Dear Friends,
As usual, time is ticking away so quickly that three weeks have passed in a blur without me having the chance to post on this blog! I have been working 16 hour days, and this makes it difficult to write. But the good news is that the CD project is progressing well and I am now at the stage of recording vocals! With the gracious help of the Lord, I trust the project will be released on schedule. The official release concert will be towards the end of April 2011, Lord willing! I am very excited, and will share more details as they become available. I have a lot of administrative/scheduling type things to look after, but they will have to wait until the music is finished, towards the beginning of the new year.
Stay tuned for more news and other event/concert dates that I will be posting on this site shortly!
I have also added links on this blog to my new Facebook page, that I will likely keep up to date a little more frequently than this blog. You can also click the YouTube icon to view any new videos I upload.
Thanks to everyone for their support, prayers and encouragement. God is good!
Blessings,
Melissa
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Pressing Onward
Dear Friends,
How time is passing! Already we are in the middle of November, and drawing ever nearer to winter (if it hasn't already arrived, as evidenced by the recent series of storms that has hit southern Alberta).
I'm extremely happy to report that my back has improved significantly since I last wrote. With a lot of prayer, and the generous help of both of my parents, who travelled fourteen hours in one day just to come to my rescue, I am now able to walk more easily and the pain and stiffness have diminished to levels that are tolerable. Now comes the push to somehow condense six weeks of recording into three weeks...a feat that will definitely need a lot of stamina, intensity, and quite honestly, a miracle. But I know that miracles are God's specialty. As I am experiencing His healing hand upon my back, I can also trust that He will somehow see this recording through to completion in the time necessary.
On another note, I spent this morning, with my mom, doing a few recordings for my YouTube page. It's nice to keep the page current....something I've not been so good at doing, with all of the other things I have on the go! So here are links to a couple of new clips. I hope they bless you.
Lila tov! (Good night),
Melissa
How time is passing! Already we are in the middle of November, and drawing ever nearer to winter (if it hasn't already arrived, as evidenced by the recent series of storms that has hit southern Alberta).
I'm extremely happy to report that my back has improved significantly since I last wrote. With a lot of prayer, and the generous help of both of my parents, who travelled fourteen hours in one day just to come to my rescue, I am now able to walk more easily and the pain and stiffness have diminished to levels that are tolerable. Now comes the push to somehow condense six weeks of recording into three weeks...a feat that will definitely need a lot of stamina, intensity, and quite honestly, a miracle. But I know that miracles are God's specialty. As I am experiencing His healing hand upon my back, I can also trust that He will somehow see this recording through to completion in the time necessary.
On another note, I spent this morning, with my mom, doing a few recordings for my YouTube page. It's nice to keep the page current....something I've not been so good at doing, with all of the other things I have on the go! So here are links to a couple of new clips. I hope they bless you.
Lila tov! (Good night),
Melissa
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
They That Wait
Dear Friends,
I hope this note finds you well.
I find myself in a time of testing; one that is, I am sure, meant to strengthen my resolve and my faith. The last time I wrote, I mentioned a back injury that I sustained in 2008 had flared up again. I am now on my third week dealing with this, and the last several days have literally been spent flat on my back for 22 hours per day. I was seeing real improvement last week, but something happened on Saturday and it returned to full blown pain and stiffness by Monday morning.
I find myself clinging to Yeshua's Tzit-Tzit (the "hem of his garment," as is written in most English Bibles). My natural self wants to get frustrated, as this is one of the most crucial times in my life; being in the middle of this CD recording which I really feel is God inspired. I would say to myself, "I have too much to do to be laying around for weeks on end like this! Time is ticking!" And yet, inside, the Spirit whispers to me "Trust ME. Wait on ME and I will renew your strength." And so goes the epic battle between the flesh and the spirit; the natural eyes and the spiritual eyes. There is no better crucible of learning than being in a position of utter and total dependance on God. When you can't even bend over to put your socks on, or drive to the grocery store to get milk, that is pretty dependant!
Every morning I must wake up and tell myself, "Choose you this day, who will you serve. Who will you believe?" The crux of the situation is that, HIS WORD must be what we base our faith on. His word is true, it is infallible, it is eternal. And perhaps I am enduring this trial merely to solidify the theme on which my CD is based....that Yahweh is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in time of trouble. That HE is the name on which we call. That we look heavenward, not earthward for our strength. A good time to practice what I am preaching :-)
And so, as I close for this morning, I speak to myself these words from Isaiah chapter 40:
"The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
-Melissa
I hope this note finds you well.
I find myself in a time of testing; one that is, I am sure, meant to strengthen my resolve and my faith. The last time I wrote, I mentioned a back injury that I sustained in 2008 had flared up again. I am now on my third week dealing with this, and the last several days have literally been spent flat on my back for 22 hours per day. I was seeing real improvement last week, but something happened on Saturday and it returned to full blown pain and stiffness by Monday morning.
I find myself clinging to Yeshua's Tzit-Tzit (the "hem of his garment," as is written in most English Bibles). My natural self wants to get frustrated, as this is one of the most crucial times in my life; being in the middle of this CD recording which I really feel is God inspired. I would say to myself, "I have too much to do to be laying around for weeks on end like this! Time is ticking!" And yet, inside, the Spirit whispers to me "Trust ME. Wait on ME and I will renew your strength." And so goes the epic battle between the flesh and the spirit; the natural eyes and the spiritual eyes. There is no better crucible of learning than being in a position of utter and total dependance on God. When you can't even bend over to put your socks on, or drive to the grocery store to get milk, that is pretty dependant!
Every morning I must wake up and tell myself, "Choose you this day, who will you serve. Who will you believe?" The crux of the situation is that, HIS WORD must be what we base our faith on. His word is true, it is infallible, it is eternal. And perhaps I am enduring this trial merely to solidify the theme on which my CD is based....that Yahweh is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in time of trouble. That HE is the name on which we call. That we look heavenward, not earthward for our strength. A good time to practice what I am preaching :-)
And so, as I close for this morning, I speak to myself these words from Isaiah chapter 40:
"The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
-Melissa
Monday, November 1, 2010
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Dear Friends,
Again, time has passed quickly since my last post. The recording process on my CD is well underway, and I am excited at the work that has been accomplished so far. I have been wanting to write for days now, but I've been mulling over which topic to choose, as there are so many things I could write about.
Have you ever had a moment in your life where you are overwhelmed by the faithfulness and love of God? I have had many of those types of moments these past few days. I have had lots of time to meditate on the Lord's goodness, as I am dealing with yet another hurdle to conquer: a back injury that I sustained last summer was re-aggravated two weeks ago. I have been on bedrest for several days, in a great deal of pain and unable to move. But rather than take it as a setback and a frustration, I decided to take it as a blessing in disguise. So, I've been laying here on my couch (just as I am now) these past several days, with ample time to pray, think, and meditate on all the Lord has done, all He is doing, and all He will do. At times I am overcome with emotion as I recount His faithfulness to me over the years. When I felt lost, He always knew the way. When I felt alone, He has always been by my side. When I felt too weak to carry on, He picked me up and carried me. Even in this position of weakness in which I now find myself, He has been so faithful to carry me on His shoulders and show me the view from His vantage point -- seated high above all these cares of the world. And let me tell you, the view is incredible from His throne! I am experiencing the miraculous as I am lifted up by the prayers of the saints, and feel His hand touching my back and healing it. The words of my favourite hymn come to mind:
Great is thy faithfulness, Oh God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with thee
All I have needed thy hand has provided
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to lead and to guide
Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with TEN THOUSAND beside
Ten thousand does not even remotely describe the number of blessings which the Lord bestows upon us every day. Were we to count His thoughts towards us, they would outnumber the grains of sand. (Psalm 139:18)
As the light in my living room fades and I rest in this recumbent position, I think I will close my eyes and meditate on this above Psalm.
Blessings,
Melissa
Again, time has passed quickly since my last post. The recording process on my CD is well underway, and I am excited at the work that has been accomplished so far. I have been wanting to write for days now, but I've been mulling over which topic to choose, as there are so many things I could write about.
Have you ever had a moment in your life where you are overwhelmed by the faithfulness and love of God? I have had many of those types of moments these past few days. I have had lots of time to meditate on the Lord's goodness, as I am dealing with yet another hurdle to conquer: a back injury that I sustained last summer was re-aggravated two weeks ago. I have been on bedrest for several days, in a great deal of pain and unable to move. But rather than take it as a setback and a frustration, I decided to take it as a blessing in disguise. So, I've been laying here on my couch (just as I am now) these past several days, with ample time to pray, think, and meditate on all the Lord has done, all He is doing, and all He will do. At times I am overcome with emotion as I recount His faithfulness to me over the years. When I felt lost, He always knew the way. When I felt alone, He has always been by my side. When I felt too weak to carry on, He picked me up and carried me. Even in this position of weakness in which I now find myself, He has been so faithful to carry me on His shoulders and show me the view from His vantage point -- seated high above all these cares of the world. And let me tell you, the view is incredible from His throne! I am experiencing the miraculous as I am lifted up by the prayers of the saints, and feel His hand touching my back and healing it. The words of my favourite hymn come to mind:
Great is thy faithfulness, Oh God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with thee
All I have needed thy hand has provided
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to lead and to guide
Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with TEN THOUSAND beside
Ten thousand does not even remotely describe the number of blessings which the Lord bestows upon us every day. Were we to count His thoughts towards us, they would outnumber the grains of sand. (Psalm 139:18)
As the light in my living room fades and I rest in this recumbent position, I think I will close my eyes and meditate on this above Psalm.
