Things of the Spirit have always intrigued me.  As a child I'd often lay awake at night pondering faith and eternity.  That's probably why many of my songs have eternal focus themes, exploring how to live out - with more boldness - the faith I profess and challenge others to the same.   

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

 

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.  It was at that little playhouse that I met my first piano teacher Mrs. Robinson who inspired and developed my keyboard skills.   Off stage, I practiced having faith conversations with the adult actors l worked with from all various states and backgrounds.  Those talks were quite 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 faith conversations in the everyday.

For the most part, our family lived simple and quiet.  Me and my siblings didn't know it,  but our parents had big financial challenges.  Dad was a proud army veteran, godly father, painter, and faithful worker at a local grocery store.  Mom was a great homemaker,  adept with virtually any house project,  a fine cook, and an excellent seamstress.  She had an alterations side hustle that garnered her a little extra,  including an upright piano which she bartered in exchange for tailoring a custom made suit!   Mom and I dabbled with composing on that acoustic piano - crafting lyrics and little tunes - with limited musical knowledge.   For the most part, we lived simple and quiet.   Though me and my siblings didn't know it,  our family struggled financially.   Dad was a faithful worker at a local grocery store.  Mom was a good homemaker, talented in house projects, cooking, and excellent seamstress work.  She had an alterations side hustle that garnered her a little extra.  

 

When I was confirmed in the Christian Lutheran 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 real struggles, family issues, and relationship disappointments.  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.    

 

Some of those songs were chosen for my first collection “No Tears Past the Gate” released fall 1996.  It was 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 talented husband Craig designed my graphics and promotional items, ran sound for many of my 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 31 states sharing original songs with testimony in worship services and concerts with elements of drama.  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 subsequent scriptural shirt designs (wearable witness!) have proven to be great conversation starters.  They've allowed to sing or have faith conversations with strangers on planes, in airports, parking lots, and grocery stores!  I've stepped into many prayer opportunities, always leaving a CD or business card behind.   My God is so good!  Christ has covered my sin,  Holy Spirit gives me faith, growth and empowerment to speak, and Father showers me with love and blessing every moment of every day here as He prepares me for a forever future in perfect relationship and communion with Him!  I'm committed to bringing Yahweh glory,  knowing Him more, and helping others know Him more.   

Every moment is an exciting opportunity for heavenly to intersect with human!  Jesus is the truth, the life and the Way and I'm intentionally GOING into the world feet prepared with readiness to declare praise and give my answer for hope anytime, anywhere with anyone!   My life verse says it well: