Advent Doors Day 15: Magnify

To Magnify: to zoom in and enlarge A Magnificat is a type of musical composition that focuses on the words and feelings that Mary said or sang recorded in Luke. This is Mary celebrating that God has chosen her to be the mother of our Savior Jesus Christ. 1:46b “My soul magnifies the Lord,  1:47…

Advent Doors Day 12: Adoption

Waiting for the Nativity… Waiting to Celebrate… Waiting to fully breathe in the moment of Christ’s Incarnation. These things are not how I was raised in my home tradition but they are important practices that I have learned from others. As I opened my eyes and my heart more to the people that God brought…

Communing with the Divine

Upon reflection… certain scenes fully experienced, can be imprinted on your soul. In the immediate aftermath you might detail the guest list or go over the challenges that arose…those who arrived late; the pages that blew off the stand spoiling the perfection of the music. But then time sifts your thoughts and you remember most…

Music that Binds Us Together

In every class I teach, at some point, I will play Bach’s prelude for cello. It is one of my favorite pieces of music and I have found that it is a good way to introduce Bach to young listeners. I believe it is because this music really speaks to the heart of who Bach…

Elgar: The Poet

This performance of British composer Sir Edward Elgar’s (1857-1934) String Serenade in e minor features the string section of the Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra playing some of the most celebrated string music of all time. I really enjoy watching string players as they pull the bow across the strings and their instrument becomes an extension of…

Dvorak’s New World Symphony

Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) is known as one of the leading composers of Czech national music. His music is infused with the spirit of Bohemian folk song and dance. His Style Dvorak rarely quoted actual folk melodies but instead his works have a folk quality. In other words, they remind you of folk music that is…

Church Mission Trip

Last Sunday my husband and I went on a long over due trip into D.C. to visit a few of my favorite paintings. In particular, the focus was to find all of the Frederick Edwin Church paintings that are housed in our nation’s capitol. Between the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Gallery of…

Cultivating Our Awe of God

Confession I must admit, I am guilty of forgetting the power of God. I become so caught up in my own problems that I forget how great is our God! Contemplation What kinds of things can we do to remind ourselves of the beauty and majesty of our Lord? What things should we consider dialing…