From the Bedroom Window

Touching Base

2010-10-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

Things are up and running at school. Life is in a fast mode with work, graduate school, and family events. I am grateful for the strength God is giving me. I need it! Sometimes there are moments of just gasping for breath and others where things work like clockwork and I can check things off my list.
My List…my agenda…I am busy working on a lot of school stuff and little ‘music ministry’, but I will be visiting my family’s church in Dunstable the end of this month. I will be sharing at both services on Sunday the 31st. Please see my schedule FMI.
So as I take time to fortify my teaching strategies and content knowledge in the area of science in Elementary Education, please continue to pray that I will not loose hope in my ministry of music. I miss it a lot. But it’s not about me and my agenda, is it? God gives gifts for a season and may work through our lives and hearts to do other things in order to grow and be challenged to conform to his son, Jesus.
Please pray for Pete as he enters the season of snow and that the weather is merciful in its appearances.
Matt, our Marine is heading to Afghanistan in January. Our prayers go with him as he finishes training here in the states and then heads overseas for 7 months. Jon is out of school and working full-time contemplating college in the spring.
Thank you for your prayers and support. It will encourage all of us.

God Bless,

Victoria

Today's Prayer

2010-06-11T04:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Father,

You alone are the strength and wisdom we need when we are challenged. You alone
know the future events and are in charge of all that is and was and will be. You stir
men’s hearts to worship you and demonstrate your love in their lives. You set the sea in
its boundaries and the mountains stand where you wish them to be.
Your son provided the only way, through the cross, that we have access to your grace and
power and you desire us to know him and be like him.

In that way, please help us to be more like him. Please help us to be wise as challenges
come and enable us to serve you by putting you first in our hearts, then others you love,
then finally us and our health to fulfill you plans.
Give us what we need today to honor you and all will be provided as you promised.

We love you and worship you. You alone are our supply.

Thank you. In Jesus Name.

Amen.

Faith at Christmas Time

2009-12-19T12:12:00.000-08:00

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven". Matthew 18:1-4

Who is the greatest person in the kingdom of God? Who took on the role of a child to model faith face to face?

I had the opportunity to hold a 2 month-old baby the other day. I have not done that in years! Seemingly very light, my arms could eventually feel the weight of this young boy near my chest…so dependent, so wonderful. We walked around the room as I patted his back. I talked to him in sweet tones, offering him his bottle. He was…adorable. He will not stay that small. He will grow and continue to have needs. What is his greatest need?

This holiday season the commercials will say “Come buy this…be happy. Peace on Earth…if you dress yourself in green and red.” But the greatest gift we could offer each other this time of year is faith. Faith doesn’t come with jingle bells, red bows, and secrets under the tree. Faith is a gift, but it underscores the purpose of celebrating. Many of us believe that the truly greatest person who ever lived came from heaven and gave. He gave us a tangible model of a loving Father. He gave time to teach and eat and walk with his friends and family. He gave his authority to his disciples to help spread the gospel to a hurting people. He gave his life so we could trust him. We can remember his resurrection and believe. If we have faith, we too will live…truly live.

What does faith require? A fight. Jon Piper writes “Faith is something that must be fought for, if it is to thrive and survive. This is how we take hold of eternal life-by fighting to maintain faith, with its joy in Christ.” (p 96, Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ, Study Guide)

We are in the throws of struggles every day. Financially this is a hard time for many of us. Family is far away. Jobs are not secure. How can we trust as a child in God? By asking him. Ask him today to show you the joy of Christ, the peace that faith brings, and how to believe.

I pray that God shows you himself in all the wealth and glory of heaven today and forever. God bless you. Merry Christmas.

Victoria

The Autumn Air

2009-10-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

The Autumn Air

It is colder, an indicator that the season is changing. God, in his wisdom sets the earth to rotate around the sun and expose our planet to the effects of seasons. At least in Maine, where I look out my bedroom window, a mature birch tree, broken from winter’s storms and bent by summer winds, reminds me this time of year that it too is passing into another season.
I am leaving the mother-of-young-boys to the season of grown men. One is off to Marine boot camp soon. The other is at a prep school preparing for college. A season is changing.
As I have posted on my site, I am also spending time in furthering my education by working towards a master’s degree in teaching Elementary Science. I’m thick into Newton’s Laws and exploring questions of force and motion.

Force and motion. Seasons of change. Many ideas come together at this time in my life as the roles mentioned above evolve into new identities. Questions emerge with the impulsivity for answers. Why? What is going on?
My music, a very personal part of my life, has been put to sleep for a bit. My time is being spent elsewhere, not traveling New England or even outside my home church. I trust though, that like the winter that blankets the ground and covers the crocuses, in His time, things will break forth and bloom.
For now, I rest in His promises that he will continue the 'good work' (Phil 1:6) as I put to nap my songs. Sleep well. And when you wake in the sunlight’s glorious breath, perhaps we’ll both be new. You are not in motion. There is no force keeping you low. Just a turning of the sun. Wait. Rest. It will be summer again.

