Here is a recent poem I wrote based on the novel, 'The Rooftoppers' by Katherine Rundell. For fellow cello lovers, musicians, or just readers in general, it's a fun read with an amazing voice and a keen sense of imagination.You should check it out! Thanks!
above the sleeping city,
atop the rooftops where
a girl looks for her mother
as her cello plays somewhere.
her heart is pounding faster,
her feet can scarce keep pace
the dreams of her existence
were to come now face to face.
perhaps this was the moment,
her body quaked and shivered.
she'd finally meet the woman
who released her to the river.
Hey guys! As you can see, I have FINALLY finished embroidering my puebla dress/blouse! Though it took me an unnecessarily long time to complete (seeing that I started it this time last year), I was preoccupied and distracted with other things in life that it slid to the back burner. But I am happy to inform you all that today, it has finally been completed!
As I continue my two year study, my love for Mexico strengthens each day. I am fascinated with the history, certain aspects in the culture, the language, the people, the food, the clothing, the music... it enraptures me as I read, watch, write and learn about it each day. What is this yearning? I do not know as yet, but I long to visit Mexico someday, and it's my plan to get there.
As shown, the waist of the dress is wrapped in a red band or scarf, with a black gypsy skirt giving it that 'Mexican' look which I adore! I'm pleased with the contrast colors as well and I must say this ended up turning out more authentic- looking than I thought!
Ah, yes! What would Mexico be without the music? My increasing love for mariachi has caused me to begin humming it while I wash dishes or during chores. I am currently looking for some salsa music that I'd enjoy, not to mention many other Mexican genres there are. Do you know a few?
And finally dancing, another thing which I love and is found in Mexican culture! My mind is sparking with ideas on making many more garments such as this. I have so enjoyed watching the transformation of a once bed sheet into a beautiful garment with the swirls of the land to the south.
I hope this has been of interest, and I appreciate all my readers beautiful and lovely comments!
I hope you have a blessed day and begin to walk in the calling Yah has given you!
Now that I'm beginning to get in a pretty steady routine after graduating, I thought I would upload some senior pictures my sister took of me! I think she did a great job and displayed exactly what I wanted her to capture... my love for music, nature, and my free creative spirit. I think the results were quite stunning, because each one was beautiful and unique in its own way! Which are your favorites?
Life has been busy lately, but I don't think I've enjoyed all its diversity up until now! I can feel myself changing as a new sense of confidence takes on, a new love for learning, and a strange inner thrill to seek adventure and chase the lions in my path. But yet... I also feel trapped; a contrast of doubts bid me to stay confined to what I know, what's safe and sound. But without risks, where would there be adventure?
These coming months of preparation for the future keep me intrigued and hesitant, but I am determined to pursue what is laid before me... though everything within me screams against it, I will attain my goals, because I'm a lion chaser.
I'm not really sure how to begin to voice my disagreement with this honestly, lol. The manner in which this was portrayed indicates that all women must be meek, quiet, and dress modestly. But in reality, this isn't the case at all.
These virtues are for the women of Israel, believers. Who are called to be the light of the world, not just for every woman on the street.
As for 'meek', I actually did a word study on it, going beyond the concordance and diving into the ancient Hebrew and their pictorial characters. I was surprised and taken aback to discover the true meaning of the word, which is shockingly 'watchful'.
In this new discovery, much of my unanswered questions made sense. Such as the 'meek' shall inherit the earth, or Moses was the most 'meek' of men. With this new understanding applied, it makes sense that the 'watchers' will inherit the earth, Moses was the most 'watchful' of men (he would have to be with all those Israelites anyway, lol).
So my point is, since 'meek' is watchful, it is no surprise why Yahweh has instinctively given many (but not all) women in the faith discernment and perspective. Most women are able to detect things and hone in on it. They know what comes in and out of the home and are generally managers and keep a look out on the things going on around them naturally.
Meek, in my discovery, isn't depicted as a quiet and humble person. But as a shepherd who must be watchful with his sheep.
