My family's lives are filled with music on a daily occurrence. Each day a discovery of things like a new melody, a voice that inspires, a lyric that moves us, a song that enkindles our feet to resort to dance. Music is simply put, a significant part of The Garrett family dynamic. It affects all of us.
Our family's Christian faith is no different. Music plays a vital role in our relationships with Christ. Over the past several months I have witnessed my family, along with my church family, grow with a fresh and fruitful connection with the Lord during our praise and worship times.
My husband, who has been obediently stepping into a worship leader role within our church family, joins an array of talented musicians and vocalists serving the Lord and His people with their gifted talents. Their responsibility as God's servants is to lead God's people into a time of celebration, worship and praise. A Holy Spirit called job that they do not take lightly. It has been awe inspiring as the body of Christ has been using worship as a tool to pull away from their carnal nature and rising closer to El Shaddai "God Almighty"(Gen. 17:1).
On a more personal level it has been truly inspiring to watch my husband using his musical talent to bring glory to the Lord. I believe his act of obedience to the Lord was the first step in leading this family to a closer connection to the Lord. My heart is forever grateful to have a spouse that is sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading in his life.
There is absolutely a beauty and a freedom that is being washed over this family now that we have allowed another form of music to deeply take root in our lives and this family. A music that is used to glorify and praise, a music that equips us for spiritual warfare, a music that offers up thanksgivings, a music that feeds our souls, a music that is all about our Heavenly Father. This music is the heart of worship.
Therefore, I urge you brothers in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living scarifies, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but transform by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2
Inside the walls of my home on any given night this is always a possibility of normal activity for Carter the eldest son in the Garrett clan. A little late night pajama jam. Carter taking a few pointers from his dad, and learning a few chords on his bass. I can only imagine in my son's head he is pretending to be Sir Paul McCartney. However we did recently get him to buy some music that is unrelated to The Beatles or Paul McCartney. Looks like Michael Jackson is joining my young son's music collection.
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| Late Night Pajama Jam |
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| Russell Garrett |
Like I have stated in prior articles, the Garrett family is littered with an array of musical talent and the youngest son of Marty and Lounetta Garrett, and younger brother to my husband, is no exception. Music comes as naturally as breathing for Russell Garrett. You will often hear the duo of Stephen and Russell referred to as the Garrett Brothers. Both brothers are musically talented and are gifted with singing voices and the ability to strum a guitar. However, Russell has also been gifted with the mechanics of music and the ability to grasp how music should be made. Russell or Russ, as he is known by friends and family, has been as comfortable behind the sound board as he is on stage performing in front of it since a young age.
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| Russell and Steel Magnolia Ft. Loramie, OH |
Russell's skills go beyond live sound productions as he brings his keen listening ear into the studio world as well and has a brilliant eye for spotting Nashville youngest and brightest studio musicians.
Life can throw some pretty incredible people in your path and in this case the path of my oldest son Carter. My sons, Carter and Wesley, attend Cole Elementary School where you will find music teacher Mr. William Laarz. As the mother of three boys interested deeply in music and a husband who not only works in the music industry, but also contributes to the indie artist/songwriting end as well, you can only arrive at the conclusion that music education is an important element to the public education of our children. Both to us and the children themselves.
We have been so very pleased with Mr. Laarz's dedication to not only educating our children in music, but also the way he encourages and supports the children. My sons, both Carter and Wesley, react in such a positive way to Mr. Laarz's approach on teaching. Carter particularly lights up with every complement Mr. Laarz pays him and I believe this causes a chain reaction in my son to work harder to improve his musical abilities. Certainly this could play a vital role in my son’s future, both as a musician and as a person functioning in everyday society. Mr. Laarz is most certainly part of what makes Cole Elementary a stand out school in our Metro Nashville public school system. Thank you Mr. Laarz for everything you have done and are doing in my child’s life. Also thank you to the Cole Elementary staff and faculty! Every single one of you are appreciated and the work you do in the lives of this community's children does not go unnoticed. I am happy and proud that my children get to be part of such a supporting and active school. Thank you for caring about my children's education almost as much as I do!!! |
I originally published this post on "Inside My Head", but thought now that this blog exist it is a much better home for this particular post about my oldest son Carter. He has a lot going on with his music lately, and there are few more post to come about him in the near future, but here is a little preview/back drop on the eldest son in my household.
Watching my oldest son’s passion for music leaves me simply amazed. He is certainly following in the footsteps of his father and his young talent is awe-inspiring. His love for the art of music and his ability to absorb melodies comes to him as naturally as breathing. At a very young age, he realized that the ABC song and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star were the same melody. While most children are marveling with superheroes or fascinated with the newest toy fads, my eight year old son collecting Beatles songs to add to his musical library.During a shopping trip with the family he navigates himself to the CD section, while most children are screaming for the toy aisles. His love for music is something very special indeed.It’s a unique gift that I believe is passed down through the generations, tightly sewn into this family tree like a woven tapestry of music fibers flowing though their very core. To my oldest son music is a way of life. It’s just not an option to go through the day without it. It feels like such an honor to be a witness to the growing talent within my young son. From his very first talent show as a first grader, to whatever adventure this love for music leads him on, I find this talent of his such a beautiful blessing upon this family. I don’t think my heart will ever get tired of hearing him lift his voice in song to share with others. He is truly a very special little boy in my eyes !
Carter singing "I Saw Her Standing There" by The Beatles in his 2nd grade talent show in 2010
On April 15th, 2011, Stephen and I traveled back home to Livingston, TN for a weekend of family time and to take part in a special fundraising event for Multiple Sclerosis the night of April 16th.
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| MS Event April 16th 2011 |
The event was hosted by Team Trena who has thus far raised over $7,000 dollars in just a few months for MS. Team Trena was formed in honor of Trena Farmer who is living her life with Multiple Sclerosis. The evening consisted of delicious food served in an amazing atmosphere set up in the local dance studio in Overton County. Stephen Garrett and Adam Ryan provided the musical entertainment in front a hometown crowd. Both singer/songwriters performed original tunes along with sharing a few cover tunes from artist that have inspired and influenced them. Ms. Pat Gore (sister of Trena Farmer) made an appearance on stage lending her voice to a few songs in a short set with Stephen consisting of songs like “Stay”, “The House that Built Me”, and “American Honey”.
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I would rate the evening as a complete success and I believe that all those involved in the Team Trena fight for a Multiple Sclerosis cure deserve recognition for planning such a classy and successful night. A job very well done, indeed!
Everyone is welcome to attended the next MS event April 30th at Cane Creek at 9:00am.
A little bit of excitement in the world of my husband’s (Stephen Garrett) musical adventures a few months ago another radio station, WGCS 91.1 FM in Goshen, IN, to be exact, added one of my husband’s songs, “Living Dead” to the rotation. Yep that’s right folks my husband is radio star. Okay maybe star is a little bit of stretch at this point in the journey, but never the less this was some fun news to receive. It's great to have had local play from the likes of Lightning 100 and WRVU, but it's always great to hear of spins outside of our area in places like St. Louis and Goshen, IN. Not to mention, it was a bit of a bonus for me as the song writers wife since “Living Dead” just happens to be my favorite song of the 10 songs from his Four Letter Word album! |