Even with success at such a young age, teen Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez is still very grounded – walking through life committed to the One who has led her on such a wonderful journey.

"I’m pretty much in shock, kind-of, still," Velasquez said. I’m amazed and kind-of bewildered by everything that’s been going on, and I really just consider it a blessing. So many people I know would love to do this, and God just happened to choose me. Sometimes I look at it and go: ‘WOW! This is amazing.’ I love my life, and I love what I have been chosen to do. The fact that I was chosen to do it is a humbling thing."

Nothing could be more reflective of Velasquez and her feelings towards God than the song "Flower in the Rain" off her Myrrh record debut Heavenly Place, produced by Mark Heimermann (Anointed, Steven Curtis Chapman, DC Talk)

"Sometimes a song makes me cry because it’s really a prayer from my heart. It says ‘Lord, use me in any way you can. I want to be a vessel you work through.’ Whether it’s a song or a book or a conversation, use me."

It could have been very easy for Velasquez, 18, to fall into the selfish trappings of fame and fortune, especially at her young age, but Velasquez is mature far beyond her years. She is handling the situation of being recognized as a music standout with the same attitude and vigor she introduced during her early formative years.

"I watched my parents closely," Velasquez said, "and I saw that they weren’t people who were talking and singing about things. They were living it! It wasn’t just a vocation or hobby, it was their lives. It was the gospel."

She continued: " They were walking out the words they sang. That shaped me more than any musical influence. It gave me a reason to sing for people, and it gave me boldness, and it gave me a passion to live every day in obedience to God. Just like my family, I want to live it first and sing it second."

With the success of teenage artists like country superstar LeAnn Rimes and Christian standout Rebecca St. James, Velasquez isn’t the first teen to make her mark in the music field in the 90’s, but she is certainly making quite a name for herself.

Velasquez went to school with other children until fifth grade when her parents decided to home school as they took Velasquez on the road.

On the road, at age 10? Well, Velasquez ‘s father David, a Pastor, had his own music ministry dedicated to the Lord. Travelling and performing became akin to the young artist at an early age. With every note, sound, and prayer, her faith in God grew deeper and deeper.

Velasquez and her mother sang background vocals, until she gradually sang one song solo, two songs, and then three songs. By age thirteen, Velasquez felt comfortable enough to perform her own sets and concerts.

"Musically, my father is the one who taught me," Velasquez said. "Besides the Lord, being a part of my life, my father is the reason for all my music."

David Velasquez has been involved in a music ministry 35 years. Earlier in his career, he performed with the Four Galileans, a group that won the Dove Award for Most Promising New Gospel Talent, 25 years ago. Ironically, Velasquez won that Dove Award – now called The New Artist of the Year – in 1996.

"We didn’t really think about that, until after the Dove Awards," Velasquez said. "It was a very scary thing, I was so nervous I felt like just jumping off the stage and throwing up. I also watched the Dove Awards, even when I was little. We saw Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman and all these people win these awards, and then suddenly, I am a part of it. That was such an unbelievable experience."

Velasquez owns four number one radio singles: "If This World", "Flowers In the Rain", "Un Lugar Celestial" and "On My Knees". She also won Best New Artist in the CCM annual readers’ poll and the CRR annual reporters’ poll. She was also nominated four three other Dove Awards in categories Female Vocalist of the Year, Inspirational Song of the Year" and " Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year."

"My mom always goes on the road with me and keeps me accountable," Velasquez said. "She doesn’t let me get away with anything. My dad cannot always go, but he is always praying for me when I am out somewhere. It’s important to keep everything in perspective. Some types of success have happened really quickly for me, but when it comes down to it, all that matters is my relationship with God. That’s what my family has taught me and that’s what they keep me focused on.""

Born in Houston, Velasquez is the youngest of 5 children. Her brother Dion is the head of publishing and handles all studio management for Heimermann’s Fun Attic Productions, based in Nashville. The family spent some time in Albuquerque before moving and making their home in Nashville. Velasquez’s sophomore record to be released this spring or early summer, will be a tad bit edgier than her first. She is also planning to record an album in Spanish, singing with her father.

She is currently working on a book for Fireside Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, due in stores in the spring. The book deals with issues and subject matter which reflects her heart in the season of life as a young adult.

"I get a lot more nervous now than when I was little" said Velasquez. " Now, it’s a completely different arena, and a lot more is expected of me, quite a bit more."

Because of her age Velasquez is able to reach teens. She also appeals to older folks with her soothing vocals and strong message .

Jim Varsellone is a freelance writer for The Trumpeter