Giveaway with Recording Artist Cheri Keaggy

In the third row at a Hearts at Home conference in 1996, I was anxious to hear the musical guest for the weekend.

I’d heard the buzz about her: Her debut album, Child of the Father, was released to rave reviews in 1994 earning her a Dove Award nomination for New Artist of the Year.

Six albums, nine Number One songs, three Dove Award nominations and a Dove Award win later, Cheri Keaggy is recognized as a mainstay in the adult contemporary and inspirational genres, and songs like “There is Joy in the Lord” and “In Remembrance of Me” are sung in churches worldwide.  Likewise, songs like “Little Boy On HIs Knees (Cameron’s Song)”, “Beautiful Little Girl (Sarah’s Song)”, and “You’ll Always Be My Son” have made her a favorite at women’s events.

Often with her Bible and journal close at hand, Cheri takes a teachable approach to life, looking for the lesson in every experience. “If God can use our challenges and heartaches to build character in us and make us more effective for the Kingdom, than that’s what I want.  He can use me however He sees fit.”

I’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with Cheri many times. But more importantly, of becoming her friend and sharing a bit of life with her. She is a Christ- follower and worshipper who never seeks to impress but rather to use the gifts she’s been given to glorify God and do the work He has planned for her to do. She faces adversity with God’s courage and determines to use even what Satan means for evil, for good. (And…. she has really cool clothes. I especially remember a red pleather jacket circa 1999 :-))

I am also indebted to Cheri for the genuinely godly role model she has been to my 20-year-old daughter Kenna for nearly a decade. She’s never been to busy to take her call; to listen; to advise; whether chatting about life or the latest styles. Cheri is a treasure!

Now, she stops by to meet you too and to offer two giveaways. And, see she’s giving you a unique chance to partner with her as a friend as well. Read on:

Cheri, how did you first begin writing songs? Well, God used an old friend (actually my ex-husband!) to challenge me to try writing my own music for our old church back in Southern California.  The songs seemed to flow out so easily that I had no explanation for it other than this must be a gift from God.  And the Lord began to confirm that through His people.  My first worship song was “You, Oh Lord, Are My Refuge” which later became a #1 radio single when it released on the CHILD OF THE FATHER album in 1994.

It has been four years since your last album. Now you are ready to come out with a new one. What prompted you to begin writing again?

I had spent a very long season in survival mode, unable to get into that ‘writing space’ as things were unraveling on the home front, particularly my marriage to my high school sweetheart. I had so much on my plate, having to take on many of the business aspects of the ministry.  Still, I went to the She Speaks Conference two summers ago, eager to hear from God, and He used the speakers (and specifically you, Karen!) to remind me that I needed to “do the things I did at first.”  I didn’t know at that time what my future would hold.  And that can be scary. All I knew was that God was calling me to sit my fanny on that piano bench as soon as I got home!  And I knew if I didn’t, I would be walking in disobedience to Him.

Tell us a little about the type of songs that will be on this album.

Oh, I can’t wait to share!  These songs are so real, even raw, a reflection of having walked in some really hard places.  But, at the same time, they are so full of Hope as I continue to cry out to the God Who Sees and discover He is all I need.  We aim to take a more stripped down approach musically, emphasizing my piano and vocals, so the listener is free to focus on the message and emotion of the song.

You’ve set up what I think is a very cool way for your fans to participate in helping bring this project to completion. Tell us about it.

Yes. This is a leap of faith, but my belief in what God can do is strong as He has proved Himself to me so many times through the years. We are inviting Cheri Keaggy fans to help “kick-start” my next album by raising funds through a website called Kickstarter.  Supporters can pledge different amounts toward recording and manufacturing costs and receive incentives as a reward.  If they pledge $100, for example, I will include their name in a “thanks to our ministry partners” section in the album packaging.  Or for $25, they’ll receive a personalized, autographed advance copy of the CD.  Our goal:  Raise $23,500 in 60 days!  Go, God!

