I was born in Kansas City, MO, and was raised by the greatest parents ever, Ernest and Beverly VanScoy, and my three older siblings. My brother, sisters, and I are fourth-generation Seventh-day Adventists. Our whole family sings. I remember all of us standing around Grandma’s piano singing “Seeking the Lost” in four-part harmony. That song is still one of my favorites.

The first time I sang solo in church I was seven years old and stood on a metal chair behind the pulpit. I sang “I Saw Raindrops on My Window” for the adult Sabbath school class. My dad was sitting on the platform. My mom was playing the piano. My aunt was taking pictures. And my knees were playing percussion. My family has always been the biggest asset to my music. I’m not sure where I’d be if it hadn’t been for the prayers of my family. They’re still praying for me today.

My interest in music was nourished in Adventist institutions. During my elementary years I played clarinet in the band (something I haven’t played since), took some piano lessons (which I only use for my own displeasure) and was in the junior choir. I remember one time singing 2nd base in a male quartet when one of the guys came down sick just in time for a school concert. When I went to Sunnydale Academy, I was in the choir and chorale. I also took voice lessons, which helped to develop a mellow voice many have compared to Karen Carpenter or Anne Murray. Outside of school I sang mostly solos, but I also participated in various groups and sang numerous times for church programs, weddings and talent shows.

I started doing my own concerts when I was 18 with what was called “The Singing Machine” (now known as a karaoke machine). It played cassette tapes, 8-tracks and had its own microphone. It was about the size of a large suitcase and was just portable enough that I could take it with me to smaller churches that didn’t have a sound system at all. All I needed was an invitation and electricity.

While growing up I was a huge fan of The Carpenters and have always tried to have a style that was appealing to even the older generation. Jennifer LaMountain once called me “a melancholy girl.” I guess she pretty much summed up the tone of my music. I love mellow songs that have messages that touch the heart.

Today I have more people supporting my music and me than ever. John, my wonderful husband of more than 18 years, is my biggest supporter. Heather and Darrell are the best kids in the world and have sung with me just for our own fun since they were tots.

In March of 2004 John and I were invited to go to the Holy Land on a three-week working tour to get footage for some music videos that are now being used here in Wisconsin for ministry purposes. That was a trip we won’t soon forget. What an opportunity to walk in places where Christ Himself may well have walked. I still get goose bumps when I look at our pictures and think about where our feet have been.

As for the Lord in my life, well, He’s always been there for me and I’ll be forever grateful that He’s seen fit to bless me with a voice. We’ve been told to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” Well, I may not have a sermon to preach, but I do know I can share the love of Jesus through music, so I’ll sing praises to Him for as long as I have breath.