Beginning Graduate School

2009-07-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

As a fourth grade teacher I am going to be focusing some time in the near future on completing an advanced degree in Elementary Science with Lesley University. This online program interested me, not only because of Lesley's reputation and the content area (I've always loved science, minored in it at Gordon), but also due to the fact I can work it around my family and work schedule. It's all online! I praise God for this opportunity to grow professionally in this way and to be able to foster the curiosity of my students.

As always thank you for your prayers and support. Perhaps some new material will come in the near future....kids songs? classroom music? Ah, inspiration! Gotta keep priming the pump of the well of writing ideas.

God Bless,

Victoria

Priests Ministering with His Presence

2009-03-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

I just finished my quiet time this morning and wanted to share my journal entry from today. I keep a journal going occasionally. I wish I could write everyday. Today’s connection in God’s Word was one of the stronger ones He’s given me. It prompted the entry. I pray it encourages you to read more about the Tabernacle and ark of Testimony yourself.

God Bless,

Victoria

March 14, 2009

Last summer I ordered Beth Moore’s study “A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place”. I have been learning a lot. She did a lot of work! She takes her readers through passages that help us understand the significance of the Tabernacle. This has been an answer to a desire in my heart…a question I’ve had. What can I learn about worship today from the design God gave the Israelites? Since God’s character never changes, what is the significance of all the details he required them to do to prepare for the meeting face to face? How does all this point to Jesus coming, the church today, and His return?

I hope this informs me, molds me, and encourages me to stay the course! My prayer is that I can pass on what little I know about the greatness of God to encourage and teach others. That is my prayer. Today’s reading about the ark of Testimony struck a chord in my heart. The importance and propriety of the Levites' role in carrying the ark (1 Chronicles 15) was amazing. Beth had built on the idea that we, God’s children today, are priests. We get to carry His Presence in our ‘ark of Testimony’, our heart, based on Jesus’ work as High Priest atoning for our sin. I get that! What a gift! It’s humbling!

I can enter the presence of God, sing songs, shout for joy and proclaim his glory. I can minister and care for others and this “temple” as the Levites cared for the tabernacle... How am I doing with that? Is God glorified in what I do, how I serve, and who I am?

Thank you; Lord, for allowing me the privilege of life! To eat, to work, to sing, to run, to play, to embrace others! You are my righteousness and my rear guard! (Isaiah 58:8)

Amen!

Work over February Vacation

2009-02-19T05:31:00.000-08:00

A New Song:
Roy, Josh, and I are working on a new worship song to share with our churches. Roy and I have been crafting this song for several months, waiting for slots of time to continue to piece it together. Josh came on board to help with vocals. I'm very excited about it! To me the song tells about all of us coming together to sing of God's greatness. No denominations. No rules. No death, tears, or heartache. Believers, one day, will join as one to sing around the throne in heaven. That's not a dream. That's not a goal. It is a reality.

My Continued Study:
From Beth Moore’s
“A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place”

I’ve been studying from this resource for the last month or so and am enjoying it immensely. Beth has a great way to study. She relates God’s Word in many applicable ways and uses today’s experiences to show a correlation to what Israel experienced in those accounts.
I chose this study because I am researching ‘worship’, the honorable and true worship of God, Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus’ Father. Our triune Creator. I’ve come across this reference a number of times. Here is Beth’s explanation of what acceptable worship is. This comes from page 121, (©2007 Life Way Church Resources).

She asks her readers: What is the only form of true worship according to John 4:19-26?

Here's her quote:

"What is worshipping in spirit and in truth? When God created humans, He gave them something no other creature had received: a spirit. This spirit makes us in God’s image because, as you have just read, “God is spirit” (vs. 24). Our spirit gives us the capacity to know and experience God. Our soul, on the other hand, is the source of our emotions and personality-that which represents our conscious selves. The third component of the triune human is the physical body.
When God says that we must worship Him in spirit, He means that the only acceptable worship is that which is motivated and controlled by our spirits. The body and soul may accompany the spirit in worship, but they can never acceptably over throw it. Our bodies and souls may express praise as long as they only accompany a deep spiritual longing to know and reverence God. Only the spirit can provoke and control worship for it to be acceptable. We can clap our hands or lift our hands as an accompaniment to worship if we are so led by the Holy Spirit, but the body can never acceptably take the lead. We can weep, laugh, or shout hallelujah from our souls as an accompaniment to spiritual worship, but the emotion and personality can never acceptably take the lead. Any variance from this balance would be “strange incense” (Ex. 30:9. KJV).
Spiritual worship comes from our very core and is fueled by an awesome reverence and desire for God. Spiritual worship is focusing all we are on all He is, both personally and universally. It is the incomparable expression of both awe and affection for God. And it is one of the highest privileges we can experience on this earth."

Also read Leviticus 10:1-3,10 where Aaron’s sons burned ‘unauthorized fire’.

If you get a chance to read this and study with her, I highly recommend it. The study is helping me to get a better perspective on the purpose of the tabernacle and how it relates to us today as worshippers.

