So I was looking up the definition of Valentine and I liked this one:

Valentine = A gift sent as a token of love

So I’m asking you – will you be my Valentine?

Since February is the month of “love” I’m hoping you will show me the love by helping me reach my goal. On February 26, I will be running in the Disney Princess half marathon. Myself, as well as a team of over 150 girlfriends, will be running for those who are enslaved in human trafficking. We will run for freedom. You may not be lacing up your shoes and running along side me, but you can still be on my team.

You can join me in two ways:

1) Pray – for those of us who will run the race. Pray for endurance and strength, and that we will be a beautiful, united witness for freedom in Jesus name.
2) Give – my prayer is that you can help me reach my goal of raising $50,000. I have about $20,000 to go. What are you waiting for? I know it will be a gift sent as a token of love. Click here to show your support: http://bit.ly/As589c

So I’ll ask you again: will you be my Valentine? Your gift is tax-deductible and will go to support the work of Abolition International. We are an organization that provides hope and restoration for the victims of human trafficking.

I’m grateful for each of you. Thanks for helping run for those who aren’t free … yet.

Much love,
Natalie

Will You Be My Valentine? is a post from: Natalie Grant

For the fourth year, nominations for the annual GRAMMY Awards were announced on primetime television as part of “The GRAMMY® Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night®,” a one-hour special broadcast live on CBS from Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE.

“What a dream to be nominated for a Grammy,” says Grant. “But the sweetest part is that it’s for the performance of the song “Alive,” which my husband co-wrote and co-produced, so this is extra special for me.”

Throughout the world, Natalie Grant is known for her breathtaking vocal abilities, her heart-gripping lyrics, stirring performances and her fearless work to help victims of human trafficking.

Over her career, Grant has gained prominence as a major contemporary Christian singer and songwriter, breaking out in an unprecedented way with chart-topping songs and hit records, headlining multiple nationwide tours, appearing at major women’s events and has been positioned continually as Christian music’s top female artist. She was awarded the Gospel Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year four times and remains one of the most loved and recognized and respected voices in the industry.

Natalie Grant NOMINATED FOR 2012 GRAMMY AWARD is a post from: Natalie Grant

The 21st Anniversary Covenant House Candlelight Vigil in Times Square, sponsored by Aviva USA life and annuity company, also will feature the first-ever Covenant House CEO Solidarity Sleepout. Following the Nov. 17 vigil in Times Square, more than 40 influential leaders will be sleeping out in the shadow of the Covenant House New York Crisis Shelter in solidarity with homeless youth.

“On Nov. 17 and 18, we are going to transform Times Square and our crisis shelter into centers of hope and solidarity for homeless youth,” said Covenant House President Kevin Ryan. “Natalie Grant will light up Times Square with an inspirational performance. After the vigil, we will march back to our crisis shelter with 300 of our homeless kids and a generous group of CEOs and business leaders will sleep in cardboard boxes outside our crisis shelter.

“These leaders have selflessly decided they want to walk in our kids’ shoes and experience, if only for one night, some of what our kids go through,” said Ryan. “We will sleep out to show our support and to raise awareness that thousands of young people are struggling to survive every night on our streets.”

The vigil in Times Square begins at 6 p.m. and will feature Grant, Gospel Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year for four consecutive years (2006-2009) and the top-selling adult contemporary female solo artist in 2005, 2006 and 2008. Grant is also an outspoken advocate for victims of human trafficking. Abolition International, which Grant created in 2005, has raised a significant amount of funds and awareness to fight the trafficking of women and children for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

“We are honored to have Natalie share her incredible talent with us in Times Square,” said Ryan. “Her songs are inspirational, and she has dedicated her life to raising money and awareness for child victims of trafficking around the world.” The vigil also will feature homeless youth from Covenant House, who will share stories of their journey through homelessness to independence.

