Even as a child, Marla knew the Lord had called her into a music ministry. Today that calling has become her dream…the center of her life; it’s what keeps her grounded. Marla has worked tirelessly toward making that dream come true, and she’s been hit with many trials as she’s fiercely tried to fulfill the will of God. Believing that God always delivers exceedingly, abundantly above what’s been ask for, Marla continues to lean on the Lord for her direction. She has learned first hand how deep the message is behind this latest single!

Marla has spent years ministering and witnessing in churches all over the country fulfilling her calling, finally realizing her dream! It is her hope that the words of her most recent release will fall on the ears of the listener and remind them that the Lord does provide, and our darkest hours are only temporary…Heaven’s Got A Well!

This will be Marla’s third release from her first album, and she has a new album due out the summer of 2008 (see “Music” for more info). Marla has had the honor of singing on the Ryman stage, during the 2008 Fan Fair weekend for the Sunday Country Morning. She’s sung at Cowboy Churches around the country and she’s participated in benefits such as the one held at the Charlie Daniels Ranch. Her love for music (and it being the center of her life) goes all the way back to her great, great, great grandfather, Rev. Amory Nelson Chamberlin. He was a missionary to the Cherokee Indians and spoke their language fluently. In the 1800’s he even helped the government as he interpreted back and forth between the parties! He spent his entire life teaching the Cherokee tribes the love of the Lord as he led them through very difficult land. And, like Marla, he saw many hard trials as he tried to fulfill the will of the Lord; but he continued to press forward.

So you see...the calling to spread a message through music, and the gift of an angelic voice, started for Marla long before she was born! Whether you’re in church, at the campfire, or at the Ryman auditorium in Nashville TN. ..Marla Ratliff’s voice is one you won’t soon forget!

Having grown up just blocks apart from one another, but not knowing one another, our lives crossed paths many times. We finally found each other, had everything in common, including the Love of God. That's how we started out; we would meet halfway, sit and talk in the church parking lot just about every evening. It didn't take long before we figured out there was something taking place in our hearts. We married, thought we were going to raise cattle together and share our farm and hearts however we could for the Lord. Of course, I was still singing here and there as things came up, but not actively pursuing it at that time.

Until unsettledness came over us that wouldn't quit. Well, no one thought we would ever sell our cattle, but we began to consider the possibilities. Feeling such a strong call in our hearts to give all to the Lord and go on the road to sing and share our testimonies, we headed to Branson, MO. I have a sister and a very close friend who live there. However, after several months, we realized God did use that to start some things, but it ended up not being the area for us. We both felt strong about that. So my husband Daryl & I felt we should go to Tennessee. It just made sense.

If we're gonna do music, let's go where the music is. Everything just pointed that way, and kept pointing that way. After several months and many obstacles along the way, we had times of confusion and Satan trying to hinder us, but you can just expect that, especially anytime God has called you. We just followed our hearts and God's leading, and every time Satan would bring something, God always gave something to encourage us. Our devotion, the message at church on Sunday, a radio program, a word from a friend - even strangers - always provided something to encourage us to move on. So we did sell our cattle, but we kept our two quarter horses Reno and Cody, our heeler Ringo and our kitty Mela.

Thru another miracle, we found our home just perfect for us, bought it, however we hadn't sold our home in Kansas. It got a little scary, so I got several of the girls praying. I prayed, "Lord, please help it to sell before I ever have to make a payment on both homes." Guess what? Just before we made the first payment on our new home, the home in Kansas sold! Praise God! Sometimes while alone praying, I'd question "Is this faith or are we foolish?" Yet deep in our hearts we knew, and again he confirmed his leading. Stepping out in faith and not being in your comfort zone can be a scary place at times. But, it is the most rewarding thing that you can do; to Trust Jesus.

I'm so thankful I accepted him as a little girl, when I was 6 years old. He gave me a talent that I could use to express and share his love thru music and proclaim his word. That's what this is all about - "Him", not us. He's done everything possible for us. He died for us. We are so grateful and we've surrendered our lives to Him, so Praise God we're looking forward to the months and years ahead and all he has for us. And, for all the people we've met and been able to share with, along with the ones we're going to meet, we're very excited!

With Love and Prayers, Heavenly Trails to All,
Daryl & Marla Ratliff.