Advent: Love Comes Down

I love this song by Matt Maher, and it always reminds me of Advent and the Incarnation.  The chorus is so joyful:  "Isn't it beautiful?  Isn't it marvelous?"

An excerpt:

I'm searching for a king and kingdom

Here among the beggars and the weak

The broken and redeemed

I'm finding grace beyond all measure

In flesh and blood He hides his majesty

Inside of you and me

Why would a King

Do such a thing?

Isn't it beautiful?

Isn't it marvelous?

The God of the universe

He became one of us

We cry out and then

Love comes down again

Hope is found in him

Alleluia!

 

Easter Triumph

Daniel introduced our family to singer Matt Maher, a fantastic artist who's produced three CD's.  My favorite is the middle one, Alive Again.

This song, "Christ is Risen," has been in my head lately, so I decided to share it via this visual meditation.  (There are just a few bloody images from The Passion.)


Below is a short interview in which Matt explains how this song was inspired by an Easter sermon of St. John Chrysostom's.

And here's a link to that sermon.  Isn't the internet wonderful?

Happy Easter!  Remember, it's not over until Pentecost!

Laudable Exchange

The more internet savvy Elizabeth found a link (Thank you!) to the JMT/St. Clare song I wrote about last night. Find it here (scroll down a bit).

(Apparently it only works once for free.)

Feast of St. Clare of Assisi

Inspired by St. Francis, St. Clare gave herself completely to God and founded the contemplative order now known as the Poor Clares.

In his CD, Meditations from Solitude, John Michael Talbot adapts the writings of several holy souls into lovely songs. He opens with "The Sea/Laudable Exchange" based on one of St. Clare's letters. I wish you could hear it, but at least enjoy the poetry and prayer:

Leave the things of time
For the things of eternity
Choose the things of heaven
O'er the goods of the earth
Obtain the hundred fold
In the place of the one
And so possess a blessed and eternal life

What a laudable exchange!
What a great and praiseworthy blessing!
What a laudable exchange!

Because of this I have resolved
To always progress from good to better
To be faithful in His service
To always progress from virtue to virtue
To obtain the hundred fold
In the place of the one
And so possess a blessed and eternal life

Leave the things of time
For the things of eternity

UPDATED: Thanks to Elizabeth, who is more internet savvy than I am, here's a link to the song! Scroll down the page to hear it all.* You'll be glad...

*Apparently it only works once for free.

Fine Arts NIght

We attended Trinity's Spring Fine Arts Night in May. It was a treat, as usual, with recitations, instrumental music, and singing, followed by a visual arts display during the reception.

David and Daniel sang with several of the choirs. We just received a link to recordings of some songs. The "barbershopera" was hilarious in person; you can get a feel for it on the audio.

All the singing is magnificent in my opinion. "Africa" sounds nice online, but in real life it was overwhelmingly beautiful--loud, full, and rich with meaning (both the lyrics and the dedication to someone special).

If you'd like to hear what all the fuss is about, click here.

Beautiful Music

I've seen references to the Cajun musical trio, L'Angelus, in several places on the internet lately. Over at Phases of Womanhood, Mary Lenaburg has posted her interview with one of the siblings in the group. Go read it, listen to the musical sample, and leave a comment for a chance to win a cd.

What If by Nichole Nordeman

This song really struck me when I heard it on the radio months ago. I wanted to post it here, but couldn't find it on YouTube because I guessed the title incorrectly. Reinspired the other night, I finally located it. Enjoy!

Fiddle Lesson

The recital video of the quartet playing an Irish medley is still unplayable, so I recorded Joe and his teacher at Thursday's lesson. They're playing Swallowtail Jig, Lannigan's Ball, and Morrison's Jig, complete with an interruption by Rebecca and "harmony" by Max the dog. Enjoy!

A Fiddler in the House

Last week, Joe played in a short recital at his teacher's house. She's been teaching him some fiddle tunes, which are a lot of fun to listen to.

I've been wanting to post the videos ever since, but we've had one technical difficulty after another. At first we couldn't find any movies on our new computer after downloading them from the camera. Then blogger wouldn't upload them. David managed to post one on YouTube for me, but the other won't even play on our machine any more. Argh!

Anyway, this is Joe and a fellow student playing "Soldier's Joy", an American Fiddle tune, with Mr. M, his teacher's husband, accompanying them on guitar. I will keep trying to put up the other movie, because it's a medley of three Irish songs which I enjoy even more.

Another Proud Mommy Moment

We spent a long weekend in New York, up for my neice's 8th grade graduation and a combo grad/Confirmation boat party. It was a lovely visit.

When we arrived home late Sunday, a letter awaited Joseph: he's been accepted into a county-wide youth orchestra!

Earlier this spring Joe auditioned for a highly competitive regional youth orchestra, but did not get in. I was proud that he was willing to gear up (mentally and musically) for another try-out. Being invited to join is a happy accomplishment for him. He's being recognized for his violin progress so far, and can now look forward to working and growing with other young musicians. I think being part of a large group will make practice seem more practical.

There are of course logistical issues--the weekly rehearsal/lesson/whatever is on week nights and not close by (I believe I've mentioned before that our metro traffic is #2 on the national "bad list"...), BUT it will be great for Joe AND I feel confident that we'll be able to form a carpool with other edge-of-the-county parents.

Three cheers for Joseph! (And thanks to his violin teacher for her talent and encouragement.)