Julie Wylie
// Author & MusicianJULIE WYLIE is an author, composer, early childhood music advisor, educator, and workshop presenter from Christchurch, New Zealand. Julie Wylie is the Senior Pediatric Music Specialist at the Champion Centre, Burwood Hospital Christchurch, and Founder of the New Zealand Musical Parenting Association. Julie has composed a wide range of music resources for children 0-8 years including the newly released CD “Magical Musical Play”, and DVD “Musical Journeys” that promotes tuneful singing, a strong sense of musical form, and rhythmic flow through movement and dance. Julie has presented workshops and lectures worldwide, and all of her resources, including Julie’s book, “Music, Learning And Your Child” are available from her website.
Website: www.juliewyliemusic.com
Photo: Carolyn Jenson
Interview:
“LOVE AND FORGIVENESS SHARED THROUGH ART”
Throughout the Psalms, David’s consistent theme is to “sing to the Lord” to “sing praises to our God, to praise him with tambourine and dancing” (Psalm 150). As we sing and praise the Lord, we become a part of the creative spirit of God. Through the creative process of singing and dancing in praise and worship we become free to move together in synchrony, to sing in harmony as we feel the power of God’s love. When we praise God we become enthusiastic, generous, joyful, lively, empowered, and compassionate as God fills us with the fruits of His Holy Spirit. The Lord delights in our praises and answers our prayers. “All things are possible. With man this is impossible, but with God All things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Music is an intuitive, universal language of the emotions. It activates the brain and can arouse or calm stressed systems. Throughout history mankind has glorified the Lord through the Arts. We can become one with God through the creative process.
I had never written a song and although I am a musician, it was only when my husband became seriously addicted to alcohol that I turned to the Lord and He heard my cry. The drinking had taken over his life and was affecting his work, our family life, and all relationships. I remember sobbing at my first
Bible study meeting and when I told the leader that I thought my husband was an alcoholic, I was unprepared for her simple statement: “Just love him.” I remember seeing him sitting in the chair one evening soon after, and God helped me to see him as the wonderful man that I had married trapped in a web of addiction and despair. I prayed for answers and others joined me in praying for him to be set free. As I studied God’s word, His promises became a part of me through new songs of praise that started to pour forth. I would share the songs at our Bible study and others were touched and blessed. Music activates memory, and the songs helped me to memorize wonderful sections from the Psalms, Isaiah, Proverbs, and other key scriptures that I knew were promises for my husband.
After twenty one years of drinking, he had a serious car accident and was miraculously unhurt. He came with me to his own church and when I was in one group, unbeknown to me, other people prayed for him and he was set free from his addiction to alcohol. He is the most special person I know. He is highly gifted and has touched many, many people. God has used him mightily for His glory. As for me, I have been given such a passion for music, children, and their families. God has inspired me to keep teaching and writing songs for children and their families. Families become inspired to sing, dance, and play together. Building the bonds of love in a secure relationship lay the foundation for a positive start in life.
“Building the bonds of love in a secure relationship lay the foundation for a positive start in life.”
– Julie Wylie, Author & Musician
