Last Friday when we got home from the beach, I found several delightful little packages in the mail, one of which contained a few CD’s from a Christian music label. Y’all know that I LOVE ME SOME MUSIC, so I couldn’t wait to sit down and listen to the goods.
(Also: for those of you who have commented or emailed to ask how I’m getting free stuff from people, I have no idea. I think maybe it’s because I’m listed with Blog Top Sites, but that’s just a guess. And yes, I am a veritable fount of helpful information.)
It was Saturday night before I loaded the CD’s on our computer and transferred the songs to my iPod. I started listening while I was working on a couple of blog posts, and while I thought two of the CD’s were great, one of them flat-out blew me away. It’s called Glory Revealed.
Glory Revealed – which features Christian artists like David Crowder, Shane & Shane, Mark Hall, Candi Pearson-Shelton and Steven Curtis Chapman, among others – is different from a lot of other stuff I’ve heard lately because every single song is inspired by and rooted in Scripture. And I almost feel like the words “inspired by” are misleading, because if I hadn’t heard the CD I might think Oh, okay – somebody read about Job and then wrote a song about trials. But that’s not it, really.
Because what the songwriters did for this CD was to set Scripture to music. There are a few deviations from the text because of rhyme scheme or verse structure or whathaveyou, but for the most part the lyrics are straight from God’s Word. And as a result, this CD is inspirational in a way that only Scripture can be. It will touch you right down to the very core of your heart.
Glory Revealed was produced by Mac Powell of Third Day, and according to executive producer David Nasser, “the purpose of this project is to celebrate God’s truth through worship.” I especially appreciate that the producers are very clear about the fact that worship isn’t about us; in fact, Nasser makes a point to say that “everything God has ever done, and everything He will forever do, He does with one intent: to reveal Himself and to receive honor and glory.”
To which I say: Yes. Preach on. Hallelujah.
After I listened to the CD about five times in a row Saturday night, I emailed the person who sent it to me with really eloquent comments like “!!!” and “I HEART GLORY REVEALED 4 EVR” and “I’m going to marry track #3.”
I also asked, in a rush of enthusiasm – without stopping to think about the fact that I WAS BEING VERY PRESUMPTUOUS – if he would please send me some more CD’s and let me do some kind of giveaway on my blog.
AND DO YOU KNOW WHAT WAS ON MY FRONT PORCH TUESDAY AFTERNOON?
So if you’d like to be eligible lay claim to one of these twelve copies, here’s what you have to do:
Leave a comment, making sure your email address is oh-so-accurate. And for kicks, tell me the name of your very favorite recording artist of all time ever (for me, it’s a four-way tie between James Taylor, Watermark, John Mayer and Chris Tomlin – and yes, I enjoy a singer-songwriter).
That’s it!
Tomorrow night at 7 o’clock central I’ll turn off the comments on this post, and then I’ll (quite literally) put everyone’s name in a hat. The four year old will draw twelve names out of the hat sometime this weekend, and if you’re one of the twelve, I’ll email you to get your address so I can mail your copy to you.
I’m so excited about being able to share this CD with people. And even if you don’t “win” a copy in my little drawing, you can still go here for a free song download and a coupon for $5 off the CD purchase price.
Finally, many, many thanks to the folks at Provident Music for the bloggity hook-up. Some of you are going to be mighty blessed as a result.
And that just tickles me to death.
Edited to add: I’ll leave comments on until around 10 pm central. Mainly because we’re going out to supper, and I don’t think I’ll be here to turn off comments at 7. And contrary to what you might think, I do not wear the computer on a chain around my neck in public.
I only do that at home.
March 29th, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Favorite artist of all time…Ginny Owens.
March 29th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Favorite artist – no way to pick just one, but I am currently loving Third Day, Watermark, and Leeland.
March 29th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Well, how COOL is that??????
Four you say???? Well, I have to say that James Taylor is also one of my top favs, as well as Stephen Curtis Chapman, Ginny Owens, the singer of the song Legacy(brain drain, and can’t think of her name) and a group called Indelible Grace….scripture/old hymns to music! Gotta love it…go to http://www.igracemusic.com to take a look or a listen!
March 29th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Wow, favorite artist … Currently and for years now, Phillips Craig and Dean. If we’re talking secular, probably Michael Bolton. This sounds like a great CD! Even if I don’t win, sounds like one I’ll have to add to my collection!
March 29th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
Favorite artist of all time…hmmm…I am currently into Ginny Owens, Casting Crowns, and Vicki Yohe. I have so many favorites that it was hard to narrow it down. Thanks for the wonderful drawing!
