A Musical Journey

John 14:1-3—(Jesus answered) “Do not let your heart be troubled…In my Father’s house are

many dwelling places…I go to prepare a place

for you.” The things that I contend with in my life today as a believer are no easier than the trials I faced when I had no

hope. Back then I drowned my troubles with substances and other excesses, and I even attempted suicide. Now, I realize

that I will never feel at home here because this isn’t my home. My home is heaven and, no matter what happens to me

here on earth, someday, I will go home.

Isaiah 30:15—“The Lord God (has said)… In quietness

and trust is your strength.” Because I was born into a

violent, alcoholic, home and sexually abused from a very

early age, I definitely had trust issues. I began life confused,

and Satan, the author of confusion, kept me that way for

many years. When Jesus Christ asked me to trust Him with

my battered life, and I did, my wounds were healed and I

could see how, even in the darkness, He would bring me

through and make every trial work out for my good. And all

I had to do then, and still have to do every day is , trust Him.

Matthew 5:16—Let your light shine before men in such

a way that they may see your good works, and glorify

your Father who is in heaven.”

One of my favorite things to do is to tell people about

Jesus. This is partly because I’m so grateful for what

He’s done for me and because, frankly, I just can’t keep

such good news to myself! This is not always done by

preaching and teaching the Bible. Rather, many times it

is accomplished with much more clarity and sincerity

when I simply act in a way that is unlike the rest of the

world, but very much like Jesus. I “shine” when I love

my enemies and bless those who persecute me; when I

feed the hungry or clothe the poor; when I visit those

who are sick or in prison. There is nothing that gives

God more glory than when the world sees His light—

His love-- shining through me.

Jeremiah 1:5—“Before I formed you in the womb,I knew you.”

Promiscuity has its prices—some higher than others. Because of the early sexual trauma in my life, I had no

concept of the “natural”, or God ordained sexual relationship.When I became pregnant at 18 years of age, it was a matter

of course to seek an abortion. The repercussions resounded through my life for many years. When I finally sought

forgiveness from the Lord for having committed this crime—this murder—He graciously forgave. But I can

never forget what I did. I will never forget Daniel, my son, who awaits me in Heaven. This song is not only a memorial

to him, but also for the millions of others who die every day, all over the world, unnoticed, unloved…at least on the earth. 

In Heaven they are adored and protected by King Jesus!

I speak, in my book, of a park that I used to frequent where the Lord met me time and again. One time, at least, He was very present, as I recount in my story. And one time, this song just poured out of me because of the overwhelming gratitude I felt, and still feel, for Him bringing me out of darkness into His GLORIOUS light. Thank You, Lord!!!

Psalm 40:3—“He put a new song in my mouth,

a song of praise to our God.” 

I’ve loved singing all my life. I came from a showbiz family, on both sides, and could never escape the pull of the stage. Singing for the world was all that I dreamed about or desired. I eventually accomplished my goals and sang for many audiences, as well as on radio and television. Yes, I sang for the world. But they were  all empty accomplishments, until I realized why God had given me a voice in the first place--to sing for Him!

Galatians 5:1—“It was for freedom that Christ set us free.”

I thought I was free, living life on “my terms”. I did whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. But I wasn’t

free at all. I was Satan’s slave. I was bound by my addictions and impulses. When Jesus Christ found me,

I was dead. I had a beating heart, and all my organs functioned, but I was not a feeling person. 

I was cold and in a grave dug by own lusts. But, as my eyes were opened to the truth, the chains began to fall away,

and my heart of stone became a heart of flesh. I was free! And, when the world, “with devils filled”,

becomes overwhelmingly oppressive today, it is His liberating love, which I daily cling to,

and which gives me the strength to carry on.