One of the highlights of my life, without trying to be overly dramatic, was a retreat I attended (and planned) in Bali, Indonesia. I originally wanted to bring in a "big name" musician to lead the P&W time during our meetings each night. For whatever reason, things didn't go as I originally planned and I ended up leading the music myself. We had an amazing time as we met on the beach each night. Singing songs accompanied by guitar and ocean waves; it was pretty memorable.
   

I had no idea that I would not only continue to utilize my musical background overseas, but that I would find myself doing various musical performances almost every weekend! Yet here I am, living in Asia, constantly singing songs and playing my guitar for people all the time. Music is such a universal language, and a great way to communicate, that it has been a wonderful tool for me to use here while I'm still learning the basics of the language. Here I am, singing Christmas songs at a large school production on December 23rd. I believe it's much easier to sing in this language than to speak it!
                    

I had the privilege of sharing a song with my family in Oklahoma on Sunday, July 8, 2007, as they sent me off with their full support. My best friend, Renee, and I were able to sing together. Enjoy a sample!
        

Music has been a part of who I am for my entire life. It's in my blood.   I have toured with a few specific music groups in my past, and each tour was a life-changing experience.   In 2000 I founded a music group of my own, moved to Nashville, and over the next 5 years, we saw great WORK happen through it. We released three CD's and went on two extended national tours.  You can listen to song clips and all sorts of other stuff on the music group's website.  Here are some pictures from my time with this group:

    

         

I had the opportunity to briefly jump back into my old music world to help lead the music at a women's retreat in Oklahoma on April 28th, 2007.  I worked with a great group of girls, and of course, my friend Renee.  We went all out for the retreat and I put together fully arranged tracks for the songs we did.  We had a lot of fun singing and playing with a full sound, and the women LOVED the time of authenticity that is not always found at home.  By the way - the tiara I'm wearing is from our theme of being princesses.  I don't know why the other girls didn't wear theirs!  Here are some shots of our times together: