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 30th, 2007 at 7:43 am
I really like Third Day. They put on a great concert! I really enjoy your blog!
Angie
March 30th, 2007 at 7:45 am
Favorites of all time: Watermark, Delirious, Matt Redman and love me some Amy Grant! :)
March 30th, 2007 at 7:48 am
The CD sounds great! I’ll have to look for it if I’m not a lucky winner.
Rich Mullins, far and away the best songwriter I’ve ever listened to. “Hard to Get” from his last CD got me through some challenging times. And “Sometimes By Step,” and of course “Awesome God.”
Thanks for the contest!
March 30th, 2007 at 7:49 am
First I should confess, I am a(I would like to say recovering but I’m not so sure about that) lurker…there I’ve admitted it…hopefully this is my first baby step in many steps to come to actually leaving a comment or two…I love coming to your blog…I was hoping to link to you but wasn’t sure about etiquette but since you have recently addressed that I guess I’ll just go ahead and do that then! :)
Okay, so my favourite artist is Chris Rice. Thanks so much for writing your blog! I love it!
March 30th, 2007 at 7:50 am
Oh, oh, oh!!!! I want in on this!!! SEE! I’M! VERY! EXCITED!
My very favorite artist of ALL time is James Taylor. No lie. Can’t get any better than that boy!
March 30th, 2007 at 7:51 am
Well, I just had to visit your site after reading about it on mommysmart. Now, I just absolutely have to participate in this giveaway. Favorites of all time, very difficult question but here is my answer:
Group – Bon Jovi, CCR
Christian Group – Casting Crowns or Kutless
Thanks for the opportunity.
chrisclouse.wordpress.com
March 30th, 2007 at 7:51 am
Favorites? That’s too hard. Right now it would be:
Blindside, Nichole Nordeman, Emery, and Josh Groban
Kind of a wierd assortment, I know.
March 30th, 2007 at 7:54 am
I cannot believe all of the responses!!! You must be overwhelmed! My all time favorite artist is Rich Mullins–there is no other like him. His songs are right to the heart.
March 30th, 2007 at 7:57 am
Favorite Secular Artists:
HEART (gotta appreciate a girl who can play the guitar like that!)
JIMMY BUFFETT (he just makes me wanna sell everything, move to the Bahamas & live in a grass hut on the beach)
Favorite Christian Artists:
DAVID CROWDER BAND (nuff said)
TOBY MAC (my daughter is crazy for his music, once I saw him in concert, I was right there with her!)
March 30th, 2007 at 8:09 am
All time favorite– Michael W Smith, or Smitty as I like to call him ;)
March 30th, 2007 at 8:14 am
Definitely John Mayer, Harry Connick Jr., Barbara Streisand, and Stephen Curtis Chapman. And if not chosen, no worries – I truly enjoy your blog each-and-every-stinkin’-day.
March 30th, 2007 at 8:14 am
In my 30′s I’ve started to love Country Music. Favorites – Brad Paisley and Tim McGraw. My all time favorites – Jimmy Buffet, Nicole Nordeman. My 80s favorite – Rick Springfield!!
March 30th, 2007 at 8:15 am
Sounds like a great CD! My favorites include James Taylor, Third Day and Casting Crowns!
March 30th, 2007 at 8:16 am
Wow, so cool!!
My favorites change on a regular basis. Right now, I’d have to say Casting Crowns and/or Nicole Nordeman.
March 30th, 2007 at 8:19 am
My favorites of all time are in a five-way tie: Michael Card, Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day, Chris Tomlin, and Casting Crowns.
This is so cool!! Can’t wait to see that sweetie of yours pull my name ; )
March 30th, 2007 at 8:20 am
Oh my goodness! 164 comments! Why am I even bothering! I figured I ought to give it a try, though, instead of heading over to amazon.com instantly.
My current favorite Christian artist is Fernando Ortega.