Enjoy and God Bless,

Victoria

Beth's site

Our work in progress...rough video.

Online Learning

2009-02-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

I have recently begun an online science class with Lesley University called 'Try Science'. Lord willing I will apply for the Master's program in the fall and start earning my next degree. I don't know what the Lord has in mind for music in the fall. It just seems like the right time to pursue this other dream I have always had and have FINALLY found the program that seems to fit my needs and interests. PTL!

One of our assignments is to write a science autobiography, no doubt to help each of the participants get to know one another since this is all done online. I am very impressed with the thought and organization of this class and program. I am looking forward to uncovering and learning a lot.

Here is my lengthy article. I hope it speaks to why there should be Christian scientists and how God's revelation, which is ongoing through His Spirit is always timely and truthful.

Introduction:

Hello Everyone! My name is Victoria (Vicki) Norris. I live and teach 4th grade in Casco, Maine. I am married and am the mother of two young men, ages 18 and 20.
I love to run, sing, play guitar, and write songs.
I've been a songwriter since I was a kid.
Two of my classes have worked with me to write two school songs. You can hear our current one at:
http://www.sad61.k12.me.us/cres/

My classroom web page has information as well.
http://www.sad61.k12.me.us/~vnorris/

I collect tea pots...love tea. Can't drink coffee. I rely on a good dose of Irish Breakfast when I'm in a pinch to stay up and get some work done.
Love chocolate and pizza.
Music resides in my soul, while curiosity rules my mind. I ask way to many questions for some people.
I'm a Type A...over-achiever, usually.
This year in my class I have many Type A's...the 'GT' kids. They will love the experiments but will want to know the correct outcomes :)
Now, in my district, I have served as a science curriculum coordinator for K-5. We have recently put a hold on curriculum work as we look at our structures in the district, but I believe that I will still be serving in a leadership position and have opportunities to not only help my students but also my peers. I've facilitated a couple of professional development opportunities and would like to bring what I learn from my Lesley classes to my district's personnel.

This program looked like a great opportunity to help my district. The website gave me a lot of information to get excited about doing experiments and connecting those experiences to learning more about my students. I hope to network with other teachers and help them in turn. I love the idea of online working in its flexibility, but I will miss the face-to-face interactions as well. Again, I'm looking forward to the experiments and seeing what everyone else is doing.

As I said, I'm looking forward to 'Trying' Science to see if I can continue on in the program to learn more about how to help my colleagues and students.

It's nice to meet you all.

Personal Information:

There are many experiences that I’ve had in science both as a child and as an adult learner that have fed my wonder for the subject. Even up to last spring when I attended the NSTA conference in Boston, science never ceases to engage my imagination and interest.
My interest in science began when I was growing up, discovering my backyard, playing outdoors, hiking in the back woods, and living near a pond where the Canadian Geese arrived every year with clear proclamations. Growing up in Massachusetts was a lot of fun. My backyard was my playground and I loved the outdoors. I climbed trees, rode my bike, swam, and went camping with the family. We had science projects in elementary school that I enjoyed. Embedded in the goal of displaying those projects at the annual science fairs, my curiosity and learning flourished while working on topics like the human heart and honey bees. As I continued my education in Junior High and High School what I remember most are the hands-on labs. There was always reading to be done, but the labs and discoveries were the most memorable. We made batteries, dissected sheeps’ eyes, frogs and even cats! I got a lot out of my senior year by taking Anatomy and Physiology and discovering all those muscles in the felines we looked at. And oh, the smell!
My father was a key supporter of my education, along with Mom. Dad is an electrical engineer. He works for MIT Lincoln Labs in Lexington. I believe I get my curiosity from him. We’d spend hours working on math homework, so often used in science, that I believe I inherited the step by step methodical look at things that carries on into my teaching today. I’m very concrete-sequential.
So when I went to Gordon College knowing it was a liberal arts school, I was happy to take some science core classes. In fact I took extra in order to fulfill the minor in science. Now I didn’t do so well with the readings. My mind can only carry so many facts and data. It was a challenge to keep up with, one of the reasons I did not pursue Veternarian Medicine as I wanted to as a child. The reading was about two thirds of the work. The labs were the other third. I don’t remember much except the interests, curiosities, and some pictures of experiences, like seeing lobsters’ blue blood and how I could not get myself to yank off it’s legs in order to prepare it for its death. But the sights and colors and intricacies were fascinating! Like the cats! So many details. I have to believe in a design for these things. And photosynthesis! Could that just be something that evolved? Out of nothing? No way! The exchange of energy to sustain life? I have a lot to learn but ideas like evolution challenge my thinking! So many experiences have fostered a sense of awe. This sense of awe shapes my faith.