March 29th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
I love David Nassar – I had no idea he produced this CD – I’ve heard the first cut with SCC and Mac singing and it is SO good!
What an awesome opportunity you have to share! (I hope I win!)
I have WAY too many favorites but I usually end up listening to Dave Matthews, U2, Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, and Ginny Owens.
March 29th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Can’t say that I have a favorite all time artist, but my current favorite group is Casting Crowns and I just love a song by Big Daddy Weave called “Every Time I Breathe.”
March 29th, 2007 at 7:50 pm
Well since you didn’t limit yourself to just one I see no reason to.
If I HAD to choose one it would have to be Rich Mullins. I also love me some Third Day, Rascal Flats, Simon and Garfunkel, Journey…who me, confused?
I know I’m leaving someone out here.
March 29th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
what a great giveaway! i love music and love getting new music!
my favorite artist/s of all time are….
martin sexton (www.martinsexton.com)
U2
sarah mclachlan
have fun with the giveaway! :)
~liz
March 29th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
Favorite Artist(s)…Steve Taylor, Amy Grant, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, Newsboys…
March 29th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
I can’t say who my favorite of all time…too much pressure.
My current favorite, which my kids turned me onto…Sanctus Real.
March 29th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
I think my all time favorite band would be the Newsboys.
But, I love David Crowder and Chris Tomlin ever so much too. : )
Thanks for the fun contest Boomama!
March 29th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
P.S.
David Nassar’s website has the cutest t-shirts. They say “I love my husband” so, I HAD to have one. : )
It is my favorite!
March 29th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Elvis Presley–it’s true!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
fav-o-rite artist of all time: whatever my dh decides is on the ipod…ok, really, I’m an old skool Christian music fan so I still like TobyMac (as in dctalk)…but to be honest with what I actually listen to most of all, I’ll have to say tie between Jack Johnson/Harry Connick Jr/Sixpence None the Richer. *whew*
March 29th, 2007 at 8:01 pm
I love contests! Favorite artist….hmmm..right now it’s the kids Hi-5 group…because thats all I EVER listen too these days….does that count?
Laura
March 29th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
Shane & Shane. Bethany Dillon. Nichole Nordeman. Shane & Shane have a cd called Psalms that is pretty much almost literally psalms set to music. GREAT Stuff!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
valid email address ~ check!
favorite recording artist of all time ~ Clint Brown ~ I’m a choir/worship music kinda gal myself.
March 29th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Wow–my friend JUST told me about this CD this morning. So, I hope I win, but if not I’m buying it.
Based on your favorites, I think that you might like Andrew Peterson. He’s sort of James Taylor-y is a Christian way (with a little Paul Simon thrown in).
I know that wasn’t your question. Favorite ever is probably Billy Joel, although I don’t listen to him much anymore. Current favorite is maybe Mercy Me (Spoken For CD specifically) or FFH.
(I’m glad that you set the standard by allowing your answer to be a 4-way tie).
March 29th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Favorites: James Taylor, Bob Seger (LOVE a deep voice on a man), a group called A Cappella… don’t even know if they’re still together, but I keep re-recording the same CD onto a cassette tape for my car (“Roll the Stone Away”)….Oh, and Cher’s early stuff, mostly cause she and my mom looked just alike when mom was young!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
It is funny when I read this my three picks were Newsboys, David Crowder and Chris Tomlin and I see Becky picked the exact three! I don’t know her, but it sounds like we have the same taste in music! My son is reading this with me and told me I had to include his favorites which are Reliant K and KJ-52. I have to admit I just started listening to KJ-52 because it is what my son had on and he is really good!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Favorite Artist – AMY GRANT!!!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
I would have to say U2, Sting, Chris Tomlin, Caedmon’s Call. No particular order!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:15 pm
I’d just be lying to you and myself if I didn’t say that my favorite artist of all time is Sir Elton John. And I inherited this affinity entirely from my Mama!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:15 pm
As many as I like and listen to, I am always transported back in time when I hear the Eagles. They were my “college band” and
just the opening bars of one of their songs brings back a flood of memories and smiles.
How lucky are you and HOW generous!
Thanks, even if I don’t win…you are just so sweet to share with your bloggy pals.
March 29th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Eagles, U2, Chris RIce, Step[hen Curtis Chapman, Phillips Craig and Dean …. and MERCYME
March 29th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
I think I’m gonna feel like the biggest heathen ever…but I have to go with Indigo Girls. That is some good singin’ music!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
My favorite singer/songwriter changes almost quarterly, although right now I am a mom who groves to TobyMac (DC talk alum) with my 4yr old, 2 yr old and 7 wk old daily in the minivan!
