So I was looking up the definition of Valentine and I liked this one:

Valentine = A gift sent as a token of love

So I’m asking you – will you be my Valentine?

Since February is the month of “love” I’m hoping you will show me the love by helping me reach my goal. On February 26, I will be running in the Disney Princess half marathon. Myself, as well as a team of over 150 girlfriends, will be running for those who are enslaved in human trafficking. We will run for freedom. You may not be lacing up your shoes and running along side me, but you can still be on my team.

You can join me in two ways:

1) Pray – for those of us who will run the race. Pray for endurance and strength, and that we will be a beautiful, united witness for freedom in Jesus name.
2) Give – my prayer is that you can help me reach my goal of raising $50,000. I have about $20,000 to go. What are you waiting for? I know it will be a gift sent as a token of love. Click here to show your support: http://bit.ly/As589c

So I’ll ask you again: will you be my Valentine? Your gift is tax-deductible and will go to support the work of Abolition International. We are an organization that provides hope and restoration for the victims of human trafficking.

I’m grateful for each of you. Thanks for helping run for those who aren’t free … yet.

Much love,
Natalie

Will You Be My Valentine? is a post from: Natalie Grant

First of all, I had listened to her music when I was a girl. She was a Christian rock chick and I LOVED that! Second, her books had ministered to me in some dark moments of my life. Third, she’s basically a fashion icon. I was in awe of her shoes. And here I was, about to share the stage with her. Wow.

Now fast forward to 2011 and I have toured on and off with Women of Faith for years, allowing me to share the stage with Sheila many times. I still love her music. Her books still minister to me and bring hope to my mess. Of course she’s still a fashion icon and I’m as amazed as ever at her killer shoes. The only difference, is that now I call her friend.

I am BEYOND honored to have her as a guest blogger at NatalieGrant.com. I know you will be as blessed by these words as I am. Leave a comment letting Sheila know how much you appreciate her.

Also, be sure and pick up a copy of Sheila’s new book, The Shelter of God’s Promises. While you’re at it, pick up 2 and give one away. http://www.sheilawalshblog.com/

Be blessed.

Natalie
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In January, Natalie asked a fantastic question: “What attribute of God are you believing Him to be for you in 2011?”
Lately I’ve been struck by how life changing it is to stand on the truth that God is our Promise Keeper.

January is generally full of promises – many of them promises we make to ourselves about how we’re going to do better this year (eat less, exercise more, just to name the 2 most laden with guilt). As our commitment wanes and life kicks in it’s no surprise that February has become a month for broken promises. Not to mention that little holiday right in the middle of the month that can remind us all of broken promises and hearts…

But seriously, I am shifting my focus this year. I know that in my own strength I am too weak and flawed to be able to depend on myself. If I let myself focus on this, on my own weaknesses, or those of my fellow well-intentioned promise-breakers, I will fall into despair. So, I’m not going to live there anymore.

So lately I am choosing to focus on the One who has kept every promise He ever made. I am cherishing the fact that in the atoning death of Jesus Christ, God kept His most difficult promise of all – that he would deliver us from ourselves through the death and resurrection of His Son. And I am praising Him for being completely faithful to me even when I am not faithful to Him.

As Natalie sings:
You came to the world
For love of one like me
And though I am the worst of sinners
Grace is all I see…

Sheila Walsh is the author of numerous books including The Shelter of God’s Promises. She is also one of Natalie’s biggest fans.

Sheila Walsh Guest Post is a post from: Natalie Grant

The Super Bowl is a great American pastime. Fans travel from the corners of the nation to enjoy the camaraderie and sportsmanship that football offers thousands. Unfortunately, beyond the beer, nachos and hotdogs another product is being prepared and brought to the Super Bowl – American children. The Super Bowl Host Committee, comprised of local Texas leaders, have the power to stand up and protect children. So why are they ignoring the calls from anti-trafficking advocates across the country and choosing to turn a blind eye to the selling of kids at their event?

As previously reported on Change.org, the Super Bowl is a prime money-making event for traffickers.  Girls are brought in from across the country to be bought and sold by the hour.  Many of these victims are children – innocent lives brutally stolen as their young bodies are converted to cash.  This knowledge has empowered several anti-trafficking organizations, law enforcement, and advocates to take a stand in their communities.  Last year at the Super Bowl in Miami, over 160 outreach workers hit the streets, raising awareness with local business and tourists to send a loud message that men who purchase sex with children are criminals.