Blessings,
Melissa
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
True Colors
Dear Friends,
I hope you had a pleasant holiday weekend! We have enjoyed some unseasonably warm weather these past two weeks in Alberta. I took a walk on Saturday and it was so warm that I actually had to take off my jacket -- in the middle of October! Thank you, Lord! :-)
Autumn is one of my favorite times of year. It is a season of change; the air filled with a sweet earthy odor, almost laden with anticipation of some sort. This year, I've really enjoyed the daily five minute strolls from my car to the office, in the crispness of the morning, along streets canopied by Elm trees whose leaves are now spectacular shades of orange and gold. Feeling the crunch crunch of the fallen leaves under my feet brings back a wistful remembrance of childhood days spent running and jumping in the leaves, without a care in the world.
During one of my brief morning walks, as I stared up into the brilliant blue sky contrasted against the deep yellows, I meditated on the fact that we only see the true colors of leaves in the fall. Without getting too scientific, it's only when the hours of sunshine wane and the leaves stop producting chlorophyll, that the green
"mask" we see all spring and summer is removed. It is an interesting irony, that the leaves' true beauty is only seen in a season of "death," before the long winter.
I then started thinking about our own lives. Often times, we can be as the leaves - when the sun is shining, things are going our way, and food is abundant, we appear one way. We often wear masks. But when the sun stops shining, the air gets cold and we find ourselves in a season of "dryness," our true colors really appear. It's easy enough to praise the Lord when we're living in a season of abundance. But what about those seasons where it seems as if He is hiding his face and the sun is not shining on us anymore? Can we join with the Psalmist and say, "I will yet praise thee?"
I pose this question not only for rhetoric's sake, but as a real examination of my own heart and life. It is my hearts desire that even in difficult times (or shall I say, especially in difficult times), my true colors would demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Rather than just shrivelling up and drying out on the tree, as some leaves seem to do, I pray that my true colors would be beautiful and pleasing for others, and especially for my Lord.
May I, and all of us, understand that the challenges we face are crafted to refine us and produce in us pure gold fitting for a king -- the King of Kings! Moreover, may we realize that for every autumn, there is a spring; for every sleep, there is an awakening; and for every sunset, comes a sunrise.
Just my thoughts for this morning :-)
Melissa
I hope you had a pleasant holiday weekend! We have enjoyed some unseasonably warm weather these past two weeks in Alberta. I took a walk on Saturday and it was so warm that I actually had to take off my jacket -- in the middle of October! Thank you, Lord! :-)
Autumn is one of my favorite times of year. It is a season of change; the air filled with a sweet earthy odor, almost laden with anticipation of some sort. This year, I've really enjoyed the daily five minute strolls from my car to the office, in the crispness of the morning, along streets canopied by Elm trees whose leaves are now spectacular shades of orange and gold. Feeling the crunch crunch of the fallen leaves under my feet brings back a wistful remembrance of childhood days spent running and jumping in the leaves, without a care in the world.
During one of my brief morning walks, as I stared up into the brilliant blue sky contrasted against the deep yellows, I meditated on the fact that we only see the true colors of leaves in the fall. Without getting too scientific, it's only when the hours of sunshine wane and the leaves stop producting chlorophyll, that the green
"mask" we see all spring and summer is removed. It is an interesting irony, that the leaves' true beauty is only seen in a season of "death," before the long winter.
I then started thinking about our own lives. Often times, we can be as the leaves - when the sun is shining, things are going our way, and food is abundant, we appear one way. We often wear masks. But when the sun stops shining, the air gets cold and we find ourselves in a season of "dryness," our true colors really appear. It's easy enough to praise the Lord when we're living in a season of abundance. But what about those seasons where it seems as if He is hiding his face and the sun is not shining on us anymore? Can we join with the Psalmist and say, "I will yet praise thee?"
I pose this question not only for rhetoric's sake, but as a real examination of my own heart and life. It is my hearts desire that even in difficult times (or shall I say, especially in difficult times), my true colors would demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Rather than just shrivelling up and drying out on the tree, as some leaves seem to do, I pray that my true colors would be beautiful and pleasing for others, and especially for my Lord.
May I, and all of us, understand that the challenges we face are crafted to refine us and produce in us pure gold fitting for a king -- the King of Kings! Moreover, may we realize that for every autumn, there is a spring; for every sleep, there is an awakening; and for every sunset, comes a sunrise.
Just my thoughts for this morning :-)
Melissa
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:17
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:3-5
Monday, October 4, 2010
They don't call them "scratch vocals" for nothing...
Good evening friends,
I'm very happy to report that as of tonight, I have begun the recording process on my new CD! This seems an even greater triumph than it should because of all the hindrances that have impeded my progress thus far. But as of this Sunday, every piece of equipment I own is in working order (praise Adonai, and thanks to some very persistent and dedicated techie-friends). Now begins the creative journey of unfolding a vision that has existed in my mind and heart for months. To see it come to fruition will be very exciting.
I spent this evening tracking some piano for two separate pieces, and doing some scratch vocals. If you've never heard the term "scratch," in reference to recording, it basically denotes a track that you record merely for reference and not for the final mix. You can record a scratch track for anything that you intend to re-record at a later time, but it is most commonly associated with vocals. The term "scratch" could not be more appropriate for my work tonight, as laryngitis has been making the rounds in my city, and I seem to have caught a touch of vocal irritation myself. A few of my friends have not been on speaking terms with me these last few weeks, and not for any offence I have committed, but because they had completely lost their voices to this virus! Therefore, as the title of my post suggests, all the reference tracks I recorded tonight sounded like I had a throat full of gravel. I will have to rest my voice for a few days and drink lots of fluids, lest I strain it and damage it permanently. Heaven forbid. In the meantime I will try to do as much as possible without the aid of vocals.
Now it's back to work! I bid you adieu!
Melissa
I'm very happy to report that as of tonight, I have begun the recording process on my new CD! This seems an even greater triumph than it should because of all the hindrances that have impeded my progress thus far. But as of this Sunday, every piece of equipment I own is in working order (praise Adonai, and thanks to some very persistent and dedicated techie-friends). Now begins the creative journey of unfolding a vision that has existed in my mind and heart for months. To see it come to fruition will be very exciting.
I spent this evening tracking some piano for two separate pieces, and doing some scratch vocals. If you've never heard the term "scratch," in reference to recording, it basically denotes a track that you record merely for reference and not for the final mix. You can record a scratch track for anything that you intend to re-record at a later time, but it is most commonly associated with vocals. The term "scratch" could not be more appropriate for my work tonight, as laryngitis has been making the rounds in my city, and I seem to have caught a touch of vocal irritation myself. A few of my friends have not been on speaking terms with me these last few weeks, and not for any offence I have committed, but because they had completely lost their voices to this virus! Therefore, as the title of my post suggests, all the reference tracks I recorded tonight sounded like I had a throat full of gravel. I will have to rest my voice for a few days and drink lots of fluids, lest I strain it and damage it permanently. Heaven forbid. In the meantime I will try to do as much as possible without the aid of vocals.
Now it's back to work! I bid you adieu!
Melissa
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
CD Update
Dear Friends,
I've been wanting to update you on my CD progress for some time now, but these last few weeks have been extremely busy. I've been very occupied playing at several events throughout the month of September, as well as writing some string arrangements for a friend who is releasing a new album this coming December. Most recently, I played at a conference in Northwest Calgary. What a beautiful time of year to be in the foothills of the Rockies! The expanses of golden leaved trees and ruddy prairie sagebrushes contrasted against the bright blue autumn sky and snow dusted mountains made for some spectacular scenery. Even driving through Calgary was almost pleasant (I never though I would hear myself saying THAT!), with the leaves falling and dancing allover 14th Street SW towards Canyon Meadows.
My keyboard was in the repair shop this last week -- yet another unforseen delay! I picked up the piano last night, and everything looks to be fine at the moment, so I intend to start laying down tracks next week, Lord willing. There are always delays, hurdles to jump over, and bugs to fix...but this WILL get done.
Inbetween the busyness and rushing around of the last few weeks, I have been using my spare moments to run through the pieces for my CD, writing down notes for instrumentation and arrangement. Every time I pull out the guitar or harp and start singing through the pieces, I get very excited to see my vision come to fruition. But, inbetween now and then, lies some very hard work!
In my spare moments between now and the release of the full length CD next spring, I intend on releasing an EP of my favorite solo piano compositions from the last 15 years. I believe I will entitle it "Beginnings," after one of my first publically performed works, released in 1997. I have not yet decided if I will produce this as an online album only, through CD Baby and iTunes, or if I will do a short-run print of a limited amount of CDs as well. I will let time and schedule dictate that. Stay tuned! :)
Until next time,
Melissa
I've been wanting to update you on my CD progress for some time now, but these last few weeks have been extremely busy. I've been very occupied playing at several events throughout the month of September, as well as writing some string arrangements for a friend who is releasing a new album this coming December. Most recently, I played at a conference in Northwest Calgary. What a beautiful time of year to be in the foothills of the Rockies! The expanses of golden leaved trees and ruddy prairie sagebrushes contrasted against the bright blue autumn sky and snow dusted mountains made for some spectacular scenery. Even driving through Calgary was almost pleasant (I never though I would hear myself saying THAT!), with the leaves falling and dancing allover 14th Street SW towards Canyon Meadows.
