Dream In Soul – Creativity for the Kingdom:

The Soul Connection Guide features great Christian sites and media picks. Here are some picks especially for women, from some of the sites featured:

Priscilla Shirer, Kari Jobe, Michelle McKinney Hammond and Others On Singleness – From Going Beyond Ministries

Going Beyond Ministries, founded by author, speaker and Bible teacher Priscilla Shirer, always presents inspiring discussions for women on their website and blog. I love how the conversations are so real, touching on faith topics, and even on fashion and hair.

Recently a great series on singleness was sparked on the site, featuring the insights of Kari Jobe, author and speaker Michelle McKinney Hammond and others. Check out links to each of the posts in the series and be sure to visit the Going Beyond Ministries site regularly for other great discussions and content:

• Kari Jobe and Singleness – Kari Jobe talks about the season of singleness and gives advice to others…
• More on Singleness, from Priscilla and Linnae – Part 2 of the Singleness Discussion
• Single Talk Continues – Part 3 of the Singleness Discussion
• Meet Michelle McKinney Hammond – Michelle McKinney Hammond discusses all things singleness and how she stays focused on God in this season…
• Interview with Jason Illian, from the Bachelorette – A former bachelor from the show The Bachelorette chimes into the conversation.

Going Beyond Ministries Website: www.goingbeyond.com
Going Beyond Ministries Blog: www.goingbeyond.com/blog

Inspiration for Girls Gone Wise

The Girls Gone Wise book and website are part of the “quiet counter-revolution of gals (and guys) who follow Jesus Christ and dare to delight in God’s design for womanhood & manhood.” The founder, Mary Kassian, is an award winning author, internationally renowned speaker, and a distinguished professor at Southern Baptist Seminary.

The Girls Gone Wise website features a variety of content on pursuing Biblical womanhood, and great discussions on topics and events happening today. Here are some recent and really interesting posts featured on the site:

• Have you been swept off your feet? – “Did you know that you can tell the difference between a Girl-Gone-Wild and a Girl-Gone-Wise by looking at her feet?”
• Can Bad Boys be Godly Men? – Does the character of a “bad boy” match up with how the Bible defines a godly man?
• The Abstinent Vampire Attraction – A discussion on why girls today are so enthralled with the Twilight “phenomenon”
• Wise vs. Wild Contrast Series – A series of posts on the difference between a “Girl Gone Wise” and one that’s “gone wild.”

Girls Gone Wise Website: www.girlsgonewise.com

Here are some of Dream in Soul’s favorite Christmas songs from throughout the years. You can listen to clips from the songs in the widget, and see the selections and album info below. What are some of your favorites?

Notable Quotable:
“Now as we give gifts to loved ones,
It should remind us of God’s gift to us
Jesus the King sent from the Father above…

So on every Christmas day
Remember the reason why we celebrate
Lift up your voice, make a joyful noise
Give thanks for we have been redeemed…”

– Fred Hammond, From the song “Just Remember” from Fred Hammond Christmas: Just Remember

The Songs

* Christmas Makes Me Cry – Mandisa featuring Matthew West
From the album It’s Christmas (Click for more info)

* Christmas Invitation – David & Nicole Binion
From the album When Heaven Kisses Earth (Click for more info)

* Just Remember – Fred Hammond
From the album Fred Hammond Christmas: Just Remember (Click for more info)

* Christmastime – Michael W. Smith
From the album The Ultimate Christmas Collection (Click for more info)

* Now Behold The Lamb – Kirk Franklin & The Family
From the album Kirk Franklin and the Family Christmas (Click for more info)

* O Come, All Ye Faithful – Stacie Orrico
From the album Christmas Wish (Click for more info)

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July 14, 2009 – Check Out the New Albums from Artists Coko Clemons and Claude Deuce

Coko’s album ‘The Winner in Me’ is her second one, and it is released by Light Records. The album is refreshing, diversified in sound and upbeat, definitely making it’s mark in the the gospel arena. I especially like "Make a Way" featuring Canton Jones which has an urban-rock-soul, even "reggae-ish" feel, weaved with gospel. Other artists featured on the album include Kelly Price, who sings on the R&B-esque track "Oh Mary," empowering young women, and Israel Houghton on "Joy Of The Lord." Coko is the former lead singer of the platinum recording R&B trio Sisters With Voices. Be sure to check out the album and order it online on Itunes or Amazon. Visit Coko online at www.myspace.com/cokoclemons.

