This is a brilliant record. The lyrics, the music, the artists – all combined I believe this is one of the BEST records ever made. Just the list of artists – WOW. What a lineup and an honor to see my name listed among all of those great artists. Do yourself a favor and take some time by yourself and listen to it in its entirety. I promise you will not be the same when it is finished.

So maybe I’m a little biased. (*wink*) My genius husband co-wrote every song with the genius Nichole Nordeman. He also co-produced it with the legendary Brown Bannister. So I had the incredible privilege of having a sideline seat while this was being created. What a process. I may have had a few moments where I was not as supportive – Bernie stayed up many nights and gave up a lot of time with his family to help create this masterpiece. For weeks and weeks he was living on 1 or 2 hours of sleep a night. I remember thinking, “for what? this is too much work for just one record!”
And then I heard it. Every lost hour of sleep was worth it. This isn’t just a record. This is the Story of all stories. It makes the Bible come to life in a way I have never experienced. And I seem to find a part of myself in every character and every song.
My song on The Story is called “Alive.” What a thrill for me to take on the voice of Mary the Magdalene and sing the story of the resurrection. And I am also excited that “Alive” is being sent to radio in a few weeks. Be sure and call your local station and request it.
Alive. That one word changes everything. That one word gives me a future and a hope. That one word gives me freedom and peace.
I am His because He is….ALIVE.

To quote Nichole Nordeman’s lyrics – “What kind of Love is writing my story till the end with mercy’s pen? Only You…”

Check out “The Story” record and let me know what you think.

All for the glory of the Author of my story……..

Check it out on iTunes now!

Natalie

Hey friends,

i need your help with something. do you have a story of how one of my songs has changed your life? i will let you know soon what we will be using it for, but for now, i would love to know how one of my songs has impacted your life and helped to bring you through a desperate situation!
i look forward to reading every one….
much love!

Nat.

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.