to listen to, but I've noticed that I've been very sluggish the last few days. It probably has nothing to do with the music that I have or have not been listening to. <br /><br />SHIFTING GEARS..... <br /><br />I've had a few experiences in the past weeks that have helped me feel my worth, and also the importance of my duties as a husband, father, and friend. In some of my previous posts, I've stressed the importance of relying on others. WE CANNOT LIVE LIFE ALONE. Isolation can lead to a lot of negatives: <br /><br /><strong>- Decrease in social skills <br />- Increase in selfishness <br />- Loss of self standards <br />- Bad habits </strong><br /><br />I could keep going with that list, but you get the point. Nothing feels better than helping someone when they need it. Whether its a friend, family member, or stranger, when we do something good, we are serving the Lord. That is why we're here. <br /><br />Imagine a man. We'll call him George. George is a decent fella. He has a family, a job, and hobbies. He is happy most of the time, and isn't a jerk to people. However, we ask George when the last time he helped somebody with a problem (a real problem, not like a scratching someones back for them). He can't remember, he thinks maybe 2 years ago. Then we ask him how many chances he's passed up to really help someone. He stands in silence. No answer. We all know that he had a lot of chances, but usually made some excuse (no time, I don't know the person, someone else will do it). <br /><br />Seriously, come on. If you were in a tough spot and wanted/needed help, what happens when all of the George's in this world leave you hanging. What goes around comes around. We heard in LDS General Conference a few weeks ago that you can't "give yourself poor." To clarify, no matter what, if you give, give, and give some more, you are not going to end up poor. You are only going to be blessed with many gifts, and you will become more loving and caring. <br /><br />When we are standing in front of the Lord to be judged, we probably don't want to be struck with silence when asked why we didn't help others. There are a lot of scriptures pertaining to this very principle. My two favorites are both in Matthew. <br /><br /><strong>Matthew 22:37-39 <em>"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."</em></strong><br /><br /><strong>Matthew 25:40 <em>"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."</em></strong><br /><br />Can't argue with that.....Wouldn't dare to.lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-8140126533501304172010-12-05T20:05:00.000-08:002010-12-05T21:27:50.642-08:00Not Alone, Not To Worry<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX61X6ErNJCe6vH_Xsgtby8F4PXKL2NtSuRtS2uVm-mOxjwWnb1m7dB1VwK9y57_dqwCCBwjf4hNiVPppVlPkt1bu2JBldIxD7LorV8UMVKytMaQFnM86uogW5ALu4Chg5MVg4ddE7eMX0/s1600/ATR+Overcome.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX61X6ErNJCe6vH_Xsgtby8F4PXKL2NtSuRtS2uVm-mOxjwWnb1m7dB1VwK9y57_dqwCCBwjf4hNiVPppVlPkt1bu2JBldIxD7LorV8UMVKytMaQFnM86uogW5ALu4Chg5MVg4ddE7eMX0/s400/ATR+Overcome.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547428152312985138" /></a><br />I have had somewhat of a bad day. Not so much a bad day emotionally, but physically. I cut the top of my left foot on a piece of broken glass, my right knee is really wrenching, and to top it all off, I stepped on the plug-in piece of Brody's night light (freakin' hurts). I'm surprised that it pierced the bottom of my foot the way that it did :(<br /><br />Shift Gears. Subject: ALL THAT REMAINS.<br /><br />How have I not blogged about one of the first bands that brought me to Metal? My radar must have been broken. The very first song that made me believe in such a thing as Christian Metal will always be one of my favorites. The title of the song is "The Air That I Breathe." This song was so powerful to me because it made me feel like I wasn't alone, and that I have the strength to overcome temptation at all times. Proof lies beneath :<br /><br />"<em>I will not relent no, no<br />Never live with defeat, never falter<br />This like the air that I breathe<br />I will not choke on failure<br /><br />I am a mortal man<br />But I'm not fallen<br />I'm not broken<br />I am a mortal man, But I'll<br />Hold tight to my beliefs<br /><br />I have suffered defeat, pain, loss<br />Still I push to the edge, never falter<br />For this cement my beliefs<br />I'll will not choke on failure<br /><br />I will not relent</em>"<br /><br />I used to sit in church and write these lyrics in a notebook. I love the idea that I am strong enough to do the things I know I should, and not do the things I know I shouldn't. <br /><br />Coincidentally, there is a song on the same album called "Not Alone." In that song, the chorus says "I'm not alone, with the touch of your hand, I am whole again." That song always made me feel really lucky to be married to such an amazing woman. When I have a really bad headache, just having her hand on my head makes me feel better. I take this song quite literally.<br /><br />So, I finally got the new album called "For We Are Many..." It's a little heavier, like their older music, but I'm not complaining (I just bang my head harder in the car!!!) There just so happens to be a song on there about strength in numbers, kind of like the album title indicates. The song is called "Keepers Of Fellow Man," and here is why I love it:<br /><br />"<em>Through the years I have come to realize<br />That the truth is often right before our eyes<br />We are aware and know the hearts of fellow man<br />So let us act as such, and help our brothers to stand<br /><br />And now we offer this small bit of wisdom<br />The heart it came from will set you on your way<br /><br />Ignorance will crush us, destroy all that we have<br />So let us rejoice that, the powers in our hands<br />To shape us and make us keepers of fellow man<br />So let us rejoice that the powers in our hands<br /><br />Let us find strength in our neighbors' hands<br /><br />WE ARE NOT CREATURES MADE TO BE ALONE<br />AND WHEN WE ACT AS SUCH, WE HELP OUR BROTHERS TO STAND!!