Don't Wait by Adie

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

 

"...has a simplicity that is refreshing, with enough variety within her folk/rock genre to keep you eager for the next track."
  

 

After The Benjamin Gate called it quits in 2003, South African native and lead singer Adrienne Camp opened a clothing store in Indiana and secretly dreamed of recording a cd on her own. Then out of the blue, husband and singer Jeremy Camp suggested, “Honey, I think it would really cool if you did a solo album.” Adie says, “I was thrilled, because I was thinking the same thing. It’s been scary stepping out on my own without the band guys. The Benjamin Gate was all about pushing boundaries, no holding back. This cd fits me so much better.”
Jeremy Camp’s fingerprints are all over this project, helping with backup vocals in “Broken” and co-writing many of the other songs with Adie. Although a lot more mellow than the albums she did with The Benjamin Gate, Adrienne’s strong rock vocals are still there. Her clear voice nails each note and is backed by a crisp, sometimes acoustic sound that’s rich with texture---a long journey from the aggressive rock sound of her former band.
You’d never guess this was Adie’s first solo cd either musically or lyrically, as each cut seems to flow easily to the next. My favorite has to be “When It’s Over”, a touching number about how much she longs to see Jesus one day. The piano opening gives way to an electric-guitar-backed-chorus with her own harmonies, reminding me a little bit of Joy Williams minus the pop element. “Your Way” deals with trusting God and going His way and not our own. It’s a simple blend of electric and acoustic guitar, well suited for the lower range of her voice. There’s a pure hymn-like tune, “What Have I Done”, where Adie’s voice becomes airy and angelic (Amy Grant’s “Breath of Heaven” comes to mind.) The final touch is her catchy, updated version of The Byrd’s “Turn, Turn, Turn”.
Don’t Wait has a simplicity that is refreshing, with enough variety within her folk/rock genre to keep you eager for the next track, although Benjamin Gate fans might be slightly disappointed with it’s lack of edginess. Several cuts are radio friendly, and I can already see them soaring to the top of the charts. Go Adie! I have a feeling you won’t have much time anymore for that boutique of yours.

 

The Grafting by John Schlitt

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington 

 

"

John Schlitt is no stranger to the Christian music scene. In fact, he could even be considered one of the founding fathers, having been recently inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame. Best known for his work as lead singer of Petra from 1986 until the band’s retirement in 2005, Schlitt has been hard at work as a solo artist, as well as making a worship album with fellow Petra member, Bob Hartman in 2007.

Even during his years with Petra John dabbled in making it on his own with solo albums “Shake” and “Unfit for Swine”. But The Grafting is Schlitt coming into his own - his own style and personality comes through loud and clear. It has the fresh influence of son in law, Dan Needham (who wrote most of the songs) and daughter Kari Needham’s BGVs. (Kari also did the artwork for the album.) Dan knows what he’s doing having written/produced for Amy Grant, Petra and Michael McDonald.

The Grafting could be considered a softer rock album than Schlitt’s first two solo endeavors, but his signature vocals still bring the rock feel home. Less than a handful of the cuts could really be called worship songs, like “Lord Have Mercy” and “Carry On”, which is a nice cut to end the project. But even the rockier numbers have an attitude of worship, like “Face of God” with the lyrics: “Do you hear what heaven hears? Do you know it in your heart? Do you share the pain and cry the tears, but don’t know where to start?”

The title cut takes you back to the Glen Campbell country days, smooth and easy -- a nice departure for Schlitt. He really puts his heart into this one, as he explains: “It’s a very personal song to me, because I have two grandsons that are adopted by my oldest child and her husband. And on a much greater scale - we are adopted children of God ONLY because He loved us so much that He grafted us into His family because of our faith in His Son, Jesus. In both scenarios my grandchildren and myself, and all believers, were made part of a family because of the actions of someone else - it was nothing we did to accomplish this.”