The Narrow Road: A Very Unpopular Belief
This is where I share my philosophy, hopefully with care and essence.
I’m a believer in truth…absolute truth. God’s truth. Not relative truth. I believe the world has order, that I can discover this order, that it can be revealed. Science to me is a revelation of His design. Some people call it Creationism. Some call it Intelligent Design. Those are the labels. Some people will say… “Oh dear, she believes in fairy tales.” In fact one of the negative experiences I have had was recently at the Boston Conference. In the midst of discovery and collegiality and learning, there was a session that mocked Intelligent Design. I was in a room with over a thousand educators, reporters and scientists, holding a very unpopular belief. They made fun of the view. They mocked and rolled their eyes. How many scientists have felt that before? How many have followed their ideas of faith and been ridiculed by their peers? Science is concrete, yes. But it is also the vehicle for discovery, an exposure of purpose. My discovering the patterns, functions, and systematic ideas behind relationships in this natural world define my faith in the unseen. How many scientists have sought to do the same?
Perhaps I have an unpopular belief, but I find myself in good company. In time, I believe that I will see solutions, results, and explanations of things in the natural world that will be the final revelation of truths…God’s truths. And either I’ll be satisfied or it won’t matter. Either way the journey will be interesting, engaging, and full of questions. What is a better method of learning? Start with what you know and build from that foundation, working towards discovery and wonder. It all comes down to faith. Faith in your own ideas or faith in someone else’s. The experiences that I have had shape that faith. I am grateful for them.

Suggested Reading:
Hebrews 4:12-13
The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel

2008 RECAP

2008-12-29T05:47:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to update you on the music end of things.

First a recap:
Last year at this time I was beginning to plan for the music video that was to be filmed in February. It was a big step for me as an artist getting into another medium and God was gracious. Roy and I, with many helpers and behind the scenes prayer partners, made my dream a reality. The video is posted on You Tube and has over 1000 hits. That's pretty cool for an elementary school teacher.

Small gigs in the spring were fun and led into the Arts Festival in Windham in June. We had the huge event at Windham High School and many people traveled from far and wide to join us. It was a huge success.

During the summer months, away from school demands, I worked on a writing project and some worship music. That project needs some more TLC, perhaps this summer in order to finish with clarity and vigor!

This fall I've been working on ruff cuts to the new music and still writing a bit at a time. Perhaps this winter will see some fruit of those labors. I've made a couple visits into Portland to the Maine Songwriter's Org's song circle and gotten some good feedback.

Now during the holidays I work on recouping after a busy start to the school year. Gigs would be great but they are not the only way to invest in one's art. I do look forward, however to the not so quiet times that get me networking again hopefully with the new material...all in God's timing.

That's the news from Casco, where the snow is beginning to fall. Winter is here.

Take care and God bless you through the holidays!

Victoria

Back to School-Fall 2008

2008-09-27T04:48:00.000-07:00

Intensity. That's what Back-to-School is. It is also a clean slate, fresh start, a new year.
I've been busy getting things up and running in the last month or so. Usually from now until Christmas, it's hectic.
I'd love to be playing out more, but I'm limited in time for promotion. So I trust God that there are things going on behind the scenes that are still encouraging people.

This summer I was able to bring several song ideas to the production table. Song crafting takes time and many need rewriting. I have 2-3 strong possibilities for 'getting out there' but have limited funds.
So would you pray for me about that? I don't want this to be a score card. In that my art is based on how many songs I can distribute, but I would like to believe that I am following Christ’s lead and if it's a dry season, so be it. He makes many promises about finishing the work, providing for his people, and loving them with an everlasting love.
So, like a soldier in the barracks, I wait for the call. Even though 'waiting' is a command, I tend to measure my fruitfulness in volume. Is there anyone of you that feels that way?...heaven forbid and I hope that I'm the only one.

I had help at WBC to get a demo done for school. This is a song that my fourth graders and I worked on for our building last year. It's on our school website.
http://www.sad61.k12.me.us/cres/

Have a listen...it's rough, but we enjoyed doing it.

Victoria

Summer Update 2008

2008-08-08T04:14:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

It's about this time during the summer when teachers think, "Quick, get things done!" Then quick as a wink, it's Labor Day. The summer has passed. The children are anxious to get back to school to see their friends. They start their back-to-school shopping.

I've been busy working on a big project this summer and have been so grateful for the time to do so. A few years ago I began thinking about how well my music interests and vocation go together. Being a teacher has definitely helped with the music side of things. And I've been searching deeper to learn what it means to really worship Jesus.

So how do these things fit together? Well, I'm learning that as individuals we were created to grow in maturity in Christ. We each have a uniqueness that we bring to the Body of Christ to love and serve him with. So in the book we'll examine how certain ways we were made have their challenges and how we can overcome those challenges to worship together.

So, Lord willing, in the near future you can explore that more with me in my book. Roy and I are also working on crafting worship songs that will help with that.
I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again for your prayers.

God Bless,

Victoria

God's Power

2008-05-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

In looking for some scriptures that tell of God’s power, (I’m song seeding again) I came across this word in Job…

“These are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?” Job 26:14

I thought that that was a great idea to develop into a song!

“ how faint the whisper we hear of him!”