</em>"<br /><br />WOW!!!! Great stuff, I know, you don't have to tell me. The song closes with a very bluntly put "<em>It is time to address the fact that alone none of us can survive</em>" I believe that with all my heart. We are not made to be alone. If we were, we wouldn't be born to parents, we would be self-reliant from birth, and we would deny God, which some people do anyways. <br /><br />I have never had a hard time putting my trust in people. I have even trusted people I wasn't close to with things that I shouldn't have, but arrest me for believing in goodwill. I have been watching a show on the BIO channel lately called "I Survived." If you have not seen it before, the victims of natural disasters, dangerous situations, and victims of violent crimes tell their stories and how they survived these horrible situations. It has really opened my eyes to the fact that people are worse than we sometimes see. It seems that half of the stories are women who were raped, beaten, and left for dead. This breaks my heart. So many of the people telling the stories end by saying things like, "You never know who you can trust," or "You wouldn't think people are capable of doing things like this." <br /><br />In a world that is headed toward destruction, please be good to your fellow man. What will it hurt. If you are religious, you probably know that you will be judged by God for your actions, and if you aren't religious, what's the worst that could happen, you and the people around you will be happier? Well, that just sounds awful, doesn't it? <br /><br />I love the people in my life, so if you are one of them, Congrats on being loved. Please love me back. I thank my Father in Heaven for placing you in my life, and usually at times when I need you the most. I will never question the love that I have been shown. I will try to be as forgiving as possible, because I'm commanded to and because it's healing.<br /><br />For you sucky people, I hope you find what you are looking for. I don't believe in Karma, but I do believe that lies and bad attitudes come back to bite you. Good luck getting over it alone. Start loving people like you know you should.lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-65171927778178763072010-11-21T20:17:00.000-08:002010-12-05T21:13:41.397-08:00Tender Picture For Tender Subjects<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5UUKXzGGj-hXiXG61_kqStSSQq9YegzTzolvp5ZMx0q8Q_7EPNv70a6eMp2MHMqI8f_kxN6WKGbzxuEMQPX0R64gB0Pecubu8zpEwY3cEB-UJ2VKpkESx1ttZ2suulmcanL2z-cDYgA_/s1600/DSC00458.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5UUKXzGGj-hXiXG61_kqStSSQq9YegzTzolvp5ZMx0q8Q_7EPNv70a6eMp2MHMqI8f_kxN6WKGbzxuEMQPX0R64gB0Pecubu8zpEwY3cEB-UJ2VKpkESx1ttZ2suulmcanL2z-cDYgA_/s400/DSC00458.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547430743896353890" /></a><br />Recent events in my life have inspired some deep thinking. I've really been evaluating a lot of things concerning life choices and religous beliefs. I am very happy to be a mormon, and very happy to have a family that believes in the same things that I do. I feel for those who have made religious choices that family members or friends did not approve of or support. I guess this is one of the large blessings in my life that I have overlooked. <br /><br />Some of these feelings have stemmed from the death of my grandfather. He worked hard to support his family, he stood by the values and standards of the LDS church, and was proud to be a mormon. He was happiest when he was around his family, especially his grandchildren. I want to be like my grandpa, and my dad reminds me of him more and more as time passes. <br /><br />Some of the other events have been less impactful. Mostly just everyday things like seeing someone treat others with disrespect or anger, or trying to figure out why people steal, and other things of that sort. Everybody does things that they will regret later on, but it's more of the kind of behavior that you would expect someone to feel guilty about. People who make a habit of stealing probably don't see it as a big deal after they've been doing it for a while.<br /><br />To get to the point I'm trying to make, a lot of the things we do depends on what we are doing RIGHT NOW!!!! I've seen this many times in life. Just like the scriptures say, we need to choose this day whom we will serve. No man can serve two masters. I've always liked this. People think that the scriptures are so confusing, but what I love about them is the simplicity. We either choose to serve the Lord, or we choose to serve Satan. <br /><br />The reference to Heavy Metal that I would like to make is that a lot of songs that I listen to preach this very principle, and are a helpful and constant reminder to me that I have an obligation and responsibility to serve the Lord, Jesus Christ, with all my might, mind, and strength. It is of the utmost importance for me to do this RIGHT NOW for the following reasons:<br /><br />0 I have a family, and I need to set the example<br />0 The second coming of the Lord is going to happen soon<br />0 The righteous will become more righteous, and the wicked will become more wicked<br />0 I want to serve the Lord, and only Him<br /><br />In the music I listen to, which has primarily been Christian Heavy Metal (a growing genre of metal), I find my strength and inspiration to live in such a way. For example:<br /><br />Killswitch Engage - "A Light in a Darkened World"<br /><br />"<em>I see so much corruption<br />And it's hard to ignore<br />Living on greed and possessions<br />Is this what we're dying for?<br /><br />Now choose this day<br />Who you will serve<br />To be the light in a darkened world<br /><br />Many are willing to only live for themselves<br />Turning away from morality<br />Nothing can save you now<br /><br />Now choose this day<br />Who you will serve<br />To be the light in a darkened world<br />You feel dissolved and the water's beginning to rise<br />Become the light in this darkened world</em>"<br /><br />Touching upon my grandfather's death once again, I had an opportunity with my dad, brother, and uncle to dress my grandpa in preparation for his funeral and burial. I didn't really know how to prepare for this, or what to expect. For the first few minutes, it was very surreal. I walked into the room thinking that my grandpa was lying there, but after a while i could feel that something was missing. With our mortal eyes, we can only see a person's body, but without their spirit inside, it is just a body. The body is here for the purpose of housing the spirit. I kept expecting my grandpa to breathe or speak, but of course he wasn't. It finally started to sink in that he wasn't there. My brother and dad were very comforting and understanding when I got emotional. <br /><br />This reminds me of another song by one of my favorite Christian Metal bands, August Burns Red. They use the lyric, "Blinded by the inability to see beyond flesh and blood." I like this because it shows us that by only thinking in terms of this life, we miss out on the big picture. There is also an As I Lay Dying song called "Upside Down Kingdom" that argues that this world teaches us to live it up (eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die), and that the only consequence is regret for the things that we didn't do or try. We are taught by the philosophies of men that we're here until we die, and that's it. <br /><br />I take comfort in knowing that my grandpa is with his wife after 7 years of missing her, and he is with his son that only lived for a little more than a week on this earth. We need to keep in mind that this life is like a flash compared to eternity, and that we made a choice to come to earth and live by God's commandments. I know that I want to prove to Him that I am worthy for the happiness and blessings that he wants to give to me. I am the only one who can decide if I will carry out the duties that will be given to me for this purpose. I will be the only one to blame if I am not worthy.lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-56448891594995927762010-10-03T06:45:00.001-07:002010-10-03T06:58:23.030-07:00Metal ruined my life!