Our plans for our Me and Mine photos were nearly scuppoured this month. I utterly failed to capture a single photograph with all four of us together in Norway which was SUCH a wasted opportunity! Just goes to show that family photos don't happen without planning! And then David has been bed bound this week with the most awful bug, and I just knew no amount of persuasion would result in him posing for the camera.
But thankfully, health was restored yesterday, and so a VERY last minute photoshoot was whipped together as the sun was setting, and the light was fading, and Mama grabbed a wailing girl under one arm, and her camera under the other. And as anyone knows, fading light and wailing girls do NOT make for the best photo shoots.
But thankfully Papa came to the rescue with the guitar... if there's one thing that is BOUND to make our girls smile... its music...
One under-the-weather Papa, two tired girls, and a Mama with an ever-growing bump ended up having a whale of a time having a merry little singsong!
... and the singalong soon turned into a danceathon...
I have long been a big Pentatonix fan... If you don't know what I'm talking about, just YouTube them! Honestly, these guys are incredible and I'm utterly in awe of their talent and creativity.
But their Christmas album!? Now, that's on a whole new level!
Last year, their version of Little Drummer Boy was on repeat in our house, this year, I'm particularly enjoying this version of "Mary did you know?"... And it seems half of Facebook is too!
Enjoy!
PS - sometimes tablets seem to have trouble accessing the video... If you can't seem to see it above, just YouTube them! I promise you won't regret it!
This question caught me off guard the other day. Probably because I've never even considered it! Somehow Ava still seems far too little to be thinking about any extra curricular activities and I'm just enjoying these home years. I know all too soon these girlies will be flying the nest, so I'm savouring the fact that right now, in this moment in time, they are perfectly contented to be at home.
Plenty of time for music lessons and dances classes and sports clubs.
But it is fair to say that music has always been a part of our family life. From the girls earliest days, David has played to them on his guitar; little hands reaching out for the strings while Papa strums away!
Our house is always full of singing. We have songs for everything; teeth brushing, cake baking, spring walks, tidying up, eating sandwiches... You name it! We have a good night song, and a get-up song, an Ava song and a Heidi song... Songs for everyone and everything. And now even Ava has begun to invent her own songs... Her favourite English creation at the moment goes like this...
"We're having a merry Christmas Day!
We're having, having, having, having,
a merry, merry Christmas Day!"
Very seasonally fitting, as you can see!
And then there's the piano. My lovely piano. These photos were snapped on Friday as I watched this magic moment unfold. Two little girls having a marvellous time making music together! It was not particularly tuneful, but they are learning all about rhythm and discovering that music is just SO much fun!
My mini musicians...
... We'll hold off a little while on lessons, I think!
I love to sing. Always have, and I'm pretty sure I always will. From a very young age I loved to perform at family get-togethers, I sang in school assemblies and school choirs. I sang while doing the washing up, and in my bedroom with my CD-player maxed out (yes those were the days before the Apple monopoly!) My Mum always commented that the house was much quieter when I wasn't around. I just loved to sing.
Around the age of eighteen, I started to sing at worship events. Initially on a youth conference, then at the kids praise at my university church, and for the last few years at my home church. David and I have been privileged to lead the worship at our church for the last 5 years and I can honestly say it is such an honour and joy to me.
I get to sing about the best news in the world, to the one who made me, loves me beyond anything I could ever deserve, and delights in hearing my feeble attempts at giving him glory!
These next three weeks are busy for us... We are leading worship at a women's conference on Saturday (and leaving the girls overnight with their grandparents for the first time... Eek!), then leading at a youth event the following week, and then leading a prayer and praise night at church the following Saturday. Of course, mixed into all that are regular Sunday services.
Busy, busy, busy.
But as we met together as a band last night, and just had so much fun jamming, rehearsing and singing praises to our Saviour, I was reminded of a song from my uni days. It's easy to get sucked into the joy of making music (we are so blessed to have some truly incredible musicians) and lose sight of the purpose of it all.
So as we head into three weeks of rehearsing, planning, practicing and organising, here's what I'm dwelling on...
Oh, and if you are part of our church, stick March 29th in your diary!
My reaction to their entrance totally surprised me. Ava and I were seated about half way back, and we had a good view of the children entering. Their voices were raised in song... beautiful harmonies, beaming smiles, faces of hope. And the tears just started flowing.
The concert had lasted a mere ten seconds and already I was streaming.
