Thought Quotient

Joanna Martino is a new artist who has just released her first CD entitled ‘My World’. It’s guitar-driven pop/rock with the exception of the final track - ‘The Road Less Traveled’ - which is a poignant piano ballad that has become a statement of faith for her. This is a very good CD and you’ll find yourself wanting to listen to it more and more.

A couple of standout tracks include ‘Lay It Down’…

Everyday I wrestle with the truth of
Who I am or who to be
I hide my struggle in a quiet place
But You know my need

So I will lay it down
Lay it down at Your feet
‘Cause You, You gave Your life
Lord I will give you all of me

and ‘You Love Me’ …

Advertisers sell me
And TV tries to tell me
That my beauty’s skin deep
And it’s to my advantage
To pretty up the package
If I want to succeed

But somewhere in the quiet
Away from all the noise
I hear a different message
In a still small voice

Be on the lookout for more from Joanna as she will be covering the Wes King song ‘Fisher of Men’ on the upcoming Wes King tribute project - ‘Life is Precious’.

Related Links:

• www.JoannaMartino.com
• Hurricane Katrina Benefit Concert in Franklin, TN

“When we begin to see how much the Lord has done for us, and grow and mature in the knowledge and wisdom of Christ, we cannot help but praise God for who he is and the amazing grace and love he offered at his own enormous cost. Prayer and worship flow naturally from the hearts of those who know and trust their God. We love him because he first loved us. God is our champion and our vindication, he created us and knows us by name. He parted the Red Sea for the Israelites, shut the lion’s mouth for his servant Daniel, and sent his only begotten Son to die for our sins and to bring us back to himself. God has done everything to make himself known to man, but the world still refuses to recognize him. As the Body of his Son Christ Jesus, we of all people should trust and praise our God. As the Psalmist asks rhetorically, “Whom have I in heaven but you?” (Ps. 73:25). Conform your mind to the Word of God, present your body a living sacrifice to him, fear him because your very existence depends upon him, believe in the victory of Christ through his cross, and rest in the redemption he has graciously provided. Remain in his unfailing love where nothing can separate you from him, and abide in Christ, your holy armor and everlasting protector.” - Michael Martin, Answers in Action

Here’s a web link where you can listen to samples and see a video clip.

Word Records - End of the Spear

Artists on the soundtrack include:
Steven Curtis Chapman, Barlow Girl, Nicole C. Mullen, and Mark Schultz.

Related Links:

• www.EndOfTheSpear.com
• www.StevenCurtisChapman.com
• www.NicoleCMullen.com
• www.BarlowGirl.com
• www.MarkSchultzMusic.com

James of Inhabited is video blogging their journey as they work on new material for the next CD.

He has just uploaded the first update:

Monday, January 16, 2006
Day One.

Related Links:
Inhabited Fans - flickr pool

Currently on a mission in Rwanda in her role as a global spokeswoman for Compassion International, REBECCA ST. JAMES will return to the U.S. from Africa in late January–literally in time to re-pack her suitcases for the launch of her ambitious If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something Tour which begins a forty-plus concert schedule on February 2nd.

The tour, which celebrates the release of St. James’ critically acclaimed latest CD of the same title, might have the sub-title “chicks that rock!” The Australian born Grammy and Dove Award winner has chosen BarlowGirl to share the stage with her on the tour which is set to run from February through early April.

BarlowGirl’s dramatic impact in Christian music over the past several years has brought them multiple Dove Award nominations, #1 singles for the Fervent label, and like Rebecca, a strong voice as role models for their audience. Barlow sisters Becca, Alyssa, and Lauren have again connected powerfully with their audience by way of their latest album release “Another Journal Entry,” which showcases their affinity to rock for God. The tour will also introduce audiences to BEC recording artist Jadon Lavik whose recent Top 5 single “What If” and current single “Changing Happy” have given him wide exposure with Christian radio. His sophomore album, “Life On The Inside” is scheduled to be released on March 7th.

The tour will focus on that same energy built around Rebecc’a passion for the message of her new music. The “something” eluded to in the title is a theme that resounds throughout the presentation for CD buyers and tour goers alike. The message: You are extravagantly loved by God.
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Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

“We do not build godly faith by reading Christian books or even by listening to sermons. Faith has to be experienced. Those who walk with the Lord do not await His commands in the comfort of their easy chair. All throughout Scripture, we see individuals act after placing trust in God. Deborah and Gideon each led their nation to war (Judges 4); the apostle Paul went to the mission field. (Acts 9:20) These people were putting their belief to work, strengthening their trust daily. We can stumble through our days with only our limited sight to guide us, or we can slip a hand confidently into our Lord’s grasp and walk confidently. The choice is left to each believer. Give God just one area of your life, and you’ll experience His trustworthiness. Give Him everything, and you will walk triumphantly every day.” - Charles Stanley, In Touch Ministries