My keyboard was in the repair shop this last week -- yet another unforseen delay! I picked up the piano last night, and everything looks to be fine at the moment, so I intend to start laying down tracks next week, Lord willing. There are always delays, hurdles to jump over, and bugs to fix...but this WILL get done.
Inbetween the busyness and rushing around of the last few weeks, I have been using my spare moments to run through the pieces for my CD, writing down notes for instrumentation and arrangement. Every time I pull out the guitar or harp and start singing through the pieces, I get very excited to see my vision come to fruition. But, inbetween now and then, lies some very hard work!
In my spare moments between now and the release of the full length CD next spring, I intend on releasing an EP of my favorite solo piano compositions from the last 15 years. I believe I will entitle it "Beginnings," after one of my first publically performed works, released in 1997. I have not yet decided if I will produce this as an online album only, through CD Baby and iTunes, or if I will do a short-run print of a limited amount of CDs as well. I will let time and schedule dictate that. Stay tuned! :)
Until next time,
Melissa
concept artwork for solo piano EP
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
And He Called Them Good
And God said, Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created the great sea-monsters, and every living creature that moveth, wherewith the waters swarmed, after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind: and God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1:20-21
Dear Friends,
I've just been reminded of both the beauty of life and the mystery of death.
I returned from work this afternoon to see something struggling in the grass outside my home. As I drew closer, I found that it was a beautiful male Northern Flicker. He looked to be very injured, as he was flapping his wings in a vain attempt to move, while his legs and feet were curled tightly underneath him as though in spasms. I dashed inside the house to grab my garden gloves, and quickly returned, picking him up in my hands as to prevent him becoming a plaything for the mischievous neighborhood cats. I sat on my front steps, and stroked the head of the little creature, speaking to him, trying to coax him to fight for his life so that I could continue to enjoy his beauty.
This is a drama that has played out many times in my life, being that I have been a bird lover since my childhood. Some of my fondest remembrances are of moments spent sitting in the middle of the canoe, my dad paddling, my brother and mom in front, practicing my Common Loon call; spying various Warbler species in migration during the fall; and calling the White-Throated Sparrow with my dad during the summer. My role as a Florence Nightingale (no aviary pun intended) to these winged minstrels is but a natural extension of my innate admiration.
As I sat this evening, speaking softly to the bird, I admired the thoughtfulness with which he was created. Soft, downy, spotted feathers on his belly...almost like the tips of a a Peacock's tail. The underside of his wings are a fluorescent orange, including the quills; something you don't really get to admire during the fleeting moments you observe birds in flight. His beak is perfectly created to dig for ants in the copius amounts of anthills that litter the property. Such thought; such beauty; such perfection in every detail of this bird's body. And Adonai his creator called him "good." And He cares for him, just as He does the less spectacular Sparrows. He provides food for him in due season. He gives him the instincts needed to reproduce and build his nest. I was yet again reminded of the beauty of God's creation, and the testimony of His handiwork that pours forth from it every minute of every day.
Simultaneous to my admiration, I watched painfully as this beautiful creature writhed, struggled and gasped, obviously unable to recover from whatever injury or illness had befallen him. And so I prayed that his Creator would either heal him swiftly, or show him mercy and not let him suffer long. Not moments after, I watched as the bird took his last breath. Adonai knew the exact number of his days, just as he knows mine, and yours. I am sure his feathers were numbered, just as the hairs of my head are. He belonged to Adonai Roi, the God who sees.
- Melissa
O LORD, how manifold are Your works!
In wisdom You have made them all.
The earth is full of Your possessions—
This great and wide sea,
In which are innumerable teeming things,
Living things both small and great.
These all wait for You,
That You may give them their food in due season.
What You give them they gather in;
You open Your hand, they are filled with good.
You hide Your face, they are troubled;
You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
You send forth Your Spirit, they are created;
And You renew the face of the earth.
May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
May the LORD rejoice in His works.
He looks on the earth, and it trembles;
He touches the hills, and they smoke.
I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
May my meditation be sweet to Him;
I will be glad in the LORD.
Psalm 104:24-34
A patient that survived, December 2008
Monday, September 6, 2010
Blessed Are Those...
Dear Friends,
Before I share what is on my heart this morning, first the news:
I haven't written in a little while. It always takes me a few days after a long vacation, to get back into the daily routine of life. I also had some technical issues to sort out when I got back (broken computer) that expended a lot of my energy. Now that all these things are taken care of, I am back to CD preparations! I am finalizing a list of tracks to go on the CD, and will begin recording my first tracks hopefully next week. I will let the Lord make the final decision as to what goes and what stays, as there may be some new material that arises out of recording sessions that will be what HE really wants on the disc! Most of the groundwork, which is done on my keyboard, will be laid down in my home studio. Once the foundations are there, I will be going to another studio to record vocals, guitars, and other acoustic instruments.
Now, to the heart:
My thoughts this morning as I sit with my coffee, looking out the window, are on the phrase "blessed are those who mourn." (Matthew 5:4) This scripture is really resonating with me, as during the last couple of days in particular, my spirit seems to be in a state of mourning. This might sound strange to you, and you might wonder "what is wrong," or "what's happened?" That is the mysterious part. I am not in a state of mourning for one specific event, or for something bad that has happened in my own life. What I really believe is happening is that I am in some way experiencing the grief of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within me, and within every born again believer.
Very late last night, after I had already committed to go to bed, I decided to return to my computer and look up a song on YouTube that I had heard last year in Jerusalem for the first time. The song is called "Revelation Song", as sung by Kari Jobe. I listened to the song twice, and the beauty of the melody and the power of the words of the book of Revelation filled my spirit:
(Excerpts):
Worthy is the
Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven's Mercy Seat
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything, and I will adore You…!
Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be
To You the Only Wise King,
Filled with wonder, Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is Power
Breath, and Living Water
Such a marvelous mystery
I began to weep. And weep. And weep. I'm sure many of you have had the experience of the tangible presence of God suddenly filling your senses; something even deeper than that was happening. It was as if, in one moment, I had an awareness of the utter holiness of God -- the incomprehensible majesty, power and beauty that IS Him, and that surrounds Him. I trembled, but more than that, my spirit began to weep and interecede for the fact that this God, Yahweh, the one around whose throne is a dazzling rainbow; for whom the living creatures never stop crying "Holy, Holy" -- His name is being continually blasphemed, day in and day out, by the ones he so lovingly created. The juxtaposition of His holiness and humanity's utter depravity was branded onto my heart. As the book of Romans says, the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. I believe this was what was happening last night and into this morning -- Abba was letting me experience just an incredibly small portion of HIS grief, allowing His Spirit to intercede through me through the gasps of sobs and tears that would not abate for quite some time. I wouldn't have been able to get words out anyway, although my mind did pray.
A brief reprieve in the tears came, and I opened up my Bible to the books of Revelation, Ezekiel and Daniel, and read the visions of Yeshua. The tears started all over again. All I could think was, how infinitely powerful, infinitely beautiful, infinitely glorious the Son is -- and how his name is not only trampled by his enemies, but also by those supposed to be his children. So much of what passes as Christianity in our day and age is actually apostasy. We are living in the days where churches are removing crosses from their steeples and deleting the words "Christ, Messiah, and Jesus" out of their Bibles and liturgies. What a slap in the face to the glorious Messiah who laid aside his majesty to be beaten, whipped and crucified for our sins. Not only are we in an age where His name is being denied; but things too vile to write about are being incorporated into our "worship" services and programs, in complete defiance of the Torah; things that are a facsimile of the depravity of our fallen world, rather than a shadow of the glorious throneroom in which Yeshua is seated. And so I wept. I not only grieved for the state of God's church, but I wept for my own life and repented of any ways I might have misrepresented, blasphemed or made light of my God.
These types of experiences are deeply personal, and I would not normally share them publicly. The reason I do so in this instance is because I have been asking myself the question, "do we know what it means to mourn, as the body of Messiah"? I am not talking about being artificially morose, or continually downcast. In all of life, the joy of the Lord is to be our strength. What I mean, is, do we live with the sense of what God's heart is truly feeling? We often pray canned prayers like, "God, give me your heart," but do we really mean it? I think if we would really know the fullness of God's heart, we would not survive the grief. It seems though, that according to Messiah's words, those that are his disciples WILL live with at least some kind of a sense of mourning in their hearts:
May our grief soon turn to shouts of joy.
Melissa
Before I share what is on my heart this morning, first the news:
I haven't written in a little while. It always takes me a few days after a long vacation, to get back into the daily routine of life. I also had some technical issues to sort out when I got back (broken computer) that expended a lot of my energy. Now that all these things are taken care of, I am back to CD preparations! I am finalizing a list of tracks to go on the CD, and will begin recording my first tracks hopefully next week. I will let the Lord make the final decision as to what goes and what stays, as there may be some new material that arises out of recording sessions that will be what HE really wants on the disc! Most of the groundwork, which is done on my keyboard, will be laid down in my home studio. Once the foundations are there, I will be going to another studio to record vocals, guitars, and other acoustic instruments.
Now, to the heart:
My thoughts this morning as I sit with my coffee, looking out the window, are on the phrase "blessed are those who mourn." (Matthew 5:4) This scripture is really resonating with me, as during the last couple of days in particular, my spirit seems to be in a state of mourning. This might sound strange to you, and you might wonder "what is wrong," or "what's happened?" That is the mysterious part. I am not in a state of mourning for one specific event, or for something bad that has happened in my own life. What I really believe is happening is that I am in some way experiencing the grief of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within me, and within every born again believer.
