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I, Stephanie, would like to start this newsletter by
offering my warmest
congratulations to Jennifer and Kirk Swanson, who
just welcomed their fourth child into the world. Kendra
Elise was born on Dec 14th.
Jennifer has been a board member of More than Music Inc. since the non profit's conception back in 2004. Today we have the privilege of hearing from her as she wrote our From the Heart some weeks ago. (Please click on the link to listen to a special song dedicated to Jennifer and her new little one. The song was inspired by my own wee one, Aria, and cowritten by me and my friend, Elissa Leander, of The Sonflowerz.) |
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| by Stephanie Pauline |
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| By Jennifer Swanson |
Stephanie and I have known each other since our
elementary school days in Minneapolis. We rode the
bus together and learned basic sign language
through library books. After "graduation," we lost
touch...until I attended a school fundraiser in 2002 and
saw Stephanie's demo CD on the table. "Hey, I know
her!" I said--and took the CD home. I immediately fell
in love with Stephanie's music, and I was heartbroken
when I read her testimony on her website. It was
overwhelming to think of all that had happened to
someone who was such a young girl when I had seen
her last. Right away, I emailed Stephanie to reconnect;
and from that point on, we have been great long-
distance friends. I just wish she lived in Minnesota!
It has been an honor to be a part of the More Than Music Inc ministry since its incorporation in 2004. I'm the "big meanie" on the Board, who makes everyone follow parliamentary procedures so we can have legal meeting minutes. We've had crazy discussions about everything you can imagine. The funniest conversation involved Stephanie and Genny arguing about whether they are allowed to refer to each other as "Mom" or "Sweetie." It has also been a real eye-opener to learn just how much time and money it takes to produce a CD. I have a few of my own (from giving seminars), although they didn't cost nearly as much to produce as a music album. I'm now more than ever a huge advocate of musicians and other recording artists. I'm known to give lectures to anyone I hear say "I have that CD--I'll make a copy for you." Just because you can--and just because it's easy--doesn't mean it's right. End of mini lecture. Buy more CDs. :) I have been blessed to witness the transformation in Stephanie's music, as well as her heart, for so many needs in our world. As a friend, she brings out truth in all our conversations and is an inspiring mother. I love and am amazed by how focused she is on her faith, family, and ministry. It's a lot to balance, but I see God shining through her and taking good care of her amidst her challenges. How exciting to hear about Stephanie's music now being played on radio stations across the country and around the world! It's a huge step of faith, and I pray that this will lead to more CD sales and greater financial stability for More Than Music Inc. Peace, Jennifer Jennifer Swanson is the Secretary of More Than Music Inc. She holds a B.A. in physics and mathematics (St. Olaf College) and an M.S. in geophysics (Colorado School of Mines). Since moving back to Minnesota to become a mom, Jennifer has worked in her own business as a professional organizing consultant, speaker, and voluntary simplicity advocate. Jennifer and her husband Kirk have been married 13 years. Together they have four children. They live in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and attend Minnetonka Community Church. |
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| by Stephanie Pauline |
Thank you so much for taking the time to catch up with
us here at More than Music Inc. We hope to be able to
continue to give you a good report through 2009. We
have lots of ministry plans, including 25 detention and
drug rehab facility concerts, in the works for this
coming year. Please
keep us in your prayers, and especially remember me
and my family when you speak to God. We need His
special grace and guidance as we seek to do the
work
He has laid before us.
With thanksgiving for the blessings in 2008 and a smile at the future for 2009, |
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Stephanie Pauline Singer/Songwriter &President of MtM |
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