The tears didn't last long. How could they? When these children, who know hardship better than my children probably ever will, were singing with such expressions of joy and hope. We heard their stories; many growing up without parents, living in one room houses with up to ten other children, walking miles for water with no prospects or education. And yet they stood on that stage and told us what they wanted to grow up to be: a pilot, a teacher, an eye-doctor, a lawyer, a midwife... the President of Uganda! Why do they have such hope? What chance of fulfilling these aspirations do they really have?
The answer is simple: The African Children's Choir.
Since 1984, the African Children's Choir has raised awareness of the needs of poverty-stricken and orphaned children in Africa by touring with young children aged between 7 and 11 years. Their beautiful voices sing out on behalf of Africa's 12 million AIDS orphans as they seek to raise funds for the continued development of the Choir's relief programmes which care for the children's physical, educational and spiritual needs. Once children have finished a concert tour, they are able to return home and continue, with their brothers and sisters, into education, supported and sponsored by the programme. It is a wonderful gift.
Ava and I were riveted for the entire performance. She sat on my lap, literally squealing with delight, her two year old mind soaking in the voices, drum beats and incredibly rhythmic dancing of the children. Sometimes she couldn't resist and would clamber off my lap to have a little dance and clap of her own. She was mesmerised. As the charity so beautiful puts it "in spite of the tragedy that has marred their young lives, these musically gifted children are wonderfully entertaining. They melt the hearts of audiences with their charming smiles and joyful African melodies and dance."
It was an evening I'll never forget.
You can see where the choir are performing on the remainder of their tour here... Why not have a look if they're heading in your direction? I can promise you, it will be an evening you won't regret...
I have never, for a split second, regretted that decision.
This time five years ago, I was getting myself ready for our wedding day. Prettying myself up, giggling with my girlfriends; hopeful, expectant... the future was bright, not a single cloud on the horizon.
It was a glorious day. The sun beamed down, the service was lively and joyful, we were surrounded by our nearest and dearest as I said "yes" to my best friend.
A few weeks ago, the lovely Esther, who sang at our wedding, reminded me of the song we had chosen for her to sing... I love this song. It captures the heart of what this great adventure of marriage is all about... love, commitment, living life together, whatever comes. It talks of the heady excitement and optimism of newlyweds, and it talks of the deep-rooted commitment and love of walking this road together. This past few months has indeed been heavy with sighs... Our marriage has been, for me, like shining rivers in rain blackened skies. David, you have upheld me in so many ways over these difficult few months; catching my tears on your shoulders, speaking truth and clarity into my confusion, pointing me to Jesus. Thank you. I am so honoured to share life with you, and so grateful for the gift you are to me and both our girls.
So let me leave you with Kristyn, singing this beautiful song, reminding me of that special day 5 years ago... we've travelled a rocky road together this past year, but the Lord is faithful and will keep these ribbon roads rolling till our journey ends. I love you, David, and look forward to walking the rest of this road with you beside me, by God's grace.
A few weeks ago, I was approached by american children's artist Yancy to help her promote her latest album in the UK. A few days ago, her album arrived on our doorstep and we opened it with great excitement...
Yancy has a heart for teaching big truths to small children. She had the idea to write some lullabies for her son that taught truths straight from scripture. The songs touch on themes like God as creator, God as Ruler, God as our Refuge, Jesus as Saviour, joy, sin and our need for mercy and much more...
The songs are all chilled and quite acoustic in style, "stripped back" and unplugged. Ava sat and listened mesmerised to them while she ate her lunch and danced along with some of them too. Many of the lyrics are straight from the Bible, so they're good for Scripture memorization (something I am terrible at!)
One of THE most exciting things about Yancy's album though, is the app she has produced alongside it. With some experienced children's workers to help her, the app takes each song and provides a bible reading, short and child friendly devotional with questions to discuss, an activity to do and a prayer. While my girls are still a little too young to appreciate this, it is definitely something we will try probably when Ava turns 2. Alongside the devotionals, are some really helpful, and practical, articles on christian parenting (very timely in the light of last Sunday!)
What is great, is that this is an album and an app for the whole family. Heidi is already listening to the music... never too young to soak in Gospel truth!!! And I too have found real value in letting the words soak in as I go about my day at home. The CD can be bought through Yancy's website here and the app is free to download (and also has all the music on it) if you search it on any tablet or phone.
Now for the exciting bit for you guys, Yancy has kindly offered one free copy of her CD to give away to one of you, my lovely readers! How exciting! Perhaps you are a family who would really benefit from some great Gospel-centred devotional material, perhaps you have a grandchild, nephew, niece, godchild or family friend who you could give it to... all you need to do is comment in the comments section below and I will randomly pick one lucky winner next Friday! The giveaway closes next Thursday at midnight!
