Isn't it amazing how you can look back to when you were a small child and see how the hand of God was on you even then.
Born in St. Charles, MO, I was singing songs with my dad at the age of 2 or 3 and singing and playing guitar at age 7. Then just 2 weeks before my 13th birthday, I told my dad if he'd get me a piano I would learn to play it. He went out and got me an old upright piano and even though most of the ivories were missing from the keys I loved that piano.
All I had was an old church hymnal when I sat down for the first time. I don't know how else to explain what happened but just to tell you God gave me the ability to play that piano from the very first time my fingers touched the keys. I never took a lesson but yet was playing that piano in 2 weeks. The first song I played was my dad's favorite, I'll Fly Away. My mom and dad could tell something supernatural was happening and on my 13th birthday in rolled a brand new beautiful piano. My dad started singing in church with me when I was 13 and I never stopped. My brother was also given the gifts of playing the guitar and banjo and started playing in churches also.
Not too many years later my family opened a Country Music Show for 16 years where we performed country, bluegrass, and most importantly, gospel music 6 nights a week. Married to the man God made for me with 2 wonderful daughters we all were involved in the show. When my father suddenly passed away we couldn't face doing the show without him so we closed the doors.
I must be honest and say that losing my father and then finding out my mother, who was in her 50's, had Alzheimer's taught me about a sadness I never knew existed. I found myself unable to even stand the sound of music much less sing for quite a while. It was just too painful. However, God being who He is knew I needed to share the gifts He had given me and once again the joy of music began to live in my heart, but this time it was different. This time not only was the music there but God began giving me song after song.
There are specific messages God wants His people to hear and He's giving me those messages in songs. My music is not about me, it's all about Him. I am but merely the vessel for Him to use. My prayer is for others to be ministered to and be blessed by God's word in song. He is to be Praised and Worshipped.