Exploring

As I type, I'm headed to Nashville for the night. Early tomorrow morning, I fly to South Dakota for a 6-day vacation exploring what I hear is some of God's most beautiful handiwork. My trip will take me through South Dakota, Wyoming and part of Montana. I'm soooo excited! I've looked forward to this trip for quite a while, and I can hardly wait to see all the glorious mountain ranges, wildlife, and endless skies for myself! Who knows, maybe I'll get inspired while I'm here and come home with some new songs!! :) I'll keep you posted...

My Mid-year Resolution

Ok, thanks to some of my dear friends, I've finally come to grips with the reality of how terrible I am at blogging. :) I hereby promise to try to do better in the coming months... I thought I'd start with a little storytime about my latest musical experience. Hope it doesn't bore you! (See "Talk about a S T R E T C H....")

Talk about a S T R E T C H........

Well, I can hardly believe I'm saying this, but I finally caved in and auditioned for a singing contest. haha Thanks to my good friend, Jason McKay, I found out in May about a contest called Gospel Dream, presented by the Gospel Music Channel. Normally, I dismiss this type of thing, but for some reason, I just couldn't get it out of my head. Hmmm....


So long story short, on Saturday, May 2, Mom and I drove to Atlanta and I auditioned. I knew it was going to stretch me just to audition and allow myself to be critiqued by people in the music business. God is so good and allowed me to enjoy the entire experience without being nervous or overwhelmed. The first part of the audition was in front of two judges, and once I passed that, they sent me to the next round in another room.


I auditioned there for Mitchell Solarick, the music exec who discovered Natalie Grant. This audition was taped for TV which made things a little nerve-wracking, but I survived. I sang one of the songs off my CD, and as soon as I finished, he said, "Heather, let's be honest. What do you listen to?" I told him country and he said, "Duh! Why aren't you singing that then?" :) So I sang "Anyway" by Martina McBride and then he had me sing "Jesus, Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood. I was blown away by how positive and encouraging Mitchell was!


One week later I got a phone call that I had been chosen for the top 36! (What in the world?!) Long story short, I had 2 weeks to prepare to head to Nashville for the taping of the show. One week out they sent us a song list to choose from. I won't bore you with the details, but choosing and learning those songs was not an easy task - mentally or physically. haha (Thank you to my friends who kept me sane through all that!)


I went to Nashville on May 24 and auditioned again on Memorial Day - this time for three judges (can't name them right now b/c the show hasn't aired...contracts...). Anyway, Monday was called Super Auditions and it was pretty intense. They narrowed the group down to the top 10 on the first day. And.......that was the end of the road for me. :) haha


I know it sounds so cliche to say that it was a good experience and I'm happy with the results, but I can't stress to you how true those words are. For those who know me well, you know this entire experience was a major time of spiritual and musical stretching and growth. God really made me face some fears head-on and make some decisions about whether I was truly surrendered to HIS will for my life. For me, the entire journey and purpose was complete before I ever left Chattanooga to go to Nashville. The Nashville experience was just the fulfillment of my "yes" to God. I'm so thankful that He loves me so much - so much that He won't allow me to hold myself back from the things He may have in store for me; so much that He teaches/molds me gently; so much that He blesses me beyond what I deserve.


I met some great people with a lot of talent, got a taste of the world of television, and stretched waaaay out of my comfort zone. :) I can't wait to watch the show when it airs later this month! And I can't wait to see what other surprises God may have in store for me!