As for quiet, this word doesn't necessarily mean that she doesn't talk much (but in some cases it does), it can actually mean having peace of mind. If you are quiet in spirit you don't constantly have your feathers ruffled, but your mind is at ease with Yahweh's peace and assurance.
And as for the modesty, this also applies to men as well. Will not our Messiah return in a robe with the hem to his feet? One thing I've learned about modesty, is that it's a mutual thing for men and women. And dressing modestly doesn't necessarily mean in plain attire nor does this clothing make you holier and more righteous in Yahweh's eyes. The sole reason why modesty is even required is to not allow our brothers to stumble, but this doesn't mean we can't be stylish. If you look in ancient history, often times jewelry and embroidery were used to beautify simplistic garments, such as the Pueblas in Mexico, and the Hanboks in Korea. Both of these traditional garments are very modest, and they are garnished with embroidery or jewelry, beads or decorative string. Modesty doesn't always mean simplistic. But if you like simplistic, go for it! However, if you want to dress modestly yet also be stylish, there is plenty of inspiration across the globe. :D
Concerning an article I read on the loss of hymnals, I feel the need to express my thoughts on it due to my strong love of music and especially of Yahushua's message of love for us as believers. I enjoy both hymnals and contemporary Christian music. I do not think one is better or superior than the other, I do not think hymnals are holier or more refined than CCM, hymnals don't make you more spiritual anymore than CCM, although I do believe that ALL music takes you into a spiritual world. As for hymnals becoming 'lost’ there will always be remnant of those who keep them, and maybe perhaps they might be 'rediscovered’ and sing them again in a century or two. You never know. However, in being a lover of both simplistic and complex music alike, I have to strongly disagree with some of the contents in the article. I understand some of the information given and the reasons on why the author made certain points, but since I dearly love my Father and Savior, and His gift to us, Music, I must offer some insight as well.
First, if taken historically, these specific hymnals aren't the songs of Zion. They originated from the churches in Europe (Catholic Church), and America (Protestant Church). Songs like the gospel hymns suggested in this article are nowhere near the musical or lyrical structures of the middle East.
Secondly, it is untrue that skill is fading in our day and age; Skill is not determined by the hymnals you know, skill varies from styles even to centuries. David played his harp for Saul, and he played with skill! And this was long before the age of gospel hymnals. He plucked the common melodies of the East as European music and Middle Eastern musical styles are obviously different. Beauty and skill alike are in the eyes of the beholder, and to put down other genres of worship to lift yours up is a common pattern among humanity. We will always see our way as the best way. And this is simply the author's opinion.
I disagree to his alluding to hymnal books are basically better than PowerPoint software and other devices on screen for the crowds to see. Both have pros and cons, but you shouldn't put one down to make the other seem more 'refined' somehow. Yes, I know that PowerPoint technology can be a hassle as you sit there awkwardly trying to follow the musicians while the guy in the back stumbles to find the next slide for the current verse, but bound hymnals also can have disadvantages. Even though memorized, how could you raise up your hands in worship while holding a book most of the time? Or do you not do that with hymnals? Please hear me out. They are two very different formats for two very different reasons. We mustn't put either one of them down as they serve different functions.
And as for harmonies, I disagree. Music is a precious gift that Yahweh created for us and Himself, it is a wonder and awe to mankind and creation. Simplistic or complex alike possess a secret key to the doors of our hearts. Music is powerful in all forms, but I believe that the music that Yahweh bestows upon the writers who have hearts for Him are the most glorious of all, whether they were the writers of hymnals or our current Christian individuals. While we are putting down CCM for being too repetitive with no harmonies and basic chord structures, could we possibly be putting down the melodies and lyrics from Yahweh's own heart? His own words to minister to the hearts of millions in our lifetime? Yahweh isn’t impressed by harmonies or choirs, orchestras or hymnals people sing. He is concerned with our hearts. A man that has a heart for the Father and a desire to worship Him but only sings half decently with his guitar playing very simplistic melodies is far greater than the most skillful symphony in Yahweh's eyes. Because He's not into performance, he's into the hearts of man.
