Associate Minister of Music and Worship

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What year did you start working at First Baptist?
1998  

Tell us how you came to know Christ:
I came to know Christ in Vacation Bible School when I was 8 years old. We were singing “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”, and I was standing next to Sondra Adair. I was afraid to come forward, because I was incredibly shy. But, Dr. Wade said he felt like Jesus was working on someone’s heart, and if they hadn’t come forward during the formal invitation, they could sneak out during the prayer and meet him at the door and talk with him. I did. I remember talking with Dr. Wade, and then attending What It Means to Be a Christian Class and followed in baptism. I’ve gone through quite a spiritual journey since then—I’ve had good times and bad. But I’ve never doubted my salvation or my eternity since that moment when Jesus touched my heart and I decided to follow Him.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?
God is at work everyday in people’s lives—the good times, the bad times, the joyful experiences, the challenges. He is at work—way ahead of us. I like being reminded everyday, through people’s lives, that God is GREAT!  

What’s your favorite Bible verse currently?
My favorite book of the Bible is Philippians. I love the JOY theme. But, my favorite verse right now (it changes from year to year) is Zephaniah 3:17 “The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."  

What do you feel like God is teaching you lately?
That I am only healthiest when I am fresh in my walk with Him. I can’t neglect that—no matter what. Only He can provide strength. Only He can provide power. Only He can provide healing. Only He can provide joy. Every other source is manufactured and temporary. His is authentic and eternal.

What are your hobbies?
Reading, fishing, spending time with my family, word games

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up and why?
A lawyer—because I could argue with anyone (I enjoy debating issues)  

Tell us a bit about your family?
My husband is probably my biggest encourager. Somehow, God gave me a man that thinks I can do no wrong. He lifts me up daily, and God has given us a love that is strong. My children are amazing, fun, very different from one another, and bring me so much joy. Ben is in 7th grade and Abby is in 3rd.

What’s your favorite meal and who would be attending?
I like to eat (that’s probably obvious). My husband is a wonderful cook—so I like just about anything he makes. But my favorites are stuffed chicken breasts, roasted tomato soup, and his Cajun pasta. Ideally, I enjoy my meals most with just my immediate family.  

Tell us a little known fact about yourself:
On my 18th birthday, I came face to face with a brown bear in the mountains. I was on a 4-wheeler, and my baby brother was on the back of the vehicle. We took off in one direction and the bear took off in another.  

Why should someone get involved at First Baptist Church Arlington?
God is at work in this place. Spiritual Formation is core here. The people & staff are real. It’s a healthy place.