We only hear a small portion of God’s works. Think about it. We may hear every Sunday about how God is working in people’s lives, but think of all the worshippers that gather each Sunday! I am not told of things happening in the churches in Washington D.C. or Minneapolis, MN, or any number of small churches in England, France, Brazil, or Kenya. If all could be spoken in one place at one time, it would be very powerful wouldn’t it? God is working in all these people, in many ways. The thought amazes me and brings me hope. That is the thunder of our testimonies! So keep sharing how he’s working. We need to be encouraged!

Perhaps another way to look at this is from the words of Habakkuk. Our Pastor Mark at WBC is taking us through this wonderful statement of God’s power in his peoples’ lives. We are uncovering our hearts and realizing those things that may promise us pleasure, power, strength, and guidance. But anything apart from God’s knowledge and power is fleeting, temporary, even mortal. After all, He’s the one who has the real power, isn’t he? Resurrection power. He brings life out of death. What idol can do that? Yet, even ‘good’ things we do or use can replace him in our hearts. I am aware of some things in my life that I pursue in honest hope for good, but if I don’t trust him or these things replace my time with him, what good are they really?
Habakkuk reminds us that when we are challenged by pain, whether it slithers under the door or knocks it down unwelcomed, we must hold on to his promises for he has the true power we need in our lives.

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14

“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” Hab 3:1-2

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.” Hab. 3:19

I don’t know what you’re facing today. Perhaps these words will encourage you. Read Habakkuk for yourself and see. God may allow some things to happen, but our passions will not take the place of his power to bring righteousness into our lives or our world. Chin up, or face down, we need him to do both.

Stay tuned for the song that is to come.

Victoria

Video Is Up!!!

2008-05-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

Please go to...

You Tube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytP8YE-VEhk

or my myspace page.

www.myspace.com/v2james

Please leave a comment if you feel so inclined...a nice one of course (smile).

Thanks and Enjoy!

Victoria

Please also see my blog on Myspace

2008-05-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

www.myspace.com/v2james
Go to the blog.
Thank you Linda and Theresa for the wonderful pictures. Thank you Holly for the props and ideas. You made me feel like a princess.
Stay tuned for the video...waiting for formatting.
Sorry. But AH, good art takes time.

Victoria

Thank You Everyone!

2008-05-10T18:40:00.001-07:00

I had the time of my life!

2008-05-10T18:01:00.000-07:00

My Video Stills

Finding Common Ground

2008-05-04T15:18:00.000-07:00

For more times than I can count, I was blessed on common ground. Well, the Christian coffeehouse in Fitchburg, Mass. is called Common Ground. A coordination of many local churches in the Fitchburg area, they offer live music EVERY weekend.
And indeed, it is common ground. People from many denominations can visit a Christian coffeehouse and be encouraged. In fact it is an act of worship and faith when we work to build the body up as Jesus as our center. He is our common denominator...our common ground.
Common Ground Coffeehouse

Thank you Tara and Ted for the invite. I pray people were encouraged by what I offered.

This is my friend Laura. We both graduated from Groton-Dunstable Regional Secondary School in 1982, but had only exchanged Christmas cards until last year, when I found out that her kids go to this venue. It has games for the whole family, air hockey, board games, pool. And yet they specialize in 'smoothies'. Looking like a bar scene, it is not filled with smoke or decay. It is filled with the sounds of life, conversation, laughter, music, echoes of a loaded pool table, and the occasional blender.
If you're in the area, stop in and say 'hello'.

I'm so glad I have extended family in places like this! PTL! God Bless you guys!

Victoria

That 70's show...

2008-04-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

Dan Cornely and I played "Aimee" for the school on April 18th. We were celebrating the 1970's, a big unit for the 6th graders. I just am encouraged that I can find ways to play at school. Of course my 4th graders wanted my autograph. I said that it might sell on ebay for one cent.

Video...no news yet

2008-04-22T06:25:00.000-07:00

but I can share about last Friday!

I was welcomed at New England Revival Coffeehouse in Manchester, NH(www.nerch.org). Great bunch of people. Doug and Ryan helped with sound and Desire joined me on Amazing Grace. Channel 23 was there and filmed the evening. The interview I had afterwards was cut short because we ran out of tape! My family would understand how that could happen to me:)
I missed having Pete there but my mom and dad came up from Dunstable. Yeah!
The two sets I played were almost perfect. Of course, God showed up (thank you!). I enjoy telling people about him and how much he's done for me, don't you?!
My head hit the pillow around 11:30..too late for a school teacher, but I'm on vacation. I stayed down south so I got to catch up with the family and now I'm home...waiting to see if the vanity will emerge with these videos or if I will be embarrassed (both possible, but not probable if God's got the reigns.)
God works things out...I know this too well.

From the edge of her seat,

Victoria

Wow! What an Experience!

