If you haven't heard of Ginny Owens before, you will! She is a phenomenal musician with quite a story:
"Born and raised in Jackson, Miss., Owens was discovering melodies on the piano almost before she could complete a sentence. Songs began to emerge from her fingers as the vision began to leave her eyes and by the age of three. A degenerative eye condition left Owens completely blind. Despite her physical challenge, Owens pursued a music career. Songs provide a window into a world Owens can’t see and an outlet for her to express her thoughts and dreams."

Ginny's music ranges from soulful, jazz-like piano riffs to high energy r&b. Whatever manner Ginny is creating music, you will hear the tenderness of her heart and faith emerges. Ginny's latest album (her 9th!) entitled "Get In, I'm Driving" is funky, energetic, and soulful. It was the best album I've heard in quite some time. There were some songs that made me exclaim "yes, girl, sing it!" and others that literally forced to me sit down in silence because of the truth she was singing. I am thankful for Christian artists like this who help us come closer to our faith and touch our hearts.
What makes Ginny even COOLER is that in 2005 she launched her own non-profit organization called The Fingerprint Initiative which aims:

• To aid in the creation and development of humanitarian programs that would benefit the needs of individuals and communities as Christ would do;
• To work alongside of and provide support for other nonprofit organizations engaged in such programs;
• To partner with concertgoers and fans in providing financial and physical aid to specific non-profit organizations, communities, or individuals whose needs directly relate to Fingerprint's annual focus and theme

"A three-time Dove Award winner, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2000 New Artist of the Year recipient, and multiple ASCAP Award winner, Ginny Owens has sold nearly one million albums. A top performer on the Christian radio charts with hits like “If You Want Me To,” “Free” and “I Wanna Be Moved,” among others, Owens’ music has impacted mainstream audiences at Lilith Fair, the Sundance Film Festival and the White House. Her music has received widespread film and television placement, including songs on the popular WB series’ “Roswell” and “Felicity.” Owens was featured on national television, including NBC’s “Today” and CNN, for her contribution to help rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina."

I'm excited to announced that one lucky reader will win their very own copy of Ginny's new album! Please comment as directed below for your change to win. Contest ends at 11:59 pm, CST, on Saturday, October 1st. Good Luck!

*Mandatory Entry*
"Like"Ginny Owens on Facebook

Extra Entries:
(1) Visit Ginny's Webpage and tell me something you learned
(2) Visit The Fingerprint Initiative and tell me something you learned
(3) Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect
(4) "Like" My Facebook Page (widget on right side)
(5) Follow me on Twitter
(6) Follow me through Networked Blogs (widget on right side)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services
mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I
only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:
"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

“Our Creator made us for one another.”

The Grace Card is a new movie from Affirm Films (the same company who produced Soul Surfer and Fireproof) which tells stories about the lives of Christians and those newly coming to Christ. Set in Memphis, Tennessee, the film opens with a drug bust (please note, this film is rated PG-13!) and follows “Mac”, a Caucasian police officer and his African American partner “Sam”. Mac is an incredibly angry and bitter man following a stark family tragedy. Sam is a preacher on the weekend filled with the love and hope that Jesus gives His believers. Mac's life seems to be spiraling out of control and, after tense and persistent conflict between Mac and Sam, Mac reaches a point where he can no longer depend on himself to carry his burden. Reconciliation, Forgiveness, and God are the resolution.

There are some incredibly intense moments in this movie. In the end, I was brought to tears and wanted to raise my hands to the goodness of the Lord. It was refreshing to see men being so vulnerable and bonding over the love of the Lord. One cannot hear enough stories about the power of forgiveness: “For it is by grace you have been saved.” The only cons is that some of the acting is merely fair quality, though other actors are really great. I loved the film and I loved the message. It was full of twists, turns, and was one of the few movies that kept my attention and was worth my time--I can't wait to share it with friends and family.

I'VE GOT GREAT NEWS!

One lucky reader will win a copy for their very own. To enter, please tell me about a time in your life when you've experienced or witnessed forgiveness or grace. Contest will end Saturday, September 24th, 2011.

Bonus Entries:

1. Follow me on Google Friend Connection

2. “Like” me on Facebook (+2 Entries)

3. Follow me on Twitter

I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”