"To everything there is a season...."
That is a phrase that may be familiar to you. As we reflect over our
lives, it is apparent that there have been springs, summer, autumn, and
winters that for days, weeks or maybe even years we succumbed to their
elements.
This project was born with anticipation, excitement, trust, friendship, prayers, tears, and the never ending supply of miracles.
I grew up in Wisconsin in a loving and fun-filled home of a preacher
and had a strong Christian heritage. Following in the footsteps of my
mom, I began singing in church as a young girl. Over the years, the
songs became more than just lyrics and melodies. They triggered every
emotion from tears to elation, and the message of the songs found its
way to the core of who I am today.
As a teen and young adult, I silently struggled with alcohol
addiction, which left many painful memories and scars. A turning point
for me was when I met my husband Everett. (He loves to hear that!)
After getting married at age 23, I once again began to focus on music
ministry and began working in my local church. Soon, I was directing
the choir, beginning to play the piano and starting to write songs. It
seemed that life couldn't get much better!
A few years later, I went through what I call "the darkest time in
my life". Life can get overwhelming when storms hit and you find there
is only sand beneath your feet. I went through months of daily anxiety
attacks and fear. I was trying to deal with my past, and at the same
time, just make it through the day. It was during this time that
Everett and I also received the news that they we would never be able
to have children. This all led to yet another chapter in my life's
story, but like a miracle, it turned out to be pages of hope, renewal,
love, and for the first time in my life, finding out that Jesus really
was the God that I was singing about all these years. He really had
been waiting in the wings for me, watching me, letting me make the
mistakes, so He could let me feel what it's like to have His arms wrap
around me, and hear His gentle assurance that He really does love me.
It was during this season that the words of Into His Presence began
to come from the depths of my heart. For months, only when I prayed did
peace find its way in my mind and the trembling inside would
stop. It was as if the heavens would open and everything else in
the world would go away for a moment in time. Gradually, those moments
lasted longer, the sun shone a little brighter each day, and the
flowers began to bloom. Life really was "worth the living".
It was after this that we decided to make the move to the suburbs of
Washington DC, and there I felt God leading me to a deeper relationship
with Him. My passion was working with the music ministry team of
Capital Community Church and as I had a job which required a lot of
travel often, I lived for Sundays and helping to lead others in
worship. It was at this time, after being prompted by my Pastor,
husband, music minister, and friends who believed in me, I followed my
heart, and made this project.
The songs you will find are snapshots of different seasons in my
life. "Smile" is in dedication to some of my friends who been dealt
some of life's toughest cards, but never lost their joy. "Love of God"
is a reminder that His love is measureless, even when we don't deserve
it. "You Said" has a special meaning after I visited the country of
India with Everett, and sometimes was speechless at the need that I
witnessed. "The Last Mile" is by far closest to my heart. While making
this project, my Grandpa, whom I adored passed away suddenly, and this
song was done as an afterthought in memory of him. It was as if he was
in the room as I sang the words of one of his favorite songs....
So, wherever you are today in your journey of life, I'm sure you
will be able to relate to the message of these songs. Whether it is
summertime for you and life has never been better, or you have found
yourself in the cold of winter, just know that there is One who is with
you and He promised to never leave you, even when the seasons change.
It is my prayer that you will find the hope, the peace, and the comfort
that only comes in His presence.....
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