“Gravity” uses the most electricity, and John’s vocals are truly rocker quality. But it’s the closest you’ll get on this cd to rock and roll. Contrast that with “Your Eyes”, a piano driven ballad about how God will someday wipe every tear from our eyes, and you’ve got a melting pot of top quality, contemporary music. The Grafting reveals John Schlitt’s tender side, but John Schlitt the rock star can’t help but slip out from time to time.

The Grafting reveals John Schlitt's tender side, but John Schlitt the rock star can't help but slip out from time to time."

 

 

 

 

 

Acoustic by Britt Nicole

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

 

"...will please Britt Nicole fans as well as earn some new ones for this devoted and talented young lady."

We were first introduced to North Carolina native Britt Nicole in 2007 when her “You” hit the airways with a vengeance as part of her debut CD Say It. Then in 2009 with The Lost Get Found CD she continued to make great music with a positive message for all ages, teens and beyond.

Her latest offering, Acoustic, is no exception. This six song CD features some lighter versions of her popular songs along with a new track, “Found By You”. Britt's unique pop flavor rivals Ke$ha, Katy Perry, and Krystal Meyers, and her blend of Christian/pop culture lyrics covers it all.

While Acoustic is true to its name, it manages to create a new flavor for Britt's sound. Light drums and piano blend with smooth guitar to accompany her breathy voice, a change from her pop dance music sound.

Her single “Walk on the Water”, which was played on a Biggest Loser episode, is one of the standout tracks on the album. Britt's mother had always wanted to start a home for troubled teen girls, and she struggled with how to begin. She wrote the song to encourage her mother to step out and do whatever God has called her to do. Since then her mom has done just that, and is now letting girls come and live in their home while they pursue their dreams.

Britt's positive upbeat message comes out loud and clear on “Set the World on Fire” as she prays “I wanna set the world on fire until it's burning bright for you. It's everything that I desire. Oh, can I be the one you use?”

 

Blue on Blue by Leigh Nash

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

 

"With skill and grace Leigh has earned her stripes as a solo artist."
  

 

You’re probably wondering what happened to the former lead singer of Sixpence None the Richer. Leigh Nash, who’s been singing since she was twelve, formed the band with a fellow classmate while they were still in high school. She says, “It was such an emotional process for me when the band broke up. Motherhood came pretty fast after that, and I started writing a ton about my son. I just found that there was a much deeper well within me than there had been before.”
Leigh says, “My songs on Blue on Blue were not intentionally centered on any one concept, but I admit my newfound maternity was a source of inspiration.” Her music is less melancholy now that she’s on her own, and more piano driven (some of the intros remind me of George Winston) which goes well with Leigh’s airy voice. In fact, any other instrumentation is minimal.
With many years of performing under her belt, this doesn’t sound like her first solo album. Not with tracks like “Cloud Nine”, probably the most interesting piece, which best displays her vocal style (just picture yourself at a beach party for this number). “More of It” is the most reminiscent of her Sixpence roots, which her loyal listeners will love. She co-wrote the smooth “Between the Lines” and “Along the Wall” with Canadian producer, Pierre Marchand, Sarah McLachlan, and Rufus Wainwright last winter in Montreal (think Felicity tv show music). The final touch is a sweet lullaby “Just a Little” which Leigh wrote for her son, Henry. Blue on Blue is a bit more poppish than the albums she did with Sixpence, but this cd reveals Nash’s pretty voice better than Sixpence did. It may not dish out hits like “Kiss Me” and “There She Goes”, but treading new ground is never an easy feat. With skill and grace Leigh has earned her stripes as a solo artist. Blue on Blue is sure to win her many new fans.

 

Loved Edited by Rebecca St. James

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

"Perfect for youth groups, women’s Bible studies, or your own personal use."