Although harmonies are a glorious marvel to the ears, it does not necessarily make a song 'better' or show a reflection of the heart. Words are even more powerful. Let us not put down or lift too highly melody structures of praise to our Father. It's all about Him anyways. I'm not saying that hymnals and complex melodies aren't pleasing to Yahweh, I'm just saying that we need to keep our focus straight and not get so caught up in musical structures that its not even about Him anymore.
To those who can play skillfully, sing hymnals and harmonies, Praise Yah! Get closer to Him! But remain humble about it. Don't put down the simple, repetitive songs of today's Worship that touches and moves people's lives. Nowhere in Yahweh's word does He indicate the prime importance of structural melodies, but He does require for us to give Him all we've got, and most importantly our hearts. For who are we to call Yahweh's work 'not good enough’? Let us not be like the Pharisees who performed fasts, festivals, sacrifices but whose hearts were far from seeking Yahweh.
The Pharisees who deemed the harlots, tax collectors, and sinners unworthy, Yahushua dwelt among them.
And the skilled musicians who call the clumsy, tone deaf, and unsophisticated musicians and their music, 'unrefined’, Yahushua will raise them up and sit among them, and shine his love to the broken.
And to those who play simplistically, who only know those four ‘repetitive’ chord structures, Praise Yah! Get closer to Him! But don't be afraid to give Him your best. You can go farther, for you can do all things through Messiah who strengthens you! And if it is your best, don't let the enemy beat you down!
If you grow to develop skill, remember where you started and don't forget! Don't get haughty! But remain humble and keep your eyes on Him.
Worship, praise and even hymnals are all about Him and what He's developing in us. Appreciate music whether simplistic or complex. We can have preferred tastes in music, but to deem one worthless and less than, especially if it is to with our heavenly Father is a big difference compared to dislike. Above all, it is the message behind each song that reaches hearts.
And Yahushua is all about it.
All Yahweh wants to do is captivate our hearts, but we’re all too busy listening to the music instead of listening to His voice and message.
We're so busy being divided in the body over hymnals and CCM that our focus is skewed off Him.
Like I said before, we can have likes and dislikes. But to put each other down in the body isn't a dislike and doesn't make us more saved, refined, holier, closer, or more spiritual, Yahushua is the only one who can fulfill these things. And once we come to this place we can simply enjoy music without clinging onto the things that make us somehow better or worthier of Him. Whether it be simplistic or complex, the message of the song will be far greater than the external elements. Let us allow Yahweh to be the judge of all, and yes... even in music.
But above all, the heart of this music is to open our hearts, ushering us ever closer to His.
Hey guys!
I know it's been awhile since I've posted anything on The Girl in Curls, but now since I've graduated I'm aiming on scheduling and purposefully completing the tasks and goals I have set for this year.
So what's been up with me?
I have been reading quite a few books, which is a big accomplishment for me! Also, my writings in poetry/stories have expanded and I plan on continuing my writings as I am developing a novel currently that I aim to complete. Whether it's 100 pages or 300 hundred, the goal is to finish it and also keep you guys updated on what's been going on with me in the process.
I've also been pretty musically involved lately, engaging in voice development, learning finger style guitar, and I aim to continue my music theory studies and also give my violin and cello some more attention.
Spanish will definitely be a big priority again as I shoot for further study in the language. And I'm planning on finishing my Puebla within the following weeks.
As for what to do next in education, I'm praying whether or not it is the Father's will for me to go to college, if so, I would major in music for sure. There are so many opportunities for me, but I'm not sure which to take and where Yahweh will lead. I've also been considering getting a job and transportation so I could travel more. Just wanting to bring in some income, ya know?
I'd like to post more music/covers on my Youtube channel to be a bit more active there, and to be more available for my followers and subscribers.
Also I'm trying to find a way I can produce more music for you guys in the future. So many goals, but I'll take it one at a time.
And a final goal is to meet people, get to know them better, and come out of my introverted shell which will be difficult, but not impossible.
Just wanted to share a few photos I took during Pesach and Unleavened Bread Week. They are my second favorite feasts in the Bible. I find it fascinating how the feasts and our Messiah intertwine so beautifully! Every feast has meaning, purpose, and prophesy attached and they never cease to amaze me! Below is a small glimpse of our feast this year, I hope you enjoy them even though I scarce shot any, but hopefully my photography will expand in the coming months. Thanks guys!