Building on the momentum of Super Bowls past, Texas Attorney General Abbott is leading the charge to put out the “Not Welcome” mat for traffickers who plan to attend Super Bowl 2011 in North Texas.  Abbott has publically stated that “The Super Bowl is one of the biggest human trafficking events in the United States,” and in response, his office is coordinating with local law enforcement and victims’ advocacy groups in preparation for game day.

Another key leader is Texas-based anti-trafficking organization Traffick911, which has launched the “ I’m NOT Buying IT” campaign, aimed at deterring the demand for paid sex surrounding the Super Bowl.  This awareness campaign features a PSA with former New England Patriot Devin Wyman, taking a stand to defend the thousands of child victims and asking other men to join him.  The campaign also offers free posters, banners, and informational cards – all items that can help prevent the victimization of children by raising awareness.

Don’t Pimp Our Super Bowl is a post from: Natalie Grant

Think sex slavery isn’t happening in the United States? Think it doesn’t happen to children? Think it’s not happening in your town? I’m not buying it. And either should you.

Untitled from Deena Graves on Vimeo.

I’m Not Buying It is a post from: Natalie Grant

Jesus…there is no greater name. As we head in to a New Year, full of so many possibilities, many of us are still strapped down by fear. I love the line in this song that says, “Every fear has no place, at the sound of Your great name.”

So I’d love to hear from you. As you think of Jesus, what does the sound of His name mean to you? And what attribute of who He is are you believing Him to be for you in 2011?

Helper. Healer. Savior. Teacher. Father. Friend. Redeemer. King. Provider. You name it. Go.
(the good news is that He is & always will be “all of the above.”)

xxoo,
Natalie

Your Great Name is a post from: Natalie Grant

There is a ministry that has been truly life-saving to many artists in Nashville.

Porter’s Call is a ministry of counsel and support for recording artists and their families. They offer their services free of charge to those of us who are in a full-time traveling music ministry.

As you may or may not know, the life of a traveling musician is not an easy one. It can take its toll on our bodies, our marriages, our children and our faith. And those who are in full-time ministry often have no one to be completely honest and transparent with.  The pressure can, at times, be overwhelming.

I have personally benefited from the ministry of Porter’s Call and, in the words of Steven Curtis Chapman, “the work of Porter’s Call has been vital to our community of artists who desire to glorify God with their lives as well as their art.”  For more info on the ministry, visit http://www.porterscall.com/.

My friends at Porter’s Call are having an online auction, and I would like to invite you to bid on my item!  I am offering a paid trip for 2 to a concert, along with a private meet-n-greet/dinner opportunity.  Not only will this help keep the ministry of Porter’s Call thriving, but it will also give me a chance to hang out with you!

The auction is live NOW and runs until Saturday, September 18. To view my item, simply click here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300466728321&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123.

Much Love,

Natalie

A Worthy Cause – A Free Trip! is a post from: Natalie Grant

What’s your Fav? is a post from: Natalie Grant

One member of Team Natalie—the group responsible for driving the Love Revolution movement— will be selected at random to win a trip for her and a guest to attend Joyce Meyer’s “Love Life” conference in St. Louis, MO, from Thursday, September 16, 2010 – Saturday, September 18, 2010. Natalie Grant will be providing special music for the weekend, singing songs from her new album, Love Revolution, and leading over 10,000 women in worship each day!

The winner and a guest will receive roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and conference registration for the duration of the conference. In addition, the winner will receive an exclusive meet & greet opportunity with Natalie Grant!

To enter, simply visit http://www.nataliegrant/team-natalie to join Team Natalie.

No purchase is necessary to enter. Winner and guest must be at least 21 years of age. Open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be selected at 11:59pm on Monday, August 23, 2010 and will be announced at NatalieGrant.com on Tuesday, August 24, 2010. Winner will also be notified by email. Click Here for official rules.

Win The “Love Life, Love Revolution” Trip Giveaway! is a post from: Natalie Grant

To log-on to the LOVE REVOLUTION Live Chat & Listening Party, simply visit www.NatalieGrant.com at 8 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, August 17th.

Love Revolution Listening Party is a post from: Natalie Grant

I’m SO honored to be the cover of this month’s CCM Digital Magazine.

Click on the pic and get immediate & free access to the whole magazine, including the story and inspiration behind my new album, Love Revolution.

Thank you to editor, Caroline Lusk, for such a beautifully written article.

Let me know what y’all think!

Enjoy!

Natalie

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Cover Story is a post from: Natalie Grant