It's official! On May 7, 1020 Karen was signed to a two-year Artist Recording Agreement with Chart Maker Music, a new label out of Pasadena, TX. The contract is for four projects over the 2-year period. Karen will have the opportunity to record new material, as well as some standard favorites. It's an exciting season of her life, and Karen looks forward to what God has in store for her ministry.
God has opened doors for me lately in a new ministry arena -- creative writing! If you had told me years ago (I won't say how many) when I was in senior English that I would be in a career that involved writing of any kind, songwriting or otherwise, I would have been overcome by fits of laughter. I've often heard that God has a sense of humor -- now I'm living proof! Anyway, visit http://www.hiswitness.org to read an essay entitled "Simple Is Beautiful". I wrote it a few years ago for a church newsletter. Kristen Clarke was kind enough to include it in her website ministry.
I've also submitted a number of other items to different publishers and am anxiously awaiting word about the status of each. One such item was accepted by a greeting card company and entered into their "Market Review" process. They warned me it could take up to 24 months before they decide about actually publishing it. (Groan!) Talk about learning to wait!
Karen, I need to tell you what happened this morning. But first you need a little history: My husband and I were separated for 2 years right after my son went home to be with the Lord 4 years ago right before Christmas. My husband was not walking the same walk as me and conflict continued to drift us apart. I was gone for 2 years when God told me during a church meeting to go home and put my house in order! I was not going to grow in spirit until my house was in order. So I went back with my husband . . . to be a Christian example. (He) is an ex-Muslim and not quite Jesus' yet....I have been back for about 2 years now and started losing faith that he would be delivered. The weekend was long and miserable and I prayed for confirmation to leave or stay....I woke up early this morn at 1:00 am and prayed until 5:00 am for God to give me an answer. Nothing.....silence.....then I got ready for work and got in my car and turned the radio on to listen to Franklin Graham . . . . It was a different pastor and I decided to listen to my cd's instead.
WOW God does work mysteriously.....Your cd came on and the song playing was "God is still changing lives today" [from the song "Hold On"] .....I thanked God right then and there for His answer and I asked Him to bless you with more music.....Thank you for being an obedient vessel for the Lord.......
(Name withheld to protect privacy)
Just wanted to update you on the Austin Songwriters Competition -- I didn't win, but that's okay. It was an experience ---
But in all honesty, my main concern is that God is honored in the song "Who You Are", and I think He would give it an A+ since He is the inspriation!
Just a note to let you know I'm the Featured Artist on "Friends of True Spirit Powered Radio". Check it out at http://friends-of-tsp-radio.ning.com/
"Who You Are", one of the songs on my new CD "Better Day", has made it to the second round of judging in the Austin Songwriters Contest! I'm praying for First Place!!!