Thanks for stopping by today, Cheri!

Thanks for helping spread the word, Karen. :-)

Now–will you take a minute to visit the link about Cheri’s new project? Even a $1 pledge is appreciated. Click here to see the kick-start campaign. Be sure to come back. (and if when you do, you tell us you pledged any amount, your name will be entered in the giveaway twice!)

About that giveaway. You have a chance to win either:

~ A signed copy of Cheri’s greatest hits cd.

Or

~ A cool signed bird-themed tote bag and a copy of her cd Let’s Fly.

How to enter? Leave a comment telling us your favorite faith-based song. (And no, your name will not be entered twice if it is a Cheri Keaggy song!)

I’ll go first. It is a toss up between In Christ Alone by any artist (Newsboys & Owl City both have great versions but my favorite way to hear it is sung by a group of common folk at our beloved Camp Barakel. It is chock-full of great doctrine) and Restored: The Grindstone Song by Cheri. No joke!

Now, what is your favorite? Winners announced Monday.

79 Comments

  1. HidingPlace by Selah, Days of Elijah by Brooklyn Tabernacle, It is Well with my Soul, Apostles Creed by Third Day, Shout to the Lord, Hillsong…. I am sorry , it is hard to limit to one. I am now headed out to hear Michael W Smith and Third Day…

  2. I love the old hymns. It’s hard to pick just one – How Great Thou Art and I’ll Fly Away. Of the newer songs, I like Give Me Your Eyes. That one has challenged me.

  3. I can’t wait to hear her new album! My favorite faith song is Love Song by Third Day…I remember the first time I heard it and realized it was Jesus talking to ME!

  4. Oh Glorious Day by Casting Crowns….tho I am like many others and could go on and on. I love Christian music and I get my certain favorites that touch and bless my heart for the moment and what might be going on in my life at the time!

  5. Hi Karen, There are so many songs I love but the song that has left the biggest impression on me is Does Anybody Hear Her by Casting Crowns. I was once that girl, running in the wrong direction, searching for hope, and searching for a hero. I have stopped running (away at least) and now run TO Jesus, because I have found my Hero!

  6. I have always really liked Cheri Keaggy’s music and am very excited about a new CD. My kids and I just finished a week of art camp at a local church and my favorite songs from that are, Our God and Follow You. They both seem to pop into my head often and help me remember who is in control!
    Rebecca Ann

  7. Really a hard decision, there are so many but the one recently that I posted the words on my blog because they are so beautiful is “Blessings” by Laura Story. I love that song! Love you to Karen!!

  8. My favorite songs shift depending upon what I am currently going through in my life. For now, with my brother’s home-going just 3 weeks ago, my favorite is Mario Lanza’s “I’ll Walk With God” (from The Student Prince). This song speaks to me of how when all is said and done, we must all take our walk with God through through joys and sorrows, struggles and triumphs. He is to be our Source, our Friend our confidant and our everything.

    A more more current favorite song is “The Basics of Life.” by 4 Him.

    No matter where we are or what we are dealing with, the Christian walk is all about the basic foundations of the Word, discipleship and His great love for us first. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33

  9. Thank you for sharing this story:)

    I have so many favorites, right now it is, I Lift My Hands by Chris Tomlin.

  10. Wow! So cool to read all these comments. I’m not entering the drawing, of course, but I did wanna thank you, Karen, for your support and friendship. You did a beautiful job with this blog and I enjoyed our interview:) Carry on, sister!

  11. Right now, my very favorite is “Better Than A Hallelujah” by Amy Grant. There are so many times that I feel like it’s all I can do to mutter a few words of praise in the midst of the trials of life, and this song just speaks to my heart right now. A new season will bring a new favorite song :-) I, too, had the pleasure of seeing Cheri at a Hearts-At-Home conference…what a blessing she is!!

  12. My Favorite Song is by Travis Cottrell
    Your Word Is Life To Me from his cd Found
    Also another one is by Waiting Here For You by Christy Nockels
    Carol

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