Very late last night, after I had already committed to go to bed, I decided to return to my computer and look up a song on YouTube that I had heard last year in Jerusalem for the first time. The song is called "Revelation Song", as sung by Kari Jobe. I listened to the song twice, and the beauty of the melody and the power of the words of the book of Revelation filled my spirit:
(Excerpts):
Worthy is the
Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven's Mercy Seat
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything, and I will adore You…!
Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be
To You the Only Wise King,
Filled with wonder, Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is Power
Breath, and Living Water
Such a marvelous mystery
I began to weep. And weep. And weep. I'm sure many of you have had the experience of the tangible presence of God suddenly filling your senses; something even deeper than that was happening. It was as if, in one moment, I had an awareness of the utter holiness of God -- the incomprehensible majesty, power and beauty that IS Him, and that surrounds Him. I trembled, but more than that, my spirit began to weep and interecede for the fact that this God, Yahweh, the one around whose throne is a dazzling rainbow; for whom the living creatures never stop crying "Holy, Holy" -- His name is being continually blasphemed, day in and day out, by the ones he so lovingly created. The juxtaposition of His holiness and humanity's utter depravity was branded onto my heart. As the book of Romans says, the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. I believe this was what was happening last night and into this morning -- Abba was letting me experience just an incredibly small portion of HIS grief, allowing His Spirit to intercede through me through the gasps of sobs and tears that would not abate for quite some time. I wouldn't have been able to get words out anyway, although my mind did pray.
A brief reprieve in the tears came, and I opened up my Bible to the books of Revelation, Ezekiel and Daniel, and read the visions of Yeshua. The tears started all over again. All I could think was, how infinitely powerful, infinitely beautiful, infinitely glorious the Son is -- and how his name is not only trampled by his enemies, but also by those supposed to be his children. So much of what passes as Christianity in our day and age is actually apostasy. We are living in the days where churches are removing crosses from their steeples and deleting the words "Christ, Messiah, and Jesus" out of their Bibles and liturgies. What a slap in the face to the glorious Messiah who laid aside his majesty to be beaten, whipped and crucified for our sins. Not only are we in an age where His name is being denied; but things too vile to write about are being incorporated into our "worship" services and programs, in complete defiance of the Torah; things that are a facsimile of the depravity of our fallen world, rather than a shadow of the glorious throneroom in which Yeshua is seated. And so I wept. I not only grieved for the state of God's church, but I wept for my own life and repented of any ways I might have misrepresented, blasphemed or made light of my God.
These types of experiences are deeply personal, and I would not normally share them publicly. The reason I do so in this instance is because I have been asking myself the question, "do we know what it means to mourn, as the body of Messiah"? I am not talking about being artificially morose, or continually downcast. In all of life, the joy of the Lord is to be our strength. What I mean, is, do we live with the sense of what God's heart is truly feeling? We often pray canned prayers like, "God, give me your heart," but do we really mean it? I think if we would really know the fullness of God's heart, we would not survive the grief. It seems though, that according to Messiah's words, those that are his disciples WILL live with at least some kind of a sense of mourning in their hearts:
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4
"In a little while, you will see me no more....I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." John 17:17-22I can only imagine how the disciples mourned when the bridegroom was taken away. They walked with him face to face. And yet we have been given the Spirit of adoption that cries out "Abba", even though we have not seen him as they had. The Holy Spirit is the same yesterday, today and forever. And therefore, I cry and groan with Yeshua's modern-day talmidim (disciples), and with the Spirit, who says "Come, Lord Yeshua! Come make an end to sin, strife, and depravity. Come and put your enemies under your feet. Come sanctify your Name that has been profaned among the nations. Come rule and reign in righteousness, justice, purity and peace."
May our grief soon turn to shouts of joy.
Melissa
Friday, August 27, 2010
Another Spectacular Sunset
Hello all,
Not long after I posted my last entry, I glimpsed out of the big picture window in my parents' home to see some fiery colours appearing in the sky. I dashed out of the house, camera in hand, to capture the following images. Simply amazing!
Melissa
Not long after I posted my last entry, I glimpsed out of the big picture window in my parents' home to see some fiery colours appearing in the sky. I dashed out of the house, camera in hand, to capture the following images. Simply amazing!
Melissa
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Northern Greetings
Dear Friends,
It has been a few weeks since I have written. I have been enjoying a long awaited vacation with my family. I usually make a trip once a year to spend time with my mom, dad and brother near the 58th parallel in Northern Alberta. This year, I had the added pleasure of travelling with my brother to British Columbia, where we spent a week enjoying the stunning beauty of the mountains and reliving our childhood in the communities in which we grew up as kids.
One of the more interesting things I have done in this past week was to go on a photo shoot with my über-talented brother, Aaron. The main purpose of the shoot was to get some material for my upcoming CD (photos which shall remain carefully guarded until its release....*smile*), but it also gave Aaron the chance to experiment with some new camera gear he had recently purchased. The new photo at the top of this site is his work, and I couldn't be more amazed with the results, which are raw off of the camera - no Photoshop! So a big kudos goes out to my brother. If you are interested in seeing more of his amazing work, visit his website: http://www.ditarx.com/
Last night I had the opportunity to do one of my favorite things -- something I must do every year when I visit my hometown -- go on a canoe ride with my dad. The river was extraordinarily calm last night, and the northern skies were reflected in perfect detail in the tranquil water. Dad and I were out for about three hours before sunset last night, and within those three hours, I took 125 photos! Seems silly, I know; but it's remarkable how the sky changes literally every few minutes. There is such incredible beauty in the changing light during these "golden" hours before sunset. From misty blue, to golden yellow, to fiery reds and oranges...all in the span of a couple of hours. When the clouds were wispy as they were last night, it often looks as if there are angels spanning the breadth of the sky. On top of it, we are in the middle of migration season up here, so the skies were filled with the sights and sounds of hundreds of Canada Geese and Cranes going for their evening meal in the farmers' fields surrounding us. So, with all of these things combined -- sitting in the canoe on the glassy waters, watching the sun bring all of the trees, clouds and sand to life with amber glow, hearing the haunting cry of the geese and cranes -- what can I say but, it is nothing short of sublime. I drink it in -- the quiet, the raw beauty -- knowing that in a few days I have to return to the noise and traffic of the city. It makes me sad just thinking about it, but I won't destroy my enjoyment by foreboding. One moment at a time.
As my vacation draws to a close, I now have to refocus myself on work, not only the Monday to Friday, pay-the-bills sort, but the music-writing, CD-recording type. The joy of the latter helps me to survive the monotony of the former :-)
Before I bid you adeiu, here are a few photos from last night's expedition.
Until next time,
Melissa
It has been a few weeks since I have written. I have been enjoying a long awaited vacation with my family. I usually make a trip once a year to spend time with my mom, dad and brother near the 58th parallel in Northern Alberta. This year, I had the added pleasure of travelling with my brother to British Columbia, where we spent a week enjoying the stunning beauty of the mountains and reliving our childhood in the communities in which we grew up as kids.
One of the more interesting things I have done in this past week was to go on a photo shoot with my über-talented brother, Aaron. The main purpose of the shoot was to get some material for my upcoming CD (photos which shall remain carefully guarded until its release....*smile*), but it also gave Aaron the chance to experiment with some new camera gear he had recently purchased. The new photo at the top of this site is his work, and I couldn't be more amazed with the results, which are raw off of the camera - no Photoshop! So a big kudos goes out to my brother. If you are interested in seeing more of his amazing work, visit his website: http://www.ditarx.com/
Last night I had the opportunity to do one of my favorite things -- something I must do every year when I visit my hometown -- go on a canoe ride with my dad. The river was extraordinarily calm last night, and the northern skies were reflected in perfect detail in the tranquil water. Dad and I were out for about three hours before sunset last night, and within those three hours, I took 125 photos! Seems silly, I know; but it's remarkable how the sky changes literally every few minutes. There is such incredible beauty in the changing light during these "golden" hours before sunset. From misty blue, to golden yellow, to fiery reds and oranges...all in the span of a couple of hours. When the clouds were wispy as they were last night, it often looks as if there are angels spanning the breadth of the sky. On top of it, we are in the middle of migration season up here, so the skies were filled with the sights and sounds of hundreds of Canada Geese and Cranes going for their evening meal in the farmers' fields surrounding us. So, with all of these things combined -- sitting in the canoe on the glassy waters, watching the sun bring all of the trees, clouds and sand to life with amber glow, hearing the haunting cry of the geese and cranes -- what can I say but, it is nothing short of sublime. I drink it in -- the quiet, the raw beauty -- knowing that in a few days I have to return to the noise and traffic of the city. It makes me sad just thinking about it, but I won't destroy my enjoyment by foreboding. One moment at a time.
As my vacation draws to a close, I now have to refocus myself on work, not only the Monday to Friday, pay-the-bills sort, but the music-writing, CD-recording type. The joy of the latter helps me to survive the monotony of the former :-)
Before I bid you adeiu, here are a few photos from last night's expedition.
Until next time,
Melissa
Monday, August 2, 2010
A Shelter From the Storm
Dear Friends,
It has definitely been an interesting few months in the prairies. From the late spring snowstorms that battered us in April and May, to the torrential rain in June that caused widespread flooding and damage, to the incessant severe thunderstorms this summer that rattle us from our sleep, the weather has certainly commanded our attention. Not only in western Canada, but worldwide, the earth is shaking: catastrophic floods in China and Pakistan; earthquakes in diverse places; intense heat in Russia and Europe; deadly cold (if you can believe it!) in South America. On top of these, we hear about wars and rumours of war coming out of the middle east and North Korea.
