A Letter To the Men of For Today

I have been a fan of the Christian Metalcore band For Today for about a year at the point I'm writing this. What they did to Samuel Penner is not only inconvenient to him, it is actually unGodly. Basically, his mother-in-law had a Brain Hemorrhage and he obviously had to fly home to be with his wife and her family. While all this stuff is happening at home, the band calls him and basically kicks him out "because he doesn't follow the Bible the way they do." (He follows the Old Testament) If you want to read Penner's entire statement, you can read it here.

Now onto what I meant this post to be: A letter to the band. I have no idea if they will ever read it but it needs to be written

Dear For Today,

Do you all honestly think what you did to Sam was what God would want you to do? I really have a hard time believing that He would. I was honestly heartbroken reading what Sam wrote. I have been inspired by Mattie's testimony but what does it cost anymore? I'm not accusing you of not being Christians because I don't have the right to do that. But I want you to ask yourselves that. Ask God that. If you were truly men of faith (again, not saying you aren't just making a point), you would have confronted Sam face-to-face after a show. After his mother-in-law is healed if she ever is. You would have prayed with him and honestly prayed if this is the right move You should have loved on him during this time. I lost my grandpa 5 and half years ago and it hurts still. What if I was suddenly abandoned by my best friends? I really don't know but I can honestly tell you I probably wouldn't be here if that happened. You guys were his friends, man. He trusted you. So what he follows the Old Testament and you don't? Get over it. Its not like you guys tour with Christian bands, anyway. I mean, you just got off a tour with Motionless in White. They are probably one of the most Satanic bands out there.

I'm honestly going to find it pretty hard to listen to your music anymore and am actually really close to deleting your music off iTunes and throwing away the shirt I have? Not for revenge, but because it just hurts me that you guys would do this. You guys really need to pray about your hearts and tell God to reveal whats wrong, because on the outside is looks like so much is wrong with you guys and you are losing fans everyday. Fix yourself before you don't have any fans screaming for you at shows. It truly is beginning to be the blind leading the blind to their demise and sadly, you are the blind ones.

In Christ,
Alex Vanderspek

Don't Let Me Be Lonely

Actually, please let me be lonely.

It's not like I'm not lonely enough already.

Lately, I really have felt more and more lonely.

Why, though?

I have a family and a God that loves me. I have an entire Bible Study that loves me.

So why do I feel lonely?

There are literally HUNDREDS of Bible Verses about this very subject.

 I feel like I'm right with God but I have heard if you're lonely, you aren't right with God.

As mentioned in the last post, I do struggle with things that perhaps wouldn't make me right with Him. Could that be it? I don't know.

I'm not the best Christian and I can't say I'm the worst.

The reason that I'm so lonely because so many of my friends are getting engaged or are in committed relationships. Meanwhile, I'm 21 in 4 months and haven't really been on a date and definitely haven't been kissed.

But you know what brings me hope? One day I will go on a date and be kissed and hell, I bet sparks will fly.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

That gives me hope. Who the heck knows if I will ever find a girlfriend? Who knows if I will ever get married? God does.

People tell me "There's someone for everyone." I actually don't believe that. God doesn't plan for everyone to find love. Don't let that get you down. I mean look at Taylor Swift, shes 26 in December and hasn't found  husband and is happy as anyone. 

You can be happy and not in love. I've discovered that in the last 6 months as well as putting my trust in God. Try putting your trust in God. I promise when you do, you won't be able to stop.

I will leave you with this. Actually brought to me courtesy of Stephen Christian, former lead vocalist of Anberlin. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

Until next time,

Alex

Food Review: Bacon Ranch Chickstar from Taco Bell

I have been wanting to start doing food reviews on this blog for about a year now and have just never found the time or will to do it haha. But when I had the new Bacon Ranch Chickstar from Taco Bell I knew it was finally time to do this. I don't know how often I will do it, but when I find something I like, I will be sure to let you guys know. So here it goes! My inaugural food review! Enjoy!

When Taco Bell first announced their new line of their version of a Chicken Sandwich which they are calling a "Chickstar." What a Chickstar is is basically their Crunchwraps filled with their new crispy chicken and three choices of sauce (Chipotle, Bacon Ranch or Mango BBQ). Being the bacon lover that I am, I decided to try the Bacon Ranch one. First off, the size is great for the size. It is pretty heavy and just as big as my hand. So from the get-go, I knew this was going to be filling (although I got the meal and gave the taco supreme to my sister). When I say what I am about to say, it does not come lightly at all. This is the best item that I have ever had from Taco Bell (yes, this includes the Beefy Crunch Burrito). In fact, it is the best thing that I have eaten that consists of bacon.

