Today is a special day. I celebrate it every year just like any birthday or anniversary. 15 years ago today I had my very first concert. I was 15 years old. And although I had been singing for years this was the first time I sang multiple songs back to back, talked to the audience, etc. I had an amazing youth pastor named Jeff Ables. God put it in his heart to do what he could to help encourage me in my dreams so August 16, 1995 they set aside the normal youth service activities and programming and I got to do my very first concert. To say that night was life changing for me is putting it mildly. The encouragement and confidence I gained from that experience were huge. It also really put the wheels in motion for me to start taking steps like writing songs and singing those songs publicly, going to music conferences, recording my first demo, going to other churches in my region and sharing with their youth groups. I am who I am today because of that night. An opportunity given to me simply because Pastor Jeff obeyed God’s nudge for him to help me see my dreams come true.

My husband pointed out to me yesterday that 15 years ago was half my life ago. Amazing to think that starting tomorrow I’ve done concerts and shared my music for more of my life than not. I am very blessed and hugely overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness in my life. There have been many mountaintops along the way and even through the valleys I learned the God I serve is faithful and can be trusted with everything we have. Daily I am living my life-long dream. I’m so thankful and blessed for the many opportunities I’ve had along the way. Even this weekend I met someone who picked up my first CD back in 1998…..so crazy the people all across the country that I’ve been able to impact with the truth of Jesus. I am beyond thankful!

I love talking about dreams. I love thinking about dreams. I love encouraging others that they can see their dreams come true. Just looking back on even the past year is amazing to me. This time last year I was packing to go to Australia for the first time. A life long dream of mine. I got to share my music at both Planetshakers Church and Hillsong Church. I had many opportunities to travel the country sharing my music in concerts and leading worship. I released my first Christmas CD and launched an annual Christmas tour (that is a whole lot of fun especially for someone that loves Christmas as much as I do!) My music was released into Christian bookstores and retailers for the first time nationally making it easier for people to access my music and devotionals. I wrote a devotional for preteens that’s based on the message of the songs from my “Rock-N-Happy Heart CD”. I love being able to challenge students to grow in their faith on a daily basis. My music is being used for worship times at Hillsong Church in Sydney, Planetshakers Melbourne, and hundreds of churches across America, New Zealand and Australia. I am humbled every time I get to see a video posted on facebook from a church or family of their kids singing along to songs I wrote and recorded. I’ve just recorded my brand new CD releasing this fall and am so excited about it. I’m really excited and passionate about this group of songs. This is not the end it’s only the beginning. I can’t wait for the rest of 2010 and 2011 and even beyond to see the dreams God continues to bring to reality.

What is God calling you to do?
What steps do you need to take to make that come to pass?
What can you do today to grow in your abilities?

I pray your life will be blessed in every way as you follow God’s plan for your life. Ephesians 3:20&21.

YANCY

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