Following the vigil, Covenant House will host the CEO Solidarity Sleepout on the concrete near the shelter at 460 West 41st St. with high-ranking executives hoping to improve this corner of the world. Among those planning to sleep out are: Philip Andryc of Berens Capital Management; Brian Cashman of the New York Yankees; Bill Donahoe of Allegiance Retail Services/Foodtown; Gary Dubois of Crum & Forster/Seneca; Dave Eklund of Aeolus Reinsurance; Tom Glocer of Thomson Reuters; Jeff Kaplan of Deerfield Management; Geraldine Laybourne, co-founder of the Oxygen Network and chairman of Alloy Entertainment; Julio Alfonso Portalatin of Chartis Growth Economies; George P. Reeth of Companion Property and Casualty; Adam Silver of the NBA; and Strauss Zelnick of Zelnick Media.

“No one can do this work alone, so we appreciate Aviva USA sponsoring this vigil, which will help thousands of kids in the years to come,” said Ryan. “Our friends at ABC, NASDAQ, Reuters, and Toshiba are donating their screens for the evening in Times Square to shine a light on the problems our kids face. And, of course, the business leaders who are leaving their homes to sleep in solidarity with our kids are showing a commitment and love for our kids that will make a tremendous impact. It is all of us working together that will save more lives and give a voice to the thousands of homeless kids who are alone on the streets.”

Covenant House provides 24/7 crisis care and on-going support for homeless young people in need of a safe haven.  Assistance can be found by simply calling the Covenant House NINELINE (1-800-999-9999) or visiting www.nineline.org. More information about Covenant House and resources for homeless youth can be found at www.covenanthouse.org.

COVENANT HOUSE CONTACT:

Tom Manning
(212) 727-4920 (office)
(845) 365-0676 (cell)
tmanning@covenanthouse.org
www.ceosleep.org

21st Anniversary Covenant House Vigil for Homeless Youth is a post from: Natalie Grant

The Story Tour is a post from: Natalie Grant

WATCH:

ENTER: Watch “Decision” on gmc with Natalie and re-tweet about the movie debut on October 16th using the hashtag #gmcDecision to be entered for a chance to win

WIN: One winner who has used the hashtag #gmcDecision will be randomly selected to win Natalie’s complete discography plus 2 tickets and a meet and greet for one concert on “The Story” tour in December. (Winner will be responsible for travel, lodging, and other expenses – tickets and meet and greet will be provided for the winner’s choice city on “The Story” tour.)

** Example tweets:
Watch & Win with @nataliegrant: 2 Tix to “The Story” tour & her complete CD collection by Tweeting about Decision; must include #gmcDecision to enter

Watch & Win with @nataliegrant on #gmcDecision tonight on @gmctv at 7 pm and 9 pm EST – RT for a chance to win.

Watch And Win With Natalie Grant is a post from: Natalie Grant

PREMIERES SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16 7 PM AND 9 PM EST ON gmc

Atlanta, Ga –October 10, 2011 –Dedicated to providing uplifting music and family entertainment, gmc announces the acting debut of four-time GMA Dove Award Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant this Sunday in the gmc world premiere movie, Decision. Sharing the story of a family in despair rediscovering their faith, Decision debuts October 16 at 7 PM and 9 PM EST as well as re-airing Sunday, October 23 at 11 AM EST.

Grant stars in this touching and dramatic movie dealing with family, loss, love and faith. Decision also features award-winning country music star Billy Dean as well as the theme song by American Idol contestant Ricky Braddy (Season 8).

“I’m so excited that my debut acting role was in a film that offers so much hope and stresses the importance of faith and family,” shares Grant. “I was also honored to work along side some wonderful people who were patient with me and helped this ‘rookie’ every step of the way!”

In this uplifting drama, Grant stars as Ilene, a mother struggling to make ends meet after the tragic death of her firefighter husband (Billy Dean). When she begins to lose control of her heartbroken teenage son Jackson (Michael Rosenbaum), she reaches out to her estranged father Wyatt (Rusty Whitener) to take in the troubled boy. Gradually, they form a bond that will require Jackson to find an inner strength he never knew he had to avert yet another family tragedy.

For a sneak peak of the movie, check out the trailer on watchgmctv.com.

Decision is a post from: Natalie Grant

What do I do to pass the time on a flight? Here you go.

How Does Natalie Grant Pass Time On A Plane??? is a post from: Natalie Grant

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

“The Story” is a post from: Natalie Grant

Live, Love, Give, T- Shirt Sale! (Ends 9/23/11) is a post from: Natalie Grant

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.

Your Stories is a post from: Natalie Grant