The chicken was well-seasoned which was great of course. I don't know what it has, but the ranch sauce has a nice kick to it that is not too bad (just a spicy as the Sriracha Quesarito). Whenever you get bacon from a fast food joint, its usually really salty, soggy and more than likely not 100% made of bacon. Taco Bell does not fall under this category which is great. Their bacon was hot, real and added a nice extra crunch alongside the chicken. I'm not a big guy on lettuce but it really works here (as it does on most of TB's food). They are different because the lettuce they use is different and almost softer and more fresh, in a way, than other fast food places. The tomato dices add a nice kinda fresh feel to the food.

Overall, the chickstar is great, as you can tell from my review. I give it a 5 out of 5 and recommend it to any bacon or chicken sandwich fan. You will not be disappointed. Well done, Taco Bell, well done.

Top 5 Albums of the First Quarter of 2015 (January - March)

A couple years ago I did this and didn't do it last year. The more I thought about it, though, it would make it easier at the end of the year when I do the top 20 of the year. So here are the top 5:

5.) Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp a Butterfly

4.) Fall Out Boy - American Beauty / American Psycho

3.) RED - of Beauty and Rage

2.) Imagine Dragons - Smoke + Mirrors

1.) Hawk Nelson -  Diamonds

God, Drugs & Sex (Minus the Drugs)

If you are wondering, yes, the title is an Anberlin song.

If you are wondering, yes, God made sex.

If you are wondering, yes, God made sex exclusively for marriage

I have had a purity ring since my 16th birthday. A purity ring is a pledge between you and God to not have sex until you say "I do" with your spouse. Do you think you can"grow out" of a promise to God?

That's what Nick Jonas recently said when he lost his virginity to his Miss America girlfriend. He is all bragging that he lost it, when him and his two brothers (sons of a pastor might I add) went very public about wearing purity rings and even released their own line of them. Nick and Joe both bragged about when they lost theirs. Kevin is the only remaining one with boundaries, in my opinion.

You can't grow out of God. When you grow up, you don't give up on God. So many celebrities have done that (Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus to name a couple more).

God gave you this life.

God gave you His only Son's life.

He can take your life away with the snap of His finger.

I will admit that I have and still do struggle with sexual desires (I mean I'm a 20 year old guy, come on). I have looked at Porn. I have masturbated. I struggle with lust. I have tried to get away from those addictions because they are not of God, they are of this world. There was a point earlier this year that I was off Porn for a month (A WHOLE MONTH) but then I got my heartbroken and in short, Porn is how I deal with depression. Its obviously not the best way because its defiling my mind. Wanting me to lose my virginity all the more. I have never had a girl friend or been kissed or all that jazz, so obviously the temptation of sex has not arose. When God introduces me to that very special lady, though, I will make sure she knows that I have a purity ring and am not going to have sex in our relationship until we are married.

It's not that hard to stay a virgin till marriage. I have read stories of couples who have went on vacation together. They slept in the same bed. But guess what they DIDN'T do? Have sex. So it obviously isn't hard to stay a virgin if you were literally cuddling in bed all night with your significant other and never once did you ask them to have sex.

If I look over and see a girl wearing a purity ring, it is really attractive to me. She doesn't necessarily have to be the most attractive girl (to the world) but if she is wearing that it means she pledged to God to stay a virgin till marriage just like me. Don't just do it because its trending or to become popular either. Make sure it is a pledge between you and God. Otherwise, the ring is useless. Then wear it until it is to be replace by your wedding ring.

Until Next Time, Alex 

Album Review: Diamonds by Hawk Nelson

Christian Pop/Rock band Hawk Nelson is back with their second effort following the surprising departure of their beloved lead singer Jason Dunn. After Dunn left, the band was very close to calling it quits. At that point, Bart Millard (lead vocalist for Christian Pop outfit MercyMe) convinced then lead guitarist for the band Jonathan Steingard to take over the lead singer position. He did and surprised the whole HN fan base with their 6th record "Made," which was far from their original Pop Punk roots and was more a worship record. They toured the country for the record until they started writing for the new record titled "Diamonds." Although I did like "Made," Diamonds is an improvement. When Dunn left, they almost had to become a new band. Daniel Biro, the bassist is the only remaining member of the original band. They did that in many ways and maybe for the better. They could easily have several songs sung in church services all over the country. Diamonds is less a Worship effort and has more of a Pop sound to the record. In my opinion, it is their best record since "Smile, It's The End Of The World."

The record kicks off with the title track "Diamonds." Diamonds are the world's most precious stones. That's what the band refers to what God is making us into in the song. God is making everyone into diamonds because we are His most precious creation. Track number 2 is the albums lead single "Drops In The Ocean." God loves us so much. Like the band says, God's love is more than the drops the ocean. He gave us His Son to die. Isn't that pretty loving?

"Just Getting Started" is the third song on the album. The song deals with never stopping for God. We are always just getting started because we will never be done serving Him until the whole world knows His name. "Live Like You're Loved" is dealing with self-worth. God loves you, isn't that enough? I deal with the fact that I have been single all my life, but I don't need a girlfriend to feel loved because I have God.

