Labels within organized religion

One thing I have noticed about organized religions is that they love their labels.  It doesn't matter where they come from or what they mean -- what is important is that they have words to use to separate themselves from the common sinner -- falsely placing themselves above others.  Followers like to justify their ignorance by thinking they have a special relationship with a higher power that they have earned by some self perceived superior way of living.  For instance, if someone doesn't fall in line with the belief system they were brought up in culturally and decide they no longer wish to be a part of it - they are labeled an "apostate".  The word apostate itself is perfectly functional.  Apostasy means a renunciation of a religion, set of principles, political party, set of beliefs, etc.  It is a broad term.  Unfortunately, certain members of the LDS faith think it is a term privy to them-- they think a lot of things are privy to them actually.  Because they think they have the only real true religion -- kinda like every other religion.  All mainstream religions have apostates who no longer fall in line with their set of beliefs.  Anybody who studies any form of history about the LDS faith that isn't written by an upstanding member of their church -- whether it is fact or not, that doesn't matter -- it is "anti-mormon literature".  That is another label their followers like to use.  "Oh, I feel so bad for so and so, they got a hold of some 'anti' literature".  Labeling others makes it much easier to separate yourself from humanity-- and that is what they do -- separate themselves from other groups of people with the false perception that they are superior to others because they are God's chosen people.  I read an interesting quote from one Brigham Young, who most LDS members believe was a prophet and spoke for God.  "Those who leave this church, they go into the dark, they are not able to judge, conceive, or comprehend things as they are ... they think that everybody is wrong but themselves."  The ironic thing about that particular quote is that those who leave the church are in fact coming out of the dark, and finally seeing and comprehending things as they truly are.  And the last bit is the kicker ... "they think that everybody is wrong but themselves..."  Well that sounds familiar doesn't it?

For my Mom...

Garth has always been one of my favorites.  This song brought tears to my eyes when I thought of my Mom and it describes exactly how I feel about her.  I love you Mom!!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExhZA6NEB9Y

I Look to You

Love those Niners!!!

What a way to close out the last regular season game to ever be played on the hallowed grounds of Candlestick Park.  Just when it looked like all hope was lost, the 'stick had one more dose of magic for the 49er faithful.  Way to do your predecessors proud Niners!!  If you didn't get a chance to see the play, here it is in slow motion.  I love the fact that Bowman is running right in front of the 49ers sideline so you can see the emotion from the players and coaches.  Candlestick park will always hold a special place in my heart, but I look forward to seeing them play in their new stadium which will be an open air stadium with a natural turf field, just like the Stick!!  GO NINERS!!!!

http://www.49ers.com/video/videos/Bowman-Seals-Candlesticks-Legacy/670bb5b3-ec42-49aa-898f-ee60a90d80ec

Atomic Pop at Neumos

Fun show last night at Neumos.  First photo is us just hanging out backstage in our green room about 1/2 hour before the show.  2nd photo was taken sometime during the 2nd set.

Idol Eyez again, but a couple of different songs

The last Idol Eyez video I posted it cut off a couple of the songs at the start, I don't know why.  This video is what I intended to put up.  But this one doesn't have the Beastie Boys song at the end.  Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thc860grdIo

Idol Eyez

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9QnsIoQElE

This is for family and friends who don't get the opportunity to come out and see me perform.  This is my band Idol Eyez performing at the 7 Cedars casino in Sequim for their New Year's Eve Celebration last year.