Kelli. in real life

And the Grammy Goes To.....

I got my start in the music business singing back up for a dynamic vocalist by the name of DEITRICK HADDON. I moved to Detroit from Ohio in the late fall of 2002 to serve as house psalmist at a fast growing church in the inner city. Within 3 months of moving here, I was standing in front of a video camera auditioning for a group that I had admired for years (Deitrick Haddon & Voices of Unity). That audition tape changed my life. 

I got word that I was chosen for the group just a few days after the audition, but later that year an even bigger dream came true. Deitrick had also branched out on his own into a solo career and I was asked to begin traveling with him as a background singer. It was a dream come true.

I had been a worship leader for about 2 years, with no professional training, just a true passion for God, music, and people. Deitrick's personality and amazing ability to captivate a crowd helped me transition from a worship leader to an aspiring artist. I began to understand the differences and similarities between ministry and entertainment. 

In 2006 we received a Stellar award for this project on which I sang 3 leads. About this time I had also began singing background for another phenomenal gospel artist, Dorinda Clark Cole of the famed Clark sisters. 

 I had recently gotten married (to Deitrick's wife's godbrother) and Deitrick and Damita Haddon had moved to Florida. (later to Atlanta). With the new marriage and the distance, I started traveling less with Deitrick and more often with Dorinda. But I never forgot where I started. You see, gospel is sometimes mushed together into this category that doesn't allow for the different styles, genres, and demographics that are represented differently by each artist. Deitrick was urban. He was and still is in my opinion, the Michael Jackson of the gospel industry. He just knows how to work a crowd. 

Last year, we recorded a worship album in Tampa, Florida at a church called WITHOUT WALLS, where Deitrick served as youth pastor for awhile. From the first time I heard the songs I felt at home in them. They were easy to learn because the lyrics spoke of the passion only a true worshipper can feel. The night we recorded the album was almost magical. 

Since that time I've sung with Deitrick maybe 3 times as compared to the regular bi weekly trips (sometimes more) we used to take to youth conferences, retreats, and music festivals. But I've never stopped supporting him. It has been through his passion for music and ministry that I have learned about the music industry, but also grown in my love for God. We've been all across this country and around the world, singing, dancing, laughing, fussing, forgiving, laughing more, crying, praying, believing and experiencing many times of refreshing and the wind of God. 

That's why it is with great joy and humility, I am thrilled to have been a part of TOGETHER IN WORSHIP, which has been nominated for a GRAMMY. Ironically, Dr. Cole's (Dorinda Clark Cole) newest studio album has been nominated for a GRAMMY as well....in the SAME category. 

I have much to be thankful for. 

Draw Me Lord & I'll Come Running After You

My evening has taken an unexpected turn.
After being on a holiday with my sister for a week and returning just yesterday, I spent most of the day (after church) lounging around the house with my husband and my toddler son. Tonight I intended on catching up on some reading, taking a hot bath, and watching a movie with my husband.
My plans were interrupted about an hour by a call from a friend.
A close and dear friend.
A friend that has never turned His back on me even when I haven't been true to our relationship.
Never lied to me.
Never failed.
Consistent.
All knowing.
Forgiving.
and extremely loving.

My Savior.
My Father.
My Lover.
My Friend.
My Jesus.
My GOD.

While on vacation my sister and I listened to a variety of music. We're both singers, songwriters, and worshippers; so music is a common thread between us. I'd heard her sing a beautiful song once before, but had never inquired about the artist who sang it. While driving one day she played the song. We listened. We listened again. We felt the presence of God, and listened again.
Tonight I intended on downloading/purchasing the song to gift to 2 of my dear friends for their personal prayer time. But as I listened, I felt the Lord calling me into His presence.

For over an hour now I have been trying to take these songs off of repeat, but my spirit is full as I meditate on the character and essence of who God is.

Who am I that He would desire to have fellowship, conversation, and intimacy with me?