Our Seder...
My beautiful parents! I love you guys!
And here's my sister, Annie.
And finally me, haha!
Thanks guys! Hoped you enjoyed the small gallery! Until next time...
Hey guys!
Since returning home from the feast, and after months of attempting to get back on schedule, I have finally found time to write about the many occurrences that have happened over the course of 5 months time! I have so much to catch you up on, (which in the mean time, I can easily finish my puebla, so I can complete part 2 of 'Tattered'!), but first I must share the many fond memories I have treasured from this year's FOT! I regret not taking more pictures, but this is what I have and it is my hope that the following year I will have taken much more! But until then, savor the moments captured!
Preparing for the Trip:
June 6, 2016 Yahweh confirmed to me that we'd attend Eliyah's FOT in Steelville, MO this year.
I was quite hesitant the moment He told me, was this true? Of course, ever since browsing through 2015's Sukkot Photo Gallery and attending the same gathering one year prior, naturally I really wanted to go. But I didn't want to assume that it was from Yahweh if it was my own carnality. However, through several previous confirmations,Yahweh told me without a shadow of a doubt that we would be going to MO for Sukkot this year.
To demonstrate my faith, He instructed me to begin working on some projects for the auction... this was a huge step on my part! Heeding His instruction, I day by day completed items for the feast. About one month later, I finally had the courage to tell my family about what Yahweh had told me. They were surprised and very happy to say the least! I'd have to say that their belief was a lot stronger than mine, lol. Even after telling my family, and after we had all started creating items for the feast, in the back of my mind was the haunting whisper, "What if it doesn't happen?" After a while though, the thought faded away as business swept over us, stirring our hearts as we chattered about the upcoming feast that was soon to arrive!
Serious preparations had begun to unfold about a month or so prior to Sukkot. We had lots to complete! Planning menus, sorting wardrobes, finishing auction items, and cutting our latest CD was just the skeleton... there was so much to flesh out!
Day by day as Sukkot approached us, uncompleted projects, menus, and even our album began to come together within time. Paintings, crocheted items, wood burned plaques, etc. were finally on their way to being finished! Sukkot was just around the corner, and we had no time to waste!
Unfortunately, a week prior to us leaving, our dad had received confirmation that he wouldn't be going with us this year. It was sad to think that he wouldn't be able to come with us, and we didn't understand Yahweh's leading, but we knew that He had a plan and a purpose for it, and that we should trust Him either way.
With the trailer packed tight, and the sleepless night behind us, hours before leaving our album was complete. Discs burned rapidly while neighboring computers spat out CDs in no time. Everything was set: meals made, clothes packed, kitchen and camping supplies buckled down, map printed, and items for the auction tucked safely away. We were ready, everything was set.
Minutes before we left, we all gathered together as a family and prayed for one another. Us for safe journeys, and daddy for safety at home. Besides the joys of the feast to come, the sadness of not being able to celebrate together left a small ache in our hearts. We would miss him so much, but we would be okay.
After prayer, we exchanged hugs and kisses, and retrieved any items we may have forgotten, also fetching some CDs for the car to listen to music as we traveled. Alas, we bade farewells to our pets for the week, packed up some snacks with water, and climbed into the car with Annie and mama in front, and I in back. Looking over my shoulder as I waved goodbye to daddy, the car drove farther from home and toward our destination. Finally at last, after months of waiting, we were on our way!
Traveling Time:
After about 45 minutes on the road, pulling over in between to check the trailer and to swap places with Annie so I could read the map, we hit the Mississippi River in no time! The crossing between the two states was a moment I will always remember! Being stories high above the vastness of the water, with the bridge's heights towering over you is such a surreal experience! Definitely an awesome memory I will forever hold dear to my heart!
Once arriving in Missouri, we were headed for adventure!
