MuteMath

I'm sure anyone and everyone who loves music has those few specific bands/artists that they would love to talk to and hang out with.

Well, over the weekend I was lucky enough to hang out with one of my favorite bands; MuteMath. This was way exciting for me, and honestly it's probably a moment in my life that I'm never going to forget. Sure, famous people are just like everyone else, but there's just something about getting to meet people that you admire and really respect because of what they do. I'm no musician and I'm not inspired by them to go make my own cd, but simply because of the performance they give, where their hearts are in their music, and their creativity, arises something up within me.

I found out about a month ago that my friend Vince's band, fromLove, was going to be opening for MuteMath. Even though the show was in Grand Rapids Michigan (9 hours from Des Moines), I still decided to go. Watch my friend play and then my favorite band? Of course.

I had to bring a bass amp to the show for Vince, so I ended up getting to Grand Rapids at 3:30 in the afternoon (3.5 hours before the show started). During this time I sat outside in the back of the building with the guys of fromLove and watched the different bands go back and forth brining their equipment inside. I don't think I get star struck easily, but I just felt weird being surrounded by all these people who I hear on the radio and see on TV.

Finally I went inside to watch the show... fromLove did awesome, discovered a couple of new bands I really liked, got a couple drinks, and at one point turned around and Greg (the guitarist from MuteMath) was standing right by me. It was weird...

If you haven't heard of MuteMath or haven't seen them live, and you enjoy the industrial/experimental type music, check 'em out. They're incredible. This show was hands down, THE BEST SHOW I have EVER been to. Their energy is insane, the lead singer plays the keytar, the drummer ductapes his headphones on because he headbangs so much, the drummer also broke (no joke) about 20 drum sticks throughout the whole performance, the lead singer ran out into the audience, they make their own instruments... etc. I've never been so captured by a performance before in my life. Plus, the lyrics to all of their songs speak directly to the heart about the greatest Lover of all time. No doubt about it, I see Him in these guys as they share their talent.



So after the show, everyone got kicked out of the... bar/arena?... but because I was "with the band" (fromLove that is) I somehow got to stay. I then proceeded to go backstage with Vince and his band mates to ask them if they'd want to go hang out at Denny's. During this time I got a picture with the drummer Darren (picture above), and started talking with the guitarist, Greg. Myself, Vince, and Greg stood outside in the cold talking about life and music for about half an hour... where Greg gave me one of his picks and then put his jacket on me to wear... I felt like such a girl! I was wearing his jacket...

The rest of MuteMath and fromLove joined us, where we proceeded to Denny's. Since they only had their tour bus, I got to drive Paul Meany (the lead singer) and his wife to the restaurant... now THAT was weird. I admit that I was way nervous because I had this amazing musician in my car and was trying to figure out what music to put on... it was a big decision! Plus, then talking with him for the 20 minute drive was also intimidating...

Overall, I had an amazing time. These guys were exactly what I thought they'd be... super nice, so funny, and each have a heart to reach people and talk about faith with their music. They certainly know that He's given them a gift and they are called to use it to change hearts.

So if/when you ever get to hang out with your favorite band, even when you can keep your cool, inside you may be freaking out, but just go with it. It could be your one time to talk with them. Enjoy it and have fun.

2006 = the BIG 2-1 [for me]

Though I turned 21 last week (May 7), I had something written up to post, but didn't... I don't know why, but here it is for you now...

2006 is the landmark of my 21st year alive. In our society, turning 21 is a Rite of Passage to some extent, and it seems to be one of the most important birthdays, if not the "most important" birthday of a persons life. When someone turns 21, they can pretty much do anything [that's legal] that they want; minus run for President or rent a car. Darn... I was really hoping to be a canidate in the 2008 Presidential election...

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It seems that the "biggness" (if thats a word) of turning 21 didn't start today for me, but began the second that 2006 (the landmark year) rolled around. Here's a brief summary of the first 127 days of my 21st year; beginning on Jan 1, 2006 up until today, May 7, 2006:

Recoperation from wedding. Relaxation.
Truths surface. DTR.

Prayer for the bars.

Digging deep in the Word. Growth.

Painting. Artist re-inspired.

Minnesota road trip.

Constant Worship.
Career direction.
Confusion.
Leadership offers.

Dodgeball - The Conan.

Snowboarding accident. Hospital.

Miraculous physical healing.

A new [incredible] friendships.

Brokenness. Sucking carpet. Sweet brokenness.

Answered prayers. Direction.

Stepping down. Stepping up. Clear ministry direction
Release of baggage. Beautiful release.
Season of being MIA.

A new coffee shop.

