Yes, the rumors are true: Gleams of Glory is moving… FOR REAL. We’ve bid farewell to the scenic landscapes of Maine and have set our sights on the expansive horizons of Washington. It’s been a journey filled with countless memories and experiences, and while I can’t share every detail, I promise to keep you updated with the highlights.

A Look Back

Let’s start from where we left off: March of 2023.

Workspace Upgrade

We welcomed the UPLIFT Standing Desk V2 to our music desk and chair setup, enhancing our workspace for better productivity.

Celebrations

April 26, 2023, marked my 14th birthday and the 1st anniversary of Gleams of Glory! We commemorated this special day with the release of our song, “Charity Never Faileth” taken from 1 Corinthians 13. Although – unfortunately – it was the only song we released in 2023, its profound message continues to resonate. “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up… Charity never faileth” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 KJV) We are so very grateful that the Lord has brought us this far and pray for continued grace as we go forward!

Relocation

And now, for the news that you have been waiting for. We embarked on the biggest journey of our lives — from Maine to Washington. We never, ever thought that we would be leaving our beloved New England for another state on the far west! Well, where God calls, you go. Do we not sing the song,

I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord,
O’er mountain, or plain, or sea…

It all started during a family retreat at a beautiful camp in southern Maine. We especially wanted to go as one of our friends, who had helped us out with homeschooling, would be coming from Washington to speak there. We had been teased that she might be moving to Maine. We were so excited! However, during the retreat, she pulled my parents aside and told them that she and her family had been praying that a family would be able to take over their blueberry farm in Washington State. And who had God impressed them with? Yes, the Mendes Family. The first thing that crossed through my parents mind was, “Absolutely Not!” But as we prayed about it, it became clear that this was the path our Heavenly Father wanted us to take. Two months later, we found ourselves setting foot on Washington soil, over 3,000 miles away from everything and everyone we held dear. One verse, though, really comforted us: “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matthew 24:27 KJV) Jesus is coming very soon. So, as we look forward to the upcoming year, we pray for a bountiful harvest — physical fruit for our mouths and spiritual fruit for God’s Kingdom.

Our First Subscriber Milestone

We are thrilled to announce that this new year, by God’s grace, we’ve reached 100 subscribers! We’re incredibly grateful for your support, prayers, gifts, and donations. I pray that you will continue to enjoy the scripture songs. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our faith and inspire others through music. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and we’re excited to see where the Lord takes us from here. If you have received a blessing from Gleams of Glory, please help us reach our next milestone by ensuring you’re subscribed and encouraging others to do the same. https://www.youtube.com/@gleamsofglory

A Look Ahead

As we look to the future, we’re excited to share our plans for the upcoming year:

Instrumental Music for Worship

We’ve recently discovered this new avenue. The idea was born out of a situation at our former church in Maine. The church had two pianists, including myself. However, when we both had to leave, one to Alabama and the other to Washington, the church — just like that — was left without a pianist. This led to the use of pre-recorded tracks, but it just wasn’t the same as having a real person playing live. The congregation wasn’t accustomed to it, and it didn’t align with the service’s ambiance. So, they reached out to us and asked me to produce the introit in the manner we used to play it, which we gladly did. Inspired by this, we’re now working on creating instrumental music for worship. We already have several songs available, including SDA Hymn #662, #668, #671, and #692. We plan to include more going forward. If you want to request a hymn for Gleams of Glory to produce, or if you would like to tailor one to your church service, feel free to contact us.

New Songs

We’re also working on three songs based on John 1:1-14, focusing on the Ministry and Divinity of Christ, and another original song. These are songs I have been wanting to put out for a long time, and I’m so excited that they will be coming out soon! Please pray for me, that I will finish the last four verses of John 1:1-14 soon, so I can get working on the first five verses (which I don’t have a tune for yet). Be sure to subscribe to the Gleams of Glory YouTube channel and click the notification bell so you won’t miss any of our new content!

Farewell!

As we embark on this new chapter, we’re excited to bring you along on our journey. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, thank you for being a part of the Gleams of Glory community! Until next time…

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
(2 Corinthians 13:11 KJV)