Dream In Soul – Creativity for the Kingdom:

Here’s another mix of love songs for you to enjoy – from romantic love to the love between God and His people…
(Click here for Dream in Soul’s Love Mixtape Part 1)

Dancing In The Mine Fields – Andrew Peterson

God Gave Me You (Acoustic) – Dave Barnes

When I Say I Do – Matthew West

Love is Waiting – Brooke Fraser

I Love You – Lecrae

Beloved – Tenth Avenue North

Worth the Wait – Jordin Sparks

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Here’s another way you can give hope this Christmas, to help nurture girls who may not always know the dreams God has for them…

Help Stellar & Dove Award-Nominated Music Artist Melinda Watts Give Girls the Chance to Shine and Dream

In partnership with EEW Magazine, Melinda Watts, Founder of the Dream Girlz Gathering Foundation, is launching a musical fundraising effort with all proceeds benefiting girls in foster care and underserved communities.

All the beauty of the Christmas season is made even more beautiful when, in the spirit of love, leaders use their platforms to give back to those less fortunate. Stellar and Dove Award-nominated gospel recording star and winner of Gospel Music Channel’s Gospel Dream talent search, Melinda Watts, is giving back in a big way.

On the heels of a successful European musical tour, Watts’ Dream Girlz Gathering Foundation, in partnership with EEW Magazine, the nation’s leading web publication for Christian women of color, is releasing a brand new Christmas charity single, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, to benefit at-risk tween and teen girls, ages 8-18, particularly girls in foster care.

100% of the proceeds from the sale of the song, now available for download on iTunes, will be seeded back into the Dream Girlz Gathering Foundation that also partners with the United Nations (UN) “Girl Up” Foundation (http://www.GirlUp.org) to equip girls to be the next generation of leaders.

Details on how you can donate and download Melinda Watts’ new Christmas charity single, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas are available at http://www.eewmagazine.com/dreamgirlzgathering. You can also see touching photos from the Dream Girlz Gathering G.L.A.M. Camp as you listen to the single below, it is a soothingly and beautifully woven rendition for your Christmas music collection:

It’s often in the darkest moments in life where some of the deepest truths are revealed to us. Sojourn Music’s sound is raw, organic and emotional and their messages are inspired by the realities of life and classic hymns from Isaac Watts. Throughout their journey they have not been afraid to delve into the dark places of faith, and I love how they meld modern musical arrangements with the powerful poetic language of years ago.

Since launching in 2000, Sojourn Music has recorded 7 albums of original music, including “Before the Throne”, an album of songs that work through the movements of the liturgy, and “Over the Grave”, an album of re-written and re-imagined hymns by Isaac Watts. “The Water and the Blood” is their latest release, a dark Americana album recorded live in the studio and released in mid-2011.

Watch a preview for “The Water and the Blood” below to hear the story behind Sojourn Music:

Sojourn music began with a rag-tag group of musicians from a variety of backgrounds. The Bible talks about how the church should be one body with many parts, and this is evident in Sojourn music. Musicians with backgrounds in jazz, country, and pop come together with musicians from indie and punk rock backgrounds, seeking to serve the Church with a sense of unity and beauty.

“One way in which Sojourn is different is that we aren’t just a “band” of 4-6 people. We’re a community of songwriters, musicians and vocalists, all belonging to Sojourn Community Church of Louisville. We are a big family – over 50 people have contributed to the Sojourn Music songs and albums.” – Sojourn Music, via their Facebook Page, where you can also download free music.

Visit Sojourn Records at their website to find out more about their music: http://www.sojournmusic.com

Watch the video for Sojourn Record’s song “Death Has Lost Its Sting” below:

“If you don’t get a miracle become one…” – Nick Vujicic

If you haven’t been inspired by Nick Vujicic yet (he was featured in a previous message pick on Dream in Soul), be prepared to be encouraged! Nick is an amazing man who shows that with faith and relying on God’s strength we can overcome dark and difficult circumstances that come in life. Born without arms or legs, Nick battled depression and suicide attempts growing up to face Life Without Limbs and find his true purpose and a life without limits- glorifying his Creator.

