From the moment he took the microphone in hand, I was keenly moved by DJ’s giftedness to not only sing, but also to write some incredible music that moves a heart into an immediate posture of worship. I sat and wept through most of his selections. In particular, DJ favored us with many of the songs off of his first full-album release, Your Grace.
Your Grace is a collection of songs written for an audience in search of healing, inspiration, and God’s grace. The project is meant to inspire the human spirit beyond what may seem impossible or what may appear unbearable. After an agonizing year of uncertainty and loss, DJ was inspired to write songs that would help others through life’s challenges and triumphs.
From the title track, “Your Grace” to “Good Morning, Lord” to “Only a Prayer Away” and every song in between, you will sense and hear DJ’s desire to persevere and to relate with everyday people. Also peppered within the album you will find what Barry Weeks has called, “Our nation’s next anthem”—referring to DJ’s song, “A Prayer for America” (a personal favorite). You can get a brief listen of it by clicking here. Trust me when I tell you that not one song on this album is wasted. I love every track (how often can you say that?).
How thankful I am to have come across DJ’s ministry in this season of my life. God timed this “sacred intersection” with perfect precision. I couldn’t have appreciated the depth of DJ’s gifting had I not been in this posture of deep need.
Perhaps you understand. Maybe this day your heart is also in deep need of a touch from God—a touch that will penetrate through your pain and your weary in order to soothe the ache within. Your Grace offers that touch, and DJ has offered three copies for me to give away via the blog. One of the copies is reserved for Runner Mom (you all do know that she is making a road trip next week to come and visit with me…); the other two will be given away to those of you who leave a comment on this post.
In addition, if you’d like to order your own copy of Your Grace, you can do so through amazon.com (click here) or at cdbaby.com (click here). Further, if you would like to contact DJ regarding leading a time of worship at your gathering, you can email him at: [email protected] .
I am reminded again today (thanks for the call Joanne), that we all have a story to tell; some of us will write it. Some of us will sing it. Some of us will tell it, but all of us are commissioned with the task of living it! I won’t live it exactly as you do, but by God’s grace, I will walk the rest of my earthly days on purpose and with a heavenly end in mind.
Life is a precious gift. His grace … all the more. Live it like you mean it, friends. As always,
Am I TRULY the first to comment? don't think that has ever happened 🙂
If you like every track, it's gotta be wonderful. Will go listen. thanks for the recommendation.
That is a BEAUTIFUL song. Incredible lyrics and such a smooth, peaceful voice. Thank you for sharing it. I'm about to go on vacation, sweet Elaine, but I hope to call you after. It's been NUTS!!!! I've prayed for you often, however, and will continue to.
Much love,
LaLee
What a dynamic voice and beautiful song! Thank you for sharing.
"I won’t live it exactly as you do, but by God’s grace, I will walk the rest of my earthly days on purpose and with a heavenly end in mind."
The above statement is my favorite!
Thank you for sharing another one of God's reveals through DJ Coles!
Have a great weekend…and enjoy your time with Susan…give her a hug from me!
What an incredible recommendation! I've been thinking about blogging about my current ipod favorites.
beautiful song, thx 4 sharing.
just having some fun below…
http://skirkman.blogspot.com/2009/06/story-tagdoncha-doncha-wanna.html
have a great weekend.
Yes…I totally understand.
Thanks for the information about DJ Coles and the video. I see what you mean about ministering to a weary soul.
"Your Grace is a collection of songs written for an audience in search of healing, inspiration, and God’s grace. The project is meant to inspire the human spirit beyond what may seem impossible or what may appear unbearable."
Sounds like just what the doctor ordered.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
P.S. You and I definitely have to plan some sort of road trip so we can get together…perhaps a meeting point somewhere.
Absolutely beautiful Love is…
I enjoyed the video and would love his music. It's so gracious of you Elaine to post and give people who love God exposure to others.
Thank you for sharing dear friend. I definitely will have to pursue his music…
Blessings and peace!
Needed this tonight Elaine. Going through some rough stuff these past few days. Thanks! God bless.
Thanks for the recommendation and the life giving words reminding me that we all have a unique story to share. 🙂
WOW! Thanks for sharing this. I've never heard of DJ Coles before! Beautiful song!
Elaine,
Great music. I've added another to-do on my teenagers list for this weekend. *Add D.J. coles to my IPOD.
So enjoyed chatting with you Elaine. Maybe the question should be, when is your family coming out to California???? I know a quirky family you could stay with. They don't have clean closets, but you would laugh…alot!
Oh Elaine, it sounds wonderful!!! I love what you wrote here: "I couldn’t have appreciated the depth of DJ’s gifting had I not been in this posture of deep need." I'm in that place of deep need myself. I desperately need His touch to penetrate through my pain and my weary to soothe the ache within.
I'm heading out of town today to a Christian Bookstore…I'll have to look for this artist, although it's a very small store…usually only see the "famous" artists. NEVER heard of him.
Blessings today my friend,
Hugs,
Joy
I love praise and worship music. But I'm using a computer at the public library, so I didn't get to listen.
My darling husband and I are in Raleigh for a couple of weeks. While he works, I get to be a lady of leisure. Well, almost.
I plan to listen when I get back home.
Even without hearing any of the songs, your words compel me to praise Him.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
What a heart for God he has! Beautiful! Thank you for sharing inspiration once again!
Many blessings to you this weekend!
In His Love,
Andrea
I have never heard of him before, but it sounds to me that this would be a perfect cd to give to my sister. She lost her husband of 10 years a month before she turned 30. That was just this past Feb. She is really struggling right now and could use some encouragement. If I win this I will be passing it onto her. Thanks for sharing.
I agree with the other ladies it is a beauitful song he has such an annointing in his voice. As worship leaders My husband and I enjoy having guests come over to Hawaii and share their worship experiences with us. Chris Tomlin was amazing at a H.I.M. Conference we attended. Thank you for sharing this post with us today. We would love to listen to more of his music.
Blessings Lorie
Just the sort of lyricist I'd expect to find with "peace for the journey". It's a winning team, for sure!
Be blessed.
Kathleen
Wow! This was beautiful!
Wow, I'm amazed at the power of his voice and message. Thanks for sharing this (and for the chance to win!)
Interesting Mrs. Elaine, I am glad God placed this cd in your hands when He knew it would be a blessing to you the most:)
katiegfromtennessee
That is incredible!!! WOW….
I am not familiar with D.J. How gifted he is! Have to check out some of his stuff, thanks for sharing.
Friend, I want to thank you again for sending me Alicia's new book. We are on vacation and i just finished reading it. I thoroughly enjoy her writing. Such a blessing. I'm passing it on to hubs, who is a former athiest too, next.
love you, lady!