God always answers prayer, but not always the way we expect. Sometimes, God leads us on paths we could not have imagined. Growing up in Overland Park, Kansas, Simone (Timmons) Wolford could only imagine becoming successful in music. But, at the age of sixteen, she found herself performing as an NFL cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs. Later, she performed musically at the theme parks Worlds of Fun, Busch Gardens, Dollywood, and Opryland.

Simone has always loved singing, but through the years learned to appreciate even greater joys in life. In the midst of pursuing her music career, she came into a relationship with Jesus Christ. She now uses her talents to voice God’s praises. “After I came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, my life was completely different,” says Wolford. “I started seeking what God wanted.” God slowed her down enough to reveal that there was more to life than music. Going to college and getting married had never been in her plans. But she found herself back in school at Belmont University, where she completed a degree in Music Business. While there, she met her husband, Rob Wolford. Simone and Rob celebrated their 10 th anniversary this year. God has given them two precious children, Samuel (6) and Jenna (2). Simone has been privileged to spend the past five years as a stay-at-home mom.

In 1999, Simone released her first album, “One More Time.” For several years she prayed that God would allow her to record a second album. But, as a stay-at-home mom, a shortage of time and finances seemed to suggest that an unreachable goal. God gave her peace, however, to step out on faith. He assured her that he would make a way. “Sometimes, we pray about something and wait around for God to answer our prayers without doing any work. It’s like the man on the deserted island praying to be rescued. A helicopter came and he refused to board because he was waiting on God.” Simone believed that if she did her part – if she got her songs together and practiced - then God would take care of the rest. She leaned on Ephesians 3:20, which says that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. In 2004, her second album, “Enough” was released. To Simone, the release is a blessing and an answer to prayer, but it doesn’t compare with the blessings that await us all in heaven.

Today, Simone shares her music in concerts at churches, women’s conferences and fairs. “I have so much joy encouraging others for Christ,” she says. In April, 2005 she will be the worship leader for “The Esther Experience,” to be held at Tulip Grove Baptist Church in Hermitage, Tennessee. More than fifty churches are expected to attend the women’s conference. She will also perform at the Gibson Guitar Showcase at Oprymills Mall on March 29 th.

Thoughts on her latest album . . .

Simone titled her album ‘Enough’ for several reasons.

For one, she is convinced that God is “Enough” for all our hopes and dreams. Philippians 4:19 says, “ . . . my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Simone says, “This album was literally an act of faith. God demonstrated that He is enough! Another reason for the title is the demonstration throughout the project of the sufficiency of the body of Christ. “So many people have used their God-given talents to make this album. It has been amazing to sit back and watch God work through other people.”

Simone dedicated two songs on the album to her children. When her son, Samuel, heard the song, “When We All Get to Heaven” he said, “Mommy I want you to sing this one”. She had to record it . The track, “He Will Give His Angels” is for her daughter Jenna. It is based on Psalm 91: “He will give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways.” Her hope is that people will pray for their families when they hear it.