Dark clouds enveloped the skies, threatening to release a downpour... still we drove on, until the smokiness broke through into a sea of droplets raining heavily from heaven. But the second storm... was worst. We scarce could see the cars in front of us, everywhere was hazy white... the rain poured down... hard. We had to slow down and pull to the side of the highway for a bit until the rain eased up... it was really frightening! We drove through it however, and were back on our feet not long after.
Sometime in the middle of the second or third storm, we hadn't secured the tarp well onto the trailer (from previous checkups and pullovers)... so when the winds were whipping down the highway, the tarp lifted and started slipping off trailer!
But praise Yahweh, mama had just pulled over to the farther right side before the tarp could fly off entirely! After pulling over, she headed out to secure the tarp onto the trailer. On my right side (I being in the passenger seat), I was concerned about mama, even more so for Annie who would join her not soon after.
The traffic on the left was zooming past them at alarming speed, an eighteen wheeler had drove close enough to the drivers's side to cause the car to rock violently from the force of the truck. I whispered silent prayers for Annie and mama as they remained out in the rain, hoping they would be safe.
Not long after, Annie ran to my side of the car and opened my door to borrow my pocket knife. I fidgeted through my purse only to dump out the contents in my lap in search for the knife. Handing it to her, she took off while I shut my door; a shiver trickling down my spine... praying steadily as before.
Finally, after about 10-15 minutes, they returned drenched in water from the head down. They told me that they had attempted to secure the tarp and hoped that it would hold until the next upcoming exit. Fortunately, it held.
When we merged onto the right exit, making a left near a gas station, mama parked and hopped out with Annie to further inspect the problem and properly align and make adjustments so the tarp could be fastened onto the trailer, while I remained in the car again. And that is when it dawned on me... Where is my pocket knife? Of course I had assumed that Annie had it since I handed it to her last, but it was when she approached me again to borrow it that I felt concerned.
As I explained that I had handed it to her during the third light storm, her countenance fell as she discovered that the knife was no longer nested at the bottom of her pockets.
She had searched the entire back seat, but deep in the pit of my heart, I had little hope that I would ever see it again. It was gone. But this was not just a pocket knife... this was my grandfather's pocket knife, from his father, and his father's father... it was special. But now, it was gone forever.
Not soon after, she was called. Apologizing for my loss, she left me in the car alone to think about the sudden turn of events. I was very disappointed to say the least. Maybe the knife wasn't important... but the sentimental value of it could never be regained.
Praying aloud, I asked Yahweh for peace. Even though this seemed trivial, even though I would get over it by the time we reached the grounds, I still needed peace and assurance that everything would be okay. Instead, I was met by the calming whisper of His love. I have it right here...
His unseen guidance in action as my hand brushed against the cold steel object lying beside the cup holder. I was bewildered. In a matter of moments, I had seen a miracle... it may have been trivial, but a miracle remains one despite the size of it. And that's something I learned that day out of the many miracles He had performed for us already. Yahweh cares about every detail in our lives, no matter how trivial.
Almost as instantly as Annie and mama returned, I told them everything that happened and we all rejoiced and praised Yahweh for the miraculous work He had done throughout this journey. It was amazing!
With a remainder of two hours left on our journey, we traveled without incident toward our destination. Hearing the joys of constant conversation of the upcoming feast made me smile... though I was excited, I had purposed in my mind not to allow the butterflies in my stomach to take flight lest I become too shy to enjoy myself.
Before I knew it, we had arrived. Yahweh's promise had been fulfilled, here we were! About to enter the feast we had waited so long for, and it finally had come.
The Arrival:
From the moment I saw the banner, the butterflies within unleashed into uncontrollable flutters. We were here, we had finally arrived safely to our destination!
Before we knew it, we had found our site and were already setting up camp in no time. With plenty of helping hands, our site was nearly complete before nightfall. After the last finishing touches, with both tents and canopy furnished, we headed for the showers, returned to the camp afterwards, and chatted of the days events before we dozed off to sleep. Such an eventful, miraculous day!
The next morning, after eating some breakfast burritos, we did a little more organizing in the canopy (we use this as our kitchen), so everything would be easily accessible during the rest of the week. After helping mama out, mama suggested that Annie and I could go to the Conference Center to meet new people and make new friends. Annie was thrilled, but I being extremely shy and introverted decided to compromise my comfort zone since Sukkot is Annie's main sorce of social interaction, so after fetching my guitar and staying close by her side, I followed her up to the Conference Center.