She’s probably best known for her catchy music ministry which began in 1991 at the age of 13, when under the stage name “Rebecca Jean” she released an independent album titled Refresh My Heart in Australia. Soon after its release, her family moved to the United States where her father received a job offer, and the rest is history. Rebecca St. James is no stranger to the book world, either. She has authored numerous titles such as: Pure; She: Safe, Healthy, Empowered; She Teen; Wait For Me, among others.
Now, in her latest book Loved - Stories of Forgiveness she dons the editor's cap.You will find true stories of God’s amazing love and forgiveness for young women from all walks of life. Divided into six parts, each begins with a dramatized story from the Bible and continues with seven present day stories of women who have made mistakes but found God’s love in the end. These sections cover the issues: identity crisis, addictions, family problems, friends, man trouble, and faith crises.

The theme of the book comes from St. James’ song “You Are Loved” which Rebecca wrote for her friend, Daniel. The words to the track can be found on the frontmatter. With its 6 week devotional format, each vignette can be gone through quickly. Perfect for youth groups, women’s Bible studies, or your own personal use.

The stories are real eye-openers. As the young women find themselves in bad relationships, eating disorders, and lost in a sea of rejection they discover that God cares for them in the midst of their turmoil. Like sixteen year old Naomi, whose prescription drug abuse and early childhood memories of molestation drive her to rock bottom. But “instead of running away from the pain she has learned to run to God in her pain.” Not all the entries are as dark as Naomi’s, but they depict real life for women in today’s society without sugar coating.

Loved - Stories of Forgiveness does remind us how much God truly loves us. As Rebecca puts it, “Loved is about prodigals and for prodigals - which is all of us. God has His arms open wide, waiting for us, no matter what we have done. This is a message of hope that our generation needs to hear. No matter where you’ve been and what you’ve done. . . you are loved.”

The Ultimate Collection by Rebecca St. James

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

 

"The Ultimate Collection is a top notch quality time capsule of the last fourteen years of St. James' ministry."

 

It was a hot summer night in July, 1995 at a small, local community park when I saw 17 year old Rebecca St. James in concert for the first time. Back then she was performing with accompaniment tracks. No entourage, no tour buses -- just RSJ, her father working the merch table, and her brother doing sound. Seeing her so passionate about the Lord at such a young age was inspiring. She sang “Here I Am” with abandon, and the small crowd of a few hundred lifted their hands in worship. Now with a Grammy, multiple Dove Awards, and a Gold album (Pray, 1997), Rebecca has come a long way. With a career spanning fourteen years so far, she now takes her pop/rock music on tour with a full band, background singers, family, and an elaborate light show worldwide, ministering to tens of thousands of people. But she hasn’t forgotten her roots. A few years ago she told me she still remembers being on that small stage back at the beginning of her career.

This double disk Ultimate Collection features 24 of Rebecca’s hits, from the early songs she sang so long ago like “Here I Am” and “Abba, Father” to her most recent cuts. The album opener “God Help Me” is a great track Rebecca often uses to open a concert, getting the crowd revved up and ready for her to emerge onstage. The cd set also showcases St. James’ classics like “God” and “Go And Sin No More”. It’s unfortunate the anthology lacks two of the key songs in Rebecca’s repertoire, “Side by Side” (I remember this being her second big radio hit) and “Me Without You” (a staple in her early concerts), but this is still a great collection.

In 2005 “America” was the theme song for the National Day of Prayer. Now it’s part of the Ultimate Collection. And they couldn’t forget to include the ubiquitous “Wait for Me”, possibly Rebecca’s most popular teen anthem. There are no new songs on here, but there are newer songs, like “Reborn” and “Blessed Be Your Name.” And although many Christian artists have performed “Breathe”, Rebecca’s rendition, included on this set, is probably my favorite version.

One of the bonus tracks will please Chronicles of Narnia fans. It’s the song she sang on the CD Music inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and it’s aptly called “Lion”.

The Ultimate Collection is a top notch quality time capsule of the last fourteen years of St. James’ ministry. It reveals Rebecca’s growth and evolution into a seasoned role model and music artist who is just as passionate about the Lord as she was when she started. 

