Concert..you should come :)

This Saturday evening, 7:00p.m. at Mount Hamilton Christian Reformed Church will be a choir concert. :) AOC is a weekend where teens from all over Ontario (as well as Michigan) come together to sing, have devotions, sectionals, and have some fun with some rather out of the ordinary activites...from Thursday to Saturday. None of us have seen the music that we'll be singing, so the concert that we put on Saturday evening is a result of two and half days practice! 

So if you have the night free, we'd love to have you join us!

Opinions!..Please!

Ok, I have a HUGE problem!

I just received an email asking me to represent Brantford at the Provincials (Music competition) in June....I was going to do it for sure, until I found out that it's on the same day as my graduation! :(:(:(

So I need some opinions..what do you think I should do???

If only...

Wow!

So as I said in two posts previous, I had several piano competitions this past week. Just as some inside insight as to previous attempts over the last what; 11 years? I have never won more than probably 5 firsts. I always either, place second or third, or tie with someone, or just simply..don't place :P So this year, I wasn't expecting anything different, I was going to play my best, and be happy with what the outcome was. Little did I know...(and much to my own teacher's shock), I won my class: Class 179 - Romantic: Papillons, Opus 2 by Robert Schumann. (aka...dreadfully long and most mentally exhausting composition!) 

   Anyways, I won that class..I thought I was done. I was rather shocked, but extremely happy about it...However, as I was handed my ribbon and critic page, I also received an envelope. In this envelope was an invitation....TO PLAY AT THE TROPHY COMPETITION ON SATURDAY NIGHT!

   " I don't want to do it!" was my super enthusiastic response :D "I'm done with that piece."

"Naomi Ruth Kroesbergen, you're playing." Funny how the same reply came from both my parents mouths...lol. I go to my teacher's house for a lesson on Tuesday..."Naomi, you have to play! And you HAVE to come for an extra lesson before that!" (spoken in thick Russian accent) 

   I was too busy to end up coming for another lesson..much to Olga's dismay :P But, I played anyways...because I had too. As I was sitting there waiting for my turn to come, I was praying 

" Lord, I'm asking you to just let me play my piece through, help me to not get distracted and just guide my fingers."

   "Naomi Kroesbergen." I walk up to the piano, heart pounding like a million and one hammers inside my chest...I bow..I take my place at the piano. I've never ever done something like this before in my entire life, so right at that moment, there's so many thoughts...so many second guesses swirling around inside my head. I need to focus. I take a deep breath and place my fingers on the keys...I start.

   Needless to say, I made it through the WHOLE 2o minutes of my song. Not perfect...there were several mistakes, a few wrong notes here and there...but overall, I was just relieved I made it through :) A silent prayer escaped my lips the second my fingers lifted off that last note, "Thank you Lord!"

   I walked back to my bench, and started to breath again..I didn't realize I had been holding my breath the whole entire time, until I sat down. (word of advice...breathe while you play, it's a whole lot more relaxing that way :D) The competition ended and the judges made their decisions. My name wasn't called that night for the W.Ross MacDonald Trophy...and I was okay with that. God had helped me play well, and that for me was so much more satisfying.

   

   So it's Sunday afternoon, we're all around the table eating soup (typical Dutch Sunday lunch :)..and the phone rings.

 "Hello, Naomi speaking..."

 "Hi Naomi, this is Naomi Morrison" (what a coincidence :P) "I just wanted to let you know that the judges have awarded you the Angus Jewellers Trophy as well as a scholarship, and they have chosen you to perform at the Stars of the Festival on Friday night."

 "WHAT?! Are you sure? I won a trophy?!" Not the most polite way to answer someone who you've never talked to before, let me tell you :P Anyways, as I said goodbye and clicked the 'end call' button on the phone..I just sat there. Five pairs of eyes looking expectingly at me..."I won a trophy...I can't believe it!" I still can't believe it, I'm still in shock. It's one of the most amazing surprise phone calls I have ever received...

