Victoria James Music
Newsletter-July 2010

July 21, 2010

Dear Friends,

For me, the summer is nearly over. August is back to school time…new people, new routine, new tasks. But I have been able to work on some music while taking a break from graduate school and my responsibilities of the classroom.

I have had a couple opportunities to play this month and one scheduled for August. I am grateful to be able share songs of hope with some new friends. My next gig is this Friday, the 23rd at The Lost Coin Café in Portland, Maine. This is a new venue for me and I’m looking forward to it. The Lord has given me a thread or theme, for my music, and it is redemption. Surprised? No. That’s the power of the Gospel. As Christians, we are bound by that common thread. God’s grace works in our lives. Are you telling your story? Your testimony? What can you say about the gratitude you have for Jesus? It begins by asking for his Spirit’s power to enable us to go out and love others. Have you asked for that? I trust that you have and that you have experienced His hand in your life.

On July 28th I will be playing in my hometown, Dunstable Massachusetts at the public library. I will enjoy seeing some familiar faces in the town I grew up in.
In August, one of my students and I will be sharing a new song I wrote this spring and will showcase this Friday as well. That will happen in Bridgton, Maine on August 29th. You can see my website FMI.

This is just a quick update as I want to keep you informed of how God is working through the music, even though I work full-time as a teacher. I really love music. I really love Jesus. I am so glad to be able to tell people that and sing his praises.
I appreciate the interest you have had in my ministry in the past. Thank you, ...from my heart. I hope your summer is going well and that He is blessing you with both joys and challenges to learn more about him.
He is worthy!

Thank you & God Bless,
Victoria
www.victoriajamesmusic.com

PS
I'll let you know when Sweet Communion is online and on iTunes. Hopefully soon. Thanks again, Roy, for the production and cover art. (Pine Point Productions)

Thank you for your support!

News and Updates

Sweet Communion is done!

After nearly 2 years, I want to thank Rebecca Clark Weller for adding lead vocals, Roy Clark for his production and mentorship, Josh Otte for playing acoustic guitar and singing, and Mike Jones for adding bass.  I couldn't have done it without you all.  Thank you!
God Bless,

Victoria

The Lyrics for:  Sweet Communion

Hear the news from all the earth,
songs of praises echoing.
Voices raised and heralding His worth.
Listen to the victor’s cry.
Songs proclaim and glorify,
Shouts are raised to testify the old has gone.

Chorus:
Worthy is the Lamb! We sing of what He’s done.
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain! (Worthy is the Lamb.)
All creation cries and all will join as one.
As we gather round the throne, in sweet communion.


Come, to where your soul is fed.
Lives renewed surrendering.
Hearts in tune. He’s waking up the dead.
Listen now.  The nations sing,
Pouring out their offerings,
turning from the earthly things He’s overcome!

Bridge:
Hallelujah for your glory.
Hallelujah for you grace.
Hallelujah for your beauty.
Hallelujah for your Name.

Hallelujah for your glory.
Hallelujah for you grace.
Hallelujah for your beauty.
Hallelujah for your Name.

Faith at Christmas Time


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 dependant, 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 insecure. 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.

Vicki and Peter

Sweet Communion

A while back I thought about how God's kingdom has many cultures and many diverse people worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. His people come from many cultures and many languages. There are many divisions in this lifetime, but they will not last…time, space, even death. The book of Revelations speaks about Jesus Christ being the center point for worship in heaven. He is the Lamb. He is worthy of worship.
When I really think about that, me, living in Maine, with white English speaking people, I am overwhelmed. What a beautiful thing, to come together as His people, each with our own personalities and gifts, under His grace to serve Him in peace, unified in sweet surrender. People of the earth will gather to honor Him and sing praises to Him. People from before the time of King David, people from 1,000 years ago, 500 years ago, 50 years ago. Those across continents and oceans will sing as we all come together.

I wanted to write a song that transcends denominations, culture, and time. I hope that ‘Sweet Communion’ is that glimpse of hope in our future. I can’t wait to share it with you. He has so many promises, but this is a significant part of our future as believers.

Here’s the chorus:
Worthy is the Lamb. We sing of what He’s done.
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.
All creation cries and all will join as one
As we gather ‘round the throne in sweet communion.

Beginning Graduate School

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

NorthStar Cafe in Portland

Hey Everyone!  I just got back from my first visit to North Star Cafe in Portland tonight.  The Maine Songwriters Association hosts a showcase every Thursday night.  I went down to check them out.  We also had a MSA meeting during one of the time slots.  Very nice folks so I'm putting in a plug for them.  They had tea of many different varieties (something I love) and chocolate chip cookies (another guilty pleasure).  I'll let you know if anything comes up in my schedule for joining them some Thursday...probably not a school night...zzzzzzzzzz.
Check them out at:
North Star Cafe
and
www.mesongwriters.com

Take Care,

Victoria
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