A few weeks ago someone mentioned that I seem to stay pretty up-to-date with Christian music, and she went on to ask me how I manage to keep up with all the new music when, after all, I’m old.
OH, she didn’t really say that last part.
But it would have totally rocked if she had.
And the answer is that I stay up-to-date with Christian music because I love it. Plus, I realized a few years ago that something as simple as listening to Christian music throughout the day – whether it’s on my iPod or in the car – really impacts my thought life, my patience and my perspective. It’s pretty difficult to get bent out of shape in traffic and then scream a series of, um, colorful adjectives when you’re singing “Savior, He can move the mountains / My God is mighty to save / He is mighty to save” at the top of your lungs.
I’m just sayin’.
ANYWAY, the bottom line is that Christian music – whether it’s an old hymn like “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” or a song that’s a little newer – has been a tremendous source of encouragement to me.
Which leads me to this past Friday night.
A couple of months ago my friend Brian at Provident Music asked if Melanie, Shannon and I would be interested in doing sort of a “girls’ night out” for a Casting Crowns show here in this lovely city where I live. The three of us were immediately all over the idea – because in addition to really, really wanting to see each other, we really, really wanted to see Casting Crowns.
And that is how our get-together this past weekend came to pass (thanks, Provident! thanks, Casting Crowns!).
But it actually occurred to me Friday night that we weren’t at a Casting Crowns “show” at all. We were in a worship service, and it just so happened that our worship leaders were John Waller, Leeland, and Casting Crowns. There was no flashiness, no self-aggrandizement, no self-righteousness – just some talented musicians who were doing their very best to get out of the way and give God all the glory.
At the end of the night, when the girls and I were talking about the show, Shannon mentioned how great the lyrics to John Waller’s song “The Blessing” are. And she was so right. In fact, I’m sitting here listening to his CD right now, and I think I’m going to put it on repeat – the lyrics are strong. And there’s a song called “While I’m Waiting” that’s REALLY speaking to me right now, but we won’t get into all my waiting on all the stuff related to all the things, because that is another story for another time.
And besides, the bottom line is that I really want to share some of this John Waller musical goodness with y’all.
So here’s the deal: I have ten copies of John Waller’s CD. And if you’d like to have a chance to win one of them, all you have to do is to leave a comment on this post.
HOW SIMPLE IS THAT?
IT IS SO SIMPLE.
I’ll close comments (and the giveaway) this Friday around 9 AM and then use Ye Olde Trusty Random Dot Org to select the winners.
Happy Giveaway, y’all!
I would love some new worship music, and I completely agree with you: it is pretty difficult to sing along with praise music and be in a nasty mood.
My two-year-old daughter learned all the lyrics to “The Blessing.” I would be her hero if I won this CD. Thanks for the opportunity!
Maybe I’ll get lucky. Sounds like a great giveaway. Love your blog.
Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks.
I would love a chance to win this CD.
Thanks.
It’s so nice to just read your blog to figure out what music I should like. Thanks for simplifying my life.
Pick me, ye old trusty!
Pick me please! I love his music!
Comment 408. Hmmm, I appear not to be the only one interested! Thanks for offering it up, B-Mama!
oh good gravy….409 comments??!! i think that’s the most i’ve EVER seen for a contest. wowee. :)
i’ve lately decided that i can’t do bible study classes and whatever, but i really do enjoy Christian music. so, on Sunday mornings on my way to the grocery store and back, i’d spend that time listening to the local Christian station and getting my worship in that way, instead. :)
I could always use some new music !!
Are you serious? I’m the 412th commenter? Oh my stars, my chances are slim…but a girl can hope anyway.
Boo, you are a star.
Put me in, Coach! Your Central Texas fan club leaves lurking mode to say Howdy. Keep on blogging! Love you, sis!
I read your blog every day. Your writing is funny and insightful and always a blessing to me. Thank you :)
I am in Norway for 1 more week and the new Casting Crowns CD is waiting for me when I get home. I would love to win this one as well.