Interestingly enough, during the last few days, I have been working on a new song based on Psalm 46. It is a fitting exhortation to put our trust in God during these times of trial:
Melissa
It has definitely been an interesting few months in the prairies. From the late spring snowstorms that battered us in April and May, to the torrential rain in June that caused widespread flooding and damage, to the incessant severe thunderstorms this summer that rattle us from our sleep, the weather has certainly commanded our attention. Not only in western Canada, but worldwide, the earth is shaking: catastrophic floods in China and Pakistan; earthquakes in diverse places; intense heat in Russia and Europe; deadly cold (if you can believe it!) in South America. On top of these, we hear about wars and rumours of war coming out of the middle east and North Korea.
Interestingly enough, during the last few days, I have been working on a new song based on Psalm 46. It is a fitting exhortation to put our trust in God during these times of trial:
"God is our refuge and strength,It is sometimes difficult to see the devastation these types of severe weather events cause. Destroyed property, ruined crops, even tragic loss of lives. And yet, for those of us who believe, there is a haven from the storm. Though everything might one day be taken from us, there remains a place whose walls can never be toppled by wind, whose gates can never be damaged by hail, whose fruit can never be destroyed by drought. We look towards the city of God, the heavenly Jerusalem.
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear,
though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging."
Psalm 46:1-3
"There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,Thanks be to our God that we are drawing ever nearer to that "break of day," when the Son of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2). We know not the day or the hour, but we join our hope with the prophets and apostles of old who continually looked for the coming of the great and awesome King. Then we will see the glorious fulfillment of the end of this Messianic Psalm:
the holy place where the Most High Dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at the break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress."
Psalm 46:4-7
"Come and see the works of the Lord,Adonai is making himself known among the nations. One of my favorite scripture verses from Isaiah echoes the closing verses of this Psalm:
the desloations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.
Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress."
Psalm 46:8-11
"Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you;Creation groans, calling out with the Spirit and the Bride, "Come!" Let us be still and know that He is God. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
My soul yearns for you in the night;
in the morning my spirit longs for you.
When your judgements come upon the earth,
the people of the world learn righteousness."
Isaiah 26:8-9
Melissa
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Working 8 a.m. to Midnight...Time For A Rest!
Hi all,
Phew! What a week! If there's one thing to be said about creative streaks, it's that once you're in one, you can't think of anything else but working and getting it all out! I ordered a new piece of notation software which arrived this week, and I literally have been working every spare minute getting familiar with the new features and doing some test orchestrations for my new CD. It's fun! Maybe a little TOO fun, I think, judging from the fact I've been working so hard that I've been forgetting to do simple, basic things like eating and sleeping ;-)
I'm excited to finally get some of my pieces transcribed. Most of my ideas either remain in my head, or I play them directly to my keyboard without writing them down. Although I have a degree in composition, I tend to work more with improvisation and live in-the-moment recording, than with written scores. But, there comes a time when you want to hear some of your work played by actual live musicians...not just the synthesized kind. Here comes the work of getting all of your ideas on to paper (or in this case, computer screen first....THEN paper). And it really is work - very time consuming and finicky work. But, as with anything you love, it's completely worth it when you hear the end result of that melody that once only existed in your thoughts being sung out by a cello or a violin.
It's been an intense week, work wise. I did take a three hour "break" today, though, to prepare my house for the Sabbath. It's a routine I've come to treasure. On Thursday nights, I finish all of my housework for the week -- I do laundry, wash any dishes left undone, clean the bathrooms, vaccuum if necessary, tidy any messes...the works. You might say, "how can you treasure doing housework?" Well, firstly, although housework might seem mundane, when combined with music or prayer, it can be a time to really talk to God. Sometimes if I'm feeling blah, I'll put on a praise CD and my mood instantly changes, and the tasks pass quickly. Secondly, as I'm going about my Thursday routine, I am anticipating the end of another long work week (just like this week). With the Sabbath comes a day to rest, setting aside the cares of the world, and to just enjoy Abba, His people, His creation, and His rest. A day to remember that I am NOT in control, as much as we humans like to think we are in control. HE is my provider; I am not. HE is my sustainer; I am not. HE is my shelter; this house is not. Therefore, the thought of coming home on Friday evening to a spotless tidy house, knowing I can just relax and bask in the next 24 hours of freedom, is a truly peaceful one indeed, and it motivates me to work extra hard for that last burst on Thursday night. What a blessing the Sabbath is -- not a burden at all! Made for man; for our joy, peace and benefit. All of God's commands are liberating and freeing. The more I discover about His ways, the more I have to thank Him that His ways are not our ways. The world run according to man's ways reaps what we see today -- workaholism, strife, idolatry, broken homes, exhaustion. Life run according to God's ways brings love, joy, peace and all of the other fruits of His Spirit.
Anyway, I am beginning to babble as it is late at night and I am greatly sleep deprived due to my creative burst this week. I'll bid you adieu for now!
Shabbat Shalom (peaceful Sabbath! Almost!)
From her nice clean home,
Melissa
Below is a short video of a well-known Hebrew song, Shalom Aleichem, which I set to some photos and video I have taken over the years in Canada, the U.S.A. and Israel. "From the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same, Adonai's name is to be praised." Psalm 113:3
Phew! What a week! If there's one thing to be said about creative streaks, it's that once you're in one, you can't think of anything else but working and getting it all out! I ordered a new piece of notation software which arrived this week, and I literally have been working every spare minute getting familiar with the new features and doing some test orchestrations for my new CD. It's fun! Maybe a little TOO fun, I think, judging from the fact I've been working so hard that I've been forgetting to do simple, basic things like eating and sleeping ;-)
I'm excited to finally get some of my pieces transcribed. Most of my ideas either remain in my head, or I play them directly to my keyboard without writing them down. Although I have a degree in composition, I tend to work more with improvisation and live in-the-moment recording, than with written scores. But, there comes a time when you want to hear some of your work played by actual live musicians...not just the synthesized kind. Here comes the work of getting all of your ideas on to paper (or in this case, computer screen first....THEN paper). And it really is work - very time consuming and finicky work. But, as with anything you love, it's completely worth it when you hear the end result of that melody that once only existed in your thoughts being sung out by a cello or a violin.
It's been an intense week, work wise. I did take a three hour "break" today, though, to prepare my house for the Sabbath. It's a routine I've come to treasure. On Thursday nights, I finish all of my housework for the week -- I do laundry, wash any dishes left undone, clean the bathrooms, vaccuum if necessary, tidy any messes...the works. You might say, "how can you treasure doing housework?" Well, firstly, although housework might seem mundane, when combined with music or prayer, it can be a time to really talk to God. Sometimes if I'm feeling blah, I'll put on a praise CD and my mood instantly changes, and the tasks pass quickly. Secondly, as I'm going about my Thursday routine, I am anticipating the end of another long work week (just like this week). With the Sabbath comes a day to rest, setting aside the cares of the world, and to just enjoy Abba, His people, His creation, and His rest. A day to remember that I am NOT in control, as much as we humans like to think we are in control. HE is my provider; I am not. HE is my sustainer; I am not. HE is my shelter; this house is not. Therefore, the thought of coming home on Friday evening to a spotless tidy house, knowing I can just relax and bask in the next 24 hours of freedom, is a truly peaceful one indeed, and it motivates me to work extra hard for that last burst on Thursday night. What a blessing the Sabbath is -- not a burden at all! Made for man; for our joy, peace and benefit. All of God's commands are liberating and freeing. The more I discover about His ways, the more I have to thank Him that His ways are not our ways. The world run according to man's ways reaps what we see today -- workaholism, strife, idolatry, broken homes, exhaustion. Life run according to God's ways brings love, joy, peace and all of the other fruits of His Spirit.
Anyway, I am beginning to babble as it is late at night and I am greatly sleep deprived due to my creative burst this week. I'll bid you adieu for now!
Shabbat Shalom (peaceful Sabbath! Almost!)
From her nice clean home,
Melissa
Below is a short video of a well-known Hebrew song, Shalom Aleichem, which I set to some photos and video I have taken over the years in Canada, the U.S.A. and Israel. "From the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same, Adonai's name is to be praised." Psalm 113:3
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Blog Changes and Additions
Hi all,
I apologize if my blog goes a bit wacky from time to time in the next few days. I am adding some stand alone pages (see the tabs on the top of the blog, under the header bar). These pages will give you information about me, my vision, projects, and testimonials about my music. Essentially, this is information that I planned to include on my website, but I'm finding that I just haven't had the time to finish my website! Too many things to do, too little time. Moreover, in the time since I registered my domain name, Blogger has improved its functionality to include things that I would have had to do manually on my website. This might actually eliminate the need to create a separate website, until such time as I need to use features like e-commerce, etc. I have found that authoring my own site from scratch is just too time consuming for updates and changes (not to mention manually checking links, HTML code, etc.). Blogs are just so much easier to keep current than a website that's designed manually, and if I can't keep a website current, there's not much point in having one! So, in the end, I may just have my web address link back to this blog. When all is said and done, I don't want to be spending more time trying to keep a website current than I spend actually composing, playing and recording! And right now, I have to say that I am spending more time with technical things than with music -- so enough is enough! In the next weeks, if I find that it's more efficient just to use this blog as my main portal of communication, that's what I'm going to do.
I'm also going to be fiddling with the design/layout of this blog, so if you notice anything that looks weird, hang in there -- I'll have it fixed soon!
Thanks for your patience!