I love my husband deeply. I love him for the man he is and is becoming. I love his gifts and talents. I love his handsome face, soft kisses and gentle touch. I love his smile. I love the way he loves our son. I love him as my friend and my love. While away from him I missed him so much I could almost smell his cologne at night when I laid my head down to sleep and I longed to be in his arms.

But friend, as precious as the bond I share with my husband, there is no comparison to the bond and covenant shared with my Savior. To begin to describe it is almost foolish, for as a worshipper I could never run out of words to describe who God is to me.

I think David summed it up best when he said, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is the fulness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

I had questions tonight; questions about my future, my purpose, my abilities, and even my standing with God. For an hour I have sat right here at this computer, worshipping in silence, tears streaming down my face, while God has LITERALLY deposited direction, joy, peace, and sweet peace into my spirit".

And although I was sitting right here in my living room while my husband watched football, I felt as if I were sitting by a private lake, rocking in a chair, candles all around, while my Savior; my Jesus gave me roses, reminded me of his promises, forgave me of my wrong, gave me instruction, and just sat with me as if there were no place He would rather be.

My cup is full and overflowing.

Dear friends;
I encourage you; if you're dry and thirsty
if you're lost and wandering,
or if you're a believer simply looking for more of God....

He promised "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" (James 5:8a)

I imagine I'll sleep sweetly tonight...
hearing this psalm of worship sung by Myron Williams

"Draw me.....Draw me Lord....and I'll come running after you
Draw me....Draw me Lord...and I'll come running after you

.................

I don't mind waiting....I don't mind waiting.....I don't mind waiting on you Lord
I don't mind waiting.....I don't mind waiting.......I don't mind waiting on you Lord"

Feel The Prayer Wheel Turnin'

My grandmother and grandfather used to get up early in the morning and pray.
Sometimes they would kneel beside their bed and pray, but other times they would go to the church and pray.
Sometimes my parents would go, but if they had to be at work occasionally, I went with my grandparents.
There would usually be about 6-10 people that would show up for early morning prayer. But even as a child, I was fascinated by what went on in those prayer meetings.
Sometimes there was weeping.
Sometimes there was rejoicing.
Sometimes there was silence.
Sometimes they sang songs.
But all the time....it was powerful.

I used to hear seasoned women in the church say, "I feel the prayer wheel turnin".

It meant that they felt the Spirit of the Lord stirring within them, calling them to prayer and intimacy with him.

As a child, and even now this is what I see when I think of a "prayer wheel turnin'".

Its a water wheel.
A device created long ago using flowing water to create POWER.

Even as I write that I feel a rush of excitement.

When God calls us into a time of prayer; true prayer that includes intercession ( standing in the gap fervently for someone else), warfare (praying against spiritual wickedness and things that are not of God) , and supplication (asking and requesting God for specific things)...its like a well of water inside of us is being turned through a wheel (prayer) to create POWER.

The bible speaks of this in different ways.....

"But you shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" Acts 1:8a

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, let your requests be made known unto God. " Phillipians 4:6

"Like wise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings to deep for words. " Romans 8:26

Sounds like a prayer wheel to me.

Today, open your heart to the Holy Spirit. Allow that well of living water living inside you to flow freely. Open your mouth in faith and allow God to fill it with words of prayer, intercession, and supplication with thanksgiving.

Today I prayed for you. My heart was overwhelmed with love for you...anyone and everyone who reads this today.

I pray that you will be called into the love of Christ today and experience what He has for you.

I feel the prayer wheel turnin'

Heaven

"I've got heaven in my view. I feel heaven when I worship you.... When I Worship You"
("Heaven" written by Deitrick Haddon)

I don't need a choir.
I don't need a popular worship song to be sung by someone with the most beautiful voice I've ever heard.
I don't need pictures and lights flashing to get me "in the mood".
I don't need a church building.

Not today.