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQdgA1cqKC2xDAn2iLO7XBPpxoz6LcE2bSxXgISfuhNBcqZ79PG08fItSB_6LwZk29GwBf-5CYz79B90FkHpOB21hT_RYPZMxamP4cBZhxxrFFMkpKztgoXqxTV40mHhhC4L1ipLGSV1Y/s1600/angry_face.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQdgA1cqKC2xDAn2iLO7XBPpxoz6LcE2bSxXgISfuhNBcqZ79PG08fItSB_6LwZk29GwBf-5CYz79B90FkHpOB21hT_RYPZMxamP4cBZhxxrFFMkpKztgoXqxTV40mHhhC4L1ipLGSV1Y/s400/angry_face.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523818465649233042" /></a><br />I absolutely HATE heavy metal. It has clawed its way to my soul, ripped it out, and beat down upon it with hatred and evil. I wish the guitar was never invented. The damage it has done will never be undone. It isn't even that catchy, when you think about it. How can loud guitars and drums mixed with screaming be called music? That's so stupid, and a waste of anybody's precious time. <br /><br />Furthermore, I hope nobody ever reads my blog........FALSE :)<br /><br />I love heavy metal. I am very sad sometimes that some of the above jabber is automatically placed on my favorite form of music before people have given it a chance. I understand that a lot of people hate it, just like a lot of people hate rap, or country. <br /><br />Venting ---- Complete<br /><br />Go find some music to bang that head to!!!lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-50103971876156299362010-09-05T20:07:00.000-07:002010-09-10T01:36:52.056-07:00Christ Centered Metal = Controversy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVg4u8iFS9ggA4S0HPxIOHjrzkHfF81TZ7c-nWjKJwEkRdAARHmti0ttaM0N9ro6gCLFkna2V13o8pEXY3Jp-YsQx_3eMIkgE8FycsDbjEw-QabIb82I1quQdsYsWzjR3jjZKMPYMHxjIK/s1600/Dichotomy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVg4u8iFS9ggA4S0HPxIOHjrzkHfF81TZ7c-nWjKJwEkRdAARHmti0ttaM0N9ro6gCLFkna2V13o8pEXY3Jp-YsQx_3eMIkgE8FycsDbjEw-QabIb82I1quQdsYsWzjR3jjZKMPYMHxjIK/s400/Dichotomy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513649721151721634" /></a><br />Is it possible for heavy metal to be centered around our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I would VERY, VERY MUCH like to hear your comments on this post. This evening I was watching some music videos on youtube when I saw a very interesting looking video on the right side of the screen entitled,"Is Christan Heavy Metal Evil?" (Of course this sparked my interest) This was about an 9 minute video by a guy who calls himself jezuzfreek777, and he made some great points. I want to expand on these for a brief moment.<br /><br />One of his first points is one I've heard many times. Not ALL songs are bad in regards to content. There are some Metallica songs that have a great message. For instance, "Master of Puppets" is not implying that Satan is the master, but is more of an anti-drug themed piece of music. It is the bands cry of warning to not let drugs take control of peoples lives. <br /><br />The next point has to do with the sound of rock and roll, and how it can be misinterpreted. He plays a simple chord with no amplification or distortion. It does not sound objectionable. It sounds very clean and would be accepted by many to be a great sounding music note. Well, what if you are playing in a live show, and you have a few thousand people, you need amplification so your music can be heard. Also, you use distortion to keep your sound unique. It's the same chord. Heavy metal can be simplified, and it would sound very good to a large demographic. What kind of instrument is being played should not matter. If the point of the music is to glorify God, it is not evil or wrong. (I share this opinion)<br /><br />This is SO the same point I've been trying to make for a very long time. If I thought that the sound of the music was offensive or inappropriate, I would NOT listen to it. I understand the argument that "if Jesus were here, he wouldn't like how it sounds." He may not, but if what I hear is the message of his greatness, power, and holiness, IS IT WRONG? (I am VERY interested to hear some responses, PLEASE)<br /><br />My friends, this is something I have prayed about. I used to listen to a lot of horrible music that had horrible language and false doctrines. I made a conscious effort to purge these from my life, which I feel I have successfully done. It's a great feeling. I am still haunted by the fact that some do not accept my preference in music as anything but evil, satanic, and wrong. <br /><br />I am grateful that NOBODY can ever tell me that I don't love the Lord. Only I can make that decision, and for that reason I have made the changes necessary in my life to feel that I can serve him effectively. <br /><br />MORE CONTROVERSY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />A cover song of the popular Christian hymn "How Great Thou Art" has touched my soul. However, it is in heavy metal form. And, oh my goodness, what a stirring of feelings it has created. I completely understand that some may shy away from the idea of hymns being metal-ized. What "EYE" see (lol, pun) is an artist that really wants it's heavy metal followers to hear the great message that is in this great hymn. I already knew that my wife did not like the song as it is covered by Becoming The Archetype, but I asked her to explain her feelings so I could post them for you:<br /><br />Me: "Mal, how do you feel about "How Great Thou Art" by Becoming The Archetype?"<br /><br />Mal: "It is very disrespectful. It's such a sweet song, and it's about the Savior, so to hear it this way is very....harsh. I don't like it at all."<br /><br />Obviously this is not for everyone. This cover song spoke to me in a way that literally made me cry, not out of sadness or hurt, but out of love and respect for Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for me; The same feeling one might get from hearing this hymn in church.<br /><br />Becoming The Archetype named their band based upon a scripture in Genesis. God created man is his own likeness, and in his own image. Jesus Christ was the Archetype of mankind because he was without sin. The songs written by BTA are very christian. I feel the holy spirit when I listen to their music. <br /><br />Archetype - Epitome, Prime Example, Model, Prototype, Standard, Original, Classic. Definitions that can be used to explain the Savior.