Julie K

4/25/11

Just Julie

“Music is what feelings sound like.”

HEADLINE: Never too Late

One of my goals for the New Year was to create a blog so that I could share my adventures with you – and believe me, there are many.  Obviously it’s not January 1st but yesterday my pastor, Cal Rychener started a new series called “Launch”, so I now thought it was appropriate to “Launch” my blog! For those of you who know me, selling my Music Together business and starting all over with a dream I have had since I was young was the scariest thing I have ever done. But it has also been one of the most fulfilling because I have had to rely on God every step of the way.

So for all of you out there who are stymied by your situation, perplexed with your predicament or wistful for your wants and desires, tune in here. I’ll show you that it’s never too late to make that dream come true.

Part I: I’m not “Sporty Spice”!

Everyone in my family eats, sleeps and breathes sports. Except me. Despite my best efforts to play one season of basketball in my pink turtleneck with pastel ice-cream cones and matching hair ribbons, I just wasn’t cut out for it.

All the attention my sister received for her basketball skills caused me to drum up a pretty hefty inferiority complex. I didn’t like sports; I liked singing and performing. But, unlike all the hours my dad spent shooting hoops with my sis, I had never had any training – no voice lessons or acting classes. It wasn’t that my parents didn’t encourage me. They just weren’t quite sure what to do with this seemingly out-of-the-box talent of mine – and one that didn’t require a ball.

I was fortunate that our school decided to produce The Wizard of Oz when I was in 6^th grade. I was cast as the Tin Man and I think it was in that moment on stage that I realized what I wanted to do with my life.

And it’s taken half of it to get there.

Though I performed with Children’s Community Theater, high school productions and college performances, I still had that nagging feeling of insecurity. As a result, I wondered if I had neglected to seize that brass ring that may have given me the opportunity to really grow as a performer when I had the chance.

But chances have a way of, well, giving you seconds. After thinking I had buried the dream, I have come to live by one of my favorite Bible verses: “With God, all things are possible.” Philippians 4:13

So, after a series of miscellaneous office jobs later, I started my own company called Music Together and taught music and movement to children and families. I think that was what gave me the confidence and security to create my own music. That and the best thing that ever happened to me – my son, Weston. I wanted him to see the beauty and joy of music at an early age, so I began making music specifically for children.

There’s more to come, but the lesson I want to leave you with is this: So many little things happened along the way to actually get me to the point where I am today.  I realize God is in control and has a plan, and I am just trying to follow His lead.  Each step I have taken in this journey has helped me shed layer upon layer of insecurity, even though I still get butterflies in my stomach before getting up on that stage. I encourage anyone who has a dream to never give up on it. Today may be your day. If not today, then tomorrow. Or the next. Don’t wait for it to happen – make it happen. With God’s help, you can make beautiful “music”, no matter what your tune.

God’s blessings to you!

Julie