 

The Christmas Collection by Amy Grant 

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington 

"Long time Grant fans as well as new ones won’t be disappointed with Grant’s latest offering. It’s the Amy we know and love."

 

It’s been three years since we’ve heard from Amy Grant (Rock of Ages... Hymns of Faith). And now that the temperature is dropping and the leaves are turning she’s set to release “The Christmas Collection”. But wait a minute - doesn’t Amy already have three Christmas albums under her belt? Well, yes. But there are four new recordings on this project, one of which features a special guest appearance from daughter Corrina (“I Need A Silent Night”). Amy says, “The highlight for me on this song was having her record the Luke account of The Christmas Story. I’m glad we have my daughter’s voice on this track.”

There’s a caffeinated version of “Jingle Bells” with some snazzy triplets thrown into the rhythm for flair. It and a few others almost have the feel of a score from a musical. Several pieces are backed by an orchestra, and Amy’s voice blends well with the instrumentation.

Another one of the new tracks is “Count Your Blessings”, a romantic jazz number. Grant sings this one almost as if it’s a lullaby. “Baby, It’s Christmas” was co-written with her husband, Vince Gill, something we haven’t seen a lot. You’ll be familiar with all the rest of the cuts, from her earlier holiday albums.

Grant isn’t reinventing the wheel here. The Christmas Collection features many of the traditional holiday favorites we’ve all grown to know and love over the years including “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”, “Silent Night”, and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”. And let’s not forget the perennial favorite “Breath of Heaven”.

It would have been nice to have included more new songs - either original pieces or new renditions of old ones. But the minute you load “The Christmas Collection” onto your iPod you’ll want to light up a fire and watch the snow fall outside, even if you live in Hawaii. And that’s what any Christmas album should do.

Amy will be hitching up her sleigh in early December, hitting 15 cities with husband Vince, who will also be featured. Long time Grant fans as well as new ones won’t be disappointed with Grant’s latest offering. It’s the Amy we know and love. So grab your jingle bells - you’re in for a great holiday treat.

 

MEREDITH ANDREWS:
One of the most exciting times in a young person's life is when they are dreaming big dreams and standing on the verge of their calling, but it can be an equally confusing and scary time as well. I remember going back and forth during my last couple years of high school and well into college, switching my major a few times and praying hard about where God was leading me. One thing is certain, God is in control. He can be trusted, and if He is sovereign enough to breathe life into our lungs and place us on this earth, you can believe He has a sovereign plan for each of us. Jeremiah 29:11-14 is a familiar passage, but I would encourage you to read it and apply the promises in these verses to your life. Seek the Lord with all your heart, ask Him to clearly show you what to do and where to go. Also, ask yourself these questions: What are my God-given gifts and desires? In other words, what am I good at? What do I love doing? All my life I have been passionate about leading worship through music and loving on underprivileged children. During my junior year of college I was wrestling with what the Lord was calling me to do when I graduated, but it was staring me right in the face the whole time. Pointing people to Jesus by singing and writing about His truth and love along with giving of my time and energy to help needy children were the things that made me feel most alive. These were the avenues that showed me God's heart the most and they are the things that are still burning in my heart today. Scripture must always be our barometer, and God will never tell us to do something that will contradict His Word. But He most likely won't tell you to go to medical school in a head of lettuce either. He has placed desires and abilities within you, and when you team these passions up with prayer and God's Word, you will know what the Lord has called you to do and will have the confidence to carry out this sovereign plan for His glory.

DUSTIN RUTH (Ruth):
 I think teen girls and teen guys can have their dreams fulfilled just the same. Being a teen and wondering what to do with your life is a hard thing to go through. Don't get me wrong, I think direction changes all through out your life, but people face this reality during their teen years for the first time. The best thing I can suggest that has worked for me is to try and remember to ask God for direction and seek His dreams for our lives. It says in the Bible to "seek God first always and he will give us the desires of our hearts." If He places a desire in your heart (because you're seeking Him first), I guarantee He'll make your dreams/desires come true. One thing I've found is that 9 times out of 10 they don't look the way we thought they would in the end, but they're more fulfilling. This is truly living.

