Genre:		Pop, Inspirational/Worship, Christmas
Members:		Shelley Breen (vocals), Denise Jones (vocals), Leigh Cappillino (vocals), Heather Payne (vocals)
For fans of:		Wilson Phillips, Avalon, Faith Hill, 4Him, Crystal Lewis
Label:		Word/Warner Records

	Buy 'em here! I Choose You 24 Girls of Grace Free to Fly

Music has the power to entertain and encourage, to both uplift and to challenge us. For 15 years, Point Of Grace has built a successful career delivering songs of substance. While their lovely voices and soaring harmonies entertained, their songs illuminated the complexities of the human spirit and spurred us toward closer relationships with each other and our God.

On their new collection How You Live, Shelley Breen, Leigh Cappillino, Denise Jones and Heather Payne serve up a compelling collection of songs that invite the listener to examine their priorities and take stock of their lives. "This record is a constant reminder for us to celebrate life—to celebrate it in the good and to celebrate it in the bad," says Leigh. "It urges us to walk along those paths with our friends and family and even with strangers, to recognize God's goodness in all things. Our hope is this record will motivate people to be captivated by God."

Finding and recording great songs has been at the core of Point Of Grace's ministry since the group's inception. Point Of Grace has sold more than five million albums, netted eight Dove Awards and received two Grammy nods. They've been awarded two Platinum and five Gold albums and have scored an impressive 24 No. 1 singles at Christian radio. Point Of Grace hits such as "The Great Divide," "Steady On," "The Song is Alive" and "Circle of Friends" have become staples on Christian radio and modern day anthems worldwide. Over the years, they've toured relentlessly and have also established the Girls of Grace conferences, which have educated, ministered to and encouraged over 100 thousand young women throughout the past five years.

On How You Live, Point Of Grace unites Americana musical influences with the classic vocal sound that has made them one of the most identifiable groups in any genre of music. The first single, "All the World," features the signature harmonies that have defined the group since its early days at Arkansas' Ouachita Baptist University. The song's upbeat message urges believers to look beyond their immediate circle to spread the gospel and "shine their light for everyone to see in all the world."

"Songs like 'You Are Good' and 'How You Live' represent where we are right now," says Shelley of the four women, who are each married and mothers of eight children among them. "We've seen friends walk through bad illnesses and some have lost children or husbands, but we are starting to learn to trust God in everything."

"I love where I am in my life right now," Denise continues. "It seemed like my 20's were challenging because we were working so hard. I'm finally starting to feel like God's showing me some balance and I'm embracing Him in the good and the bad. We are at a stage in life, when our friends are having really bad illnesses or their children or husbands die, but we're really starting to see God in everything and have to trust Him. I think that, for us, is the biggest challenge in our lives. It's simply praying, 'I'm going to trust You on a day-to-day basis, in every situation, in everything around me. Teach me that because that's what I need the most.'"

That willingness to trust God in life's most harrowing moments surfaces on the album in such powerful songs as "This Broken Thing," which features a beautiful lead vocal performance by Shelley. The lyric acknowledges our human frailty as well as God's grace and sovereignty. "That song has a message of redemption," says Shelley. "It's about Christ and how He finds beauty in our brokenness. This song talks about what we consider in our lives a broken mess and God finding beauty in it and mending it. The line that I love is, 'You found beauty in this broken thing and made angels dance with wounded wings.' I love that picture. You can still be broken and dance beautifully with God."

A favorite for Heather, the title track is a challenge to examine our priorities and truly enjoy the blessings God has given. "It's really a reminder of how we live our lives," says Heather, whose heartfelt lead vocal brings the song to life. We live in such a fast-paced world that we put things off. We will not use the 'guest dishes' because we to save them for a time when it's appropriate. When you wish time away, you don't get that back. 'How You Live' is about making every moment count—it encourages us to take advantage of every single moment."

"Heal the Wound" is among Leigh's favorites on the new album because it reminds her of God's faithfulness. "Although people know God has forgiven them, they still walk in shame and guilt just because of how the enemy works," she says." "Our minds won't let us forget the past and sometimes we feel like we're still not forgiven. This song says, 'I love the fact that when You heal us, You do it with a scar, not to conjure up the past, but to be reminded of Your redemption.' We all have to be reminded that the best gift we have as sinners is His redeeming love."

Heather cites "Because You Are" as another of her favorites on the album. "It reminds me of who I am because of His grace and mercy in my life and what He did for me," she says. "This is another song that speaks about the redemption of Christ and what He's done for us."

Though the album showcases the gorgeous harmony-laden sound that fans have long associated with Point Of Grace, the group challenged producer Brown Bannister to help provide a somewhat different framework for their voices. "It's more rootsy, earthy instrumentation," adds Shelley. "It's definitely not country; we're not country singers, but don't be surprised to hear a steel guitar or a dobro once in a while. It suits us really well."

"Anyway" is a prime example of that earthy feel with its delicate instrumentation and warm sound. One of the most powerful tracks on the record is "Before the Throne of Grace," an a cappella number that showcases the beautiful blend of voices. Though the song is a new offering from hit songwriters Scott Krippayne and Tony Wood, it has a soaring, timeless quality that makes it sound like a classic hymn.

After so many years and so many miles, what keeps the women in Point Of Grace going? After all, they each have husbands and children and life would be so much easier out of the spotlight. However, a simpler life is not what God has called Shelley, Leigh, Denise, and Heather to live.

"The reason we started doing this is because obviously we love God and love to sing about Him, but also because we love people," says Shelley.

"We are constantly seeing our music touch and somehow encourage people," Denise adds. "Music speaks in ways to the heart that nothing else does and we have been given the blessing of a platform to do that."

Point Of Grace has been obedient to God in using that platform to uplift and encourage other believers and share news of His mercy within a hurting world. "It's amazing how the Lord blesses you with songs that are going to minister to people," Heather says. "I know there are unique songs on this album that are really going to touch people's hearts when they need to be touched."

"The message is very important," agrees Leigh. "It's a message of hope and encouragement and I'm like every other woman out there. No matter how many times I attend church, I still need to be encouraged. Music is our method of encouragement."

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