Today my heart is overflowing with a longing for nothing of this world, and all things of heaven.
Not the streets paved with gold, or the singing angels, or the loved ones who have passed on.

I'm yearning for heaven. Not the place called "heaven", but the experience of heaven.

Have you ever prayed or worshipped God until you felt like "heaven" was all around you?

His literal presence surrounding you until there were no words to speak, and no song could even come close to expressing the beauty of his glory......

My heart is filled with joy as I anticipate God's presence during my prayer time today. I just can't wait to lay aside the cares and duties of this life and steal away with my Savior.

I can feel Him tugging at my heart.

I want nothing more today, than to be with Him.

I want to be in HEAVEN.

This is me in real life, Kelli

I Wish I could Be There......

This is my L.A. sister.
Today marks a culmination of lessons learned, trials overcome, and a birthing of a "new thing" in Christ for her.
Today is her ministerial ordination.

I wish desperately to be there to celebrate this achievement with her today; but finances and other commitments wouldn't allow me.

But I am SO proud.

I type this with tears streaming down my face as I thank God for bringing my sister into my life. People are often amazed when they find out we've only been close friends for a year or so. The sovereignty of God literally brought us together as friends, intercessors, and carriers of the gospel.

My sister was the only person, (outside of my husband) who I could bring myself to talk to the day I lost my baby. After miscarrying here at home I felt unstable and delirious. I needed something I could lean on, something solid, and she was there.

I cried uncontrollably that day. And she listened.
My speech was fragmented. And she listened.
My mind was scattered. And she listened.
She was just what I needed.
When she finally did speak I felt the love of God penetrate my heart, and I knew He hadn't left me.

Today, I wish I could be there just to listen.
Listen to the charge and challenge she is given; to preach the gospel in and out of season, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, to live a sober life, to teach the younger women, to uphold the standard of holy living presented to us by the scriptures.
And when I finally would speak, I'd say this......

Although you are a gift to me; it is now time for the world to experience that gift. Before you were even born, Christ predestined you; to carry the gospel to the nations; to carry the song of the Lord,; to lay hands on the sick and watch them recover; and to prepare the way of the Lord. Your perseverance, and commitment to ministry has challenged me to be a better Christian. I pray that today you feel the overwhelming embrace of God's love as you are elevated to another level in ministry. You'll never know how much I appreciate you.

From the Heart,

Kel

This is me in real life, Kelli.

He's Able

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Ephesians 3:20

Tonight I'm singing at a worship musical led by Dr. Judith McAllister. Since being asked 2 weeks ago, I have toiled with what to sing...over and over again. Originally, I had chosen 2 worship songs that although very dear to me, would not have been that effective. Part of effective worship leading is knowing your audience, and literally LEADING them into corporate worship. It's different than being in concert, or a featured artist. The purpose is to sing as one voice.

The Lord reminded me of a song we (Deitrick Haddon and Voices of Unity) recorded last April at Without Walls. "He's Able" written by Deitrick and sung by Darwin Hobbs. From the very first time I heard the song in rehearsal, it lifted my faith, and stirred up the worshiper in me. I feel like David when I sing it....I encourage myself.

Tonight will be different for me. Most of the people have a) never heard of me or b) have only heard/seen me sing as a background vocalist. The COGIC is known for amazing vocalists; The Clark Sisters, Dr. McAllister, Kim Burrell, and I'm just lil ole me.

My prayer is that the atmosphere will be charged with God's sweet presence, and that we as a people will be reminded of his ABILITY to do ANYTHING, regardless of how difficult it may seem to us. I pray that my voice will echo the sentiments of heaven, and God will receive our worship and respond with His glory. I pray that the things in me that need to be broken, will break in his presence, as well as all those who have needs in the service. I pray that freedom and liberty in worship will override any ability I may have to sing, scat , or riff. I pray that God is glorified.

I need to be reminded, they need to be reminded, we need to be reminded.

GOD IS ABLE.