JOHN COOPER (Skillet):
I guess it was a combination of things. One is that music is one of the only things I’ve ever been any good at (laughs). So that helped. The possibilities were not endless! Christian music affected me so much as a kid. I used to think if I ever played in a band it would be a Christian band. I never even considered not playing in a Christian band, actually. Then when I was in college I had a band and I thought, “Would I actually want to do this for a living instead of having some other kind of job?” It was always a really easy answer for me. Yes, I would rather do that. When I was about twenty was when I knew from the Lord, and my pastor really encouraged me in my music, is when I really felt like yep, this is what I’m gonna do. If in the end I’m wrong and God’s not calling me to this the very worst that happens is that I waste a couple years of time I could’ve been in school failing. (Laughs.) I feel certain this is the Lord, and my pastor prayed with me and also felt that it was from the Lord, and that helped.

 

Maybe you dream of being on a stage, lights flashing, with a crowd screaming back the words to a song you wrote. Or maybe you see yourself starting an orphanage in Africa. You might even be dreaming of earning an Olympic gold medal! You’ve prayed about it and asked Jesus to show you His will for your life, but you don’t know where to start. Here’s the lowdown on how God helped these top music artists fulfill their dreams, and how He’ll help you too!


AMY GRANT:
When I was in my teen years, my life was really affected by a band called Dogwood that played every Saturday night at a coffee house in Nashville. I don’t know that I ever woke up one day and said, “God I believe you’re leading me to do this.” I had a passion for music, and a passion about faith. I still do. I know some people had that big sort of epiphany moment, but I think for most of us there are the things in life that energize us, and they are connected to the gifts that God gives us. I tell my kids all the time, find something you’re passionate about because then you’ll want to get out of bed tomorrow and pursue that. The fact that it includes telling people about Jesus makes it especially rewarding. 

DAWN RICHARDSON (Fireflight):
It's so important to understand how much God loves you! The more you learn about who God is, through reading your bible, reading devotions and books by biblical teachers and writers, as well as growing in a real personal relationship with God through prayer (talking with God) and praise and worship, the more you will begin to see your life through God's loving eyes. Once you gain God's perspective on your life, the decisions that once seemed so confusing, and the fear of failure that so frequently haunts us, no longer seems so overwhelming. Then, we are free to walk by faith down the path God reveals to us.

VICKY BEECHING:
My advice would be to spend as much time as you can with God seeking Him and getting to know his word. That will prepare you for everything ahead. With your dreams, lay them at Gods feet and surrender totally. Then serve and love others as your main aim in life, and never use people. Make relationships the most valued thing in your world. and all the rest will fall into place. Dreams can sometimes make people self centered and slip into a 'user' mentality. So love, serve, give and God will open the doors for you! 

 

Is there a mountain in your life? An obstacle in your way, keeping you from moving on with God? We’ve all had them, including some of your favorite Christian artists. Through their trust and determination God helped them beat their fears, addictions, sicknesses, and limitations, and He’ll do the same for you.
We may not all struggle with stage fright, Crohn’s disease, or losing fifty pounds. But the obstacles we face in our own daily lives are just as important to God. Whatever our walk of life may be, if we lean, trust, and rely on Him, He’s sure to make a way for us!