<br /><br />One song that really touched me from the album "Dichotomy" is called "Self Existent." This song is about a man who witnessed the crucifixion of Christ. I would like to share some lyrics from this song:<br /><br />"Into the darkened tomb<br />I walked but only found it empty<br />My mind is tormented<br />My soul is shaken<br />As a flame is tormented by the wind and rain<br />As the earth is shaken by an earthquake<br />My heart has accepted<br />What my eyes could never have believed<br />I watched Him die<br />I watched Him die<br />In the silence death is defeated<br />In my spirit the battle rages on<br />And then I stepped into the light<br />I heard His voice, I saw His face<br />And then He stood there before me<br />A man buried but never dead<br />My heart has accepted<br />What my eyes could never have believed<br />I saw Him rise<br />I saw Him rise<br />HE IS ALIVE! and reigns forever<br />HE IS ALIVE! He'll reign forever"<br /><br />There is also a really cool song on the album that is about artificial intelligence vs. humanity. It really bashes the idea of technology defeating biology. One of the most powerful statements (because of the way it's delivered AND the message) on the album is made. "I AM NOT A MECHANISM, I AM PART OF THE RESISTANCE, I AM AN ORGANISM, AN ANIMAL, A CREATURE, I AM A BEAST!" <br /><br />Thank you again for being patient with me. I feel very loved right now, and I want you all to know that as my brothers and sisters, I love you. We can overcome evil. I know this from experience, but also need to remember it as I will be tempted many more times in this life. I hope I'm good enough to live with my Heavenly Father again.lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-41354862687255332462010-08-17T00:17:00.000-07:002010-08-17T01:33:38.156-07:00Oh, Great!! Devon is STILL reviewing metal albums...What a loser!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqmWM24qpSqpDlxYVVIe7Cfc_FA-OV3NQYab0ergFCIwPyQcGUTaUF0x4qOGCz5A2_VdbGsZk0tvaXmNeEPtSQ4xog8xD_pr_qmxCuk4BzfiNLFdkA_QyNY7jLrWyHRiR9aPwL6P3i2Ci/s1600/an+ocean+between+us.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqmWM24qpSqpDlxYVVIe7Cfc_FA-OV3NQYab0ergFCIwPyQcGUTaUF0x4qOGCz5A2_VdbGsZk0tvaXmNeEPtSQ4xog8xD_pr_qmxCuk4BzfiNLFdkA_QyNY7jLrWyHRiR9aPwL6P3i2Ci/s400/an+ocean+between+us.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506294096083149698" /></a><br /><br /><br />If you don't like it, too bad. It's what I do. You're going to have to suffer through it, because deep down, you know you want to.<br /><br />You'd think that at 2 in the morning, I might have better things to do. Something about me that will never change is that when I really get something in my head, the only way to let it go is to share it with others (poor Malorie is usually my victim).<br /><br />Now, I don't review/share these albums with you just for kicks and giggles. I seriously hope that someday one of you tries with an open mind to listen to some of this stuff and feels the connection that I do. I realize that some of my older readers (Mom, Grandma) are probably not about to stop listening to Billy Joel or Mormon Tab, but as for the rest of you, what do you have to lose? <br /><br />As I lay Dying...I must admit...has overtaken TriViuM's spot as #1 on my list of favorite metal bands. Are you happy now (Brett & Tyson)??????????<br /><br />An Ocean Between Us has officially knocked my socks off. Again, it's ironic because I first listened to this album a week after it's release in 2007, but only recently think it's freakin' awesome. How a band can be brutally heavy, musically smooth, and extremely religious is beyond me. Amazing record!!!<br /><br />As always, some incredibly inspiring lyrics are apparent. That is not even half of the equation. The music is....there's no word...........bowel-shakingly stupendous. The lyrics speak for themselves (pun was intended, laugh). I want to break this album down track by track. It's more of a concept album than most people will realize:<br /><br />Track 1 - Separation - We begin with this cool little intro. Clean and relaxing guitars ease us into the second track. <br /><br />Track 2 - Nothing Left - With a Halloween type melody, the drums take over into a breathtaking double bass. Tim sounds very angry, and with good reason. The lyrics make me think of just how much we take for granted the gifts of God. This album is partially about the end of the world. <em><em><br /><br />"If All my sorrow has led me here<br /> Then I would cry all of my tears<br /> To have this chance again<br /> And know there's more than this<br /> And know there's more than you." </em></em><br />Makes me think of repentance and second chances. Wonderful!!!<br /><br />Track 3 - An Ocean Between Us - With very similar music, Tim screams about how we can't afford to wait for everything/everyone to appease us. We need to be our own person, our own master, and go out there and be what we know we should. I couldn't agree more. We have to earn things. We are not entitled.<br /><br />Track 4 - Within Destruction - This song doesn't really follow the theme of the album in my opinion, but it rocks my world!! Give it a listen, if you can stand the brutality of metal. Cool lyrics.<br /><br />Track 5 - Forsaken - Fun little guitar intro to this little number. Be patient, it's a little repetetive for about 55 seconds, then this one hits you with an open fist (is that possible? Yes. Yes it is). I think this song is about relizing that we occasionally leave someone behind, finally realize it, and then feel penitent. I know that there are a few people that I have somewhat abondoned/let down. I definitely understand the feelings found in this song. <br /><br /><em>"I know you are the one we left behind<br />Yet somehow we are the ones who are alone<br />you are the one we left behind<br />you are the one we left be...<br /><br />I will no longer turn my head<br />I will never forget you<br />You are the one we left behind<br />You are the forsaken."</em><br /><br />Track 6 - Comfort Betrays - Someone obviously pissed of Tim Lambesis. I remember him saying something about his former bass player. Maybe it's about him. <br /><br />Track 7 - I Never Wanted - This song didn't mean much to me, and was kind of boring, UNTIL I READ THE LYRICS. This song is not only unique musically, but the message is one of overcoming things that once consumed us. For many, it's drugs. For many, it's pornography, for almost all, it's pride. This song is very meaningful to me.<br /><br />Track 8 - Bury Us All - This song is about seizing the day and not suffering the consequences in the last days due to slothfulness. It's not worth waiting until we die and lose out on the blessings of heaven. <br /><br />Track 9 - The Sound Of Truth - My personal favorite, both conceptually and musically. This song really calls people out in some ways. Here are the lyrics. <br /><br /><em>"We have all heard what we wanted to hear<br />"Truth" that sounds right to our ears<br /><br />But what wisdom is there within us<br />To live based on the feeling of our hearts<br />How many times has instinct let us down<br />Never to be thought through<br />Never to be questioned<br />Say what you really mean<br />When your ambition calls you<br /><strong>For what use is there in praying<br />If you will only hear what you want to hear?</strong><br /><br />We speak of fighting to resist this world<br />But what about the battle within us?