They knew I'd be a writer, but I surprised everyone when I decided to become a singer in my thirties.
This is where I write about what I say in between songs. It's the place I put my musings about music and motherhood and the faith that sustains both those callings.
My parents tell everyone I was always writing, performing and telling stories. Writing has been my joy as a kid, my job as an adult, and my strength & comfort as a Mom.
Unlike a lot of Christian artists, I didn't grow up going to church, or singing in choirs. Talk about being OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE! At one time, I thought that was a hindrance, but it really fuels my passion and tells an awesome story of an amazing God and His plans for us. I wouldn't trade the journey, because He was shaping me for such a time as this.
How I got here from there …
I'm fiercely competitive. I used that drive and skill to get a journalism degree in 3 1/2 years – and was chosen as my graduating class' commencement speaker. I spoke about being an agent of change. Then, I sort of settled into business as usual … a career in public relations as a writer/editor/spokesperson, marriage and three kids. I worked in Milwaukee, Los Angeles and Minneapolis, before choosing to be home.
I felt blessed to be able to be home with my kids, and quickly took on the role of activity planner, volunteer, Sunday School teacher, VBS Director and more. Somewhere in there, though, I lost a little of what made me – me. Or, maybe I didn't quite know how to incorporate it back into my busy life.
I searched in many places for an activity I could do that would not only use my talents, but move me. It's necessary for all of us to do something that fills us to overflowing with joy. Over the years, in bits and pieces, God started revealing parts of the picture. I'll be honest, it wasn't easy trying to figure out what the pieces meant.
Thankfully, in 2008, the pieces finally came into focus and revealed me singing and writing songs. Who knew?! Well, God did – but it still amazes me that I didn't "get it" until I was in my thirties.
What's really cool is that I always had these gifts. God created me with them. It just took me a while to realize it, accept my gifts in this area and say, "OK, Lord, I'm ready." God took it from there and has moved mountains, opened doors and filled me with God-sized faith to go after this dream.
As with most singer/songwriters, my music is a very personal reflection of my emotions, my relationships and how I look at life and my walk with God. I find inspiration in God's word, from my my husband and children, and walking through this life as a sinner saved by miraculous Grace.
God chose me for this mission. At first, I didn't think I could do it and my fear and doubts stepped in the way many times.
But, with prayer and a faith only God could provide, I'm getting out of the boat and using what He gave me. 1 Peter 4:10
I keep my eyes on Jesus and I will not sink.
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