   I can't actually perform on Friday, because I would much rather be at AOC enjoying coffee house..no stress added. :) But just the fact that I was given that opportunity...is "Wow!"..that's all I have to say right now.

   Thus ends my most excitingly, stressful and completely surprising week of April. I couldn't have done what I did by myself...so I guess what I'm trying to say is this: use your gifts for God. Don't play for the praise of man, and satisfaction of yourself...He was the one who gave you those talents, so trust Him to help you in using them for the furtherance of His glory. It's an incredible thing let me tell you!

Something to think about...

I need to be free from others...to be free for them.

relief...

So what do you get when you have a Russian music teacher?....competitions :P

I'm not gonna lie, I'm not a big fan of competing. I started playing when I was three, and taking lessons at five, and still to this day, really dislike playing in front of an audience...more specifically an adjudicator :P

I'm not saying I don't like the critic, as a matter of fact, I really enjoy taking "pointers" as to how I can make my music more musical :) It's more the heart murmurs, the sweaty fingers, the panic as you try to play through the music in your head and can't get past the first two bars...that sort of thing. Makes me stressed...

There is a reason for this incredibly random post...it being the fact that I just got home from two Associates classes for piano competition...intense and VERY close competition. All I have to say, is that the one class...I made a fool of poor Mr. Bach :P (never was a big fan anyways :D)

Anyways, enough for now...my brain is fried..enough music for one night :P 

Just because...

These verses have been shared with me by a very special couple...and because it struck me as such a comforting promise, I want to share it with you as well...

Jeremiah 29:11-13

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

February 7,2009 - Wedding of Wes and Jana Kroesbergen (photos :)

wedding pictures...

family...

I must confess, I haven't been all that diligent in the blogging department the past few days...I guess you could say I'm easily distracted. :P (especially when my brother and sister-in-law come from Toronto with this amazing white Jamaican by the name of Allie..for 4 days :D)

   Although excuses are lame and pathetic, I must admit that my reasons have made me realize how much I love my family. First there's Dad: he's quiet most of time, but his heart is so sweet and caring. Him and I can constantly be seen teasing each other, razing the other one with pokes and sarcastic comments :P..but of course "he started it!" (This reaction is very prevalent when mom gets "upset" with us for pouring water and ice cubes down each-other's back while doing dishes :D...

Then there's Mom. Mom's usually found doing something for others. Whether it be taking care of Opa (i.e. making smoothies every day, getting him up in the morning, feeding him breakfast...) she's has a very sensitive towards the needs of those around her. I guess you could say that if I didn't inherit anything else from her, I was blessed enough to get her love of cooking along with very similar taste buds :P :)

  Next is Wes: You have no idea how thankful that I am to have him as my only brother, and oldest sibling in the family :) Perhaps maybe I wasn't ALWAYS close to him, but over the past few years, I've actually grown to love his CONSTANT teasing and frustratingly annoying dimple filled smile which you really can't stay mad at for more than 2 minutes. :P

   So then there's Jana: for those of you who don't already know, she's my sister-in-law...the only one on my side that I'll ever have :) Jana and I clicked really well, even when I first met this "special girl" of my brother's.  (At least on my side it did :P) We've shared alot of things, shopped alot of times, and basically, she's just simply an amazing person whose a really good listener.

   Next is Jacinda: my one and only older sister :) The sister whose always been there for me. Well..pretty much always :P We weren't close as little girls, but now I can very safely say that she's one of my best friends. She makes me laugh...alot. She's the kind of person who even though may be completely and positively off topic about some things..she's just hilarious. I love and that's the end of the story.

   Where do I start with Brad? Brad's my only brother-in-law..for the time being anyways :P I always thought he was too quiet when he first started coming around..but I'm pretty sure I was wrong. :) He's a very kind and considerate guy and I guess...he's sweet. Not even going to lie :P One of the things I love about him as a brother, is the fact that he loves family so much...I really appreciate that. 

