With the release of her latest album, a lullaby project called “I Dream of You,” singer/songwriter JJ Heller is focusing on the beauty of simplicity and dwelling on Psalm 139:14, “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
In August, “I Dream of You” was nominated for a Dove Award in the category of inspirational record of the year.
After including special songs on previous albums for her two daughters, Heller began receiving requests to record a lullaby album.
“So many people have told me they listen to my music when they’re trying to find peace and rest,” Heller said. “This project was not only designed to calm the hearts of children, but the child inside every adult as well.”
Heller and her husband, Dave, spent the majority of last year writing and recording songs for the project. During this time they also were inspired to create a companion bedtime story, “The Golden Feather,” for families to read together.
“Reading books with our girls before bedtime is such a special time for our family,” Heller said. “I hope that both the CD and book can be used to help families enjoy special times together during the final minutes of the day.”
As Heller balances ministry and motherhood she realizes the importance of developing projects that will help families build a strong spiritual foundation.
“I grew up going to church and I’m so thankful to have that foundation of truth,” Heller said. “I went to a Christian high school where my parents taught and even though I was selected to be in a vocal ensemble all four years, I didn’t get very many solos. It wasn’t until my freshman year of college that I learned to play the guitar and began writing songs. I met my husband around that time and we put a band together. We still had no aspirations to make a career of it, but we kept playing music and God kept opening doors for us to continue which has led us to where we are today.”
God moving in extraordinary ways
While performing concerts around the country Heller shares songs and stories about real life experiences, which she hopes will help listeners relate to the message and realize how God is moving in extraordinary ways.
“We’ve heard countless stories from listeners whose lives have been changed because of God moving through our songs,” Heller said. “It’s been an amazing blessing to hear many stories over the years from people who changed their mind about attempting suicide because of our song ‘What Love Really Means.’
“I also spoke to a soldier at a concert who told me that he was stationed in Iraq for over a year and would listen to our music every night before bed. He said how wonderful it was to be at the concert listening to me sing without gunfire in the background. I can’t express what an honor it is to hear these stories and be a part of what God is doing in their lives.
“My prayer is that the Lord would use these songs to help people feel less loneliness and more freedom. Music has a way of exposing our hearts, so the wounds that we would rather keep buried can find healing. I love having opportunities to share the stories behind the songs and singing about redemption, hope and the safety net of God’s love.”
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