PLUMB: When I was thirteen years old I was diagnosed with just about every single stomach disorder you could imagine. They thought I had colon cancer; they thought I had cysts. I was desperately ill. When I got scared my stomach would be unbelievably painful, so I was basically afraid of being afraid. Between the ages of thirteen and nineteen, I didn’t go a day without a stomach spasm. I told God, "I don’t ever want to leave Atlanta, and I don’t ever want to travel. I don’t ever want to move away from home, away from my doctors," because I got so sick all the time. And God said, "You know what? I’m going to move you out of Georgia, and I’m going to move you into an apartment by yourself. You’re going to travel for a living, singing and doing exactly what you thought you couldn’t do." When I was nineteen-and-a-half I was asked to do a background singing job. I did it, and it led to here. I‘d never be able to do what I’m doing today if my stomach were still the way it was. But God was bigger than me, and He had bigger plans than I did. Since I stepped out in faith I haven’t been sick anymore.  

REBECCA ST. JAMES:
My biggest personal obstacle that He’s allowed me to overcome is fear. You know, fear of being up in front of people on stage, all on my own. I started singing when I was thirteen and it was "little me" standing up there, and no one else. That was pretty scary at times. I remember looking out and seeing all the young people my age and being very intimidated. And I remember seeing adults who have a lot more life experience and wisdom than me, and just feeling scared. But I think that’s where prayer came in. Prayer was the one thing that held me together. I would pray, “God, I can’t do this on my own. Be my strength.” And He’s been that for me. I think those hard times made me appreciate the good times so much more.  

JACI VELASQUEZ:
I lost all my hearing when I was nine years old. Through my parents’ prayers God totally restored it.

IAN ESKELIN:
Worry has been a big obstacle in my life. Several years ago, when I was on tour, I wasn’t even able to sleep. I had insomnia so bad because I worried about everything. I started praying about it a lot, and the Lord delivered me and set me free. When I pray I have a way more relaxed attitude about everything.  

There will always be that Christmas you’ll never forget. Like the time the dog ate the Christmas ham while everyone opened gifts. Or when you stayed up all night watching Rudolph, Frosty and Scrooge with Aunt Peggy. Your favorite musicians have special Christmas memories, too.

PLUMB:
One Christmas there was an African children’s choir performing at our church, and we took three of them home with us. It was amazing to me to see how they appreciated the smallest things so much, because they had nothing where they came from. It gave me a whole new view of what Christmas is. Christmas isn’t about presents. It’s about having love and hope. It’s about having Christ and His birthday. How many presents we got didn’t mean anything to them. Just to have a great meal on Christmas Day was a big deal to them. It made me reevaluate what Christmas means.  

PHIL JOEL:
Seeing snow at Christmas for the first time was very exciting. It made everything look clean. It’s the other way around in New Zealand. It’s summer during Christmas, so we go to the beach and have a barbeque. Here it’s cozy and snug, and you’ve got the tree and it’s all sort of inside and very nice. So I really do enjoy Christmases in the U.S. 

REBECCA ST. JAMES:
My coolest Christmas memory is swimming on Christmas Day in Australia. It’s summertime there; it’s hot at Christmas. I have 24 cousins, so we’d swim together and have a big Christmas dinner. On Christmas Day we also had a time of worship where we’d sing Christmas carols and talk about the different things that God had taught us throughout the year. It’s just a really powerful time. My grandfather was a minister, so he leads us in that time of celebrating Jesus, and it’s so encouraging to me to see the heritage he has passed on to us.   

In your face, on the bus, in the locker room or the neighborhood---there will always be bullies wherever you go. You may have felt the humiliating sting of being pushed around by a bully, or maybe you’ve even been one. Some of your favorite musicians have, too. Here are their personal stories and what you can do for yourself and others when faced with a bully.

MARK GRAALMAN (Sanctus Real):

I remember ganging up on this kid with my friends in the neighborhood, just picking on him and pushing him around until he would go home crying. Years later, since I've come to know the Lord, I know that God has forgiven me, but it still breaks my heart knowing that I hurt that kid. To this day he's dealing with extreme insecurities, and it's so sad knowing I was part of the reason why he hurts inside. I pray for the opportunity to see him again sometime and ask his forgiveness.

