Thank Yous from Sherry Nissen:
Because I am grateful to so many people, and because I am just really
blabby, I have more specific thanks I’d like to extend.
Dave: Thank you for your patience and understanding about the
hours I spent away from home, and for simply allowing me to follow this
dream and calling. With you, I have learned the fine art
of balancing time with family and my music ministry.
Deidre: Your love and support sustained me throughout this entire
project. You and Andrew were always so encouraging,
and willing to listen to each new phase of the CD, look at our pictures
and cover, and give excellent advice. Your belief in me is unwavering; you
are my rock. You are an amazing young woman, a blessing, and a
precious daughter.
Chase: Even though my music is the polar opposite of your music,
you listened with your heart, and gave me the “props” I needed. Thank
you for appreciating our work...and saying our songs are “cool” and “make
you feel happy!” It is so much fun to talk about music and
share ideas with you. I love your spirit ~ you are a remarkable
son!
Mom (Dee Searls): Thank you for making me persevere with the
piano (“It’s not going to kill you to practice a half hour
every day!”), even when I wanted to quit. More importantly,
for instilling your love for God within me. Even though you are
in heaven, your spirit continues to spur me on; you are the one who taught
me that our sole purpose on earth is to “Give Glory to God!” I
pray this CD does just that!
Dad (Jim Searls): Thanks for putting up with the many years of
having to listen to me practice the piano; I’m sure you never thought
I’d learn to play! Thank you for supporting me, and
being a wonderful example of serving our Lord. You have always
been so willing to help at church, and it taught me to have a servant’s
heart. Caroline: Thank you for your encouragement, and for
being a loving wife to my dad!
Mike Searls: Soooo, I hope when you hear this, you finally think
I’m “playing something good!” You, too, had to
endure my practicing - usually first thing in the morning! Thank
you for teaching me that obstacles are not roadblocks – they simply
send you in a new direction! Lisa: From
the moment we met, you’ve been my cheerleader! Thank you for your unconditional
love and support. To both of you...thanks for the laughter!
Kathy Humble: You have made such a huge impact
throughout my entire life. From earliest memories, my greatest joy was going
to “visit Aunt Kathy” – and it still is! You
have always made me feel loved and valued, and I know you are celebrating
this CD along with me. You taught me to believe in myself, and
I feel so blessed to have you in my life. Darrel,
your gentle, constant love for family is a wonderful example of Christ’s
love for us!
Friends: There are very special friends in my
life that have encouraged me all along the way...you
know who you are, and I am so grateful to you. I would not have
continued creating music without your belief
and prompting. A special
thanks to my BFFs Lynn
Hackl and Jo Baker;
I will treasure the memory of driving through
Napa Valley Wine Country as we listened to an
earlier mix of this CD. I
took to heart every word of advice, and it helped
make PEARL the CD that it is today! Lifelong
friends, Nancy Coss, Helen Southerland,
and Donna
Wilson, round out my circle of support...each
of you have significantly touched my life. God
has richly blessed me with loving friends; you
are all a treasure.
To Pearl:
Bonnie, you know I love your gentle, yet strong, spirit. You
bring grace, kindness and loveliness to our group with your playing,
singing and love for our Lord. Our friendship has grown and deepened
over the years worshipping together, and I thank
God for bringing you into my life.
Tammy, your singing, chimes, and percussion add
so much to our sound...you are just what we needed! Mostly, we
were drawn to your loving heart! We so admire your perseverance,
and need your administrative skills! Thank you for keeping us on
track...as we (I) do tend to wander!
Robin, from the moment I heard your voice, there
was a stirring in my heart, and I knew we would
be friends forever. I
have found such joy and delight in writing songs
and leading worship together. Your talents are endless, and we
truly could not have created this CD (or the
CD graphics, or the website!) without you. Your
heart is immense; your faith, and desire to follow
our Lord every step of your life, is such a humbling,
worthy example.
Dearest Lord, I simply cannot
thank You enough for all the blessings You have
poured into our lives! I feel like
a small child, eyes open wide in amazement at
the wonders You create, and the way You provide
for us! Please
take our lives, use us as vessels (cracked pots,
every one!) for Your purpose. May this
music touch hearts and change lives, bringing
Your children to the Throne Room of God, and
into Your waiting, loving arms. |
