When I first met Sheila Walsh, it was 2003 in Sacramento, and I was getting ready to do my first ever Women of Faith event. I’ll be honest, I was a little starstruck.

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
________________________

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.

TAKE ACTION:  ask the Super Bowl Host Committee to endorse the “I’m NOT Buying it” campaign to save the lives of countless children during this year’s festivities. Sign the PETITION NOW!!!!

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.

Join me and my friends from Tenth Avenue North as we partner with Traffick911 in the “I’m Not Buying It” campaign to raise awareness and decrease the demand for sex trafficking for one of the largest sporting events in the world: The Superbowl. Watch the video. The facts are real. Then log in and add your voice. We can not be silent. We must let our voice be heard. PEOPLE ARE NOT FOR SALE.

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.

Happy New Year! I’m so excited that I’m kicking of 2011 with a brand new radio single: Your Great Name.
This is def one of my favs from the record and one of yours, too. We had a vote a while back and this song was in the running for the top spot. So, you helped pick my single. THANKS!

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

Hello Friends!

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