Chances are, if people aren’t sticking up for themselves, it's because they don't believe in themselves. If you show them respect, maybe they’ll find the confidence to stand up and not let someone walk all over them.

Memorize Prov. 3:26, and anytime a bully starts to push you around just recite it in your mind and believe that the Lord will be your confidence. The Holy Spirit will rise up inside you and give you the boldness to stand up to them, and the wisdom to do so in love.

MICHAEL TAIT (Newsboys):

I was bullied in junior high school. I think a lot of it had to do with how small I was; I was a little shy too. Bullies only pick on people they feel they can overpower. If you are physically bigger than someone’s bully, it would be cool to step in and speak up for him. Talk to the right people, like parents and teachers, about the best way to deal with the issue at hand. Try having real and rational conversations with the bully. Pray that God will convict the bully’s heart and that he’ll reconsider his behavior.

REBECCA ST. JAMES:

I remember a girl in school telling me a boy liked me and wanted to know if I would go out with him. She told me, “He’s waiting for an answer; you better go tell him.” I went up to this guy and said that I liked him, but I just wanted to be his friend and wasn’t interested in anything more. He looked at me with this blank expression. There had been no conversation about liking me whatsoever; it had been completely made up to make me look stupid! Guys have probably had this happen too, being set-up by their buddies in a humiliating way. Be friends with a diverse group of people. Be nice to everyone, including those who aren’t in the “cool cliques”. And as for the bullies - pray for them! 

Ever had a friend you really trusted, one you could tell your deep dark secrets too? Imagine one day you find out they're spreading rumors about you behind your back. How does this make you feel? It probably makes you want to turn your back on the only friend you've ever had. But what would a true friend do? How would a true friend act? Some of your favorite Christian music artists dish out advice on what it means to be a real friend.

REBECCA ST. JAMES:

The first thing is to pray for great godly friends. I had friends back in Australia, but when we moved to America I was really lonely because I had just changed to a whole different country and a different culture. I prayed for two years for a best friend who would encourage me in my walk with God, and that we could have a deep strong bond. I've been best friends with the friend God gave in response to those prayers for years. She’s amazing. She’s married with four kids. We live completely different lives, but God knits us together so much.

Honesty is really important---being vulnerable with where you’re at and not trying to put up a front that says everything’s okay, when it’s not. Ask your friends to keep you accountable. I remember when I was lonely in my youth group for awhile there, and I didn’t have very many close friends. My parents would say, "You’ve gotta be a friend to have friends. Reach out. You can’t just expect people to come to you all the time." That was challenging to me.

There have definitely been times when a friend will tell me something in confidence, and I have to choose when I’m with other friends that know that person, whether or not I’m going to share the information or keep that person’s confidence. Those are the times in our lives when we’re tested in our loyalty to somebody. It's important to be faithful not gossip but be wise with our words and respectful of our friends.

Ever had trouble sharing the Gospel with your friends? Feel like you’re just not getting through? Or maybe you think you’ve blown it by saying the wrong thing. You may have even been made fun of for your faith. You’re not alone. Here’s some great advice on being a light to the world around you from some of your favorite Christian artists:

REBECCA ST. JAMES:
One of my favorite quotes is “Preach the gospel everyday; if necessary, use words.” by St. Francis of Assisi. I’d encourage people to be unashamedly holy and set apart for God. Be radical in your Christian life. Live like the Bible says. People will see that Jesus difference. I also think you should pray for opportunities to talk to your friends about Jesus. Look for them, and when they come be faithful to share, not in a judgmental way, but in a very real way. Share real stories from your heart about what Jesus has done for you.

MICHELLE TUMES:
It was a long time ago in Nashville. I was really young, and my visa was coming up. I wasn’t signed to a record label, and I was running out of money. I said to God, “Look, Lord, I need an answer right now.” I wasn’t trying to threaten God or anything. I said, “I’m going to have to go home to Australia if nothing is happening here. I just want to let you know I’m open to doing that, but I don’t want to.” I was staying at a friend’s place. I walked their dog outside, came back in, and there was a message on the answering machine from Sparrow Records. That was a prayer that was immediately answered. I’ll never forget that.

