We have been super busy recording audition videos and recital videos. It’s exhausting, and so hard to know when enough is enough!!! Even though you know no take will be perfect, it’s so easy to say…”just one more”. Well, we are done recording. We don’t have a single “perfect” take, and it’s ok! We have a few good ones to choose from! This is why there was no post yesterday. We were just tired! Today, Wren recorded Spirit of the Living God as her hymn of comfort. We hope you enjoy!
Page 7 of 13
It’s the most amazing thing! When she plays the cello, the birds fly in. I know I’ve written about this before, but I’m really starting to see more of a pattern. In fact, I might have to do a study! Tonight we were recording the hymn of comfort, and this little flycatcher flew in and landed right outside the window of our sunroom.
After we recorded the short hymn of comfort, Wren kept playing and improvising. While she played, so many birds came in! First it was a female oriole:
Then a chipping sparrow, robins, hummingbirds, and our resident cardinal (look at how he was listening – totally tilting his head towards the window).
Then this happened!
I have never seen a redstart in my yard (this might be a life-bird for me, I don’t keep lists, so I’m not 100% sure). I watched this little bird for 30 minutes! He was really showing off and fanning his tail! I hope he sticks around!! Here are some more pictures!
I know this words of this hymn were not necessarily intended to be about nature (creation):
I love thy kingdom, Lord
the house of thine abode,
the church of our blest Redeemer saved
with his own precious blood.
Many Christians emphasize “church” and ignore the “house of thine abode.” We, the church, are called to love and care for creation, this “dwelling place.” In Colossians we read:
For in him all things were created:
things in heaven and on earth,
visible and invisible, whether thrones
or powers or rulers or authorities;
all things have been created through him and for him.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together…
…and through him to reconcile to himself all things,
whether things on earth or things in heaven,
by making peace through his blood on the cross.
Colossians 1:16-17; 20
I understand this to mean that Christ will come to reconcile all things! Not just humans, and what beautiful things our creator has made… (I saw all of these amazing things in less than 1 hour!)
Wren and I were asked to play together for the prelude at church tonight. Typically, the cello and the trumpet do not play duets…but we happen to know an amazing composer who was able to provide us with an amazing arrangement (and piano accompaniment). Thanks Nonnie!!
We are so blessed to be in a church that values intergenerational worship. Wren has been participating in leading worship through music since she was 5! I started playing my trumpet in church when I was in Junior High (I didn’t start playing as early as she did). So, it was a real treat to play together – and to have my mom – who teaches us both about worship through music – playing with us as well!!!
This time of year shouldn’t be so exhausting. These screens are starting to get to us!! I’m looking forward to “zoomless” days and more time to explore outside. Until then we will rest in knowing that Jesus Reigns (hymn of comfort).
Wren is finding some lovely hymns! This is a new one to me too. Give Me the Wings of Faith to Rise. It’s also fortuitous that it has wings in the title…which means I can show you more bird pictures!!
Well, maybe you’d at least like to see how much the baby owl has grown!!
Can you believe that Trumpeter Swans were hunted to near extinction in the early 20th century? Their population was as low as 69 individuals in the 1930s. Thankfully this beautiful species has recovered and we occasionally have them visit us in Illinois! The photo was taken near our home in December. The one in the background is young (see the pinkish bill?) Swans are so graceful and peaceful just like the gorgeous cello solo, The Swan by Saint-Saens. This piece is very comforting, so it is Wren’s “hymn” of comfort for today. This was requested by a good friend in Arkansas!!! We hope you love it!!
Honestly, we were a little tired this afternoon, so we are going to remember a past performance. This is Wren’s audition for the Suzuki Youth Orchestra of the Americas. She was chosen to participate in the first orchestra (8/9/10 year olds) and we had a wonderful time in 2018. She auditioned again in the fall for the 2020 orchestra, and we would be going again next week, if things were a little different in the world. The conference/orchestra was postponed instead of cancelled, so we are hoping to go in September! This is Wren in 2017 playing Humoresque by Dvorak.
Wren loves space, so it’s not a surprise that she was drawn to this hymn. Even though she found this in the hymnal I grew up with, I never remember singing this. I really like what it’s saying though…(even though Wren says she doesn’t really understand what it’s about!)
Here are a couple of verses of this hymn:
God of earth and outer space, God of love and God of grace, bless the astronauts who fly as they soar beyond the sky. God who flung the stars in space, God who set the sun ablaze, fling the spacecraft through the air, let man know your presence there. God of man's exploring mind, God of wisdom, God of time, launch us from complacency to a world in need of thee. God of power, God of might, God of rockets firing bright. Hearts ignite and thrust within, love for Christ to share with men.
Honestly, I’m not sure I understand all of the words, but the important part to me is that it will show Wren that God is with us in all we do, and we can be His light to the world in any vocation!
I made these photo composites for Wren last Halloween. She worked so hard on this costume, and it was a fun way to use my star and moon photography! We enjoyed using our imagination!
I’m so blessed to be a mom and to have an amazing mom! This kid and I have a lot of amazing adventures together!!!
We love that we get to share our adventures with my mom (Nonnie)!!!
I’m very thankful for these blessings!!! I’m sure that we will be able to enjoy many new adventures in the future! We will be patient in the meantime. Wren’s hymn of comfort today is My Jesus I Love Thee!
Recent Comments