March 30th, 2007 at 8:21 am
I love any worship music, so this CD sounds amazing. I’m going to do the download right now!
March 30th, 2007 at 8:22 am
I really like David Crowder Band, Third Day, Nicole Nordeman and Toby Mac along with just about every other Christian “pop” artist!
March 30th, 2007 at 8:22 am
That’s awesome… I would have to say my all time favorite artist is Elvis Presley!!! Thank you,thank very much for sharing your free goodies.
March 30th, 2007 at 8:42 am
While I absolutely love Christian music, my all-time favorite has to be Harry Connick, Jr. Thanks for your awesome giveaway!
March 30th, 2007 at 8:45 am
I have this CD, so don’t enter me in the contest. I just have to tell you how much I am enjoying it! I am going to the concert too!
….and if you’re going to marry track #3, I am going to marry track #2!
March 30th, 2007 at 8:50 am
I hope my blog is just like yours when mine grows up!
Favorite artist of all time: Carole King.
(John Mayer and James Taylor are high on my favorites too.)
I was just commenting to a friend on Wednesday that I wonder why there aren’t more songs of scripture. Thanks for doing the giveaway!
March 30th, 2007 at 8:52 am
Favorite artist would be a tie between Dave Matthews and Caedman’s Call.
March 30th, 2007 at 9:08 am
I don’t know if I can pick a favorite artist… That’s like trying to pick out your most favorite kiss. They each are different and separate memories to pull you back to a wonderful place and time…
I’ll rattle off a few to give you a taste of my eclectic ear:
Lifehouse; the Police; Jars of Clay; Nora Jones; Rascal Flatts; Diana Krall; The Cars; U2; Mercy Me; Jeremy Camp; Jude Cole; Casting Crowns; Five for Fighting; Faith Hill; Jason Mraz; Michelle Branch; John Mayer and literally the list could continue til Christ comes back.
March 30th, 2007 at 9:09 am
I have several “favorite” Christian artist, but the ones that I have to go out and buy their CDs the moment they come out are: Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman and Casting Crowns.
Thanks for doing this! What a blessing for people to get in on!
March 30th, 2007 at 9:12 am
Thats wild!
Favorite artist is Nichole Nordeman.
March 30th, 2007 at 9:13 am
Count me in! And, my favorite recording artist of all time, the one who SET THE STANDARD for everything we call music today, is the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald.
March 30th, 2007 at 9:24 am
My current favorite (and has been for some time) is Delirious, with U2 being a close second. Really, it is more 1A and 1B.
Even if I don’t win, I think I will be buying this. I am always looking for new worship music.
March 30th, 2007 at 9:27 am
Whoo-hoo! Thanks for including us! My favorite artist(s) is Selah! I still like some of the old Christian favorites like Ray Boltz. dayspringdawning@yahoo.com
March 30th, 2007 at 9:34 am
My total favorite is Harry Connick Jr. *sigh*
Love him.
Or Natalie Cole as a distant second :)
And as for Christian Artists… I love Jars of Clay :)
March 30th, 2007 at 9:40 am
Boomama…you are totally correct in your assessment…Glory Revealed is amazing! Oh, and if you pick me, just throw me out of the drawing and pick someone else…we’ve got the CD…we’re trying to find the BOOK that goes with it!!
March 30th, 2007 at 9:41 am
My favorite would have to be Chris Tomlin.
But there are many, many fav #2′s….
March 30th, 2007 at 9:42 am
Favorite ever – Newsboys. I’ve followed them since their first year of existence. Their music is inspiring to me for a variety of reasons.
March 30th, 2007 at 9:54 am
I don’t have a favorite and there are too many to type!
March 30th, 2007 at 9:57 am
How fun is that!? My faves have to be Third Day and then Watermark. I feel like their passion totally comes out through their music.
March 30th, 2007 at 10:05 am
My favorites are Faith Hill and Carrie Underwood. Plus Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman.
