WHAT A MINISTRY THIS IS !!

And hello to everyone on this, Mother's Day, 2008.

I am writing this blog today to just urge you, if you have not heard, and certainly if you have not ordered your own copy of Palma's magnificent Contemporary Christian CD, THE BROKEN CUP - well, you simply MUST. (see complete reviews of this CD as the first post in this blog). [Pictured: Palma Pascale @Tiki Recording Studios, Glen Cove, Long Island NY)

Recently, I expereinced a significant loss. It's not the first time I've lost a loved one, however - this loss was particularly difficult for me....and for all in my family. I was asked to provide music for the service, which I happily did. I was able to "play" (I'm a keyboard player), but stopped there - no singing for this dude - at least, not in this circumstance. I know better than to try that. Nevertheless, I played several selections from THE BROKEN CUP, along with some traditional hymns.

There were family members and friends from far away who had not yet been exposed to the beautiful music of THE BROKEN CUP. I can't tell you the numbers of people who asked me where I learned the awesome instrumentals I was playing. They were really amazed to find that I was a personal friend of the composer..... that is, a composer of THIS magnitude. I told them if they thought the INSTRUMENTAL versions of these songs were awesome, just wait until they heard the WORDS to these beautiful creations. I directed them to http://www.cdbaby.com/ - where you, too, can order your own copy of this compilation of praise that seems to cover each of those everyday ups and downs we face.

Aside from being able to use this lovely music to add the proverbial "icing on the cake" of the service that had been so carefully planned, and....in taking a little "down" time just for myself, and grabbing my ipod with the entire contents of THE BROKEN CUP downloaded onto it , the lyrics and music of this favorite, achingly beautiful compilation of praise MINISTERED to me, yet again. They never fail to minister to me - to enlighten me - to inspire me - to comfort me - and sometimes, to make me cry. During this listen, the whole range of emotions were felt. These compositions are written so well and with so much sincerity and truth, and they were created with such feeling -absolutely gorgeous melodies with such down to earth lyrics that I have yet to meet an individual who COULDN'T relate to them. As I sing these songs at various churches, I am constantly greeted after with a smile and a comment like "I could SO relate to those songs - I mean.....it's like you sang them just for ME." Yes, I know - that's how it works, when you have a composer who is a genuine individual who herself can relate to the everyday struggles of living. Her method of telling a story is so incredible, and the situations are readily recognizeable......the solutions offered, then, can truly be appreciated.

For example, in the song "DID YOU TALK TO HIM TODAY?" the lyric asks the question, and gives an answer:

"...Did you talk to Him today? ... Did you say what's in your heart?...Did you tell Him of the things that are tearing you apart?....Did you think to ask His help? .... Well, you know you really SHOULD.....He is waiting on the way, did you talk to Him today? ... Well, you know, you really COULD...."

I am so grateful for my lovely friend Palma Pascale, and for Palma's creation of THE BROKEN CUP, as it helped me put things into perspective once again, with the knowledge of hope for more sunlit days ahead. Go to CD Baby, and order your own copy of THE BROKEN CUP today!!! You'll wonder why you ever waited so long to get your own copy. Enjoy!

Ciao!

~Martini

all songs: Copyright Palma Pascale