Melissa
I apologize if my blog goes a bit wacky from time to time in the next few days. I am adding some stand alone pages (see the tabs on the top of the blog, under the header bar). These pages will give you information about me, my vision, projects, and testimonials about my music. Essentially, this is information that I planned to include on my website, but I'm finding that I just haven't had the time to finish my website! Too many things to do, too little time. Moreover, in the time since I registered my domain name, Blogger has improved its functionality to include things that I would have had to do manually on my website. This might actually eliminate the need to create a separate website, until such time as I need to use features like e-commerce, etc. I have found that authoring my own site from scratch is just too time consuming for updates and changes (not to mention manually checking links, HTML code, etc.). Blogs are just so much easier to keep current than a website that's designed manually, and if I can't keep a website current, there's not much point in having one! So, in the end, I may just have my web address link back to this blog. When all is said and done, I don't want to be spending more time trying to keep a website current than I spend actually composing, playing and recording! And right now, I have to say that I am spending more time with technical things than with music -- so enough is enough! In the next weeks, if I find that it's more efficient just to use this blog as my main portal of communication, that's what I'm going to do.
I'm also going to be fiddling with the design/layout of this blog, so if you notice anything that looks weird, hang in there -- I'll have it fixed soon!
Thanks for your patience!
Melissa
Friday, June 25, 2010
Of Sore Thumbs and Silenced Instruments
Dear Friends,
About three weeks ago, a minor road block was thrown into the midst of my path of productivity. I was cooking dinner for myself on a Monday night, and in one of those unexpected slips of the hand, I sliced deep into my left thumb with my brand new (and very sharp, I might add) chef's knife. Although I had hoped to avoid stitches, the wound would not stop bleeding, neither at home, nor in the emergency room, and therefore the doctor decided it would be best to suture it. My first experience with laceration repair was not the most pleasant experience of my life to be certain (who knew three local injections of lidocaine in the thumb could be so painful!), but I survived. Then began the slow process of swelling, pain, and eventual healing. As I have not been able to use my thumb for three weeks, I have thus not been able to do much playing on my instruments, or much of anything requiring this miraculous digit's expertise. So, yet another delay. We really take for granted little things like thumbs! May I never again forget to give thanks for small miracles like being able to grasp a hairbrush or squeeze a tube of toothpaste. I am seeing progress, as tonight I played my piano for an hour (slowly and softly, mind you). I am hoping that in a couple of weeks my left hand will return to its regular nimble state!
In the meantime, I am getting some ideas for the upcoming recording and my excitement level is beginning to rise! I'm looking forward to arranging some older pieces, and also, with heaven's inspiration, creating some new ones - all unified around a central theme that I will keep quiet for now. We all need SOME surprises in life, don't we?
Until next time,
Melissa :)
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Faith in Hard Times
Hi friends,
It's been a while since I've posted. I took a bit of a hiatus from being online while I had some family visiting, and that was a nice reprieve. I've also had a couple of other situations crop up lately that have interefered with me finishing my website, but I really hope to have something up shortly.
From the talks and e-mail discussions I have had with friends recently, it seems as if I can pull out one common thread: almost everyone is enduring some kind of testing of their faith right now. Whether it be health trials, job loss, relationship stress, or something else, it is almost as if everyone I know is going through the wringer in some aspect of their lives! I'm trying to hang on to the scripture that says that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Sometimes, on the contrary, it seems as if testing of the faith produces perplexity and pain, rather than patience and perseverance. But obviously, it's our choice of response to the testing that produces the fruit. I pray for all of my brothers and sisters who are enduring fiery trials. May your faith come forth as precious gold in the sight of the Lord.
I was reminded of a poem I wrote a few years ago, when enduring such a time of sadness and pain. I hope it blesses someone.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Teach Me to Sing
April 21, 2007 – Upon observing a house finch in my tree
Upon thee I gaze, my ethereal winged friend
Whose emancipated singing knows not an end
Whose sweet melodious tones now impart
A balm of comfort to my downtrodden heart
Thy warbling reflects love eternal, divine
A song to thy Creator, who dwells not in time
Blissful contentment in thy voice do I hear
A heart bounding with mirth, and free from all fear
For thou knowest, assured, that thou hast not a need
While thy Father, in diligence, thy mouth He will feed
In peaceful security thy feathers may rest
In His capable hands, thou buildest thy nest
Sweet ballad of joy, o so rich, o so pure
Unfolds such a trust, o so steady, so sure
That though the north wind carry tempest or rain
Without falter, the south wind shall soon blow again
Thy fair rosy colour is imbued with warm glow
For the Son on thee shineth, His care thou dost know
Dear friend, upon whom my eyes are now fixed
While my soul lieth valley and shadow betwixt
May my spirit, from thine innocence, wisdom now glean
Through thy beauty and simplicity, my Saviour be seen
May my heart learn the notes of thy glorious song
Then join in thy praise, and for eternity long
Where like thee I’ll fly on the wings of the wind
Forever be freed from the sadness and sin
That oft dampen, and keep this royal songbird from flight
Stealing her joy, and her songs in the night
Like thine air, free of striving, struggle and sorrow
May my heart never faint at the thought of tomorrow
But rather, like thee, full of freedom and grace
Today, in this moment, see His glorious face.
-Melissa Dittrich
It's been a while since I've posted. I took a bit of a hiatus from being online while I had some family visiting, and that was a nice reprieve. I've also had a couple of other situations crop up lately that have interefered with me finishing my website, but I really hope to have something up shortly.
From the talks and e-mail discussions I have had with friends recently, it seems as if I can pull out one common thread: almost everyone is enduring some kind of testing of their faith right now. Whether it be health trials, job loss, relationship stress, or something else, it is almost as if everyone I know is going through the wringer in some aspect of their lives! I'm trying to hang on to the scripture that says that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Sometimes, on the contrary, it seems as if testing of the faith produces perplexity and pain, rather than patience and perseverance. But obviously, it's our choice of response to the testing that produces the fruit. I pray for all of my brothers and sisters who are enduring fiery trials. May your faith come forth as precious gold in the sight of the Lord.
I was reminded of a poem I wrote a few years ago, when enduring such a time of sadness and pain. I hope it blesses someone.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Teach Me to Sing
April 21, 2007 – Upon observing a house finch in my tree
Upon thee I gaze, my ethereal winged friend
Whose emancipated singing knows not an end
Whose sweet melodious tones now impart
A balm of comfort to my downtrodden heart
Thy warbling reflects love eternal, divine
A song to thy Creator, who dwells not in time
Blissful contentment in thy voice do I hear
A heart bounding with mirth, and free from all fear
For thou knowest, assured, that thou hast not a need
While thy Father, in diligence, thy mouth He will feed
In peaceful security thy feathers may rest
In His capable hands, thou buildest thy nest
Sweet ballad of joy, o so rich, o so pure
Unfolds such a trust, o so steady, so sure
That though the north wind carry tempest or rain
Without falter, the south wind shall soon blow again
Thy fair rosy colour is imbued with warm glow
For the Son on thee shineth, His care thou dost know
Dear friend, upon whom my eyes are now fixed
While my soul lieth valley and shadow betwixt
May my spirit, from thine innocence, wisdom now glean
Through thy beauty and simplicity, my Saviour be seen
May my heart learn the notes of thy glorious song
Then join in thy praise, and for eternity long
Where like thee I’ll fly on the wings of the wind
Forever be freed from the sadness and sin
That oft dampen, and keep this royal songbird from flight
Stealing her joy, and her songs in the night
Like thine air, free of striving, struggle and sorrow
May my heart never faint at the thought of tomorrow
But rather, like thee, full of freedom and grace
Today, in this moment, see His glorious face.
-Melissa Dittrich
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Shout for Joy
Good evening all,
I thought I'd make mention of a new video clip that I've uploaded to my YouTube site.
My friends and I had the awesome privilege of leading a time of corporate worship this past weekend at the Calgary Dream Centre. Several Messianic congregations from across Alberta, as well as a representation from the Calgary Christian community, joined together for a night of exuberant praise and worship in celebration of the feast of Shavuot (Pentecost). The whole evening was charged with joy and celebration. It was a very special time. To see young and old from many different cultures and backgrounds, all joined together in praise and dance before the Lord was so touching. What a foretaste of what is to come when all nations, tribes and tongues stand before the throne and glorify the Lamb together!
Hope you enjoy this clip.
I thought I'd make mention of a new video clip that I've uploaded to my YouTube site.
My friends and I had the awesome privilege of leading a time of corporate worship this past weekend at the Calgary Dream Centre. Several Messianic congregations from across Alberta, as well as a representation from the Calgary Christian community, joined together for a night of exuberant praise and worship in celebration of the feast of Shavuot (Pentecost). The whole evening was charged with joy and celebration. It was a very special time. To see young and old from many different cultures and backgrounds, all joined together in praise and dance before the Lord was so touching. What a foretaste of what is to come when all nations, tribes and tongues stand before the throne and glorify the Lamb together!
Hope you enjoy this clip.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Fragrance of Spring
Hi Friends,
Spring has finally arrived in my fair city, and I couldn't be happier about the fact. After a barrage of snowstorms in April and early May, the present weather seems all the more wonderful. The apple trees and cherry bushes are now in full bloom and are filling the city with a fragrance delicately sweet and refreshing, both to the senses and to the soul.
