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
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