As we entered the hall, I spotted a secluded area where I could stay and play music while Annie socialized, such a perfect plan! However, I discovered very quickly that Annie wanted to socialize with me, so I kind of had no choice but to do otherwise.
I struggled with the present dilemma, Why am I being difficult?After all, Sukkot provides the opportunity to meet new people... Annie needs this anyway. But unfortunately, after contemplating on what I should do, my shyness got the best of me and we stayed in the secluded area for a bit.
After a mere pause from plucking my guitar strings, I looked over my shoulder to see Annie behind me... disappointed and sad. Why does my shyness have to dictated to me in social situations? I sighed, turning completely to face her, "Alright, I'll be willing to meet new people with you. But can we do it gradually at least? Start with someone we know?"
Just around that time, someone had come over to where we were, and sat down across from us to introduced himself as Josiah. Annaliese, naturally an extrovert, sat up front with me to begin a conversation as I mentally lost myself in the music. I didn't want to look rude, but again, my shyness gets the best of me at times, unfortunately.
As they continued to converse, another young man came over and introduced himself too as Josiah's brother, Caleb. While Annie began to form yet another acquaintance, I continued plucking the strings as sweet melodies drew forth from the sound hole into the air. Thus far, I had introduced myself to two people, Josiah and Caleb, but I hadn't looked at them during the introduction... my eyes remained on the clear nylon strings below me, my safety blanket... my comfort zone.
As Annie continued to talk with Josiah, my efforts to focus on the music alone made me become aware that I may have communicated that I didn't want to socialize, which was partly true. But, like I have mentioned before... shyness had unfortunately clamped me down, resulting from the butterflies at the entrance and a myriad of other reasons.
However, while listening to the music as he studied the coordination of my fingers, Caleb struck a musical conversation with me which eased a lot of the tension. It didn't take long to finally warm up and begin to converse with my new acquaintance. Before I knew it, we both had guitars in hand and began to fill the room with music. The ice had been broken! It was such a wonderful feeling to be able to hear another instrument play with me at present, there is nothing like the sound of live music to the ears!
Though the audio in the video below is indistinct, it does capture one of the most beautiful moments of the feast, which is why I have posted it anyway. It isn't perfect, but it is a memory, and for that, it's definitely worth uploading!
The piece I was playing was a Celtic arrangement by Clive Carroll, (check out my cover here), while Caleb attempted to play an accompaniment with his guitar. The video illustrates the moments in which we were trying to figure out how to make the two unify. We really had fun!
Somewhere in between, we ended up meeting nearly the entirety of the Gulder family, which are very musically inclined! I was very pleased that both our families hit it off at Sukkot for the rest of the week... it was really awesome to finally meet them!
After sometime, still remaining on the subject of music, Caleb revealed his cello after hearing that I was about to bring one home after Sukkot. I thank Yahweh my mama was there at that moment to encourage me to learn a little bit about the instrument, and to try it out after Caleb offered me to, because if she wasn't there, my shyness would've gotten the best of me!
As I examine the picture above, I can't help but critique myself! LOL! But, things are awkward if you aren't used to it, and that's all there is to it! I had fun, nevertheless, and learned quite a bit. Boy, are there such differences between a violin and cello! LOL! They are so similar, and yet, not similar in other ways. It's a pretty incredible instrument! And I'm glad that I have the privilege of owning one today!
Toward the evening we returned to the conference center with guitar and ukulele in hand to welcome in the Shabbat with some worship, joining a handful of brethren singing to the side. Those moments together were very spirit filled, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that the Spirit of Yahweh was in our midst. It was really amazing to feel His presence on one of the most set apart nights of Sukkot.
After worship, my attention was captured by a certain violinist that I had wanted so much to meet earlier that year. He played so splendidly it brought tears to me eyes! As I watched him perform on stage with another musician, I began to unwind and my mind traveled back to the fulfilled promise that Yahweh had orchestrated. We were here.
