Album Notes

It is important to know a little about where something has come from - when it comes to music, that means knowing who is behind the writing...and the inspiration behind the writer. And that brings me to my first introducton: Hi, I'm Melissa Roland; happily married, I am also a mom of two beautiful young children. I probably have quite a few things in common with you - I love coffee (okay, I thrive on it), I hate doing dishes, and I love a good comedy movie. But my true passions in life are my Lord Jesus, my family, and music.

I'd like to tell you a secret about what inspires me most: it's usually the difficult times in life, the challenges. I can be inspired on the good days too, but the deep songs that really hit home for me come on the hard days. And the reason is I believe God likes to show me the beauty in the fire. I'm sure you're familiar with how precious stones are made into lovely jewelry: they are tumbled, heated, cut, hammered, and finally shine. And I find the same is true in my life. When I am in the middle of the 'rough' (for example when my husband was in Iraq for a year or training a 2 year old on the potty) if I take a minute outside of myself and look to my Lord the result is beautiful music.

The other 'sometimes' that inspires me is my children. They are my constant joy and fulfillment. Cloe is a bundle of personality who makes me laugh at her little quirks, songs, and dances. And my little Ezekiel who can brighten a rainy day just by smiling and blowing bubbles at me.

So I hope you enjoy these origional pieces and that they will inspire you too!