I've Been Washed!

Today I was baptized. It was amazing! The event started off at my church this morning where each of the eight people getting baptized gave their testimony (faith story). After we each gave our testimony our pastor prayed for all of us and we were congratulated by almost every person in church. Once the service was done, we all headed over to Pettibone Park, which is by the Mississippi. Food was served, frisbees were thrown, volleyballs passed around, and good conversations were had until it was time to begin baptizing. One by one we got into the river, each surrounded by close loved ones, and we were dipped into the water while being blessed by our pastor. It was such a cool experience!! I will remember this for the rests of my life. When I got back to my aparment I started thinking about music and what song would be cool to summarize today's events. The song that instantly popped in my head was "Benjamin" by Sanctus Real from their "Face of Love" album. It doesn't talk about baptism, but it is such a beautiful song that talks about seeing each other on the other side. Everytime I hear it a sense of calm comes over me. I felt that same calm once I was baptized today. Now, more than ever, "the other side" is real and attainable to me.

Danen Kane & Matthew Damico

During the school year I volunteer at the 2nd Story Coffee Shop, which is part of Cornerstone Community Church. At least twice a month we try to organize musical acts to come in and perform. One of the acts that performed there was Danen Kane. When he sings I instantly become relaxed. After his performance I bought two of his CDs, a live album and "She". The "She" album is amazing. I love his lyrics, because I feel I can relate to them. Almost anyone can listen to the album and find a way to relate to every song. Whether it is something you are going through or something a friend is. Your heart will break for the woman he talks about in some of the songs. Despite the sadness, he reveals the goodness of God and how he can carry you through the tough times. I hope we can get him back to the 2nd Story for another performance.

Another performer that has the potential of hitting it big is Matthew Damico. Every time I hear his voice it catches me off guard. His voice has a certain power to it that is hard to explain. The cover for his "Hopin' & Prayin'" album is a picture from San Francisco. His music sounds like it has been slightly influenced by San Fran's blues scene. That just makes me like the music even more. One of my favorite memories from visiting San Francisco was when my mom and I went to a blues club called Biscuits & Blues. Matt's music in its own way reminds me of Eric Clapton's acoustic work. Anything tied to Eric Clapton, even in the slightest way, is fabulous to me!

That perfect song...

My brother recently got married and as part of my wedding gift I made a slideshow of pictures from throughout his life and his wife's life. I had no problem getting the pictures together and finding the right order and transitions, but when it came to the right songs...it took me to the very last minute to decide. Seriously, I bought a CD the night before I drove home for the wedding and decided that night which song I would finish the slideshow with. Music is so huge for me that I didn't want to just pick a random song or an over used song. I had one song picked out a long time ago, because of help from my friend Jenn. The song was "When Did You Fall" by Chris Rice. It's a beautiful song about a guy asking his leading lady when she first fell in love with him. This song was played during the first part of the slideshow when pictures of their childhood and the beginnings of their relationship were shown. It was the second song that was giving me trouble. I wanted a love song that wasn't super sappy and slow and also wasn't so fast it seemed like the slideshow was on uppers. I was calling friends and getting suggestions, but nothing really seemed to fit. Finally, I called my friend Rochelle and she was giving my a bunch of suggestions. She was having a lot of fun showing me country songs that she knew I would hate. After a while she came upon Michael Bublé's newest CD "Call Me Irresponsible". I had been wanting to get that CD, but I was refraining for financial reasons. The perfect song was on there called "Everything". Needless to say, I drove to WalMart at midnight and bought the CD and put it in the slideshow that night. It's amazing what the right music can do for something like that. When I watch TV or movies I always notice the music selection. If the right song is picked it can blend in perfectly and seamlessly or it can add that extra oomf (I don't know if that's a word, but just go with it). If they pick the wrong song, it is awkward and you can't help but notice the noise.

Isn't is awesome how music can be a part of everything?!