2008-02-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

Smooth as silk. Seamless. Lots of work, yet lots of help.
Prayer was number 1 and you helped! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

On Wednesday evening, we filmed at The Performing Arts Center at Windham High School. What fun! I felt like a princess for the evening. The night was busy and full of energy. Contrasting colors, black, white, red. Me sitting at the grand piano "acting" like a pianist in order to tell the story. (I've got to get back to those lessons.)
The orchestra was assembled (so to speak) and ready to participate... the violinist for his close up shots, the photographers whose stills will be incorporated into the film and used for promotion, my neighbor, bless her heart, who has quite a collection of finery that helped to expand the effects and add to the pictures, my producer and principle photographer with his commitment to help me grow as an artist. And my husband, who I always have to thank for being my partner in this ministry. He will always be behind the scenes but very much a part of what I accomplish. Thank you Peter!

It was really do-able. Planned, organized, and executed with grace, talent, and artistic eyes.

Thank you Lord for all that you set before us, all our experiences and talents are yours to use to further your Kingdon and your story. You are our Conductor. It is our prayer, each one who helped that evening, that you would be first in this story of redemption and that, Father, you would be glorified in our efforts.
Amen.

Thank you prayer warriors. The enemy was not invited and there was not a hint of him.
It is well with my soul...victory in faith.

Next post: Part III-The second stage of filming.

Filming My First Music Video

2008-02-20T04:40:00.000-08:00

Last fall as we were finishing up the arrangement of "Deceived", the idea popped into my head about making a video with this song. My second thought was "me? do a music video?" I then looked into it with my producer and I found out that it would be very doable. So we begin filming today.
The message of the song displays itself in words of caution. Be careful. Not everything is as it seems. I've had experiences where I thought "the grass is greener on the other side", but that was not true. Sure we have choices, but I believe that for the person who wants to follow Christ's example, temptation is always going to be around the corner. So beware. We live in an age of idols..."American Idol", "America's Next Top Model" "Overhauling". Everyone is looking for better things.
Jesus Christ is the only one who satisfies. He is the fullness of God, a brother, a model for living the holy life intune with the Master Creator.
Let us look to his word, fellowship in good company, and serve him with our heads and hearts grafted into his.
I'm just a woman, broken and small and yet he gives me the opportunity to speak and say..."He's the One. Follow Him."

Below is a passage in Isaiah and Psalms. Then I have my lyrics. Read them and believe. Do not be deceived.

Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."

Psalm 119:9-11 "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
and verses 89-91 "Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues though all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you."

DECEIVED:

You said I had an apple laying in my hand
containing every secret and dream.
You said it had the world of possibilities,
and tastes that I could savor, but could it be? Was I deceived?

You said the grass is greener on the other side of town.
Maybe it’s a better place to be
You said my life could flourish if only I could see
beyond my little garden, but could it be? Was I deceived?

Was I deceived? Oh, could it be?
Was I deceived? Oh, could it be?
Was I deceived? Oh, could it be?
I was deceived.

You said the trick to life is looking out for Number One,
Do anything you want for how it feels.
Perhaps I am deserving of this sensuality.
That’s what I had believed, but now I see, I was deceived.

Oh, could it be?

He said the grass will wither. Flowers fade away.
Yet His Word and promises will keep.
He said his plan is perfect. He’s all I’ll ever need.
Deception at it’s ending no longer plays it’s tricks on me.

Thank you Father for your word and your work. Amen.

Creativity Takes Time

2007-11-21T16:29:00.000-08:00

We're encountaring our first dusting of snow here in Maine. Sometimes it's predictable. Sometimes it's not. Each flake has a purposed design yet I don't take the time to be amazed by that. I complain. Winter in it's predictable character arrives every year, blanketing the fields, giving slush sounds to the roads, and providing the cover of ground that sports enthusiasts look forward to. I despair. After all, it's work to me. Not that I shovel. I have 3 strapping men to save me from that chore, but I have to warm up the vehicle first, scrape the crust off of the wind shield, and drive slowly. I mean, what an inconvenience!
Yet it all arrives by design.
I trust that God uses winter to mellow me. I've said that before. Slowing down, enjoying a good book, write some more material while sipping on my favorite flavor of tea.
My approach to producing music seems to take the same effect on me at times. Why not just 'get it down'? Hurry up! Get it out there. I have my local church to help me do that. I often try out new pieces there. But if I really want to design an arrangement, something that reflects a sense of art, something that allows for creativity, I need to slow down. God, help me trust you in this. I hope and believe that he has set his seal of approval on my efforts, not because I'm this great talent, but because I am open to the call. He is a Creator too. He knows the time it takes to do a good job.

So thank you again Roy for helping me with arrangements and production.
Thank you Gil, for lending us your talents with guitars.
Thank you Peter S. for your violin tracks. You are a young man with a gifted future. I hope this work is even just a small part of your own journey into this profession.
And thank you Josh for your support at WBC, your prayers, and that voice! Love the BGV's.

For you all and my friends and family, I feel blessed.

Therefore, I will bask in the time it takes and rejoice that I have the time in the first place.
We'll get those songs out ASAP. Snow or no snow :) Look for them on myspace.com/v2james very soon.
"Oh, Come to Me, Jesus" and "Deceived"
Happy Holidays.