Confidence. Encouragement.
Showered in Love. Filled with Joy.
Rebirth.
Beginning of a new chapter. Blank pages.

New "seeing" eye drops.

Dreams. Dreams. More dreams.
A new Love story.

Rain. Cleansing.
A heart being mended. Healing.
Forgiveness.

Condo hunting.

New [blonde] hair.

Knowing my worth. Not settling.

Being pursued. Falling in Love.

End of school.

Turning 21. My first legal drink.

Angels.

Ready for every single thing GOD has in store for me...

Not even half way through 2006, GOD has already put and allowed so many beautiful (and not so beautiful) things, people, oppertunities, experiences, words, etc. to cross my path. I've never in my life felt so challenged, pursued, broken, full of joy, unsure, and confused all at the same time in all my life. But the cool thing is... it's honestly been one of the best seasons of my life; And I know that things are only going to get better as this year [and the rest of my life] continue on.

My 21st year really has been big... HUGE in fact. I've always "known" that turning 21 was big (though I was never really sure why it was such a big deal - because now can order myself a margarita or wine whenever I want?), but I definitely didn't expect everything stated above. My 21st year has been deeper than buying a lotto ticket... deeper than ordering an alcoholic beverage... deeper than "finally feeling like an adult" (which I still don't by the way)... it's been all about Psalm 5:7, 1 Corinthians 5:7, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 5:7, James 5:7, and 1 Peter 5:7...

"But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your Holy Temple"... "Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast - as you really are"... "We live by faith, not by sight"... "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his relevant submission"... "See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains"... "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you"...

Funny how these 6 verses handed to me by Him to represent this year [thus far] all occur in the 7th verse of the 5th chapter of each book. 5:7... 5/7... May 7. Crazy. That is the Hand of GOD.

I'm gonna go a little cheesy on y'all for a second and thank some key people who have been at my side during this painfully and beautiful insane ride... Mama Cav, Rebecca, Bethany, Mel, KDorr, Nic, Amanda, and Button. I don't know how I would have gotten through some of this stuff without each of you. GOD used specifically you to play a major role in my life these past 4 months, and I pray that He continue to have you be heavily involved in my life past this 21st year. You all are amazing examples of what women of GOD should look like. I love each and every one of you more than I could ever explain.

GOD uses people to help us mature and grow in our walk with Him, so find those who encourage you, hold you accountable, call you out, and walk with you no matter what the circumstance.

I pray that the rest of this year for you, whether it's the land mark of your 15th birthday or your 60th birthday, is all about Jesus.

Happy 2006.

David Blaine

Have you ever heard of David Blaine?

If you have I'm sure you wished you didn't, but if you haven’t, I'm sure you're now extremely curious and want to know...

David Blaine is a... magician... er... illusionist... er... a dude who uses demons to perform what our world calls "magic tricks." No joke. This dude FREAKS me out. I'd seen a couple of his specials on TV a year ago, but within the last 2 weeks, I can't seem to escape him. Anytime that I turn on the tube, turn on the radio, or hang out with people, David Blaine's name always seems to follow.

I feel like I'm supposed to pray for him or something.

But seriously, if you've never seen any of his specials, I'd recommend taking a look. Specifically to check out how whack this guy is.

Most people who are considered to be "magicians" are in actuality illusionists. They perform illusions, which are only visual tricks of the mind, or slips of the hand. David Copperfield is an example of a very famous illusionist. He has made a space shuttle and the Eiffel Tower "disappear"... but it's all just an illusion.

David Blaine does do some illusions, but his other stuff is nothing but witchcraft.

On a special of his tonight he said, "It's not black magic... I'm just an entertainer... it's only fun..." Sure, it's all fun and games until someone begins to levitate or starts reading somebody’s mind. And might I add, every time after Blaine levitates, which he clearly does (this is all done on the streets; no stage, props, nothing), he suddenly gets nauseated and dizzy for about a minute after landing back on the ground. Perhaps because he had some spirits helping him out? Uh, yes. AND, when he has people think of a number between 1 and 1,000 or has someone think of any object or person that is important to them, he stares intensely into their eyes and often yells "Give it to me! Give it to me!" Seconds after, says exactly what the person was thinking of. Again, demons?

I vote yes. Not only can I see the creepy stuff happening while he does his magic, but just look at his eyes... his face. He once said his tricks can be compared to Voodoo... if I'm not mistaken, that is in fact a form of black magic witchcraft... O-kay DB...

Seriously, this guy is possessed.

On a happier note... I went down to IHOP (International House of Prayer) in Kansas City over the weekend. The LORD and I had some good quality time together, and I also had a few encounters with some angels. It was pretty sweet. But that'll be a different post for a different day…

Angels and demons… real as night and day.