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I could not help but notice that from childhood you have had a love for music. What are your earliest musical memories and what influenced your love for music growing up?
My Aunt Dell. I remember attending her solo concert. She was dressed in a beautiful gown, and she sang from the balcony. Her wonderful voice resonated throughout the church, and firmly implanted itself in my mind. The following Monday, I was imitating her (age 5) when, in the most shocking manner to me, my own vocal ability was discovered by my grandmother. In addition, all of my Aunts & Uncles, and both sets of grandparents had pianos, and were singers with very nice voices. I do not remember anyone in my family who could not sing. Growing up, I was surrounded by music.
As a child, what were your musical dreams?
I remember wanting to sing in front of a great audience - anywhere, and they would love me and stand and clap for a great long time! I wanted records to sell, and to be famous. Then I would get into my long billowing white gown and marry Prince Charming. Such childhood dreams!
You were a member of the Aeolians at Oakwood College . What are some of your favorite memories and where did the choir get to travel during that time?
The unfortunate part of this story is that I had a solo in one of the Aeolian selections (Waters Ripple and Flow), but I did not return to Oakwood for the second quarter. So I never had the opportunity to travel with the group. That is one of my personal regrets. However, I do remember how beautiful and professional their voices were to me. It seemed such a privilege to sing with them being directed by Mrs. Blackmon. For that short amount of time it was great!
Outside of music, what are some of your interests or hobbies?
I have so many! I absolutely LOVE to read! I crochet and sew. I enjoy various creative arts and crafts. I have, after a four-year siesta, re-established an active exercise regimen which I absolutely enjoy. One of my greatest loves which is just about equal with music is natural & wholistic health. I have been a self-taught student of natural remedies since I was about 16 or 17, and I am studying to become a naturopathic physician. I enjoy socializing with people for about 3 hours - 4 hours tops, then I enjoy quiet time alone. Trying new ethnic foods has always been one of my exciting adventures, so being in the DC metro area makes it a real treat. And I am always open to exploring and enjoying new interests. I play the clarinet, I bowl and skate, and swim like a light rock. I write poetry, and on and on. I really enjoy so many things. I just enjoy being alive!
Do you have any tips you could share about balancing ministry and personal life?
First, it's good to know that my ministry is God led. I do not believe that anyone's home should suffer for the sake of ministry. My experience and belief is that when you truly put God first in your life, everything else falls into place. God's way is all about balance, and having a full, personal relationship with Him makes it happen. God endows us with an understanding that the world cannot possibly know. We must come to know God on a very personal level, and take His counsel on every matter! God puts our priorities into perspective, which is the key to balance in both ministry and personal life. God defines our duties in both.
My tip - God.
As a mother of four, how have you been able to balance all of the demands you have with your passion for music?
Truly Marc, in prior years I had to put music on the back burner, so there were many opportunities I missed out on. I would sing on evenings and weekends when my husband could look after the kids. Occasionally they would travel with me. But home and family were first with me, and I wanted it to be that way. That is probably why it has taken 30 years for me to (finally) produce my first CD. I have no regrets about the way it happened, though. My kids and I have a close and loving relationship. And they are wonderful, productive adults now who are each a tremendous and unique blessing to me. I think it was worth it all.
What are some of the things that you are praying to accomplish?
One - Silver Pearls Music, Inc.(my new company) is constantly in my prayers for its success. It's success will be the catalyst for many other wonderful projects. Two - I believe that I have a music ministry that God wants me to share, so I pray that He will make it happen on a much larger scale. Three - My personal optimum health is another goal which God has been helping me to gain in amazing ways. Oh, and I would like to learn a new language. Maybe French.
Tell us about a special moment you and God shared this past year.
That happens a lot. Many times I am a "put my face to the floor" type of person when I am interacting with God. I asked Him once, not long ago, if I was too old to pursue a music career, and should just forget it. His answer, "What is too old with me?"
Enough said.
At CPC during early in 2007 the pastors focused on the 'law of love' theme. What is one way that this focus has been a blessing to you?
I have believed for a long time that God is love - the total definition of love, and that we do not spend enough time meditating and contemplating this theme. The fact that CPC's pastors have recognized the need to go in this direction simply reinforces my conviction that they are especially endowed with God's spirit. Blessing number one is the assurance that we are being guided by earthly shepherds who do in fact listen to God. I realize you said 'a blessing'. But I must say that blessing number two is being shown by our pastors that true love is practical and enduring, and is the key to being true Christians. Love is a wonderful thing, or place (or maybe Person?).
What is something that you are looking forward to in heaven?
Apart from the obvious - seeing Jesus and flying, I am looking forward to walking in never dying fields of brilliant green grass. I'd like to lay in it, and know that no bugs are going to bite me. Can't wait to see what the sky will look like. No more snow, good fellowship with friends and family, talking with the angels, eating sweet golden fruit, the sea of glass, ...
Note: To schedule a concert or other event appearance, contact: Ms. C. Claudette Haynes, Manager (240) 354-9447
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