Morning Thoughts:" In God We Trust"

Image courtesy of nixxphotography at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ever since I took a break from blogging in May, I have found it hard to make time to return to it, especially while trying to keep my children a number one priority during summer vacation.  But, this morning I woke with thoughts that I just had to share.  These thoughts are not set to music, yet.  But I believe they are worth sharing.  In fact, if any of you feel inspired with a tune for these words, I would love to hear.  Please share.  The thoughts came to me in the form of a poem of sorts.  Here it is:

Trust in God

by Catrina Baum

I believe in God

I believe that if I put my trust in God I will be o.k.

I believe that there are a lot of problems in our Country today.

I believe all of these problems could eventually be solved if we, as a people, honestly and truly put our trust in God.

I believe the reason this Country was born is because the Founding Fathers believed that if they put their trust in God they would be ok.

I believe that the patriotism that burns in the hearts of the people of this Country blazes because, whether they know it or not, God is the source of their flame.

I believe that those who have died for this Country have done so because somewhere, deep down, they believed that this Country stands for something of worth….

And I believe that this worth comes from valuing God in whom it is essential we trust.

Monday Memoirs: Braces, and Doctors and School Oh My

Doctors appointments, new braces, end of the school year events for public schooled children as well as my own homeschooling end of the year events, have taken over life for the moment.  I have also been spending a lot of time getting ready for the One Horizon Reunion concert next month (see post from May 9th HERE).  It seems all of my time is going in so many different directions that I don't anticipate being able to put any posts out on this blog until I am finished with the concert in June.  I hope all of you songwriters out there are having oodles of success with your creativity.  Please share your work.  Until next time.... Happy Songwriting!!!

Take Note Tuesday: Jonny Diaz

What a talented musician and songwriter!!!  Johnny Diaz is originally from Lakeland, Florida.  After heading off to college with a professional baseball player goal in mind, he felt led in a different direction.  His faith in God was a big influence in this change.  He is now an American Contemporary Christian Pop artist as a result of his change in direction.  I hope you enjoy my choice of songs here.  "Because of You" captures his feelings of gratitude for parenting.  

There are so many great songs that he has written.  I hope you check them all out.  I am so glad that I was able to find another talented family friendly musician.  Please let me know if you have any other recommendations for Take Note Tuesday posts in the future.  Until next time.... happy songwriting.

Monday Memoirs: Gearing up for a One Horizon Reunion 2016

Making music together since 2005, One Horizon has made a tradition for the past 5 years to come together, from across the country, to put on a summer concert.  We are excited to announce that the location for this year's reunion performance, Tuesday June 21st, will be at the  Brigham Young Historical Park in Salt Lake City Utah!!!  Thank you Temple Square for working with us and providing such a wonderful location for us to share our music.

Because this performance is just a little over a month away, my next few blog posts will be focused on this songwriting event.  This year all three vocalists, including myself, will be sharing original songs that warm the heart and uplift the spirit.  It should be a great experience for all ages.  Please come and check out One Horizon June 21st at 7:30.

Take Note Tuesday: Anthem Lights

Hailing from Nashville, Tennesse, Chad, Caleb, Spencer and Joey are talented musicians that release cover songs on youtube regularly.  They also write their own music.  The majority of their earlier compositions were Christian based.  However, their later work seems to have become more mainstream.

What a great family friendly band!!  Check out one of their original song, "On Top of the World" below:

Take Note Tuesday: Boyce Avenue

Cover songs have a way of bringing unknown bands into the spotlight, but their own original songs are what keep them there.  Boyce Avenue happens to be one of those bands with a knack for doing cover songs.  One of their latest original songs, "Be Somebody" is at the top of my list of favorites, though.  I think it has a good message.  I myself am encouraged to be bold in pursuit of my dreams and goals as I listen to this song.

This band of brothers was formed in 2004 after all three of them finished pursuing their educational goals.  Daniel, Fabian and Alejandro are from Sarasota, Florida.  They are currently scheduled to tour cities across the United States in September and October of this year.  Check out their video collaboration for the song "Be Somebody" below.

Monday Memoirs: Creativity in a Spirit of FAITH

Ever since I was a little girl, I have possessed a belief in something bigger than myself.  Over time, this FAITH has never diminished.  It has brought me peace, hope and courage; even helping me face one of my biggest fears: creating and sharing music with others.  I know this love of music somehow stems from the creator of my soul.  A tender touch of respect and gratitude toward God is what further leads me to improve upon it.  Drawn to discover similar sparks of divinity in everyone I encounter, I thrill to see others talents and watch them grow.  This notion, is what causes my nervous and often shaky knees to stand and share amid possible jeers and indifference.

When I create music I try not to limit myself to one genre. The vehicle by which beauty and love from within are transported to someone else's heart should not be discriminated against.  My attempts are repeatedly exhilarating, exhausting and terrifying causing me to feel alive and completely undone all at the same time.

This week I had the privilege of working with a friend who came to me with any idea for a song one week before she wanted to perform it in front of a congregation of ladies for a special Women's Conference.  To say the task seemed daunting is an overstatement, but it felt right.  It came together so smoothly we felt a divine hand had to have been in it.  I made a home recording of the song to help prepare for the performance of it.  Here is a portion of that rough draft.  The song is called "Stand" by Candice L.  I hope you all enjoy it.  Until next time... Happy Songwriting!!

Click HERE to listen to a sample of Stand by Candice L.

“Dark Thundercloud On Summer Day” by radiant

I love the way this photo goes so well with some of the lyrics, "Stand Strong, hold on, though the winds may blow, yet I will guard you."