It was awfully nice of you to remember your internet readers when you got your freebies. Thanks for thinking to request the extra CDs – what a joy-filled blessing of a giveaway!
March 30th, 2007 at 10:14 am
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE ENTRIES? Oh My Good Grief, that’s a lot of competition! But I’m always ready to play!
I heart music, so it’s hard for me to pick favs, but I’ll try. I love Ginny Owens (especially “If You Want Me To”), Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Jimmy Buffett, and David Phelps.
Oh, and I can’t watch a Gaither Homecoming info-mercial without bawling my eyes out. Just something about the combiniation of the old greats and new kids and the awesome music, and Vestel waving her hankie, and Jake Hess’ perfect hair – just gets me every time.
Thanks for letting us in on the great new find!
March 30th, 2007 at 10:15 am
Only one????
At the moment it is Chris Tomlin. But it does change.
(Please, please, I want that CD!)
Mary, mom to many and prayerfully planning for more
March 30th, 2007 at 10:20 am
I LOVE ME SOME MUSIC TOO!
March 30th, 2007 at 10:21 am
Oh, I love Jars of Clay
March 30th, 2007 at 10:34 am
Easily, it’s Steven Curtis Chapman… I have so many other favorites, some of them just within the past year or two, but SCC is such a wonderful songwriter and singer, he’s just good stuff. And, his music takes me back to the youth group years. Love him, love him, love him.
March 30th, 2007 at 10:42 am
Favorite recording artist… Martina McBride. I fell in love when she released “In My Daughter’s Eyes” while I was pregnant with Princess. Plus my voice range is close enough to hers that I can have fun singing along.
March 30th, 2007 at 10:43 am
It is a 2-way tie between Michael W. Smith & Steven Curtis Chapman….
March 30th, 2007 at 10:46 am
My favorite of all time has to be James Taylor…Christian would be Jonathan Pierce and The Martins.
March 30th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Favorite is Third Day – but don’t put my name in the said hat – I already have this CD and listen to it EVERYDAY!!!!! I too heart track 3! You know the Glory Revealed tour will bring them to Birmingham April 22!!! Can’t wait! Got my ticket already and am ready to WORSHIP!!!!!!
March 30th, 2007 at 10:52 am
Ok, I had to stop reading the other posts because I was getting stressed trying to decide. Currently, Third Day and Casting Crowns. But the Eagles and Queen are favorites from “before”. Great contest!
March 30th, 2007 at 10:55 am
Favorite artists right now…
Newsboys, Third Day and Steven Curtis Chapman
Thanks for the link. I am listening to “Restore to Me” right now. It is amazing! :)
March 30th, 2007 at 11:05 am
Well goodness! Since I’m a freebie-schneebie, I’ll have my name tossed into the hat. And, since I love music that spans the big ole spectrum from Michael W Smith to Dave Matthews and Pink Floyd, I’ve decided to pick my favorite right in the middle– Rusted Root. (The old stuff, though. Why did they change their style completely?!) Good luck to all! :)
March 30th, 2007 at 11:05 am
Wow if I had to choose – well there is no one like U2 in our generation and I have always loved Third Day – and please don’t hate me ’cause I know this may be a sensitive issue and it really isn’t and issue for me ’cause I live in the great white North (Canada) but I like the (whisper)Dixie Chicks. Ok I said it – love your blog by the way! Keep up the fantastic writing, it inspires me to keep trying.
March 30th, 2007 at 11:10 am
Wow! the traffic you’re getting!
Jennifer Knapp
Third Day
Steven Curtis Chapman
Watermark
The Martins
Martina McBride (T with Honey and I are twins! big ditto to her comment)
James Taylor
John Mellencamp
Pat Benatar
Faith Hill
EverLife (from Stinkerbell’s Radio Disney cd!)
and…
Of course there’s
ELVIS!!!
sending subliminal web messages to get my name picked!