It's a New Year!

 Hello and afternoon to all my beautiful friends!
I know I'm kinda late jumping on the New Year's bandwagon, but regardless of that it's about time that I make a new post about what's been going on and what will be happening in the future, and honestly, what not a better topic to write about than my New Year's resolutions?
I know, I know... resolutions (and everything else in life) take commitment and persistence, however, I really believe I can keep the ball rolling on this one and try to post a little more frequently than I did last year. What makes this idea appealing is the possibility of presenting new content and posts, which I've been stewing on for quite sometime now.
Last year in summary was both crazy and awesome! New dog, two new jobs, new friends, old friends, new experiences, orchestra, and much, much more. It really ended up being a year of New Beginnings for me, and I look forward to 2019 with curiosity and excitement.
So what do I plan on posting about this year?
Mainly, my music.
So many people have encouraged me to blog, teach, podcast, or host what I know about music, what I'm learning, and what improvements I need to make to further explore music and my own musicianship, but honestly up until now, I've never felt qualified to do these things and rightfully so; I've never officially had a student (although I'd taught two children for a limited time), I had never played in an orchestra (til this year), I struggled with limited repertoire to play, my sightreading and music theory was very limited and of course, I was way too inexperienced to teach... all good reasons, right?
Despite these setbacks, on the other hand, I had literally taught myself how to play the guitar and violin without flawed technique, I developed a sensitive ear for music and could play by ear before reading a single note, my teacher of last year brought me up three years in violin technique, I pushed through the tediousness of vibrato exercises, shifting exercises, finger exercises, scales, calloused fingers, harmonics (on both violin and guitar), right hand guitar technique, and the initial but very uncomfortable 4 years of not having a violin shoulder rest. I even pushed through my limits of thinking I was too old to play the violin and too uncoordinated for the guitar but demolished both lies, my sightreading is exceptionally well and I'm actually thriving (not surviving) in an orchestral environment, and the list goes on.
Just writing these few examples opens my eyes to see that I do have a lot to offer, which drives me to this conclusion: the perfect time for me to share all I know will never come. I'll be learning til the day I die, so what's the point in waiting when I can share what I'm learning now?
There is so much to cover and discover, learn and share! I don't have to wait until I have my doctorate's in music, become a certified teacher, be a member of an excellent orchestra or whiz through Paganini to share what I know, there is plenty to share, here and now. There are so many topics to cover, questions to ask! But I want to take you on this journey with me and give you the opportunity to witness my growth as a person and a musician, but this goes both ways!
What are you learning? What are your questions? Where do you find inspiration and where is your call? But most importantly, what is holding you back from pursuing your hopes and dreams? I want to be apart of your lives as much as I want you to be a part of mine, only together can we find a solution to face our limitations and conquer our fears!
So, to A New Year and a new journey, to new ideas and new beliefs, to new relationships and friendships, to new solutions and new aspects, and to the ever renewing love of Messiah and the Father. Let's make this year amazing, let's learn about music together! 

Meek, Quiet, and Modest?

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

The Heart of Music

Hello Guys,

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.

So What's Been Up with Me?

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.

So what are your goals for this year?

Pesach 2017

Hey guys!

    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...

Hasta luego!