So why not check out Yancy's website and, in the meantime, don't forget to download the free app "Roots for the Journey"... why not go have a look-see?!
Disclosure: I have not been paid to write this review. All opinions are my own. We did, however, receive "Roots for the Journey" CD free of charge.
I've had a whole ton of questions recently about our trilingual family; why we're doing it, how we're doing it, whether its working, so I plan to post about that tomorrow...
For now, though, the sun is shining, and I have a million and one things to do, and I want to do that post justice...
So here's our little singer instead!
Ava loves to sing... She is a walking music box half the time and comes out with the most random songs at the most random times! In every case below, Ava was singing the song beautifully until I got the camera out... then it all went a bit pear-shaped, but you'll get the rough idea!!
Enjoy... These are three of her favourites! The English One: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
The German One: Backe Backe Kuchen
The Norwegian One: Ja, Eg Veit At Jesus Bryr Seg Om Meg (with backing vocals from Heidi!)
All performed with oodles of personality for you! Not sure she's going to be the next X factor star, but hey, I can live with that!!
This weekend I was invited to a songwriting meet-up. Its been a few years, and I don't think I've really written anything since the girls were born. Time isn't so readily available as it once was. But songwriting is something I love and although I can't make the meet-up this time, I'm hopeful to be able to throw ideas around and work with some of these guys, and of course learn from them.
Thinking about that meet-up, however, made me root back in my files and have a little listen to some of the stuff we recorded a few years back. I wrote this song, Amazed by Grace, the year before Ava was born. It was a season of life where I just felt God's hand of blessing over my life in a very tangible way, and yet was so conscious of my own failings and flaws. The song was born out of a realisation of God's utter goodness to me despite that. I am constantly amazed by his grace - wholly undeserved and oh so generously given.
I hope it is a blessing to you. Excuse the "live" recording!!
(This song, its music and lyrics, are property of Clarina's Contemplations and may not be reproduced without permission. Copyright 2010)
I've been shortlisted for the BIBs "Inspire" category. Thank you SO much to all of you who nominated me... I am utterly humbled and grateful... and slightly gobsmacked! If you do like the blog and would like to vote for me in the "Inspire" category, you can do so below. Just put a tick in the box beside "Clarina's Contemplations" under the Inspire category! THANKS!
Loving Nate Tasker's renditions of some of these old classics - glorious words, beautiful arrangements. Praise God for the gift of music.
Happy Saturday everyone!
Or perhaps not... I'm ever hopeful it will soon make an appearance... last week it seemed it was on its way, and now we've been hit by another cold front. But something needed to be done; my valentine's decor was getting a bit dated...
... and I thought spring needed perhaps a little encouragement to come our way...
I absolutely adore the changing of the seasons... I love each season for its own merit. Each one brings something fresh and new. Spring is so precious. It means life and new beginnings and ultimately prepares us for Easter...
So here we go, my spring mantel... a little early, perhaps, but I know I'm going to have my hands full over the next few weeks, and I didn't want the valentines decor to still be up in June!!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees...
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
(Adapted from original Swedish, 1953, Stuart K. Hine)
This was one of my leaving gifts from my wonderful colleagues at school. So fitting for this time of year! (And it fits the colour scheme too!) The votives are Yankee Candle "Garden Hideaway" and smell lovely and springy and are much cheaper than buying the big candles. The candle holders are actually pretty little glasses I got in IKEA about six months ago for £1 each!
This is my own Homemade Hutte creation... you can order one here
The flowers were a gift from my lovely friend Emma. I rearranged them and put them in a smaller pot which I criss-crossed with sellotape to hold them in place and create a grid (totally nicked from Kirstie's Homemade Home series one) Maybe I'll do a tutorial on that one day! As with all my best ideas - totally "magpied"
S
Picked up this cute little birdhouse in a post Spring sale last year for about 50p and I've been waiting to use it ever since!!!
So, hopefully spring will get the message, and get a move on - I'd like some sunshine, some daffodils and some buds blooming on the trees. Oh, and that gorgeous fresh Spring scent in the air!!!
Grateful to God for the changing seasons... and for all that this one particularly helps us remember!
Was so blessed by this song yesterday as I spent some long overdue time with the Lord. I have some friends who are suffering now... and I pray this song will be a blessing to them as they look to the Lord for strength through this stormy season of life.
This Sunday, we're introducing a new song at Church... thought I'd give you a heads up! Awesome words and great music, as always, from Sovereign Grace... something for you all to meditate on this weekend!
