Art by (enter name of student here)

So many times we give up on things we enjoy just because we feel that we are not good at them. Or maybe you are on the other end of the spectrum; you haven’t had any formal training but have the natural ability and just lack the courage to show off your talent. Whatever the case may be, never give up on yourself or your abilities. Throw off any hindrances in your way and keep pushing yourself because no matter what other people or your insecurities say, God has given you an amazing talent, and He expects you to do something with it. “God is the Master artist so when we are fresh out of ideas it would be a smart move to consult the greatest Artist and see how He  inspires,” advices Secondary Art Teacher, Noemi Klipfel.

“It’s also very important to know the use of God’s principles of design in a composition. I teach my students that just like there are ingredients for making a delicious cake, there are also ingredients for making good art.” Those ingredients include elements such as: line, shape, color, form, value and space. And according to Mrs. Klipfel, there are also rules on how to use these elements or principles: Movement, Unity, Repetition, Contrast, Rhythm, Balance and Emphasis.

Practice those rules, play with each element, but whatever you do, be bold and take a leap by submitting your artwork to an art show or a publication. We have a place for you in the CCA Messenger called The Artist’s Corner. Take advantage of it.

To be an amazing artist like Picasso or Michelangelo and to make an impact you must first be able to be daring and show off your work. If you have never shown people what you can accomplish, now is the time to be bold and show off your talents.

by Rebecca Urrutia

The wind’s feathery fingers toss the waves high into the air.

As the sun shines upon the water droplets

it creates dozens of rainbows and colorful prisms of light.

The waves roar playfully as they rush up to kiss the glowing sand

and to devour the awaiting sand castles.

The breeze is scented with particles of salt water,

And it is like perfume to my weary soul.

The warm sand covers my wet feet

and shields them from the teasing

yet cool wind.

The sunrise casts a pink glow over the shimmering waters.

It slowly frees itself from the horizon’s grip

and begins its journey across the azure sky.

As I lay down on the cool sand dune,

my lover whispers, “I made this all for you.”

A gasp suddenly escapes my lips

as the beauty of creation unexpectedly overwhelms me.

The warm sunrays flicker and dance

in the waters’ reflection, and

my head swims with the wonder of a thousand exotic panoramas.

My lover looks at me with immense love in His eyes.

He would travel the world to find me.

He has given up His life for me.

I am His precious and beautiful bride,

and for me He would give the universe.

The foamy liquid parts as my feet reach the water.

The sea mist adorns my head like

a white satin lace that is fit for a bride.

My King steps forward

and extends His pierced hand.

I reach out. . . and grasp it.

A surge of life swells within me

sweeping me off my feet in a wave of love.

The floodgates of heaven are cast open

and I am filled with a joy overflowing.

His radiance more than satisfies me.

Every flaw, every imperfection;

He sees it all and His love is all the more.

His strong hand upholds me,

Strengthening me and breathing life

into every inch of my weak and delicate body.

The inky blackness that once held me captive is no more.

His scarlet blood has washed me once again from

the deepest chamber of my soul.

A pearly whiteness bathes over me

and begins to mend my broken heart.

“My grace is sufficient for you,

For my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

The sound of a thousand voices explodes from the heavens.

A glorious melody sweeps through the sky,

igniting the clouds with a radiant glory.

A joyous noise resounds from the ends of the earth,

and a call of love echoes throughout the depths of the ocean.

“My grace is sufficient for you,

For my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Guest what this is?

Photo complementary of the CCA Photography Club

If you can guess what object is magnified in this photo, send your response to Photography@ccaeagles.org. If you answer correctly, your name will be printed in next week’s edition of The Messenger.

Connor Walcott

Writing allows Walcott to “get [his] thoughts down on paper, and helps [him] to focus.” He also acknowledges that writing constructs a vital foundation for students in their academic work, helping them “to write for class assignments” and in “reading their own work.” However, Walter realizes that writing is so much more than class assignments.

Writing, like any art, requires continual education and inspiration. Reading, especially, is essential to writing since the reading of literature allows writers to decipher and create their own sense of linguistic style. Walcott is as passionate a reader as he is a writer, and this pastime continues to expand his vocabulary bank. Walcott was especially inspired by Christian author, Sigmund Brouwer, who visited CCA this past January and taught students the importance of writing for a specific audience. With a heart to reach a broad range of people, Walcott explains that his stories must incorporate varied aspects to apply to such a broad range. So where does Walcott gain inspiration for his stories? “I hear two sentences that make a good concept for a story,” he explains. Then he builds upon this foundation.

For Walcott, writing holds a deeper meaning than just words and sentences; he knows that the true purpose of writing is “to glorify God…[and] come back to Christ no matter where you go.” Walcott encourages writers to include in-depth descriptions throughout their writing and to re-read stories when half-way completed, so that revisions can be easily made without disturbing the remaining story. While Walcott truthfully admits that “writing isn’t always enjoyable,” (he recounts a frustrating time when a portion of his essay was deleted on the computer, a dilemma his mom thankfully was able to fix), he realizes that the result of writing is far worth the effort: “When you hit the period for a final sentence, you feel a sense of calm wash over you,” Walcott explains.

God is truly working through this young writer, and with Walcott’s dream of one day becoming an author, do not be surprised if one day you see his name on a future best-seller.   

Alexandra Gomez, 7th Grader

Rain’s Fall

Written by Alexandra Gomez

Watch me come down!

I come from the sky,

“Watch me fall, watch me fall.”

Like a tree when lightning strikes it

As it comes tumbling down to the ground.

See the dark clouds as I come out from inside it.

I pour down till I hit the ground,

while the thunder booms and shouts above me.

But when lightning comes out of the clouds,

it is time for me to finally finish falling,

and vanish in the heat of the sun.