<br /><strong>If we have chosen to live against the grain<br />Then why are we all facing the same way?</strong>There is no difference between us and them<br />If we all blindly seek truth from sentiments."</em><br /><br />Track 10 - Departed - A cool instrumental interlude. Me gusta le mucho!!<br /><br />Track 11 - Wrath Upon Ourselves - Once you get past the first 20 seconds, it's pure musical genious. POWERFUL on so many levels. The music on this one takes me on a roller coaster ride. I LOVE IT! Off-beats galore. The drummer kills it on this song, especially when it's only the drums and Tim singing. <br /><br /><em>"But is regret only a word that the living possess?<br />I long to see their faces<br />Regardless of the decay<br />For in the eyes of the deceased...<br /><br />We would see hope in our last day<br />Inside this dying world<br />For there is still beauty<br />Inside this dying world."</em><br />WOW..........<br /><br />Track 12 - This Is Who We Are - Bringing it home with authority. <em>"I'd rather be called weak than die thinking I was strong."</em> Takes my breath away. This song gleams of As I Lay Dying's humility. I love these lines: <br /><br /><em>"Now this is who we are<br /><strong>I am no one's hero<br />For we are not the giant men<br />That some may think<br />You are faithful when we are not</strong><br />So I'd like to tell this story<br />The way it is meant to be<br />Without the burden that's in our hearts<br />None of us would have ever found You<br />For You are faithful when we are not<br />You began a work<br />That only you can complete."</em><br /><br />Mind blowing humility. This is why I listen to CHRISTIAN metal and not Death metal. There are messages that I can't let myself forget. GOOD messages. <br /><br />Tell me you're not impressed with these long-haired, tattooed, gritty rock stars. They do know a lot of valuable things, and they share it with a lost generation. My appreciation is great. Thank you As I Lay Dying.lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-53167633969211151822010-07-12T19:26:00.000-07:002010-07-24T20:40:54.921-07:00Post Life.....Life Post<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9J-PxPIk4VS-d6Sxhcno57A0k7qCFxu_q27bc6jxgivImhUVRJsPSAidXaF7E5B3ZcbO3njYK0HiRgdzYerTulr-6M2NIO5rCVvtdKeJy_TPhCykP7g6trMewAXGqqvkA5ThHis3BlBW/s1600/Christmas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9J-PxPIk4VS-d6Sxhcno57A0k7qCFxu_q27bc6jxgivImhUVRJsPSAidXaF7E5B3ZcbO3njYK0HiRgdzYerTulr-6M2NIO5rCVvtdKeJy_TPhCykP7g6trMewAXGqqvkA5ThHis3BlBW/s320/Christmas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497680868830919458" /></a><br /><br />Life. It's been on my mind. The twists and turns that lead us to unexpected places. The people we happen to meet when it seems to be just the right time. The trying times in which it seems nothing good happens for a small eternity. The highs that we ride when we are proud of something we've accomplished. Somewhere in the middle of all of these feelings and experiences, we will occasionally stop and realize...."I am the one holding myself back."<br /><br />We probably can't count on a thousand hands the times when we realize that the reason that things don't always go how we want them to go is because we have stepped in our own way. I have ruined so many opportunities, failed so many of life's little lessons, and royally screwed up things that may have been great....but as long as I learn something, I have progressed. For a while, I will be able to stand on my own feet, my own convictions, and maybe help a soul or two along the way. Then, before I know it, I am back to the start. (The inventors of the game of life should have had a "go back to the start" space on the board. Heck, for that matter, multiple spaces of the sort.)<br /><br />Once in a while, when I am having a hard time trusting my Heavenly Father's plan, he will send someone to kindly scold me for my slothfulness. The person who has had the largest and greatest impact on me is my wife. I couldn't pray for a more perfect creation to help me through this life, or the next. On top of this great blessing of support, I have been blessed with friends that understand some things about life that I really need to work on. I recently had such a friend help me immensely. I am proud to call Joseph Mcmanama my good friend. He helped me better understand what sacrifice really means, and how it is often misconstrued. I would like to expand on this topic.<br /><br />SACRIFICE - Many of us are very confused about sacrifice. Sacrifice seems to be offering up something of great value for something of a lesser value. The example that Joe gave was that he got home from his mission, and he COULD have said "I sacrificed for two years...I am going to rip of my shirt and tie, and do what I want to do." He later explained that Sacrifice is very different. If we sacrifice drinking coffee or smoking, our health will be better. (That's not a small reward, that is much greater.) Or, we sacrifice something that hinders our salvation....we can recieive eternal life as a result...not a small reward.<br /><br />The things that I have given up in my life have been extremely difficult to overcome. These were opportunities for me to step back and realize just how much damage my actions affected EVERYONE IN MY LIFE. Obviously, when we are dealing with a serious sin, and we rightfully own up to it, repent, and forsake the sin, we will learn and grow immensely. We are progressing at a rate that is alarming to Satan, and this stirs up the forces of evil against us. Before we know it, we have found another way to transgress Heavenly Father's commandments. <br /><br />We have to work extremely hard not to be "the natural man" as the scriptures portray. The natural man is impulsive, lustful, and seeks physical needs over emotional and spiritual needs. We all struggle in some way with desires. We need the support of Family, Friends, and the Savior. We CANNOT make it through this life without the love and help of Jesus Christ. Only through him is it possible to live with him after this life. I only hope and pray that I am ready when it is my time. <br /><br />You may be thinking, "Wow!!! Devon hasn't brought up heavy metal in this post!!! He is starting to learn!!!" I'm going to spoil it for you now :)<br /><br />The music I listen to reminds me that no matter who I was before, I have the strength to move forward without those tendencies, whithout those distractions, without thoughtless actions, etc...<br /><br />My Friends have helped me immensely, especially my senior year of high school when I needed help the most. There is strength in numbers. But what we do when we are alone defines who we really are. When I'm alone, and blasting my loud, yet religious music, I'm thinking about what I need to do to be a better person, to progress, and to rise above temptation. <br /><br />Sometimes when I feel like I'm no good, I remember the words of Coach Larry Gelwix of the Highland Rugby team, "God doesn't make a no-good anything." Coach Gelwix is so right. Stay strong my friends.lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-84553963744545501872010-06-30T21:55:00.000-07:002010-06-30T23:02:30.794-07:00The Powerless Rise.....VERY POWERFUL<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8_Sq3DrHocM2YlXzht4U0K80ed-I7dRdItwMGc4ffR5laMZsRkdCdmjA_YsYiXpWJGVRUjdkBP9cwf-ksY04Gj0FdRsIx0je_niy5QjuBnw1O90GV-gKcuMsrtCLBhwoXBrqlEoMi8-e/s1600/The+Powerless+Rise.