Just wanted to let you know…This song has been stuck in my head since reading this post yesterday. My daughter and I have even had dueling songs…Hers: “The Lord is My Shepherd; I Walk with Him Alway…” So sweet to hear from 3 yr old lips.
New reader/commenter…Would love this cd. I sing w/the worship team at church and love music period-esp. contemp. Christian. Love your blog, too.!
Love your blog. Please count me in.
I have loved ALL of your other suggestions!! How could I lose on this one!?! I can’t–I just trust you! Count me in too!
I’m also such a fan of Christian music and surrounding yourself with it! I’ve got Chris Tomlin in right now!
Well, so far I’m 1 out of 421. I think I might have a chance. Count me in.
awesome! I love Casting Crowns!
I hope I’m randomly selected =)!
Nothing like a random give-away to get people commenting.
Count me in too!
I guess I’m number 425. Please enter me.
The fact that there are 425 entries before mine says alot about everyone wanting this music. Count me in! I want to win!
Hey, you did me right by turning me on to Monk & Neagle…I’m up for another new artist.
Free Music!!! Two of my favorite words!
Might as well throw myself into the mix!
Put me down.
mememememmee, Please!!
Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!
Yes, ma’am I do love me some Christian music, too! Sign me up, BooMama and thanks for the offer.
Thanks BooMama!
I’d love to win!
sure would love to get in on the John Waller fan club! thanks!
woo hoo for worship music!!
I have been ona role lately with giveaways…will it continue?.. I hope so. Thanks for offering these CDs.
I’m so in on this giveaway. I never win, but maybe this will be my lucky day!
throw my name in the bucket (and could you pick it, too??)
love&blessings,
hedder
I love their music!
After 400+ comments, I know I don’t stand a chance, but I’ll try anyway! I’d love to listen to this CD. Sounds like you guys had a great weekend!
Wow! Comment number 443! Count me in!
I, too, LOVE Casting Crowns! Awesome lyrics!!! It’s obvious that these guys really love the Lord, and are not just in it for the money or the fame.
I am not familiar with him, yet… please count me in!
I went to high school with a guy named John Waller, but it’s not the same guy. I have never heard of this artist and since I trust your taste (we LOVE Monk and Neagle, many thanks to your recommendation), I’d be interested in hearing more from him.
add me, please. Great giveaway, thanks!
wow!! Just wow. Hope I’m one of the ones picked!!
I haven’t heard them, but I have enjoyed the Monk and Neagle CD and so has my sister to whom I gave a copy for her birthday. We both love Halleluiah Jesus – it makes us cry – but in a good way.
Glad your trip and company was all you had hoped for. Sure sounds like the other girls had a good time.
Love the shot of your sister on tv too!! ;) As you can see I read your blog from the top down today. lol
Hugs,
Marie
p.s. Thx for the head’s up on the dress and where I could locate it.
I share your love for uplifting music throughout the day. Please add me to the list!
I like your blog! Your beautiful! Your heart is amazing! Oh and I would love to be entered for a chance to win the Casting Crown CD. They rock! Come see my blog for the amazing VS deal, you’ll love a new sweater and all the free goodies!
I’d love a chance to experience some new music! I’m in! :-D
I too will probably be ignored…but coming out of the woodwork to tell you how much I enjoy your blog…
count me in!
-k
Well, I would just love to win this!
here’s my comment!
Well, “while I’m waiting” for a particular blessing, some good music wouldn’t hurt!
Entering the contest. Thanks!
Cindy
I’ll throw my name in too!
Please include me. Thanks.
I LOVE praise music (though am not particularly current with it) and I have heard such good things about Casting Crowns! I would love a chance to win this–thanks for the offer!!
Blessings,
Cindy
I’m definitely in need of some encouragement lately. I would love to win some music!
I love gospel music and would love to win.
Hey, I’m happy to give it a try. Never heard him. I’ll probably amazon it too but maybe this is meant to be my intro!
It wouldn’t be BooMama without a fun giveaway! I’m late to the party, but I’ll give it a whirl anyway.