Claude Deuce’s debut album, ‘Claude Deuce, The Young Elder’, releases on Livin’ It Productions and showcases his versatility in music. He calls his style “an urban hymnal…Reality & Beats–my R&B,” and his music caters to everyone from the young to the “elders” with relevance and a unique flavor. Songs like "4 Who U R, " have an old-school feel with contemporary gospel vibrancy. Claude is a licensed Elder in the Church of God In Christ and serves as Minister of Music at New Life Worship Center in Augusta Ga. He’s is a writer and producer who has worked with artists like Deitrick Haddon, Canton Jones, Izzy, Tonex, Sean Simmonds and more. Defintely check out his album which you can purchase on Amazon, and visit Claude at www.myspace.com/claudedeuce.

Picks & Clicks is a new series on Dream in Soul that features great selections of positive Christian media & resources. Check out the Picks & Clicks for this week which include Vessel Vibe Magazine, Gospel artist Kari Jobe, Gospel news site GospelPundit.com, the latest album fron Hillsong, and the urban Christian fiction novel Testing Relationships by Brittney Holmes.

Christian Fiction: Testing Relationships by Brittney Holmes

Testing Relationships chronicles the lives of young adults who face difficult everyday situations, like infidelity and temptation, while struggling to maintain their walks with God. This book provides a gripping story and is great alternative to all of the overly racy and graphic urban novels out there. What’s most impressive is that Holmes, now in college, wrote the book while a senior in high school, and her books (she has three books published) have become Essence Magazine bestsellers. Holmes says she’s inspired most by her mother, national bestselling author, Kendra Norman-Bellamy. You can read a sample of the book here and buy it online. Visit Brittney Holmes’ website to learn more.

Gospel Artist: Kari Jobe

Kari Jobe is an international worship leader and songwriter out of Dallas, Texas. Her devotion to bringing the hearts of people to the heart of God, and her candid perspective on worship allow her to connect to people through her beautiful music. Watch this interview of how she describes her role as a worship leader, and listen to clips from her self-titled worship album. (I especially love "Revelation Song" and "I’m Singing"). Visit Kari Jobe on Youtube, on Twitter, on Myspace, Facebook, or her official website www.karijobe.com.

Gospel News Site: Gospel Pundit

Gospelpundit.com is one of the premiere places to get your Gospel music news. The site’s founder, EJ Gaines, provides a candid and down-to-earth inside look at all things Gospel through interviews, industry guest bloggers, reviews, and more. The site recently launched a Gospel industry TwitterRoll, the Pundit Player with exclusive previews of artist albums, and is continually rolling out other innovative features and discussions. Check it all out at www.gospelpundit.com.

Magazine:VesselVibe.com

Vessel Vibe is an edgy urban Christian e-magazine with topics ranging from fashion, entertainment, ministry and lifestyle. The site also has real discussions that delve into various issues without sugarcoating them, and enlightening interviews with Christian rap artists such as The Ambassador, Da T.R.U.T.H., FLAME, and iroCc Williams. Head over to VesselVibe.com.

Music Album: [a_CROSS//the_EARTH] Tear Down The Walls by Hillsong United

Every album from Hillsong Church seems to be filled with worship music that speaks to the heart of people of every background and creed. The songs on this new album, their latest live recording since 2006, are sure to become classic anthems of faith as past ones from Hillsong. Some of the songs have more of a fast-paced rock flavor then on previous albums, but there’s still that intimate atmosphere about every track, making you feel as if you’re part of the worship experience. You can listen to samples of the tracks below. Visit Hillsong United at the website, www2.hillsong.com/united