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8_Sq3DrHocM2YlXzht4U0K80ed-I7dRdItwMGc4ffR5laMZsRkdCdmjA_YsYiXpWJGVRUjdkBP9cwf-ksY04Gj0FdRsIx0je_niy5QjuBnw1O90GV-gKcuMsrtCLBhwoXBrqlEoMi8-e/s320/The+Powerless+Rise.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488811358409806658" /></a><br />A few months ago, Tim Lambesis and As I Lay Dying dropped a complete masterpiece on their fans (including myself) with their long awaited album, "The Powerless Rise." Upon hearing this album, some crazy thoughts started running through my head:<br /><br />"Holy Stinkin' Crap!!!!"<br />"Could it be possible that AILD is better than TriViuM?"<br />"If I was a single female, what would I do to marry Tim Lambesis?"<br />"Most powerful album ever?"<br /><br />To answer the last question, I believe that it possibly could be THAT powerful.<br /><br />Recently I was reading Tim Lambesis' blog, and I noticed that what he thinks about and blogs about mirror what is found in his music. Tim writes from his heart, which is more than I can say about a lot of other artists. Let me clarify, I am NOT saying that other artists don't write from the heart, I just feel that Tim has guts and believes in what he is writing. In an industry that often sees higher sales in extreme music plagued with vulgarity, Tim Lambesis has made a serious statement by writing very insightful, spiritual, and religious lyrics to present to his heavy metal followers. It should not surprise you to hear that Tim is my hero. <br /><br />I will admit, I had listened to AILD's older albums years ago, but because of the changes in lifestyle and views, I now respect and appreciate their music much, much more than I did previously. I'm so glad that my buddy, Tyson, offered to buy me a ticket to their show a few months ago, because that is what sparked my appreciation and awareness of the moral message that they share as a metalcore band.<br /><br />You must read the following lyrics as they are incredible:<br /><br /><br />From "Beyond Our Suffering"<br /><em>"The more I focus on myself, then the more helpless that I become.<br />So why not erase this point of view? My suffering is trivial."</em> (Sometimes we are the cause of our own suffering, aren't we?)<br /><em>"Why won't we look beyond us? Why won't we look beyond our despair?<br />It seems our problems solve themselves, when we look to those truly in hell."</em> (Not easy, but true. Plus, what kind of awesome metal head writes that?"<br /><br />From "Parallels"<br /><em>"We are all comatose. We are overfed and undernourished, yearning for something more. Never starving yet never quite satisfied. Carnal but without useful flesh or mind."</em> (We may know there is purpose, but may not fully understand all the time)<br /><em>"From all it is we crave, there must be more to life than to simply stay alive."</em> (Again, sometimes the purpose isn't clear, but at least we know it's there)<br /><br />From "The Plague"<br /><em>"Familiarity is the great deception, disguised by authority, sealing out subversion. Whitewashed tombs have hidden the truth, for we unknowingly worship icons of ordinary life. Reach out your hand to find forgiveness, only to be plagued by disease. The horrors of beliefs and customs, camouflaged by commonality."</em> (The more we sin, the more we are ok with it, and the more dangerous it will become. Experience has deifinitely taught me well. Peer pressure can make matters even more difficult)<br /><br />From "Anger and Apathy"<br /><em>"Many of us have turned off the light outside, erasing what exists beyond our front door. And for you I find it harder to reach common ground than my most glaring opposition. But what about those who've lost the luxury of choice?<br />...striving for identity, buried by our lack of interest, souls marked as mere history. How much grievance will it take to awaken us?"</em> (Those who we forget will not feel that we are there to help them when they need it. DO NOT GIVE UP ON ANY OF HEAVENLY FATHER'S CREATIONS, THEY ARE ALL WORTH THE SAME!)<br /><em>"I need to know that feelings of discontent are stronger than indifference for those too weak to stand."</em> (Feeling sad is better than not feeling at all)<br /><br />From "Upside Down Kingdom" (My favorite song)<br /><em>"Many choose to find their hope in the thoughts of afterlife, when there is none to be found right here before we die. So I understand the feeling of helplessness, when we are just taught to wait here...wait here for death." </em>(We aren't here simply to live)<br /><em>"We are not forgotten, for a kingdom is offered beyond that of golden streets.<br />We can represent now what will one day be complete. Simplicity is not a curse where strength is humbled and the powerless rise.<br />This is a kingdom born upside-down.<br />This is a kingdom where the broken are crowned." </em>(There is a reward for standing for our convictions. Although we see unrighteous people standing on pedastals, our good deeds are not ignored)<br /><br />It is my hope and prayer that you have all read these lyrics, and that they are not just words. I do this hoping to help someone. My music is what shows me principles through a different set of eyes. After hearing things the same way over and over for a lifetime, sometimes it helps us to think about things from a different perspective. <br /><br />Thanks for your time, I hope you don't feel like you wasted it. The Powerless Rise is really powerful to me.lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-65825839732852527752010-06-17T19:32:00.000-07:002010-07-03T22:20:59.095-07:00Feeling Worthless? Are You Appreciated?Well, simply put, all of your efforts are appreciated....even if nobody is giving you recognition. Lately I have been feeling that I don't get enough recognition for the things I do, whether it be at work, home, or on a golf course. Let's take work for example; I work hard, I do my job, I am always on time, and I have a good attitude. But am I appreciated? Sometimes it doesn't feel like it. Sometimes it feels like people only see the negative things that I do. Mistakes may be small, but they sometimes make me feel like I have failed everyone around me and that people will only see the negative result. <br /><br />Sound familiar? That little voice in your head probably just told you that you feel the same. <br /><br />Inspiration hit me about 2 weeks ago. I was sitting in my car on my lunch break, listening to some Metal (duh!), and Tim Lambesis screamed something very inspiring and positive; "We are not forgotten, for a kingdom is offered beyond that of golden streets. We can represent now what will one day be complete."