Music and Me

 Hello everyone!!  I'm Landon Garbade and I'm a Sophomore here at Converse. I'm originally from a very small town called Cassatt, which is about 2 hours from Spartanburg. I am an athlete on the volleyball team and am involved with our school's BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministry) and FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). My sister is also involved with each of these organizations and she is a student here as well! 

Both my mom and grandma were both educators, which encouraged me to consider a career in education. However, it wasn't until my senior year of high school that I fully decided to pursue a degree in education. I took Teacher Cadet and had the opportunity to work with a 6th-grade Math Inclusion class. I fell in love with the students and the atmosphere. I considered Special Education, but when I got to Converse, I decided to switch to Deaf Education and have fallen in love with everything about the major and the people I come in contact with!! I'm so excited to have the opportunity to work with an advocate for many Deaf kids in the future. 

Something that is also really important to me is my relationship with Jesus Christ. He has given me so much joy and satisfaction that I have not found in other places. I can have hope because I know He died for my sins, taking my place, and then rose again defeating death, hell, and the grave. I'm so grateful for the community He's provided and the grace He's shown. Living a life with the Lord gives me hope and peace that I can't explain, which is why I want everyone to know how they can experience that too! 

Along with this, I am involved in the local church here - First Baptist Spartanburg and really enjoy the community there. I've met so many amazing people there and now have friendships that I know will last a lifetime! I also enjoy spending time and getting to know the youth group there!! My youth group at home is what makes getting to work with these kids even more special, though. My home church played/plays such a big role in how strong my faith is today. People told me hard truths I didn't always want to hear, they loved me when I felt like I didn't deserve it, and showed me such a picture of how Jesus cares for others. They have made such an impact on my life and walk with Christ and I'm beyond grateful for them!!

Outside of school, I enjoy fishing, hunting, and kayaking. I LOVE the outdoors and just being outside. I also love running and going on walks occasionally (but running is more fun). :) I've been to Scotland on mission trips before and it's absolutely beautiful there. Almost everywhere you turn, there's a piece of history, or a hill with sheep standing on it (haha). 

1. An example of something I like right now:

This song is called All My Love by half*alive. I enjoy this song because of the catchy beat and the message that is portrayed. The album cover is, honestly, a little weird, but the lyrics and meaning behind the song are really good. It teaches that if we're willing to lay down our time and busyness and come to Jesus we can experience "all His love." Their music presents ways to follow after Jesus by intertwining it with a song that grabs your attention. Half*alive's style reminds me of Indie pop music. They created another song called RUNAWAY, which I also really like. My friend introduced me to this band and they're now one of my go-to's. 

 

2. An example of music that is personally meaningful:

This piece has had the most influence on my life. This is the song that I heard the night I chose to follow Jesus. I had heard the gospel presentation that night at church in children's worship (I was 7), and then heard this song on the radio later as we were pulling into the drive at my house. I knew I needed to give my life to Jesus and that I couldn't do it without Him. This song captures a verse in Isaiah 53 about Jesus's sacrifice for our sins. "By His wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 

3. A piece of music that I don't connect with or understand:

I'm not a huge fan of Taylor Swift, although I do like some of her older music. This song is just interesting to me, but I don't relate to it at all or really care much for it. A lot of Taylor Swift's older music is fun and catchy, but a lot of her newer songs don't resonate or connect to me. Hearing the lyrics just did not make me feel comfortable. I don't understand the true purpose of this song. For others, they may enjoy this song, but I just can't get into it! Agree to disagree?