For Freedom - A Covers EP

For Freedom by Jenny and Tyler drops on November 12, 2013 or 11/12/13 if that's easier to remember. It is a beautiful little album full of a variety of covers. And, something especially dear to my heart, all the proceeds will go to organizations fighting human trafficking.

One of the things I really love about this album is that they stayed faithful to the original works. Their talent shines through, but they didn't do away with the strong frame that had already been created. I don't believe any of the original artists would be offended by these covers. It comes across, to me, as a lovely gift, honoring the creativity of the originals.

I've been a little surprised at my favorite song. For a couple of days I simply could not make up my mind, but I've found myself returning to We Will Become Silhouettes. I haven't really put my finger on why. It just grabs me. I thought it would be I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For because I'm a huge U2 fan and Sara Groves does an excellent job with Jenny and Tyler and a gigantic virtual choir. And, JJ Heller nails Dreams. All the songs are exquisite.

Here's the list:
Tonight, Tonight (feat. Levi Weaver)
The Scientist
Dreams (feat. JJ Heller)
We Will Become Silhouettes (Remastered)
The Sound of Silence (Remastered)
What A Wonderful World
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (feat. Sara Groves)

I first met Jenny and Tyler a little over a year ago. I wasn't familiar with their music, hadn't seen them perform, but we had a short conversation and I was very impressed with their kindness and sincerity. Immediately, I checked out their music and then saw them in concert a month or so later. I found them to be delightful in recordings, on stage, and in person. And, their passion for the hurting touches me greatly.

So, when For Freedom comes out on 11/12/13, I encourage you to purchase it. You won't be disappointed.

Love Mercy - a book, a shop and a journey

While in Nashville this past weekend I paid a visit to McKay's (thank you Sarah Freeman) and found the book Love Mercy - A mother & Daughter's Journey from the American Dream to the Kingdom of God. It's a brand new book, just published in this here 2010.

The title caught my eye, because that's the name of my Etsy shop and then the author's name caught my eye, because she is one of my favorite authors. And since my daughter and I were in Nashville on a social justice trip it was a buy, buy, buy situation.

Lisa Samson and her daughter, Ty, wrote the book together about their trip to Swaziland and how it rocked their world.

Lisa and I have a lot in common.

She writes great fiction.
I like to read great fiction.

She and her husband wrote a great book, Justice in the Burbs.
I read Justice in the Burbs and recommend it to people all the time.

She was born in '64.
I was born in '63.

She has a child born in '89.
I have a child born in '89.

She and her daughter have been to Africa.
I've been to Africa with one of my daughters.

See! We're almost twins!

I'm only on Chapter 3, but I'm greatly appreciating this book. The writing styles are welcoming and honest. Can't wait to finish it.

What are your purchases supporting?

This question and answer is from a post by Becky Garrison as part of the God's Politics blog. It is in two parts and contains interviews with Shannon Hopkins and Alissa Moore.

How do you encourage people to move from being consumers of fair trade and organic products to becoming advocates for social justice change?

SHANNON: Addressing consumption is the place to start. Slowing down and thinking about what you are buying. Do you really need it? Where did it come from? Realize that every dollar you spend supports someone, somewhere. What are your purchases supporting? Justice? Equality? Fairness? Peace? Or is it creating a bigger divide between rich and poor?

Goods of Conscience and Denim

I always find amazing things at Alabama Studio Style. Go read this blog. Read it. Read it. Read it.