My Biography
Music surrounded me from birth. Both of my parents were music teachers, as well as my aunt. I started piano lessons at age six, and later in elementary school began the flute. I always loved to sing the best, and also took private voice lessons through high school. I was active in high school band and also sang in the top chamber choir, as well as was active in dramatic and musical productions. I went on to study music and art in college, and received my bachelors of music education from the University of Kansas in 1977.
During this time I was active on local church worship teams, playing flute, piano and singing. During this time I also began writing songs the Holy Spirit would birth in my spirit. After marrying my husband Wayne, and giving birth to two children, Seth and children, I began teaching private music lessons, and taught music in several local Christian schools. Not being blessed with a music budget, God would often give me many songs for the students to sing or play, in fact, during this time. I wrote several childrens musicals.I also wrote several choral/orchestra productions for Easter and Christmas. For several years served as minister of music at a church, and taught classes on Biblical praise and worship. I also took part in a Messianic dance troupe, and also choreographed original dances for the team to perform. I also used my artistic gifting to make various banners for local churches.s As my children neared college age, I went back to school and obtained my masters degree in music education from the University of Kansas. During this time I taught both instrumental and vocal music at a local Christian school, as well as art and Spanish.
In 2003 I began to sense the Lord changing directions in my life. I visited the International House of Prayer in my home town, Kansas City, and quickly felt drawn to get involved . God opened up the door for me to join a worship team, and year later I quit my full-time teaching job to become associate staff at IHOP. Here God birthed the CD, UNCEASING PRAISE, and after a year of hard work finally completed it December 2004.
On this CD I tried to capture a journey of the heart that begins with a cry to the Holy Spirit for refreshing, and each succeeding song takes the listener closer to the heart of Jesus. Finally, the last song, Unceasing Praise, describes the eternal glory of throne room worship in heaven. My prayer is that as you listen the Holy Spirit draws you into an intimate embrace with the Creator Himself.
I have also recorded for other ministries including Janie Aduddell (CD Take My Hand , 2004) and Master Potter Ministries (Jill Austin-CD Visitations, 2004) On these CDs I play various instruments as well as sing. Over the years I have learned to play many instruments, especially flutes of all kinds. My most recent addition, a bass flute, is nearly as tall as I am.I also enjoy playing a harp that my husband built a few years ago. So I am blessed to not only sing the songs the Lord gives me, but also accompany myself on a large variety of instruments! It is so rewarding to turn a simple worship song into a full-fledged symphony for His glory!