<br /><br />Just like August Burns Red tried to teach me to look beyond this silly world, As I Lay Dying is telling me to think about where I want to be, not where I am. The only way to live with my Heavenly Father again is to live now as if I were in his presence. <br /><br />I don't know if you watch The Office, but there is an episode where Kelly and Jim are catching up after not seeing each other for quite a while, and Jim asks Kelly "what's new?" Kelly then proceeds to tell Jim that Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes has a baby, and how awesome that is. Then she tells him that Brill Pimm (Brad Pitt) and Angelina Jolie had a baby, and how awesome that is. Then Jim Asks, "Yeah, but what's new with YOU?" Kelly says,"I just told you.".........I realized at this point that I have known people like Kelly; caught up in the lives of others. There are some who could tell you more about celebrities, whose lives are always in the spotlight, than they could say about their friends.<br /><br />"Simplicity is not a curse, where strength is humbled and the powerless rise. This is a kingdom born upside down. This is a kingdom where the broken are crowned."<br />(This makes me realize that I have to be ok with who I am.)<br /><br />I highly recommend the album The Powerless Rise by As I Lay Dying. The song quoted above is called Upside Down Kingdom. Keep an open mind, and read the lyrics while you listen to it, otherwise your non-trained metal ears won't understand the singing.lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-79829240833110710772010-05-30T19:08:00.000-07:002010-05-30T19:39:05.807-07:00The messages in "Messengers."<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjri-PYYnOOfWNdzFmSc3J6A58mvedW18PKgRHu4QhLNfUvuBV_AIqfs8s4f3sLYF1yrOnZ-M52XbJOEUeOZuOJFP_WTPQn6J09qRZMhzAf5uoX1used7vOQV396F-WDA8QvA7mp4DAx-R_/s1600/Messangers+album+cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjri-PYYnOOfWNdzFmSc3J6A58mvedW18PKgRHu4QhLNfUvuBV_AIqfs8s4f3sLYF1yrOnZ-M52XbJOEUeOZuOJFP_WTPQn6J09qRZMhzAf5uoX1used7vOQV396F-WDA8QvA7mp4DAx-R_/s320/Messangers+album+cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477252161888710594" /></a><br />Hello everyone. One of my favorite bands is August Burns Red. I love their music because it is very loud and powerful. It truly is heavy metal, but the best thing about it, the message in the lyrics is amazing. I would like to share some of my favorite lyrics from their second album, Messengers. <br /><br />Before I hit you with the lyrics, I want to point out that there is a lot of metal out there with great, strong messages like this, but all of these came from the same album. Almost every song is packed with phrases that I think about when I feel tempted to do something I shouldn't. I will never forget the things that are this powerful to me, and I hope you will agree with me after reading some of these.<br /><br />Song: The Truth of a Liar<br /><em><em><em><br />"Go ahead, partake in it, justify it, it will eat you alive."</em></em></em> (warning about pornography and drugs)<br /><br /><em>"Blinded by the inability to see beyond flesh and blood. Shifting blame with a log in your eye. Insisting that a string tied to your limbs is what's to blame." </em>(realize that there is a god, and be accountable for your choices)<br /><br />Song: Up Against the Ropes<br /><br /><em>"You've abandoned me, you've abandoned all of us. We've forgiven you, so forgive yourself."</em> (forgiveness of others & self)<br /><br />Song: Composure<br /><br /><em>"Life can be overwhelming, but don't turn your back on the strongest crutch you've ever had. They have always been there to brace your fall. Wave goodbye to the past. You've got your whole life to lead. It's time to gain some ground." </em>(support and help are always there, look to the future and move on)<br /><br />Song: The Eleventh Hour<br /><br /><em>"We've got news for you. The day is soon coming when turning your back won't be an option. You can compromise what you know to be true, and you can turn off all of your senses, but in the end you'll see that nothing stands between a man and his maker."</em> (reference to the second coming? you know the truth, and you can make your own choices, but you will answer to God for your actions)<br /><br />Song: Redemption<br /><em><br />"I am just a man with a heart and sinful hands. I am a fallen victim. Lord, show me the way. I ask of you, Father, let my words be your words. Let my thoughts be your thoughts. To you I give my praise, show me the way. Take me in your arms. Never let me go. Lord, show me the way as I give myself to you. Never let me go. Hold me in your everlasting love. Be my strength. Be my voice. Be my glory."</em> (WOWZERS!!! That's good stuff)<br /><br />A reminder: this all came from one album. This astonishes me. This is why I love the music I listen to. <br /><br />August Burns Red, you represent christian metal-heads very well. Keep it up, gentlemen.lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-48655221433925876362010-05-29T18:51:00.000-07:002010-05-29T22:33:54.126-07:00How do you defeat an enemy? Hit the "toe."My golf game is really coming together in many ways lately. I'm still crushing my drives, I am staying relaxed both mentally and physically, and I am hitting all of my irons and wedges the right distance. The biggest enemy in my life, my putter, is behaving much better as of late. Today, while practicing with the wretched flat-stick, I did something that I had read in Golf Magazine some time ago. I lined up the ball with the putter, but not with the middle line, but on the toe. As I did this seemingly insignificant act, I noticed very clearly that my putts were not only going in more often than usual, but when they didn't, they were tap-ins. If I can two putt all day long on the course, I can start calling myself a golfer. <br /><br />I have a round scheduled for Monday morning, and I'm looking forward to seeing if today's success was merely luck. I hope not, I would love to begin to be a great putter, and then all aspects of my games would start to mesh and I could become a scratch golfer. <br /><br />I wish that the answer to more problems in life was "hit the toe." Sounds more like a motto for a pacifists self-defense class. That's an oxy moron. <br /><br />For you non-golfers that are reading, let me put today's lesson into perspective. Let's come up with an every day scenario:<br /><br />You're driving to work, and there are cars everywhere. You are so stressed and feel crowded. You hate driving to work, and you're confident that you are going to run a yellow light too late, or that your front fender is going to meet the crossing guard's tibia. All of a sudden, you remember that you read a little tip in Car Magazine months ago. "Drive on the other side of the road." You veer into the left lane of a two lane road. All of a sudden, things are working in your favor. The oncoming traffic is pulling over, the crossing guard stays out of the road because she is afraid of what you will do next....the red lights are still a problem, however, so don't run them. Other than that, you have solved the problem. That's how I feel with my putting game. <br /><br />Life is very good :)lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-24291218907766513092010-05-16T19:13:00.000-07:002010-05-30T15:12:25.931-07:00Read This First, Hound Me Later<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxACvEr_OfbJ_5NDnI0pEXpfb3MYXOgNDRrLuZ8JyLGGJc9oa3uE05lpDLKTo-BVy69TfAfuuKmzH6hEok3j5FZwXFxYdQs4NvD7xPypcCwpG_7ZHNVE2349YIq_T5nCMRVLMgCpuivtp/s1600/DSC00456.