Hi peeps.

Sorry i have been absent from my blog for the past couple of weeks. life with almost-2 twin toddlers is crazy, to say the least. i did get a few weeks off from traveling, which were pure bliss, but now i’m back at it. and while it is difficult, it is a such a gift to get to do what i was created to do.

I’ve got a new radio single out, “Our Hope Endures”, and it’s been so sweet to hear many stories of how this song is touching such a personal place in many people. i would love to hear your story. we’ve added a place for you to share your stories of hope. Click on the link and tell your story. I will visit the page often and will read every one.  your personal stories are always such a great source of encouragement for me.

i will tell you what the song means to me. i was able to write this song with Christa Wells, the incredible song-writer that wrote “Held”. inspired by a story of her dear friend battling cancer, she was reminded of the Hope that endures every situation in life. i offered the truth of scripture: “Emmanuel, God is with us. El-Shaddai, all sufficient.” Timely words for all of us I think.

With our tanked economy, He is sufficient. You may have lost your job or even your house – He’s sufficient. Through divorce and devastation, you are not alone. Emmanuel, God is with us. so many are looking to a new president to bring peace and stability. while I pray he is successful at leading this great nation, our hope is not found in nations, or armies or governments. Our hope is found in the One whom the government rests on his shoulders. In the words of The Message, from Psalm 103:6, “God makes everything come out right. He puts victims back on their feet.”

with love AND great hope…..
natalie

NATALIE GRANT TO HEADLINE SECOND ANNUAL HOME FOUNDATION CONCERT AT NASHVILLE’S HISTORIC BELCOURT THEATRE

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— GMA’s reigning three-time Female Vocalist of the Year and Curb recording artist, Natalie Grant, is slated to headline the Second Annual Home Foundation Concert at Nashville’s historic Belcourt Theatre on February 17 at 7 pm. Benefiting Grant’s Home Foundation, the concert will also feature GMA’s 2008 New Artist of the Year and Reunion recording artist Brandon Heath; Reunion recording artist Tenth Avenue North, and new BEC recording artist Phillip LaRue.

Grant established the Home Foundation in 2005 to raise awareness of international human trafficking.  A priority of her ministry platform, Grant educates audiences on the plight of children, both domestically and around the world, forced into the sex trade. The Foundation’s most recent endeavor is the H.O.M.E.S Project, which operates in conjunction with various agencies working to combat trafficking in the United States. The H.O.M.E.S. Project helps those providing refuge to victims by offering hope, opportunity, mentoring, empowerment and spiritual support through educational and credentialing services.

In 2008, Grant became the first artist in 13 years to win the GMA Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year three consecutive times.  Fueled by the success of her best-selling, critically acclaimed seventh studio recording, Relentless, Grant was also the most-played female artist on Christian radio last year. Her latest single, “Our Hope Endures,” is currently #15 on R&R’s Christian AC National Airplay chart, according to the January 23 issue.

Tickets for the Second Annual Home Foundation Concert can be purchased at www.belcourt.org or by calling 615-846-3150. General admission is $20 ($25 at the door) and $10 student ($12.50 at the door).

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Here’s a short interview with WRBS in Baltimore discussing the game today. Two words. “Go Titans”.

Who’s your team?

1 Timothy 2:2 says, “Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God.”

On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama will be sworn in to office. Regardless of your political views, it’s time to pray.

Author/Pastor Max Lucado has come up with an awesome idea. He has started the Pray For Obama initiative. Please visit maxlucado.com/president and sign your name. Then on January 20, 2009–inauguration day–set aside some minutes to pray for our incoming President. Ask God to inspire, direct and protect him. Pray for his wife and daughters. Use your worship time, family time and private time to ask God’s blessings on Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and all the men and women who serve and lead our country.

Ask your family, friends and church to join you. Because it’s time to pray.