Control and abuse (by Beethoven’s father) were traits that both composers knew from an early age, but they used their gifting to surge ahead in life.

Music teacher Cassandra Portee unpacks the history behind the famed holiday song, and reminds us what the real reason behind the season.

Year 2024 has arrived.  Many of us tend to make resolutions, promises, set goals, and proclaim this will be the year we will strongly commit to following through to the end of the year.  And within a few weeks of the New Year, we give up and make excuses and forge forward without attaining our goals.

Today’s Friday Post is written by elementary music teacher Cassandra Portee, who shares that God doesn't look at the outer appearance of things, but rather, He looks at the heart.

Today’s Friday Post is written by elementary music teacher Cassandra Portee, who unpacks the hymn Worthy Of Worship. If you missed it, catch her recent unpacking of the hymn ‘It Is Well With My Soul’.

We have all faced grief of some kind with loss. Horatio Spafford faced unspeakable grief when he lost his son and soon after his four daughters. He was hit with a Job type of situation. Here’s everything you need to know about Horatio “It Is Will With My Soul” hymn and how he found strength to continue with life in the midst of losing all of his children.

The Christmas holiday season would not be complete without the beloved Christmas carol “Silent Night.” Music teacher, Cassandra Portee gives everything you thought you knew about the carol, but didn’t.

Seele contributor, Cassandra Portee reminds that in the midst of others mishandling us and mistreating us, we are to still love.

Seele contributor, Cassandra Portee reminds that there is no need to worry, and that we are to cast our cares on the Lord.

Have you ever had to make a decision about a situation where you knew either the final outcome would be successful or a failure?  You weighed the pros and cons of your decision, but you knew if no one stepped up to the plate in doing what needed to be done, you would be the one to carry out the plan.  But, in your heart you knew if the plan failed, you would have to live with the consequences, and knew you did your best. Seele Contributor, Cassandra Portee introduces a woman from long ago who did just this, Jehosheba.

Seele contributor, Cassandra Portee shares her thoughts about the mercy and grace we find at the throne of God. It’s a Place where we can go boldly and confidently to lay our burdens and receive healing, love and perspective. Happy Friday

For another Christmas, music teacher, Cassandra Smith Portee has opened up the life of composer and songwriter, Irving Berlin, a Russian immigrant who lived in the US and who contributed to the world a Christmas timepiece.

Elementary school music teacher, Cassandra Portee unpacks the life and challenges of George Frideric Handel, famed German composer who dealt with being in constant debt, but who was able to compose some of the world's most memorable pieces- 42 operas, 29 oratorios, more than 120 cantatas, duets, and trios..

Elementary school music teacher, Cassandra Portee unpacks the struggles of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, famed Russian composer who dealt with depression and life's struggles, but who was able to compose some of the world's most memorable pieces of music including the Nutcracker suite.

Music educator, Cassandra S. Portee unpacks German composer Ludwig Van Beethoven, a music genius and revolutionary. She explains why Beethoven was a revolutionary and gives 5 responses of things that can be taken away from his life and apply it to our lives today. 

For Seele's Mother's Day contribution, Cassandra S. Portee highlights 7 lessons she learned from her mother.