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxACvEr_OfbJ_5NDnI0pEXpfb3MYXOgNDRrLuZ8JyLGGJc9oa3uE05lpDLKTo-BVy69TfAfuuKmzH6hEok3j5FZwXFxYdQs4NvD7xPypcCwpG_7ZHNVE2349YIq_T5nCMRVLMgCpuivtp/s320/DSC00456.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477189359412275138" /></a><br />The reason I even started a blog was my good friend Spencer Hansen. He's been blogging off and on for years. Just recently I read some of his blogs for the first time. They reminded me why he cracks me up, but also made me jealous that he has been posting his feelings and views for so long, and I've been holding back for ages.<br /><br />This morning I was thinking about the title of my blog, and why I chose it. The real reason is because some of my friends and family hound me about the fact that I listen to metal. I've heard it referred to as "devil music" on many occasions. I can see why it would seem that way to the Celine Dion and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">N'Sync</span> fans out there. There is a lot of really aggressive, bad-themed, and horribly orchestrated "metal" out there. The lyrics are bad, the band members are party animals, and in my opinion, low-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lifes</span>. The bands that I choose to listen to are very musical and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">uplifting</span> in my eyes (and ears).<br /><br />For the record, I experimented with black metal and death metal. I don't like it. I tried to make myself like it because I wanted to be different. It just does not allow me to feel the spirit/holy ghost very easily. The metal that I listen to consists of the following:<br /><br />0 Very musical, instrumental<br />0 Clean lyrics (almost 100%)<br />0 They can scream as much as they want, but not ALL the time<br />0 Artist cannot be an absolute loser<br /><br />That pretty much sums it up. Before everyone starts to judge me and get on my case about my music, I hope they read this. If they still want to get on my case, be my guest. I am willing to tell them what they just read, as well as a few other things about my choice of music. I absolutely love metal. It makes me feel great. It empowers/inspires/uplifts/relaxes me.<br /><br />If you ever need some suggestions for some great music (metal or not), you can always ask me. I am still one of the only few metal-heads I know that can sing almost all of the words to Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera.<br /><br />P.S. As I Lay Dying was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">freakin</span>' awesome on Saturday. I had a great time. Thanks Tyson.lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729102737809420394.post-36218698526467234312010-05-15T03:52:00.000-07:002010-07-03T22:21:20.739-07:00Mormon Metal-head? Sounds stupid to me...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6qc-dLdk7t5p9AJR587bAv3sONVqRDTU4AZz5kbtNPZXeAaEkFmhFbLXFx2ivBw_07_EHTqtZMlI2oQ7IGWf5ZwDTXh1DylzqKLygSpoe0v7MCYqsfHwp0w_h8M-s8J8Ktsc6q7C-S_G/s1600/DSC00457.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6qc-dLdk7t5p9AJR587bAv3sONVqRDTU4AZz5kbtNPZXeAaEkFmhFbLXFx2ivBw_07_EHTqtZMlI2oQ7IGWf5ZwDTXh1DylzqKLygSpoe0v7MCYqsfHwp0w_h8M-s8J8Ktsc6q7C-S_G/s320/DSC00457.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477146229686824066" /></a><br />Firstly, I would like to welcome you to my blog.....I'm not sure how welcoming ALL of the subject matter will be, but nevertheless, thanks for taking time to support my views. I hope I entertain while simultaneously disappointing you :)<br /><br />A mormon metal-head is something you will not find on every corner. Myself, along with Tyson Halvorsen and Brett Little, are part of what I'm sure is not an extremely large demographic. We are mormons. We listen to heavy metal. We enjoy life. Simple enough for me.<br /><br />If I were a pie chart, the mormon pie piece would probably be about 1/4 of the pie. I will not go into detail on the other pie pieces at this time, but I will tell you that there is a lot of nonsense involved. "A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men." I have a very strong testimony of the truthfulness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It has gotten me to this point in my life, which I am not complaining about. Some of the greatest and most important life lessons have been learned largely due to my beliefs and the blessings that are part of this great gospel.<br /><br />Metal, metalcore, heavy metal, thrash metal, progressive metal (probably just words to you). They all mean something different to me. I live to listen to metal. I listen to lots of other music too. My favorite band remains Pink Floyd, but I seem to have a favorite in all of the different genres of muzak. TriViuM takes the cake when it comes to metal. They are so flippin' amazing, and at a very young age.<br /><br />I will have the privilege of hearing one of my favorite metal bands this evening at The Great Saltair. Tim Lambesis and the rest of As I Lay Dying will rock my socks off as I throw down in the mosh pit. I am very excited for this show, however, there are a few things that are bumming me out:<br /><br />1. I wanted to see August Burns Red last week more than I want to see As I Lay Dying<br />2. I spent the last 2 days learning all of the songs from the new album (only had 3 days to learn the new material) and THEN I did the smart thing and looked up the setlists from their recent shows. Not exactly full of new music, mostly old stuff. Now I'm studying lyrics for some of the old stuff that I haven't heard in a while<br />3. I smashed my pinky at work today and I'm pretty sure it will get jammed a lot at the concert :(<br /><br />I have mostly been listening to Christian Metal this year. The language is much cleaner, the subject matter is religious and calls out the unfaithful or ignorant to stop being so vain. It is very powerful stuff to me, and helps my attitude every day. Heck, I've even taught lessons in church where I have used heavy metal lyrics that were spiritual to me as part of my lesson.<br /><br />Only 113 days until BYU Football kicks off against Sarkisian's Washington Huskies!!! That's way too long.lasersheephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849733319494820352noreply@blogger.com