With my new facebook account, I feel as though I have been transported back in time. I recently dreamed (nightmared) I was in high school again (and then I realized with equal horror that all that was 15 years ago), and my idle thoughts have strayed back to the halls of my college dorm in 1996, the soundtrack of which was provided by Peter Breinholt. So it was entirely appropriate that the very Peter Breinholt himself got out of my dreams and into my chapel yesterday.
The Musician was in town to baptize his little nephew. Yes, we live in a ward of very high-profile Mormons. In my estimation, the Breinholts totally beat out Harry Reid, also a ward member, and they don't even complicate our services with all those secret service agents. (Incidentally, Andrew and Will are related by blood to Peter Breinholt. Ahh, polygamy. It all goes back to George Q.)
It was actually the sweetest little baptism I have ever attended. The little boy was so happy and prepared, the talks were all excellent, and Peter Breinholt pulled out his guitar and sang a primary song. Solo. It was awesome. Honestly, part of me was expecting to hear Songs About the Great Divide. But that children's song sounded even better.
One of the lines in one of the songs we sang that day included something similar to "I want to be clean like the earth after rain." There was something so sweet and pure in that song that really struck a chord with me. Sometimes testimonies and faith can get so complicated and bogged down in the meandering paths of murky doctrines. Yesterday I was reminded that it can be, and should be, as simple as wanting to be good and to follow Jesus, as best we know, as best we can.
And if possible, to have Peter Breinholt performing the musical number whenever reasonably appropriate.
13 comments:
Wow, you brought back Peter Breinholt memories for me too! I so enjoyed reading this-- it was well-written, humorous, and thought-provoking. You rock, Alexandra!
Thanks for this good reminder of what it's all about. You spoke in church some years ago about the simple truths of following Jesus and it has always stayed with me.
And, yes, I am also anxiously awaiting our play dates at the lake! I'm glad that Justin will have some little buddies.
I love Peter B! He was huge when I was in high school, too, and I loved going to his concerts at Sundance during college. Holding hands during a Peter concert at Sundance was the epitome of romance. Tyler makes fun of me for liking him, but he just seems so nice. And makes beautiful music. And I love that primary song, I think it's called "I like to look for rainbows."
Oh the memories...
I just listened to a few of his CDs the other day and felt like I had been rewound to 1995. Oh, the days of 2004 John Hall! I wonder where Angela and Anita are these days...
I love that song too. Sounds like a pretty amazing baptism!
I love baptisms - they are always so simple and pure. My girls love the baptism song about rainbows - did he sing an original song too?
We sometimes have famous people come through our ward but the one that got the most attention was Napolean Dynamite!! I wasn't there but I heard he made lots of good comments in sunday school!!
How have I missed out so much that I've never heard of this guy?
I have a facebook account. I'll look for you and ask you to be my friend.
Oh, Alex, your writing! What an awesome statement about testimonies and faith getting bogged down by confusing doctrines. It's true. I'm so interested intellectually in what happens and why that I get frustrated when there are holes in my understanding... or I feel happy and just try to be like Jesus. I love the restoration when I think about the simple, powerful things I know. Thanks for the gorgeous writing and commentary.
Alexandra- once again I absolutely love reading your blog. My favorite part of the baptism was listening to Will. Peter Breinholt's singing was great too.
Troy and I never really listened to Peter, but somehow his concert ended up being our first date. We've never really listened to him since, but he holds a special place in our heart. I want to hear more about these secret service agents at your ward.
man! i bet that was a great baptism. you should have demanded an encore - that's appropriate when the musical # is given by a celebrity, right?
Love the flashback! I haven't thought about the Big Parade for a long time. So you guys moved? We need to get together again. I just sent you an invite for our blog.
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