Things of the Spirit have always intrigued me.  Raised in a Christian home,  I loved reading my first bible and would often lay awake at night pondering faith and eternity, reflected in many of my songs with eternal themes. I hunger to live out - with boldness - the faith I profess and spur others on to the same.   

Some of my favorite memories of the wonder and emotion of music were at our my childhood home roaming in the Northwoods making up songs and Christmas Eve services gathering up front next to a huge lighted tree, reciting scriptures and singing carols about Jesus' birth in the warm glow as my mother harmonized with the adult choir from the balcony.  

 

Dramatic expression began on the stage during the summer of my 12th year when I landed my first leading role in a musical as little orphan Annie.  In that little playhouse,  I was introduced to my first piano teacher, Mrs. Robinson, who inspired and developed my piano skills.  Off stage, I practiced faith conversations with the adult actors from various states and experiences.  Those talks were messy as my immature innocence knew nothing of their big people challenges, church hurt, or faith barriers.  Looking back, I see how beautifully God was building layers onto my passion for everyday conversations in the moments of life.

Me and my siblings didn't know it,  but our parents had financial struggles.  Dad was an army vet, godly father, painter, and hard worker at a local grocery store.  Mom was a homemaker,  a fine cook,  an excellent seamstress and adept at any house project she set her mind to.  Her alterations ‘side hustle’  garnered a little cash flow,  including an upright piano that she bartered in exchange for tailoring a custom made suit!  My sister, my mom and I dabbled on that acoustic piano - crafting lyrics and little tunes with limited musical knowledge.   

 

When I was confirmed in the Christian faith at age 14, my pastor gave me Psalm 103: 1-2 “Bless the Lord o my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name!”  The college years came with family stress, relational disappointments and faith confusion when they left the church I'd known and insisted on one bible translation as truth with all others false.  This propelled me to study and memorize scripture, while fueling frustration and division.  

 

I'd fill notebooks with lyrics and melodies, wrapping me and my classmates' painful stories around notes and rhythms, singing the songs to hurting hearts on an old acoustic in the attic of our MN dorm building.   Those early tunes were my first collection “No Tears Past the Gate” released fall 1996,  followed by 5 more over the next 30 years.   Compilations of well loved hymns, a few praise songs, and many originals based on scripture and life adventures - some directly related to the themes in conversations with strangers through my years of travel.  My husband Craig designed graphics and promotional items, ran sound for many events, and played the dual role of roadie and daddy as our family took weekend ministry trips across the Midwest states.  

 

Our two children became musicians and artists in their own right, gave me plenty of song ideas and performance tips,  added their vocals and percussion to my recordings, and much color and meaning to our life and ministry.  Praise the Lord, both are now incredible well rounded young adults who fiercely follow Jesus on mission!  “I have no greater joy than to hear (see) my children are walking in the truth.”   3 John 1:4

 

I've now traveled to hundreds of churches in 40 states to share original songs, testimony in worship and concerts with dramatic elements.  Between events,  I get to teach private music to the next generation while serving my husband,  two kids and caring for the home God has blessed us with.  

My guitar and various clothing designs have proven to be great conversation starters, opening the door to sing or speak with strangers on planes, in airports, parking lots, and grocery stores!  There have been many prayer opportunities.  I've gifted many CDs, and left my business card behind.  

 

The Father is faithful.  The Son, Christ Jesus has covered my sin, and Holy Spirit grows and empowers me every moment of every day. I praise the Lord for life with others and with all my being, seek to declare His praise and give my answer for the reason for the hope I have anytime, anywhere with anyone, as my life verse states:    I Peter 3:15  "In your heart, set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that you have - but do this with gentleness and respect'