"Sold Out" is a great song. Its about being God's forever and you will serve for no one else but Him. Song 6 on the album is one of my favorites on the album. "Thank God For Something" is telling people to thank God no matter what happens. You could just as much money as Bill Gates or poverty, isn't there always a reason to thank God? I mean, you are alive aren't you?

Have you ever made plans with someone just to have them fall through? God will never ever do that to you. "Count On You" is about being able to count on God. Whether you need someone to talk to or chat, He will be the only one that is ALWAYS there. "Made To Live" almost reminds me of "She Looks So Perfect by 5 Seconds of Summer. We were made to live. Not kill ourselves, but live for God. We sent His Son to die for us, can' we give a little bit of our time to Him?

"Straight Line" is probably my favorite on the album. The song has a nice indie sound to it, as most of the album is. With God, we never are walking curved, its always straight. As most albums these days, the album ends with the acoustic track "Only You." Its talking about how God is always there for us and the only one that is like that.

Diamonds is great for a second effort away from their original singer. Most of the album has an indie pop sound to it. HN has always been known to keep it fresh and new and its true because no two of their albums sound alike. I suggest picking up this album to anyone who likes the indie pop scene.

Rating: 9.8 out of 10

Purchase Links: iTunes, Amazon MP3

Top 3 Songs: "Sold Out," "Straight Line," "Thank God For Something"

For Fans Of: Echosmith, 5 Seconds of Summer, One Direction

Album Review: Smoke + Mirrors by Imagine Dragons

In 2012, Imagine Dragons released Night Visions, which became one of Rock music's best selling records of all time and, oh, won a couple GRAMMYs. If it had not for one of my friends telling me to buy their song "It's Time" back in 2012, it could have very well been another year before I even knew who they were. Shortly after, I bought the album and I still enjoy it. How do you follow up to an album like that? For one thing, it won't be easy. Forget all that you knew from Night Visions. Smoke + Mirrors sounds nothing like it. The album is all over the place. It has elements of 80's pop ("Shots"), Rock ("Gold", "I'm So Sorry") and rap ("Friction"). It is extremely hard to give the album a strict genre. It could simply be Experimental Indie. The sophomore album from the Las Vegas quartet is sure to please any fan of the band.

The record starts out with "Shots." It sounds more like it would be from 1985 instead of 2015. It is one of the best songs on the album. In a recent interview with Billboard, singer Dan Reynolds stated that he is "depressed as hell." Most of the album sound like an apology to the friends and family he has lost in the 3 years ID has been a staple in music. "Gold" is the second track on the album and it is once again very different. The song seems to have been written about the depression Reynolds has gone through. He even attempts a scream, which is new for ID.

The title track, "Smoke and Mirrors," could very well be Reynolds speaking as Kurt Cobain, as they were both rock and both depressed at the top of their game. Sometimes life won't be completely clear. "I'm So Sorry" deals with critics coming at you for something they might not 100% agree with. That's how it is with music, there is always going to be that group that doesn't like a song or album.

The album's lead single, "I Bet My Life" is a stadium-ready pop anthem. It is an apology to the band's parents. Every parent of an aspiring musician (I have had first-hand experience myself) has tried to talk their children out of it. I bet all their parents don't wish that now."Polaroid" is one of the few love songs on the album. Assuming since Reynolds is married, it is for his wife. As stated in the song, love always looks better in pictures. I can relate to that as most people can.

If you listened to "Friction" without knowing who the artist is, at first, you would probably think it is the beginning of a rap song. The song is about working your way to the top of the charts, as they did with "Radioactive." Track 7 on the record is "It Comes Back To You." When you become famous, you are likely to lose a lot of friendships in the process. That's what the song is about. If it is a true friendship, they will come back to you and not just for your money.

"Dream" is simply about life. Sometimes life will seem like a dream and other times a nightmare. Other times it will seem like you are living other people's dreams. "Trouble" almost sounds like a prayer to God. He doesn't want trouble and feels like he needs some (who sounds like God) to save his life. In the song it says "Maybe You could save my life." That sure sounds like a cry to God.

I have always wondered why there are so many love songs about Summer but then they break up at the end of the season. It just doesn't make sense lol. The 10th song on the album "Summer" is no exception. Things change in the summer for some reason and we may not know. As mentioned before, the singer went through depression recently. That is what "Hopeless Opus" is about as if you can't tell from the title. The closing track, "The Fall" seems like another cry out to God to help him through depression. The song mentions praying and "You gave it all to me."

The album is all over the place. But that does not at all mean it isn't a good album. Its an excellent album to say the least. I have been waiting 3 years for this album and glad its finally out. If you didn't like their first album, this is a different sound, so I really suggest checking it out.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Purchase Links: iTunes, Amazon MP3

Top 3 Songs: "It Comes Back To You," "I'm So Sorry," "Friction"

For Fans Of: Fall Out Boy, Coldplay, Switchfoot