One word could describe my childhood: stormy. Growing up in a non-Christian home where both of my parents struggled with alcoholism. I often felt lonely and isolated. I had no one to confide in. But the Lord heard the desperate cries of this small child, and with great tenderness and compassion revealed Himself to me at an early age.
When I was ten I
eagerly accepted a friend's invitation to attend vacation Bible school, where I
heard the plan of salvation. Alone one night, in the darkness of my bedroom, I
asked Jesus to be my personal Savior. Now, despite the raging storms in my home
life, I finally had someone in which to confide and flee to for protection: God
Himself! When the pain of abuse proved to be too much, I found shelter, safety
and comfort in the Lord’s counsel and love. He was truly my ‘hiding place.
Turbulence continued
into my teen years. Because I had no real Christian fellowship, my faith did not
mature. I entered into a serious relationship with an unbeliever, and became
engaged to him. Despite this, however, the Lord still held my hand tightly in
His, and marvelously directed my steps as I journeyed onto
college.
In college He
encircled me with many wonderful Christians, who quickly became close friends. I
was drawn to their vibrant and exciting relationships with the Lord. Also, for
the first time I experienced the elation of true Christian fellowship. The
scripture: “this is my commandment that you love one another” became a reality
for me. During this time I also rededicated my life to the Lord, was baptized in
water, and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. My life would NEVER be the
same!
I am very thankful
that my new Christian friends pointed out the perils of marrying an unbeliever:
“for what fellowship has light with darkness?” So, I terminated my engagement.
However, within a few months I met and fell in love with a wonderful Christian
man: my husband, Wayne, of twenty-nine years! I am so grateful for the bold
counsel of my friends. It spared me from a lifetime of unhappiness!
I was very fortunate
to have parents who were both musicians and music teachers, as their love for
music spilled over onto me. I studied flute, voice and piano from an early age.
This provided a very solid foundation for the ‘new’ music that God released into
me after receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It was so exhilarating to
discover a world of unrehearsed and spontaneous worship choruses composed by the
Divine Composer, the Holy
Spirit !
During this
time many new songs began abundantly flowing out of my spirit, like rivers of
living water. Often, the Holy Sprit would awaken me in the middle of the night,
so I would grab my guitar and work out the chords to these ‘fresh’ worship
songs. The joy of salvation and walking close to my Savior just seemed to spill
out through my music. I often found it hard to keep up with the torrent of new
songs He birthed in my spirit. And so, at the age of 19, my ministry as a
psalmist began!
After marrying and giving
birth to my two children, Seth and Sharon, I joined a worship team at our
church. It was the custom to anoint and ordain new team members, so the other
team members, as well as the pastors laid hands on me and prayed. God spoke
prophetically through them. I will never forget these powerful words:
"Until now you
have always been concerned with stage presence. But now I am going to teach
you how to play in MY presence! And when you play you will be like a
fragrant rose, releasing MY sweet fragrance!"