Now Nick travels across the world as a speaker and author, spreading the Good News and his story of triumph and everyday renewal of God’s mercy. Nick’s also been featured in a documentary of his life called “The Measure of a Man” and the creative short film that will become a feature length film, “The Butterfly Circus.” Now adding music artist to his inspirational repertoire, Nick recently launched a song called “Something More” to spread his message of hope, watch the video above (congrats to Nick who also recently got engaged!:). Visit his site http://www.attitudeisaltitude.com for updates on his ministry and projects, and download the song “Something More” on iTunes here.

The Something More Campaign

In the fall of 2009, Nick Vujicic and Tyrone Wells discussed the possibility of working on a project together, unaware that their bond had been established long before the meeting ever took place. Tyrone had already written the captivating “More” lyrics. Nick had always dreamed of being part of music with meaning. Today, the song connects both men in an incredible way.

“More” mirrors Nick’s personal testimony, depicts Tyrone’s heartfelt plea, and conveys a strong message of hope. Nick Vujicic and Tyrone Wells have united, and launched THE SOMETHING MORE CAMPAIGN, combining the arts of music and film with the power of inspiration. With the music video and the documentary series in the final stages of post-production, THE SOMETHING MORE CAMPAIGN is now ready to debut.

Click here to learn more about the The Something More Campaign

Watch the video below to find out more about Nick’s story:

About Nick Vujicic

Imagine being born without arms. No arms to wrap around a friend ; no hands to hold the ones you love; no fingers to experience touch ; no way to lift or carry things. How much more difficult would life be if you were living without arms and hands? Or what about legs? Imagine if instead of no arms, you had no legs. No ability to dance, walk, run, or even stand. Now put both of those scenarios together… no arms and no legs. What would you do? How would that affect your everyday life?

Meet Nick Vujicic, pronounced ‘Vooy-cheech’. Born in 1982 in Brisbane, Australia, without any medical explanation or warning, Nicholas Vujicic came into the world with neither arms nor legs. Imagine the shock his parents felt when they saw their first-born brand new baby boy for the first time, only to find he was what the world would consider imperfect and abnormal.

“When we give our dreams to God, putting them all in His hands, and realizing that we need Him, that’s when He begins to work in mighty and powerful ways through us. Let us be a generation who stands for Christ, and love as He loves us. Young and old, let’s make an impact on the world together, as we join as one in Him.” – Tiffany Stanley

In SOAR’s Artist Snapshots Series we love to feature young upcoming artists who have inspiring music ministries. I came across Tiffany Stanley’s music one day and was encouraged by the candid messages in her songs, and the soft acoustic sound she brings.

I especially loved the lyrics of “Break Me Down” the first track off Tiffany Stanley’s new album ‘Revival’:

Visit Tiffany’s website at http://tiffanystanley.com to learn more about her ministry and to purchase her music. You can also connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

Tiffany will be singing at an upcoming event, The Dream Girlz Gathering, hosted by music artist Melinda Watts. If you are in the Seattle area August 26th and 27th be sure to visit the Dream Girlz Gathering Facebook page to get updates.

More About Tiffany Stanley

Ever since she was a little girl, Tiffany dreamed of being more than a musician. It was in growing and developing a close and personal relationship with Christ that she knew music was more than the lyrics, chords, and notes. “To me, music is lifting up songs of worship to the Lord.” Tiffany is a musician in pursuit of Worship. “I want this music to promote the most important thing: Jesus Christ.”

Tiffany longs to share the love of Christ in her music, and show others His goodness, grace and mercy. She believes God is going to pour out revival among the nations, and prays that we as believers would rise up to encounter Christ in a whole new way. At 18 years of age, she has spent her first year after high-school enrolling in worship classes and letting God make the dream of making this album come true. She is extremely excited about what the Lord has planned, and knows it is all in His hands for the glory of His name.

Her independently released album Revival talks about exactly what it’s named: Revival. It’s about being justified in Christ, surrendering to His will, letting Him open your eyes, and coming boldly into His presence. “I didn’t want to just make an album, I wanted to tell a story of what a life in Christ is. Of needing Him every second of everyday, knowing one can’t be fulfilled without Him.” She believes in dreaming dreams, surrendering to Christ, and living in His love. “When we give our dreams to God, putting them all in His hands, and realizing that we need Him, that’s when He begins to work in mighty and powerful ways through us. Let us be a generation who stands for Christ, and love as He loves us. Young and old, let’s make an impact on the world together, as we join as one in Him.”