Victoria

Happy Labor Day

2007-09-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

Oh My! It's been since May when I posted last. I do spend more time on myspace (www.myspace.com/v2james). Please feel free to visit there.
What have I been up to? Lots of things. During my summer break, I have played at some gigs in New England, helped out with the New England Christian Arts Festival, written (or rewritten actually) two songs for Kathy Mackel and have gotten ready for school. I am teaching fourth grade this year.
I've enjoyed the time in being a full time artist, but now comes the tough part...going back to school. Most students and teachers feel the duo emotions of surprise ("Where has the summer gone?") and ("I can't wait to go back into a routine and make life more normal") I usually think in terms of the former.
I need to write more. I want to write more. But how about inspiring young people? I've got some more grown up kids now. Let's see what they can do in fourth grade this year.
Perhaps they'll teach me a thing or two about composing or writing. I welcome the opportunity now that we're on a role. So let the year begin.

God Bless you as you head into autumn.

Victoria

Sunny Saturday with the Corgi

2007-05-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here. We've been enjoying several days of sun in Maine lately. Today is no exception.
It's been awhile since I posted, a usual fact I hear about blogging. Great idea to have a blog but then you need to keep it up!

I'm hanging around with my dog, Ginger this morning, taking it easy. Things have been busy at school and I'm glad for the day off.
I'm heading out later this afternoon for guitar lessons, but wanted to write to update you on the music scene.
I've got several gigs I'm playing at in Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. In April, I visited Good Fridays Coffeehouse in Naugatuck and the Powerstation in Troy, New Hampshire. People were warm and wonderful. It always means a lot to me to have a positive response to my music. I thank God for those opportunities to meet people and minister to them in song and stories.
I am songwriting and polishing a couple ideas. This summer, (the best time for me to work) I hope to have some demos done. The easiest thing for me now is to post on myspace.com.

New Website Design: My brother helped me launch a new site design that coordinates with my newest album "Art of Love". On it I have the dates to the shows as well as having them listed on Myspace. I'm going to work on linking to a couple other sites this summer if Myspace bothers you. (I get sick of the girly girl stuff! Whew!) For now, it's a networking tool and I'm collecting 'friends'.
I hope you're well. If you have any time, shoot me an email and tell me what you're up to.

Live life and be amazed by what He can do!

Victoria

A Breath of Fresh Air

2007-02-25T11:54:00.000-08:00

IN FLORIDA With Mom( and Dad)...It always excites me to get into a plane. Granted, I haven't had many experiences with flying, but thus far, it's been safe and beautiful! I love the whole lift off and landing sequences, the speed, the propulsion and the views! When I'm up there, in the sky almost touching the heaven's, I've thought "Thank you God" for giving me wings! I feel like I'm shoulder to shoulder with him by the window seat...just like a child.
I know that's not the case for everyone. Many people fly every day for business, for pleasure, to visit family etc. This is not a unique experiece, but it has been my own to sense and enjoy. If I had to more often, I may tire of the whole thing, lines, security, shoes off, shoes on, teeny tiny packages of pretzels! But for now it's inspirational.

While I was up above the clouds looking down, I wondered about Jesus' ascension. Do you ever think of that? In the age of Hollyword and CGI, we can easily say, yeah, I can see it. But to really think about it in detail is interesting. There the friends were on the ground, the disciples that had been with Jesus through his ministry and saw many things. He healed the sick, forgave the unlikely, blessed the children and raised the dead. Finally demonstrating his power by raising up from the dead himself, just to be sure we got it...He can do that! He has that power.
Now they are saying goodbye and wondering 'what next?' He began to rise again into the sky before their very eyes. Did he watch them, as they were watching him? What did his face look like? Was he smiling that smile that communicates hope not loss? Did he even blink? Reassurance. He spent a lot of time before he left this physical form of a man suit reassuring his friends that they would indeed find trouble (John 16:33) but that he was in the know. He knew what would be and how they would journey on without him.
He rose and rose and rose into the sky towards the heavens. Space was between him and his loved ones. Time would be the next wall to come between them. In time, they would see him again.
I hope when I get to heaven, I can see light and sky and open places like I've seen this week. I find the spanse comforting somehow. Perhaps it's too much of being in doors in winter here in Maine.

Well, if you've made it through my ramblings, thank you. And thank God for the travels that he has taken you on and those to come. May you find your expanse and bright skies with him.

