Mandisa. My new (Pretend) BFF. A giveaway.

WINNERS!!!

Cyndi and Hannah! Please send me your mailing address to: jkbach(at)comcast.net and I will have your Signed Mandisa CD mailed to you!

Congratulations!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mandisa.

How I love me some Mandisa. Her music just grabs me by the heart and sends me soaring.

And now? She has a new album out. Just released!

(And because of all things medical around here, I'm considerably late in hosting this giveaway. My sincerest apologies to my dear, sweet, forgiving virtual BFF, Mandisa.)

(From her Bio)

Mandisa has been established as one of the most promising new talents in the Christian music industry. But she takes nothing for granted, and is quick to point out what’s truly important to her.

Mandisa approaches everything with that same humble, self-effacing perspective, which is part of what has drawn people to her since she first appeared on TV screens before an audience of millions just a few short years ago.

On how the new album came to be:

“I realized that the theme building in my life right now is the theme of freedom. There are many things I’ve not conquered, but to actually be able to say that God has freed me from some things in my life is… well… freeing! I can see the work he’s doing in my heart, and it’s definitely being reflected in the songs I’m writing, and the songs I’ve been drawn to as we put together this album.”

In the liner notes, each song has a story. And a Bible verse. It brings out her heart for people, in that she wants to accomplish more than just entertain.

She is there is minister. Be a vessel for God to touch lives.

My personal favorite from this album is "Leave it in the Valley":

(Psalm 23:4, John 16:33)

Behind the Song:
“Leave It In the Valley” is, it’s an encouraging song for people to let them know no matter what you’re going through that Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil and so I think people need to recognize that in these times where things can be very difficult, that we serve a God who promises that if we would yoke ourselves with Him that He would make our burdens easy and light and so it’s just a song encouraging people that no matter what you’re going through just leave it in the valley." - Mandisa

Lyrics:

I got your message on the phone so tell me what’s going on?
You say your day started so great and then it went so wrong
No one ever plans for the bad days, do they, no
But I am here if you’re needing a friend

Hey, don’t give up tonight
I know you’re going through the valley, but you’re gonna make it out alright
Hey, tell your troubles goodbye
Go on and leave it in the valley, leave it in the valley tonight

So you think He don’t know what He’s doing
You think He ain’t by your side
Well, God knows when you’re broken
And He’s loving you, He’s holding you so, so tight

So let the rain fall He’ll be standing there getting wet with you
You might get cold but you won’t be there alone

And when you’re hanging by a thread hold on
You know the darkest part is right before the dawn
So when your fear has worn you out
Feels like the sky is on the ground
He ain’t gonna let you down
He’ll never let you down

That song is my rock right now.

And here is the BEST part!

Her label has been gracious enough to give me not one, but TWO signed copies of Mandisa's Freedom album.

Entering to win a signed copy is easy!

First go here, and listen to a few cuts of the album. Then, come back here and tell me which your favorite one is and why.

How did it speak to you.

I will not only choose  two winners from the entries received, but will also be forwarding your comments to Mandisa through her reps.

Think of the blessings we can give back to her through our words! I think she will be tickled to death to hear directly from her fans!! Don't you?

The legalese:

This giveaway is open to everyone, regardless of what part of the world you are in. You simply need to have a valid email address that I can use to contact you, should you win, and also be willing to share your mailing address with me. I will pass it along to the record label, who will be mailing your signed CD directly.

So!

Go.

Listen.

Be blessed.

Then come back and share.

I will close comments and draw the two winners  on Friday, May 1. Sometime after 5pm PT.

(May 1st? Geesh. Where has the time gone?!)

(I will update things from around here is the next few days).