   Now on to my sister Cheryl. Cheryl's my little sister whose growing up...height wise...big time :P You gotta just love it, when your younger sister looooves standing beside you all the time, just to see how much taller she is than you. :P My height will not be commented on at this time, but I will say that I am now officially one of the shortest people in my family. 

   My little sister Heidi is a sweetheart. I love watching her interact with Opa so well, and she's just a really friendly little girl. Very smart for her age...it puts me to shame :P She loves spending time with family, and I'll have to say that she's very affectionate :)

So that's just a little bit about my family to give you a small inside look at what I get to live with every day :D

P.S. I really do love them, I promise :)

any relation?

So this is my brother's twin - slightly aged  

(aka Dominic Pursell)

... and this, is my brother :)

Let EVERYTHING...

   What would it be like to hear nothing? To see the birds beaks moving up and down, to watch the raindrops falling, to see emotions play over the faces and the mouths opening and closing, to see the strings being plucked, the hands moving up and down the keys...but nothing. I can't imagine. I don't want to imagine.

   Music isn't just the bow gliding across the strings, the sort of sparkling twinkle of the triangle, the floor rumbling and pictures shaking from the sound of those keys being pressed to their maximum sound. Our lives are full of music, but are we taking the time to listen to each and every special "instrument" of God's hands?

   I guess what I'm trying to say, that everyday is an musical performance, not a practice, 'cause it's already perfect :) Every chirp from that bird perched on the branch of lilac bush, every bark from the dog whose sitting at the door waiting...every ripple of laughter that escapes through our lips (even when it's not supposed to :), every word that slips off our tongues during prayer..it's all music in His ears! He created every living thing for a special purpose...and even though to our ears it may be the most annoying thing (like the morning doves that coo at five in the morning while I'm TRYING to sleep in a tent up north...on holidays! :P) Even though that song which my sister's been playing over and over again for her special performance, is really starting to grate on my nerves...who am I to say it's noise? That cooing, and that song... God gave it that special sound, because it brings glory to Him...even if it is a different sort of  "special." :D 

So while there's so many different sounds and so many different "life-songs," I still have to admit that it's the music that comes together in the amazing and perfect harmony, of notes and instruments...it gives me the shivers :) It's rather embarrassing...but some songs make me want to cry (like Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven :P) some songs make me want to dance (like Hungarian Dance No.5 by Brahms)..there's the ones that make me contemplate... (like Who Am I by Casting Crowns), there's Sing to the King (former choir favorite :) which just makes me want to raise my hands in praise, and sing till my throat's dry...I could go on and on, but I guess my point is...really take the time to listen to the music in life. In all that we do, in all that we say, in all that we think...it's to be for God's praise, honor and glory!

Psalm 150

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in his sancutary;

praise him in his mighty heavens!

Praise him for his mighty deeds;

praise him according to his excellent greatness!

Praise him with trumpet sound;

praise him with lute and harp!

Praise him with tambourine and dance;

praise him with strings and pipe!

Praise him with sounding cymbals;

praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

Let EVERYTHING that hath breath, praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

 

Friends are the family you choose...<3

 

 a post dedicated too...

My best friend.

Tanya

 So in case you didn't know, I'm not always normal..I promise :D
 holidays = too much sun and too much water :P
besties fo' life <3

Looking back...

I'm going to copy Jacinda's most recent blog post...only becuase I thought it was a cute idea :)

Taken from birth announcement: 

"The Lord in His goodness has blessed us with the birth of a healthy baby girl"

      Naomi Ruth

born, August 18, 1992, weighing 7 lbs, 8 oz.

