We’re a music-loving family. We all sing but even more, each one of us has a deep appreciation for music and the way it can shape and express our emotions. While each of us has unique preferences, all three of us enjoy sharing new songs with each other.

As I was thinking about what resource I could share this month, my initial idea was {of course} books. But as I prayed and considered how I could encourage all you girl mommas out there, I realized music is a simple way we can connect with our girls. But also, as moms, music can provide a means of expression for us when we are weary and worn.

Music for Moms

My current favorites include Christy Nockels {who was amazing at this year’s dotMom conference!}. Songs like “Let It Be Jesus” reach deep inside those crevices of exhaustion and worry and fear and remind us of the truth that He is our strength and guide.

Stacey has said Christy has sung the music of motherhood for her … and I echo that sentiment. I also love Ronnie Freeman {listen to this song if you haven’t ever heard of him}, Ellie Holcomb {who I have already heard live twice this year}, and Selah. But let’s not forget the powerful voice of Mandisa and the modern hymns being written by Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman. My favorite Matt Redman song is Never Once. Y’all, sometimes I feel so unsure and even alone in this parenting journey. Lyrics like these are such a sweet reminder to me:

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

{Read more: Matt Redman - Never Once Lyrics | MetroLyrics}

Music for Girls

How about music for our girls? Of course we all love Kate‘s girl, Franny, right? Casiday and I love to go to Francesca Battistelli concerts. And there’s Natalie Grant, Kari Jobe, and Jamie Grace also.

For those with younger ones have you checked out Rain for Roots? Ellie sang a song she wrote for that project at her concert this month and it was amazing. In fact, I’m pretty sure my 15-year-old might enjoy the soothing sounds herself.

Sometimes, though, there are local artists who can connect with our girls. For example, we are fortunate to live in a musically rich area. And there are several young ladies who have sung in our church and connected with our students. Casiday’s favorite is Kristen Dunn. Here they are together at a recent event for our students.

Kristen is a CCM artist who has a heart of gold. She released her first EP, “Defined by You,” earlier this year and I’m very excited to have two copies of it to give away to two of you! You can listen to Kristen’s music here. {Listen to this interview with her about the EP here.} Our favorite song is Average Jane. Kristen told me she wrote this song to remind girls that in Christ, we are all special and unique and very not average. She has started the #averagejane movement … inviting girls to share via social media how they are living for Christ in the middle of their very normal lives. I think that’s something worth celebrating, don’t you?

Follow Kristen on Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up for her newsletter and be the first to know when her new website launches and get a behind-the-scenes peek at her songwriting, new projects, and more. You can also download her CD on Amazon and iTunes. She is a precious soul and one of the most gifted young ladies I know.

So, here’s the deal, leave a comment sharing who you or your girl is currently listening to and we’ll choose two of you randomly to receive Kristen’s CD, Defined by You. How fun is that?

xo,

Teri Lynne