Feel like you’re talking to the ceiling when you pray? Ever wonder if prayer really works? We’ve all been there. But here’s the bottom line: Even when it doesn’t feel like it, God is listening. We caught up with some of your favorite artists, and here are their coolest answered prayers. Prayer worked for them, and it’ll work for you too!
 
 REBECCA ST. JAMES:
When I first came to America my dad lost his job. We had no car, no furniture, or food. Sometimes we didn’t know where the next meal was going to come from. We’d pray about it, and then we’d see people show up at our house with groceries or furniture. Checks would come in the mail that just covered our bills. During that time my little sister was born, and still to this day we don’t know who paid the hospital bill! Another one of the neatest answers to prayer was having a best friend. I prayed for years for a best friend that I could really have a strong spiritual relationship with - someone whom I could encourage and receive encouragement from. And then God brought into my life Karleen, whom I met at church. That was such a blessing to me, ‘cause I prayed for it for so long, and she was just what God knew I needed.

Breakfast At Gingers

For your laugh of the week, this dog must be hungry! She must've not had dinner the night before.

Pam The Horse!

Here's a picture of the horse I ride!

Thicker than Blood Blog Tour

TitleTrakk.com Blog Tours Presents:

Thicker than Blood
by C.J. Darlington
Published by Tyndale House

Winner of the
2008 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel Contest!

Christy Williams finally has her life on track. She’s putting her past behind her and working hard to build a career as an antiquarian book buyer. But things begin to unravel when a stolen Hemingway first edition is found in her possession, framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. With no one to turn to, she yearns for her estranged younger sister, May, whom she abandoned after their parents’ untimely deaths. Soon, Christy’s fleeing from her shattered dreams, her ex-boyfriend, and God. Could May’s Triple Cross Ranch be the safe haven she’s searching for? Will the sisters realize that each possesses what the other desperately needs before it’s too late?


With careful attention to detail, emotion, and scene-setting, C.J. Darlington scores with her debut effort. Here is a special writer you won’t want to miss.
--Jerry B. Jenkins, New York Times best selling author

If you love a good read filled with adventure and ultimately redemption, I encourage you to brew the tea, settle into your favorite chair and pick up the page turner that is C.J. Darlington’s imaginative new novel of a modern day sisterhood that triumphs over separation and the raw challenges of life to find the real endurance of both family ties and God’s amazing grace.
--Rebecca St. James, Grammy award winning Christian singer and bestselling author

With Thicker than Blood, C.J. Darlington proves she's a novelist for the long-haul, a strong new voice in Christian fiction. This book speaks to the heart, from the heart, about the heart. Readers will not soon forget it.
--Sibella Giorello, Christy award-winning author of The Rivers Run Dry & The Clouds Roll Away

Watch the book trailer:

About the Author:
C. J. began writing the story that would become Thicker than Blood (her first novel) when she was a fifteen-year-old homeschool student. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over a decade, scouting for stores similar to the one described in the novel before cofounding her own online bookstore. Thicker than Blood was the winner of the 2008 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel.

C. J. co-founded the Christian entertainment Web site TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction through book reviews and author interviews. She makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs and cats. Visit her website www.cjdarlington.com for more info.

QUICK LINKS:

• The 1st chapter of Thicker than Blood
• The "Story Behind the Story" of Thicker than Blood
• More endorsements from Jenny B. Jones, James Scott Bell, Susan Meissner, and more!
• Our interview with C.J. at TitleTrakk.com
  
• Buy Thicker than Blood at Christianbook.com
• Buy Thicker than Blood at Amazon.com
• List of the other 85+ Thicker than Blood blog tour participants!

Thicker than Blood in Christianbook.com Weekly Insider