Alexis Slifer: I grew up doing shows for a dinner theatre in Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as helping my mom lead worship at church. After a few shows, someone suggested to my parents that I get an agent and really try acting as a career. Through the agent, we got a casting call located in Nashville, Tennessee, for a pop girls' band. As I prepared, I asked God to have His way.

We headed to Nashville from Middletown, Ohio, and began the auditions. I was 13 and very nervous - I also had a perm, which may tell you about my fashion choices at the time. I ended up auditioning with 600 girls and going to the callbacks with the remaining 25. Even then, my spirit knew. I remember Joy Williams-Yetton stating at the callbacks that this was actually a Christian band, and she asked if I was involved at church. My heart leapt, and I knew this was going to be the beginning of something amazing.

Alexis: I joined the band at 13, so I hadn't considered this would be my life, if I'm being honest. My mom says, when I was 3, that if people asked me what I wanted to do, I would respond, "Travel the world and sing for Jesus." So it's safe to say that, somewhere within me, I was always aware of this calling. But I loved being in a band. When we first decided to split and go where God called us, Olivia [Huesmann] and I sobbed our eyes out. Luckily, we are still close!

Alexis: There's definitely a learning curve. There are so many things behind the scenes that I had no idea bout. I feel like I have more say now, but that's always scary. If I am calling the shots, and they are the wrong ones...yikes. I am just really believing the Lord to give me a blueprint of this path. I trust He already has it planned.

Alexis: Of course! When I stepped out of the season of The Rubyz, we auditioned for a new group of girls to "take the baton." I spent the next four years planning their photoshoots and music videos, helping them with wardrobe, going on tour with them, etc. Basically taking care of them and making sure everyone is okay. I love those girls; they ended up becoming like little sisters to me. That's what I do now at iShine. I'm there to help any new young artists, because I've been in their exact same shoes.

Alexis: This song is more personal than anyone may know. I was hiking in the Grand Teton Mountains, and I had been on a mad search for a moose all summer. Now, you need to know that moose are very hard to come by, and if you find one...you may need to run. They are one of the most aggressive creatures in the mountains.

So, we got to this bend in the hike where people have started to pile up and stare at something brown and furry in the distance. We started hearing, "It's a moose! It's a moose!" My heart nearly stopped beating out of fear and excitement. Yet the moose didn't come out. So, I climbed 30 feet of shaky rocks to maybe see from a higher view. Nothing. We waited and waited, and eventually, we just had to keep moving. I missed my moose.

As we finished the hike, there she was...a beautiful, giant moose. She was in the river, in the bright sunlight, and "flirting" with everyone watching. My dream came true! The Holy Spirit used this moment to show me how, sometimes, we hold on so tightly to people, relationships, or dreams, that we don't even continue our journey. We just stop, when we could have had His perspective and trust to keep moving forward, even when it's painful or frustrating. He knows something even better is around the corner. I want to soar on His wings and see from His perspective.

Alexis: "Wildfire" is my personal favorite song, although "Only One in the Room" is super vibey, so it's a tie between those two.

Alexis: I am a Belieber haha! I really enjoyed his album Purpose. I felt like everyone gets a little low sometimes, and this song is to friends, family, and especially my husband. No one has to do life alone; if you need help, reach out.

I would love to do more covers. There aren't any in the works right now, but they may be in the future!

Alexis: Number one, easy: Audrey Hepburn. I have loved her class and her missions work for years. She was a stand-up woman. I would also love to meet Mother Teresa. I recently read her journal. Gosh, there is soooo much wisdom to learn from her discipline and her constant listening to the Spirit. I am having a rough time thinking of number three. Maybe one of the disciples of Jesus. I would love to ask questions about their lives before and after. What was it like to watch Him be crucified and know it was for you?

Jesus is a given; if He were at a dinner, it would steal the show from everyone else!

Alexis: I love to chat with people, and I love to hear their stories. So send me yours!