I was 14 when my grandma offered to pay for piano lessons, and I took piano lessons for 2 years. But I had gone to “Christian camp” at 13, and the lady playing Christian songs just touched my heart so deeply, I got this desire to learn guitar.

And it would not go away. So I asked for guitar lessons, which was met with an adamant “NO.” At 16, I had a job at an ice plant, and went to the mall one day, and purchased an 89.00 epiphone guitar, and a John Denver Song book with chords.

Mom was kind of mad at me, called me stubborn, but I began to look at those chords and try to learn. The strings cut into my fingers after awhile causing great pain! But I was determined. I learned some chords (I sounded terrible) and kept at it, year after year.

Eventually, I got completely born again (In late 1986) and one of the first things that happened, is repenting of all the worldy music I used to play. By that time I knew a lot of songs, and the partying crowd loved for me to play “Knockin on Heaven’s Door” Or “crying in your beer” songs. LOL I started to set my mind on learning all the chorus’s we did at church (it was hard work and hard won!!).

Then I prayed ( back in the 90’s) God would please allow me to be like that woman I saw at camp, that I could please be used to bless people with music and help them feel closer to God, like I did. 

So that’s the story of WHY I have gone through any door God allowed, like singing at the Deli with friends with Theresa, with my friend Leza, with my son, whoever will sing with me and Praise God with me! I appreciate everyone saying I’m gifted but it was one of those “never give up” things, where I struggled for years over why am I even doing this? Is it really a blessing? Well sometimes.

You don’t have to be the best at something to be useful in the Kingdom! You just have to be willing. And I am willing. God knows …..I am!  but most of you don’t know how often I fought those accusations I was just “showing off” or “trying to be important.” when in reality, all I ever wanted was to be part of God’s team.  Many things we do for God, we have to keep at it, not give up! It’s not like it all “just comes naturally” right? RIGHT!! LOL Nothing good comes from “taking the easy route!!” Right? RIGHT!!!