We had a bit of a manic weekend last week; it incorporated a music team training morning (which we were running), a trip to the garden centre, a school reunion, a 30th birthday party, music at church and guests for Sunday lunch. It was great fun, we loved every minute of it, but PHEW! I breathed a sigh of relief when I slumped into the sofa on Sunday evening! I was definately NOT putting my "slow down" thing into action...
So we've been doing a fair amount of pottering this week; having friends round for coffee, trips to the garden centre to see the fish, days around the house and in the garden... just nice and relaxed.
Friday night curry takeaway - I couldn't face cooking!
Thinking through Sunday song choice
Music team small group discussion - talking through Worship Matters (Bob Kauflin)
With her NCT buddies... boxes are fun! I won't rant on again about how much more fun everyday boring stuff is to actual toys... but seriously!
Homemade ice lollies... yum!
This past week, Dave's started taking Ava for a little walk after her dinner while I prepare our dinner. She loves it, he gets one to one time with her, and I get a quiet house for 20 mins - everyone's happy! Very grateful for my thoughtful husband. So appreciate that little bit of space! This was them arriving back yesterday evening!
Me and my gal! I don't have many pictures of just me and her... anyone else find that? Generally I'm the one to take the photos, so it was nice for Dave to offer to get some of me and A.
We have a new member of our family. He arrived on Thursday evening in my sister's handbag. His name is Ernie, and he is Ava's new best friend.
My daughter is a massive fan of Bert and Ernie... I stumbled across this quite by accident when I discovered this re-write of Lena Meyer-Landrut's Eurovision winning song "Satellite" to the title of "Bert, oh Bert!" Ava loves it... I mean seriously LOVES it... she is GLUED to the screen and enjoys dancing along to her hearts content... (dancing highlights at 25 seconds, 45 seconds and 1 min 10!!)
And just watch the first twenty seconds of this video to see her reaction when she realises what's coming...!
Yes, Ernie is now a certified member of our household... now all we need is a Bert!
Oh, and in case your interested... here is Ava's beloved "Bert, oh Bert!" video!
Loving this song at the moment. I've been reflecting a lot on the words over the last few days and it's such a great reminder of the fact that we bring nothing to our salvation. Jesus has done it all - because of his love!
I pray it will be as much of a blessing to you as it has been to me.
On Saturday, David and I had the immense privilege of heading towards Portsmouth and leading the worship at the Solent Women's Conference. What an encouragement! Just over 200 women gathered together along the south coast to hear Val Archer and Ann Benton open up the scriptures and think through what "True Worship" really is.
We had a fantastic time of corporate worship, singing truths about the greatness of our God, listening to the scriptures explained, and learning about the kind of people God calls us to be. The morning was kicked off with Romans 12 v 1 - a verse very dear to my heart and one which really summarises what the day was all about...
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.
- Romans 12:1, The Bible -
We spent the morning looking at what the Bible says worship is... a life given to God. Its not about what we do - we no longer have to come with our offerings, our tick-list of good works or our piety. No. It's about what Jesus has done and our response to that. Ann Benton reminded us that "true worship is when we leave knowing that God is huge, and that we are tiny" Its understanding things in their true perspective.
In the afternoon, Val spoke very practically on what a life of worship looks like and about how to keep going when we don't feel like worshipping. One of the things she reminded us of, was that worship is about making the right choices... its all too easy to make excuses, to allow the guilt complex to kick in. But actually, all of life is worship if my eyes are fixed on the Saviour - whether I'm cooking the dinner, reading my Bible, travelling on the bus, or working on my 40 bags challenge!
Between the talks, we had some great times singing God's praise. It was so encouraging to look out on a sea of faces singing with all their might! It was clear to see that these women loved their Saviour and were eager to bring him glory with their voices... I didn't know any of them, and yet these were my sisters in Christ. And it was amazing to think that one day, we'd be doing this again...
The guys from 10ofthose.com were there with some great deals as always... we were so busy prepping, I sadly didn't get much of a chance to peruse the books... but we're off to New Word Alive in a couple of weeks, so I'll grab my opportunity then!
We had some fantastic times of singing together; some brilliant lyrics that just focussed my mind so much on the truth of what we were learning... that God is indeed a great God who is to be glorified through the Lord Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
It was a long day - we were there at 7.30am and left at 5pm, but what a joy to serve these women and be encouraged and challenged myself... God is a great God, Christ is a great Saviour... why wouldn't we give our lives as "living sacrifices... holy and pleasing to Him"?
PS - for those wondering what we did with the baby for the day, she came with us and was an absolute star! My Mum was resident babysitter and did a fab job keeping Ava entertained (although to be fair, wherever there's music playing, Ava will kick her legs to her hearts content!)
