YOUNGSTOWN Local psalmist sacrifices for Jesus with first Christian music CD

The vocalist said she gives her singing 110 percent.
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YOUNGSTOWN -- She's back.
Monica Phillips has returned to singing with her first CD and plans to make a second.
The Cincinnati native turned Youngstowner said, "I've been singing all my life, since I was 5 years old. My sister taught me, 'I Walk through the Garden.'"
Growing up, she sang at school and in the choir and at weddings and funerals.
But she said she had gotten away from singing in the last 21/2 years while she was working as a corrections officer at the just-closed Northeastern Ohio Corrections Center.
"I think that because of my life experiences, singing is a passion for me," said Phillips.
The psalmist sings with spirit.
"I sing my way because I sing wholeheartedly, because Jesus is my friend," said Phillips. "When I sing, I like to give it 110 percent. I know why I'm singing. Some people sing just to sing. You have to know why you sing. That's the difference."
Music: In her move back into music, she has created a CD of four songs she wrote and performs that is titled, "I'll Sacrifice."
That title, she said, comes from the suffering of Jesus.
"He sacrificed for me. I said I'll sacrifice for him. I've said that many times," she said.
The $10 CD is available at Best Christian Store and Music Oasis, or by calling (330) 743-2027.
Proceeds will go into the making of a second, expanded CD, "My Destiny."
Free concert: Phillips has arranged a free concert where there "Destiny" will be will be recorded. "In a Night of Song: A Night of Sweet Fellowship" at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at First Presbyterian Church.
She plans on singing the songs from "Sacrifice" as well as seven other tunes she has penned.
She'll be joined by Lashonda Eldridge Lee, Cynthia Wright and other vocalists as well as Tina Jackson and the praise dancers from her church, Destiny International in Canfield.
"I just want everyone to come out and be healed, rested, revived and replenished," the singer said.
She says her faith has carried her through troubles. At times, "God was the only one I could talk to. Through all of it I sang because it's a part of my being" said Phillips.
But overcoming is a key part being a Christian, she believes.
"How did you make it through? How did you get delivered? Someone is waiting to get set free by your testimony. If you don't have a test, you don't have a testimony. That's important."
As she gets ready for the concert, she says, "I'm excited. God is doing new things."