Spring is the season of new life. Everything that lay dormant, bare and frozen, miraculously transforms into greenery, blooms and buds. It reminds me of what God desires us to have: life, and life abundantly (John 10:10). And what is life, but to know HIM -- our creator, our shepherd, our Abba Father. He wants us to know His nearness, like the warmth of the afternoon sun upon the face. He desires that we join with the songs of the joyful assembly of angels and saints gathered around the throne, just as the red-winged blackbirds, robins and house finches chime in sweet and ever-praising chorus outside my window. He wants to refresh us with His presence like the morning dew distilling on tender buds.
Oh Lord, how I desire YOUR life! Refresh the hearts of your saints, especially those who have been long enduring a spiritual winter, with your life-giving Spirit.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Music Therapy Stories: Part II
Heart Surgery
A few years ago, some friends and I were invited to lead worship at a conference in Calgary. Two of us from the team were being billeted by a lovely couple from the host congregation. The gentleman had been expressing to us throughout the weekend how he and his wife had been enduring a very difficult few months. They were dealing with many issues so common to life in the twenty-first century: workplace stresses, time pressures, busy schedules, and most unfortunately, some strained friendships. It had left the couple very weary in body, soul and spirit.
My fellow musician and I decided that, when the conference was over, we would take our instruments and provide a little private "concert" for this couple in their own home. So, the Sunday morning following the conference, we did just that. While the husband performed culinary magic in the kitchen (I have never tasted a better omelette), and the wife sat quietly at the dining room table, we serenaded them with a mixture of worship songs and spontaneous music. We gave it our very all - just the same as if we would have had an audience of two thousand, rather than two. It was such a blessing to see this couple "drink in" the presence of the Lord and enjoy the ministry of the music and lyrics. Tears streamed down the wife's cheeks. When breakfast was ready to eat, and we had finished playing, the husband said to us, "You have no idea what you have done. I feel like the Lord has done heart surgery."
Another one of those "eureka" moments. I was so blessed and excited to have been able to make a difference in their life. What else in life really matters, except seeing the Lord's hand move upon others in His goodness and love? Nothing material could ever compare to that.
A few years ago, some friends and I were invited to lead worship at a conference in Calgary. Two of us from the team were being billeted by a lovely couple from the host congregation. The gentleman had been expressing to us throughout the weekend how he and his wife had been enduring a very difficult few months. They were dealing with many issues so common to life in the twenty-first century: workplace stresses, time pressures, busy schedules, and most unfortunately, some strained friendships. It had left the couple very weary in body, soul and spirit.
My fellow musician and I decided that, when the conference was over, we would take our instruments and provide a little private "concert" for this couple in their own home. So, the Sunday morning following the conference, we did just that. While the husband performed culinary magic in the kitchen (I have never tasted a better omelette), and the wife sat quietly at the dining room table, we serenaded them with a mixture of worship songs and spontaneous music. We gave it our very all - just the same as if we would have had an audience of two thousand, rather than two. It was such a blessing to see this couple "drink in" the presence of the Lord and enjoy the ministry of the music and lyrics. Tears streamed down the wife's cheeks. When breakfast was ready to eat, and we had finished playing, the husband said to us, "You have no idea what you have done. I feel like the Lord has done heart surgery."
Another one of those "eureka" moments. I was so blessed and excited to have been able to make a difference in their life. What else in life really matters, except seeing the Lord's hand move upon others in His goodness and love? Nothing material could ever compare to that.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Success!
Hi everyone!
As you can see by the "Buy the Album" link in the righthand column of this blog, Voice of Many Waters is now available to order online! Yay! The digital tracks don't seem to be available for download quite yet, but I imagine they will be within the next few days, as I just approved them yesterday. You can click on the "Buy the Album" button to preview, purchase, or to view my artist bio on CDBaby.com. Also, if you alrady have the CD and would like to leave a review, I'd be most appreciative! (Find the review section underneath the album notes) You'll have to create a CDBaby login name and password, but that's not such a bad thing -- you'll have access to a lot of great independent music by doing so. :)
Have a great day!
Melissa
As you can see by the "Buy the Album" link in the righthand column of this blog, Voice of Many Waters is now available to order online! Yay! The digital tracks don't seem to be available for download quite yet, but I imagine they will be within the next few days, as I just approved them yesterday. You can click on the "Buy the Album" button to preview, purchase, or to view my artist bio on CDBaby.com. Also, if you alrady have the CD and would like to leave a review, I'd be most appreciative! (Find the review section underneath the album notes) You'll have to create a CDBaby login name and password, but that's not such a bad thing -- you'll have access to a lot of great independent music by doing so. :)
Have a great day!
Melissa
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Eternity
Today as I went about my daily routine, I was pondering one of those subjects that will never be grasped by the mind of man: eternity. Lately, I've been finding myself thinking more and more about this mysterious reality -- that God has always existed, exists, and will always exist. I'm sure there aren't many who would not join me in saying that the thought short-circuits the intellect, and I find myself mentally spinning my wheels trying to grasp it. Perhaps what got me on this line of thinking was a quick e-mail from my brother, who is currently on vacation in South America, where the night sky is one of the darkest (that is, the stars most visible) on earth. In his short message, he noted that the incredible light given off by the centre of the Milky Way directly overhead was so bright that it casts shadows. "It really gives a person a sense of their place in the universe. I was at a loss for words really," was his actual statement. In our teenage years, he and I used to spend hours upon hours stargazing in the darkness of the great white north, and my reaction was always the same: complete and utter awe and wonder.
I've been thinking also, how as a child, I used to be afraid of eternity. Ecclesiastes says that God has placed eternity in our hearts. Deep down, we all know that there is more to life than the years we spend in this mortal body. Even for those who are saved by the Messiah's precious blood, who know that they will spend eternity in God's presence, the thought is still just so, well, BIG. Our minds are finite, and to try to comprehend something never ending, even something so magnificent, is impossible.
Lately, though, I find that deep within my spirit something is longing for this true reality -- to dwell with God, apart from the confines and of time and the limitations of this fragile tent that we call our mortal body. Perhaps it is the fact that there is just so much I want to do, and time always seems to be a hindering factor. There are moments of inspiration and joy that come, where you just want to linger and linger...but the next duty calls and you must abandon them. As an example, I spent my lunchbreak a few days ago at a local park. The sun was shining for the first time in a long time, and the presence of the Lord as I sat in my car and prayed, was sweet. Alas, I had to leave that precious kairos moment because I had to return to the office. I felt so sad, and in that moment, my longing for eternity grew just a little. It grows a little more every day.
I'm starting to grasp that one day, when the veil of this present world is lifted, the REAL reality will shine forth in glory -- the Glory of the Lamb, who was, who is, and who is coming again. No more tears, no more pain, no more sickness. No more limits. Clothed in the hope of the resurrection -- a new, incorruptible body:
1John 3:2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
I like to dream about the possibilities now, rather than being overwhelmed by the thought. I have all eternity to discover the Lord's goodness. All eternity to bask in His presence and in the fellowship of the saints (which is a wonderful thought indeed, for it seems the busyness of modern life has made the true fellowship rare). All eternity to enjoy the incredible beauty of the new creation, which must be beyond my ability to fathom in its loveliness. And maybe, just maybe, I will be able to learn new musical instruments and write all the music I want to without having to worry about needing to be in bed by 11 p.m. lest I ruin my health ;-)
Maranatha!
I've been thinking also, how as a child, I used to be afraid of eternity. Ecclesiastes says that God has placed eternity in our hearts. Deep down, we all know that there is more to life than the years we spend in this mortal body. Even for those who are saved by the Messiah's precious blood, who know that they will spend eternity in God's presence, the thought is still just so, well, BIG. Our minds are finite, and to try to comprehend something never ending, even something so magnificent, is impossible.
Lately, though, I find that deep within my spirit something is longing for this true reality -- to dwell with God, apart from the confines and of time and the limitations of this fragile tent that we call our mortal body. Perhaps it is the fact that there is just so much I want to do, and time always seems to be a hindering factor. There are moments of inspiration and joy that come, where you just want to linger and linger...but the next duty calls and you must abandon them. As an example, I spent my lunchbreak a few days ago at a local park. The sun was shining for the first time in a long time, and the presence of the Lord as I sat in my car and prayed, was sweet. Alas, I had to leave that precious kairos moment because I had to return to the office. I felt so sad, and in that moment, my longing for eternity grew just a little. It grows a little more every day.
I'm starting to grasp that one day, when the veil of this present world is lifted, the REAL reality will shine forth in glory -- the Glory of the Lamb, who was, who is, and who is coming again. No more tears, no more pain, no more sickness. No more limits. Clothed in the hope of the resurrection -- a new, incorruptible body:
1John 3:2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
I like to dream about the possibilities now, rather than being overwhelmed by the thought. I have all eternity to discover the Lord's goodness. All eternity to bask in His presence and in the fellowship of the saints (which is a wonderful thought indeed, for it seems the busyness of modern life has made the true fellowship rare). All eternity to enjoy the incredible beauty of the new creation, which must be beyond my ability to fathom in its loveliness. And maybe, just maybe, I will be able to learn new musical instruments and write all the music I want to without having to worry about needing to be in bed by 11 p.m. lest I ruin my health ;-)
Maranatha!
Almost there!
Hi friends,
I received an e-mail from CD Baby today saying that they have received my discs. I'm very glad that it only took a week for them to arrive, as opposed to what the post office told me (up to two weeks!). So, within the next 5 days or so, Voice of Many Waters should be available for download and physical purchase. For those of you who haven't heard clips, you will be able to preview individual tracks there as well. I'll post a link to that page as soon as it is available. (For those of you in Canada, you can still e-mail me to order a physical copy. You'll probably receive it more quickly if I send it to you, as opposed to it going through the U.S. Postal System!).