God Bless,

Victoria

The Suit

2006-12-17T13:33:00.000-08:00

Inspired by my pastor (Mark Gedicks) and Madeleine L'Engle (from her book: 'Bright Evening Star'

Imagine being given a new suit to wear in the new place you were visiting. It's not a suit to protect you from the elements. It's a suit or uniform that you would wear in order to appear as those natives who live in that area.
Now, imagine that it doesn't come in your size. It may not even be the same color you're use to wearing. But you can stretch it and make it work. All the zippers zip. All the buttons close. It's not the fancy apparel you're use to, a bit more dull, but it will surely help you to do your job and be recognized as one who wants to fit in where you are going to be.
Now, you have to leave home and those you are close to. You have an entourage that sings to you every day and you're leaving them to go to a place where there isn't the joy that you've been surrounded by. You're going to a place where the natives may have a hard time understanding why you're there. But you have to go. You have been given a very important role in the preservation of those people. You know their languages, their customs, even what they think. You've known them a long time and now you finally get to go spend time with them face to face, experiencing their struggles, their losses, their death. You go to be as one of them. You go to tell them that they can find joy in their journeys. You go to show them in a day-to-day manner who their creator is and what he requires of them. You go to set an example because the words your father sent the translators have fallen on deaf ears. You go because those messengers said you would come.
Funny thing though, you arrive a dependant, helpless baby. You place yourself in their world in the very human way that they all have arrived in that same world. You experience hunger when you have not before. You experience fatigue when you have never before even yawned. You cry and have other bodily functions that you need help with, but not for long. You mature. You follow their traditions. You fulfill family responsibilities in the hosting family. You are as one of them. You're very much like them except your real father has more power than they can imagine. And you share that power with a select few in order to teach them who your father really is. Many are interested and want to know more. Others are just afraid. Some want to kill you.
Days and years pass and at last it comes time for you to do the unthinkable. You have the power of the Father, who can calm waves in a storm, raise the dead, and heal the blind and lame. You have to give yourself over to the native authorities to fulfill the laws they've been given for the sake of the preservation of those natives. You experience a brutal death. Some natives kill you and display your body as a victorious trophy. When it is over, your friends in that land, take your ripped and torn suit (or body), wash it, and prepare it for the ground, believing that they will never see you again. They say goodbye and leave you as some leave each other.
Miracles happen even in the finality of life. The power of heaven breaks the seal of death and you and your body become new. You are surrounded by the glory of victory over death and finality. You rise again. Your friends and many others see you alive! Their hearts are so filled with that joy, they thank the Father for the power that you gave away to come live with them. The job you came to do has been accomplished. The finality of death for your friends will be overcome. Your friends become your brothers and sisters and you promise them that they will live forever in joy and peace if they believe.

Christmas is a time to remember this baby, this God, who came to put on his human suit to live with men and women and children to show them that the Creator of the Universe is real and He does what He says He's going to do.
It's not a wish. It's not a fairy tale. There were witnesses who tell this story in God's word. Witnesses today still have that joy. "We serve a risen Savior who's in the world today." These words to a well-known song express the hope believers have.

I can't imagine giving up the power of heaven to squish into a suit that was far too small. I can't imagine allowing myself to be killed so that others may live in hope. But I believe God's Son, Jesus, became that man and lived on earth to die for me.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and remember the story. A great God put on a baby suit and gave up his power to save us. It has a happy ending for Jesus, for our Creator, and anyone who believes. Amen

A season of Thanks!

2006-11-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

I am very grateful for all the friends and family who have been supportive of my music ministry over the years! God Bless you. You not only ask about the music, but also about the family. That has been so encouraging!

This is the week when we are reminded of what we have, if we choose to see the glass half full as opposed to half empty, friends, family, etc.
So pour yourself some gratitude, send that email, pick up that phone, and share it with others. Tell people that you’re glad to know them.
Bless them with your joy and thanksgiving and watch them smile.

People matter.

From the Inside Looking Out

2006-10-29T11:22:00.000-08:00

Welcome! Another car on the highway, a fish in the stream, or a post on the park bench.
So begins my new journey with a blog.

What a name? blog. Doesn't sound impressive at all. blog. It sounds like blah, blah, blah. Why waste your time reading what I have to say? If you don't need to hear from someone who has been challenged in their faith, you may be wasting your time. If you don't need to hear one more songwriter write another line, don't proceed.
But if you want to be a part of my journey, looking from the outside in, I can only offer to you what inspires me and then I will trust the Spirit of God to do it's work. You may or may not be interested. But thanks for checking in.

From the inside out:
As I contemplated a blog name today, I thought about when I first became aware of something very special, something or someone to believe in. Being bigger than I can imagine, yet as close as a dear friend or brother, God entered my life.
Some day I'll write a song about the bedroom window where I met God and his light shined on me. No, not like Mary, the mother of Jesus, but just as an awareness that all that I was learning in the word of God was true and real. The Holy Spirit was knocking on my heart's door.
A child can accept things much easier than an adult, but I hope as an adult, I have the maturity to communicate about the realities of my faith in God.
Thus, I will jump in the stream and try to swim with the best of them.

Imagine if Apostle Paul had a blog! Now he'd be hard to keep up with!
He challenges me all the time!

Look at Romans 5:1-5 "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope.......And this hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." NIV

These words are foundational to why I am doing what I am doing.

I have been in troubled spots, and in need of growth. It is my hope that whatever comes into my life, God uses it to help me see him better and continue to thank him for his grace that has granted me peace with him.

I write songs which I hope reflect his love. I hope you read these words and are encouraged by the fact that someone else wallows in mud, but does not flounder in hopelessness, for the Cross of Christ gives me peace. It is also life to those who believe. John 3:16