Thanks for sharing the wealth!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
My favorite secular: Bob Seger
Favorite Christian: Darlene Schecht
And many, many more. :-)
Sign me up, BooMama!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
yay a contest :)
My faves-
Joey Johnson (local southern gospel guy I went to school with)
The McCamey’s
Sara Evans
Rascall Flatts
Crossing my fingers ;) xoxo melzie
March 29th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Favorite artist/group–
Christian: Lincoln Brewster and Newsboys
Non-Christian (music anyway): John Mayer
If I win you’ll see me looking a tad like those people what win Publisher Clearing House do. Seriously, I’ll send video. =)
March 29th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
My favorite usually depends on what day it is, or what kind of day it is. CeCe Winans is always at the top. I also enjoy anything by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.
March 29th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
I would think you are looking for Christian artists. I enjoy a very wide variety of contemporty Christian music/artists, but these are CD’s that have ministered to me over and over again.
Zola Levitt–ALL his music has such an anointed on it. He went to be with the Lord last April, a great loss to the Body of Christ, but a reward for Zola.
Don Moen–Let His Glory Fall
Paul Wilbur–Jerusalem Arise
Carmen–Anything he does
March 29th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Count me in! I love Billy Joel and James Taylor!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Now how fun is this! I’m in.
My favorites of all time. I love Salvador, Newsboys, Phillips, Craig and Dean, Carmen (when I was younger) Marc Anthony.
March 29th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Favorite Artist: Carolyn Arends.
If you never got past “Seize the Day” (which I didn’t think was fantastic), you’ve missed out. “Surprised by Joy” and most of her others are good.
March 29th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Oh wow! I’d totally love to win this. Actually I totally NEED to win this.
Favorite recording artist of all time? AH! That is a hard one! I can only pick one? Well, there is nothing like some good Joni Mitchell, namely her album Blue.
Steph
jsprecourt@yahoo.com
March 29th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Sara Groves!
I’ve been eyeing this CD and wondered if it was any good. So thanks for sharing.
March 29th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
What a great CD – I almost bought it when I was in the bookstore!!! May still have to – I never win!!! BUT – thanks so much for the review AND the chance to win!! My favorite??? Hmmmm, secular – I enjoy Josh Groban (but I am NOT a Grobanite!!!) for Christian – LOVE Aaron Shust, Steven Curtis Chapman, my favorite “oldie” is Twila Paris.
March 29th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Favorite?? Hmmmmm….. It’s hard to pick one. I will say Ray Boltz. :o)
March 29th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
I’ve been looking at that CD – I’m glad for the great review and chance to win! Whoo hoo! My favorites always change but right now it is Nicole C. Mullen. Love her!!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
You make this hard! Old time favorites for me are John Denver, James Taylor, and Carole King.
For a Christian song artist – I’m crazy about Chris Tomlin. An older favorite is Larry Theiss but I don’t know if anyone knows his music. If I had to pick just ONE – Michael W. Smith.
March 29th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
This is AWESOME!! Thank you so much for thinking of your dear readers. What a fantabulous way of sharing an item you ‘heart’. :o)
Favorite recording artist has to be Enya. I just melt when I hear any of her songs. They are so relaxing and they just exude peace and love.
Thanks again! Love your blawg!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Susan Ashton & Martina McBride
March 29th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
My favorite would truly depend on what mood I am in. It would probably all come down to Josh Groban, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kathy Troccoli, Tait, and Nicole Mullens. Thanks for including us in the fun of it all!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
WOW! How cool is that?? I cannot pick just one favorite recording artist. Love me some Chris Tomlin, Big Daddy Weave, Mark Schultz, Casting Crowns…
You are so nice to think of all us lil’ people!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
It’s too hard to pick one favorite! Let’s see…Chris Rice, tobyMac, Caedmon’s Call, are a couple of my favorites and choirs like Brooklyn Tab and Christ Church are always good too.
My hubby and I both have the David Nasser t-shirts that say “I love my husband/wife” and my kids have the one that says “My mom rocks.” They are some of the best shirts!!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
I’m always up for a contest so I’ll out of hiding and share some of my favs….too many to name but including Chris Tomlin, Darlene Zschech, and Kathryn Scott. Thanks for sharing!!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
What an incredible act of generosity on your part. So, for the contest… I am thinking it is a tie between Mercy Me (let’s see… that’s a group? does it still count?)or Steven Curtis Chapman for his depth, range, emotion and plain old devotion to God. Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
My all time faves are Casting Crowns, David Crowder Band, anything put out by Passion!
I heard about this cd recently. Thanks for giving it a thumbs up!