I'm also hoping upload some singles from my home-released albums by next week sometime. I've done a few small-run (50 - 200 copies) albums that have always sold out in quick time, so I figure it might be a good idea to make the favorite tracks from those discs available to a wider audience. As much as I love making personalized CDs (and will continue to do so, as the Lord leads and inspires), it's so much easier to distribute electronically should more people desire to hear the music! I just have to do a little touch-up and mastering on those tracks, and then I'll start uploading.
As a note, all of the music that is available on CDBaby will also be available on Amazon and iTunes in due course.
In closing, I'd like to thank all of you who have sent e-mails of encouragement and support this last week. You have no idea how much your words mean to me!
Thanks,
Melissa
I received an e-mail from CD Baby today saying that they have received my discs. I'm very glad that it only took a week for them to arrive, as opposed to what the post office told me (up to two weeks!). So, within the next 5 days or so, Voice of Many Waters should be available for download and physical purchase. For those of you who haven't heard clips, you will be able to preview individual tracks there as well. I'll post a link to that page as soon as it is available. (For those of you in Canada, you can still e-mail me to order a physical copy. You'll probably receive it more quickly if I send it to you, as opposed to it going through the U.S. Postal System!).
I'm also hoping upload some singles from my home-released albums by next week sometime. I've done a few small-run (50 - 200 copies) albums that have always sold out in quick time, so I figure it might be a good idea to make the favorite tracks from those discs available to a wider audience. As much as I love making personalized CDs (and will continue to do so, as the Lord leads and inspires), it's so much easier to distribute electronically should more people desire to hear the music! I just have to do a little touch-up and mastering on those tracks, and then I'll start uploading.
As a note, all of the music that is available on CDBaby will also be available on Amazon and iTunes in due course.
In closing, I'd like to thank all of you who have sent e-mails of encouragement and support this last week. You have no idea how much your words mean to me!
Thanks,
Melissa
Monday, May 10, 2010
Music Therapy Series
I'd like to start a series of posts about my experiences with the healing power of music. I already have quite a few stories to draw from...hence the need for a series! I'm sharing these stories in the hopes that they might inspire you to use whatever gifts God has given you to reach out to others. One of my gifts happens to be music. Yours might be carpentry, accounting, filmmaking, or janitorial prowess. Whatever it is - use it well, and use it for Him!
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Story One: Car Accident Victim
Two years ago, on a stormy December evening, I got one of those telephone calls that everyone fears they might get at some point in their life. A friend's mother had been in a severe car accident, and was clinging to life in the Intensive Care Unit. The prognosis was not good. Needless to say, when I hung up the phone, the first thing I did was pray. The second thing I did was ask myself, "What can I do, Lord?"
Having been placed on the visitor list, I arrived the next afternoon in the ICU, not knowing what to expect. Although I have worked in healthcare for seven years, and have been at the bedsides of very sick and dying patients, I was not prepared for the state in which my friend lay. She was swollen and bruised beyond recognition, hemovac drains coming out of her chest, intubated and on assisted respiration. What's worse, when I arrived, she was in distress. (I was actually a little surprised that the medical staff attending her allowed me to enter the room!)
I came to her bedside and started talking to her softly, in the hopes that her spirit would understand, despite all of the medications. As I watched her vital signs monitor, it was evident that her pulse was extremely elevated, her repiration rate was all over the map and her oxygen saturation was below normal. She was moving as much as she could in the bed, in a very agitated and uncomfortable manner, and the look of sheer terror on her wide-open eyes was one I will never forget. She had no idea what was going on or what had happened to her.
Speaking to her did not seem to be making much of an impact. I took her hand, and began to hum some simple melodies. She began to calm slightly. Then I began to sing softly -- whatever came to my heart, whether it be sponatenous Scriptures, or worship choruses. The transformation was incredible. Within the span of twenty minutes, her pulse, respiration rate and oxygen sats had stabilized. Not only that, she now lay calmly in her bed with her eyes closed, and as I kept singing, tears started rolling down her cheeks and she began squeezing my hand. It was one of the most remarkable experiences of my life. I left the ICU that afternoon praising God and thinking, "Lord, this is what I was born to do."
As a note, the lady in this story made a full recovery from her injuries! Hallelujah!
--------------------------------------------------------
Story One: Car Accident Victim
Two years ago, on a stormy December evening, I got one of those telephone calls that everyone fears they might get at some point in their life. A friend's mother had been in a severe car accident, and was clinging to life in the Intensive Care Unit. The prognosis was not good. Needless to say, when I hung up the phone, the first thing I did was pray. The second thing I did was ask myself, "What can I do, Lord?"
Having been placed on the visitor list, I arrived the next afternoon in the ICU, not knowing what to expect. Although I have worked in healthcare for seven years, and have been at the bedsides of very sick and dying patients, I was not prepared for the state in which my friend lay. She was swollen and bruised beyond recognition, hemovac drains coming out of her chest, intubated and on assisted respiration. What's worse, when I arrived, she was in distress. (I was actually a little surprised that the medical staff attending her allowed me to enter the room!)
I came to her bedside and started talking to her softly, in the hopes that her spirit would understand, despite all of the medications. As I watched her vital signs monitor, it was evident that her pulse was extremely elevated, her repiration rate was all over the map and her oxygen saturation was below normal. She was moving as much as she could in the bed, in a very agitated and uncomfortable manner, and the look of sheer terror on her wide-open eyes was one I will never forget. She had no idea what was going on or what had happened to her.
Speaking to her did not seem to be making much of an impact. I took her hand, and began to hum some simple melodies. She began to calm slightly. Then I began to sing softly -- whatever came to my heart, whether it be sponatenous Scriptures, or worship choruses. The transformation was incredible. Within the span of twenty minutes, her pulse, respiration rate and oxygen sats had stabilized. Not only that, she now lay calmly in her bed with her eyes closed, and as I kept singing, tears started rolling down her cheeks and she began squeezing my hand. It was one of the most remarkable experiences of my life. I left the ICU that afternoon praising God and thinking, "Lord, this is what I was born to do."
As a note, the lady in this story made a full recovery from her injuries! Hallelujah!
Progress
Now that I've welcomed you all, here's the pertinent news:
I'm making great progress on my website. It's been a while since I've built a website (and I was never an expert to begin with...), so it seems every few years I need to refresh my memory on WYSIWYG editors and HTML... Lord willing, I'm hoping to have the site live by the beginning of June at the latest!
Progress is also being made toward having my music available for purchase online through CDBaby. Stay tuned! For now, you can still view my videos at www.youtube.com/VOMWMusic
The last few weeks have seen a lot of really late nights in front of the computer getting all of this online stuff figured out. It really is time consuming, isn't it? I'm anxious to get it all finished and to return to pouring all of that energy into composing and playing. It's been my heart's desire, ever since I purchased my King David harp last spring, to produce a new CD focused on this beautiful instrument. Not only that, but everyone's been asking for one! It's been four years since I released Voice of Many Waters, and I've had many inquiries on when my next album is coming out. I've given out many homemade discs in those four years, and composed a LOT of music (from solo piano, to harp, to vocals, to orchestral style music, to silly children's songs)...but the time has come to focus on a unified collection of music -- something more professionally produced. In the meantime, you can sample some of my homemade and quickly-captured ideas in the ReverbNation player on this blog.
Well, back to work...!
I'm making great progress on my website. It's been a while since I've built a website (and I was never an expert to begin with...), so it seems every few years I need to refresh my memory on WYSIWYG editors and HTML... Lord willing, I'm hoping to have the site live by the beginning of June at the latest!
Progress is also being made toward having my music available for purchase online through CDBaby. Stay tuned! For now, you can still view my videos at www.youtube.com/VOMWMusic
The last few weeks have seen a lot of really late nights in front of the computer getting all of this online stuff figured out. It really is time consuming, isn't it? I'm anxious to get it all finished and to return to pouring all of that energy into composing and playing. It's been my heart's desire, ever since I purchased my King David harp last spring, to produce a new CD focused on this beautiful instrument. Not only that, but everyone's been asking for one! It's been four years since I released Voice of Many Waters, and I've had many inquiries on when my next album is coming out. I've given out many homemade discs in those four years, and composed a LOT of music (from solo piano, to harp, to vocals, to orchestral style music, to silly children's songs)...but the time has come to focus on a unified collection of music -- something more professionally produced. In the meantime, you can sample some of my homemade and quickly-captured ideas in the ReverbNation player on this blog.
Well, back to work...!
First Post
Hi Friends,
Welcome to my official blog. I am new to this online world, so please be patient with me as I fiddle with all of the features to get the blog looking the way I want it to!
I hope to use this site to keep everyone up to date on any news related to my musical and artistic endeavours. But, because I'm also a prolific writer and a deep thinker, you might see the occasional (or frequent) posting totally unrelated to music or art -- perhaps meditations on nature, the Scriptures, or life in general. I'll play it by ear... (no musical pun intended) ;)
Blessings,
Melissa
Welcome to my official blog. I am new to this online world, so please be patient with me as I fiddle with all of the features to get the blog looking the way I want it to!
I hope to use this site to keep everyone up to date on any news related to my musical and artistic endeavours. But, because I'm also a prolific writer and a deep thinker, you might see the occasional (or frequent) posting totally unrelated to music or art -- perhaps meditations on nature, the Scriptures, or life in general. I'll play it by ear... (no musical pun intended) ;)
Blessings,
Melissa
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