The week followed with various activities, fellowship meetings, community campfires, lots of singing and music, classes, baptisms, the auction, and lots more!
Sadly, one of the highlights for me of the feast were unfortunately not captured on camera, and playing countless games of Mafia with the Gulders was definitely one of them! Watching others trying to fit the pieces together on who was the Mafia that had eliminated the previous player was completely entertaining! So many stories, and so many wonderful memories we shared together that night! It was awesome!
I spent quite a bit of time with Caleb as well, we were either jamming at our campsite, at the community center, campfire, or wherever we happened to be at the moment. It was really fun to get to know him and we were soon fast friends. So many other moments weren't pictured, my few violin sessions that I had with Benjamin, the opportunity to teach davidic dancing with two girls who were familiar with a few steps and wanted to learn more dances, the community meetings, the singing, the music, the women's meeting, survival class, I missed so much... (don't let shyness grip you, LOL).
Yahweh willing though, next year there will definitely be much more!!! Be alas, these are the moments captured.
During the auction, the youth were assisting in helping bring the current items to the front. (Only Annie and Kaitlyn happened to be looking at the camera, LOL!)
Moments before Annie and her acquaintances had their turn for displaying auction items, they took a quick snap to capture a joy filled moment. Glad Annie had lots of fun this year! :D
Mr. Tate and his organization of the Youth and Family Night played some worship, it was a performance like no other. There is nothing more beautiful than to witness Yahweh's people offering up their praises to him! HalleluYah!
And here, I was especially blessed by the music of the Schminke and Kelley family, they have such an anointing on them its radiant! To be able witness the Spirit of Yahweh in the room was a beautiful experience in the midst of the Body of Messiah. It was amazing to once again be rejuvenated by His love.
I cannot mention enough what a fantastic week we had at the feast! I remember nearly every night staying up late past twelve with my mom reliving the events that occurred. I smile every time I think of it, such fond memories.
During the week, whenever we had the opportunity, we would Skype our dad and tell him how much fun we were having and that all was well. Being able to fellowship with the brethren was amazing and very much needed, I learned so much this year and I was immensely blessed. The fear of singing on stage was beginning to subside, and the shyness I was feeling was starting to wear off. But sadly, before we knew it... Sukkot was drawing to a close.
As we marched toward the river, it began to dawn on me... I had waited months for the feast to arrive, and now it was ending... and wouldn't begin until next year.
The gravel shifted beneath me as I walked on with my violin case strapped to my back, it was such a different Sukkot... but a good different, something I had begun to welcome, but it was slowly slipping away... it was slipping away.
After a few minutes, we had finally arrived at the river for the the baptisms. There were quite a few people there already, so it was pretty easy to blend into the crowd. We stayed there a bit, but spotting an isolated place near the water away from activity, mama suggested to take a walk and check out the location.
The river was so beautiful! Shimmering, inviting, beckoning. If only I had brought my swimwear! It was hot enough for a swim, but I hadn't thought that far when I had packed my outfits. I gazed longingly, if only I had brought my swimwear!
After we were a distance from the gathering, I decided to slip off my shoes and wiggle my toes into the welcoming wetness as the chill submerged my ankles. Memories from yesteryear returned afresh, I glided and splashed the water sending droplets skiing across the surface. It was fun to feel water beneath me again.
After reliving past times, I tiptoed around sharp stones and rocks so my heels wouldn't bruise and stepped into my shoes once again. The sun was dropping a little lower with each passing minute, reflecting into the bubbling waters. I absorbed the scene around me, trees in the distance on both sides with the river in the center passing through, flowers and plants embedded in the rocks, wind slightly breezing by, it was a beautiful moment.
I slipped my violin case off my shoulder, placing it atop the rocks. Unzipping my case, I withdrew my violin from its chamber and nuzzled it between my neck. With bow rosined and tightened, I began to play, my nerves unwinding. The music seemed to enhance the moment, it was sad but peaceful. It was like touching the sky for the first time.
The end of the week, the end of Sukkot, packing up and leaving was sad, waving goodbye at friends, glancing behind me for the last time, but no... it was something much more.