A sister for Wesley and Jacinda 

Some "highlights" :)

My eye color: light blue (now turned to green)

My hair color: dark brown

I smiled: 3 weeks

I laughed: 5 1/2 weeks "Mommy says I giggle alot" :P

I slept through the night: 2 months

I crawled: 7 months (backwards)

I stood alone: 9 1/2 months

I walked alone: 11 months

First word: Da-da (I loved my daddy :) at 12 months

First words: "sit down," "Wety" = Wesley, "Ta-tin-da" = Jacinda

"Omi" = Naomi, and "Kee" = Kiss :P, "Ta-ta" = Thank you

Mom's revelations of my character, taken from my baby book :P (uh-oh)

" (18 months) When I was 17-18 months, mommy kept saying I was real "boofie." She thinks I'm pretty smart at figuring out everything she tells me. I could be a real bandit towards Wesley & Jacinda: I would take one of their lego pieces or crayons- just the one they needed, and quickly run away laughing - holding the piece in my hand. I wasn't to get off my booster till my plate was empty, so I always ate really quickly, then said "bye" and went to play. Then of course  Dad and Mom told me to get on my booster for devotions, so I tried to behave, but I just couldn't sit still for 2 minutes!"

Foods I loved: pasta and tomato sauce..(I still love those..lol), beets, carrots, potatoes, strawberries

Foods I really disliked: bananas...still detest them to this day :D

Books: anything that had babies in it :)

Songs: "Klapjes in je handjes" ( 9 months), Holy, Holy, Holy (2 years)

("Naomi loves to stomp her feet and sway when people sing ":)

So apparantly I wasn't the sweetest, most well-behaved little girl :P Oh well, hopefully as time goes on, that gets worked on ;)

...they shall be white as snow...

So I wake up this morning, refreshed and ready to start another day ( I always love Mondays for that :)...I stumble my way up the stairs, all the while trying to pry my eyes open.. (that's how refreshed I really am :D)

   Once I'm awake (at least to the point where I can make out faces and objects) I take a look out the window. There, on the new, greening grass...is a layer of white! Adding to my misery, is the constant, more than just a light frosting, of snow....SNOW, falling from the sky!

Can I cry? Please?

I was really loving the beautiful, balmy, T-shirt wearing and sunglasses weather. I thought I was done with socks and coats and scarves...but I guess God had a different plan.

 Brings me to wonder, why am I complaining? I should be viewing this cold, white stuff, as a beautiful creation..“ Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)

So I guess, the moral of the story is: Naomi Ruth Kroesbergen should really stop complaining because this sparkling, white frosting, was a gift from God, and maybe...just maybe, He was trying to remind me of His incredible promise :)

in His hand...

I just wanted to share a song that's been played over and over and over again through the past few days. Hurt is one of the most painful things to have to go through...but for me personally, it comforts me to know that every tear I cry, He holds in His hands...no matter what happens, it happens for his glory, and like I said before...He ALWAYS does what's best for His people...me included.

Praise You In This Storm 
(Casting Crowns )

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

"Laughter - a silly little bubble that escapes from the heart and overflows with cheer " :)

My mom makes me laugh.

Here's the thing: every April 1st, we wake up, go upstairs and sit down to breakfast. Every April 1st, while we're eating breakfast, mom says "Oh look! There's a robin!" And every April 1st...we look.

Even though we know she's going to say it...she gets us EVERY time! (I just can't figure out why)

However, this year, with all the nice weather we've been having, the robin's have already been out. Thus producing a problem for mom...she can't use the whole robin thing for April fools. So of course she needed to come up with another alternative...the fish.

April 1, 2009: We wake up, go upstairs and sit down to breakfast. We're eating our egg McMuffin and mom looks over to the fish tank and says "Look! the fish are dancing!"...ya. pretty much the lamest April fools joke yet....but it worked. On everyone EXCEPT me I might add :D I must admit, I was pretty proud of myself for finally not falling for it..:)

My mom was pretty much keeling over from laughing so hard at my sisters...good times :)

The funny part is, when mom went the get Opa up this morning, the first thing he asked her was "did you do the bird??" My mom's lame but brutally successful April fools jokes...we're inherited from Opa. :P Mom told him that she got us on the fish instead..and in his cute chortling sort of way, he laughed so hard he almost choked.

So thus begins the morning of April 1, 2009...good times in the Kroesbergen household I must confess. :)