The ladies of Point of Grace are among the best-selling artists in Christian music history, and will be releasing their covers album Directions Home (Songs We Love, Songs You Know) on April 7. BREATHEcast had the opportunity to do a Q&A with the trio where they spoke about the new album, being wives and mothers, and of course Girls of Grace.

BREATHEcast: Your album Directions Home is coming April 7. I read that you girls were looking to do something different. Why was it settled upon to do a covers album?

Shelley Breen: After being together for almost 25 years, I guess you say we have pretty much done everything when it comes to recording. The one thing we had never done, though, was a record of covers. All of us got really excited about putting our own POG spin on some of our favorites through the years. Some go as far back as Wayne Watson's "Friend of a Wounded Heart," to more recent cuts like Carrie Underwood's "Something in the Water."

BC: How tough was it to narrow down which covers you wanted to do, and did you add a special Point of Grace twist to them, or did you mostly stick to the original compositions?

SB: It truly was not that hard. We usually try to be unanimous in our song selections, and because there are so many great covers out there - that was a pretty achievable goal. We definitely put our twist on the harmonies and arrangements and production style of the songs. Some are closer to the originals than others, but overall they are fairly different.

BC: Your last full-length album with originals was in 2012. Are there news songs floating around, and are there any plans to record them after this release?

SB: Actually, this release does include two brand new songs. We are so excited about them! They both feature special guest artists (Ricky Skaggs and Vince Gill) and they are such a great addition to the record. Both of these songs had been in our stash of "ones we want to record someday" for quite awhile, so we decided to include just a couple special ones on the cover record.

BC: During the spring PoG will hit the road with Selah. What are your hopes for the "You Amaze Us" tour and what's the group's relationship with Selah like?

SB: We absolutely love Todd, Amy and Allan of Selah. We have toured with them in the past and we can't wait to get together again this spring. They have amazing hearts and are incredibly talented. We really hope that our tour will be a night that is focused on the greatness of God and the reality of Him in our lives, pointing people to Him and His Word through music. It's such a hard life for so many people, and hopefully our tour will bring a reminder of God's ultimate victory over it all and that his word is alive and so very transformative for those who look to it and for him.

BC: With such a storied career in Christian music, does it become difficult to perform shows and sing some of the material you're promoting when the fans maybe might want to hear the older stuff?

Denise Jones: We have always tried to make that a balance. I get it. When I go to see an artist that I love, I want to hear some of my favorite songs and I walk away disappointed if I don't get to hear it. With so many recorded songs in our past, it's hard to make everyone happy, but we try to put together medley's and new ways of doing the old songs to keep it fresh for us, but still allow us time to add some of our favorite new ones.

(Photo : Point of Grace)

BC: As wives and especially as mothers, how difficult is it to go on tour and be away from the family? Do the kids ever tag along?

DJ: I won't lie, it can be difficult. I thought that as my kids got older, traveling and being away would be a little easier, but that's not the case. Their schedules are so busy that you have to make a choice on what you are willing to miss and what you aren't. When we have the opportunity to bring them, we do. They LOVE being on the road. I think it may be their "happiest" place on earth.

BC: Since creating Girls of Grace, has the mission of the group changed to focus more on a younger audience by providing influence, or has it gradually evolved over time?

DJ: The mission hasn't changed. We love God, we love people, and we love to sing. The Lord has allowed us this wonderful outreach to share with young ladies about walking this journey of life with Jesus. As Moms of teenagers, I think the way we influence them may be evolving. At Girls of Grace, we get to introduce these teenagers to some amazing speakers and artists. We also get to speak to the Mom's in a break out session. I'm realizing for myself that if I want to see my children fall in love with Jesus, they have got to see that their Mom loves Jesus. When I want to teach them not to worry about situations, I have got to stop worrying myself. If I want them to have a heart of gratitude, they must see that in me as well. When the parents of children are spiritually healthy, I believe we will begin to raise young people who are spiritually healthy.

BC: With the way women are portrayed in all forms of media what would you say to encourage girls to be themselves and not fall prey to struggles with self-image? Also, without naming names of course, what would you say to the young female stars in the spotlight that are giving into sexuality in essence to sell their "product" [themselves]?

Leigh Cappillino: I am no professional by any means but what I am doing even now with my daughter is ... I remind her constantly of who she is in Christ. "God made just one of YOU and He has a plan and a future designed just for YOU - no one else." (Jeremiah 29:11). Trust me, no matter how hard we try, our humanity will cause us to struggle with our self-image (even in your 40's) but stay true to the ONE who designed you, and it has a much better chance of staying on course.

In regards to the last part of the question; the best way to encourage anyone is gentleness, wrapped in Truth. Showing compassion draws anyone in and LOVE keeps them connected. There is no guarantee our kids (even growing up in a Christian home) will not make bad choices. So all the more reason to reflect our Savior. We need to show grace, mercy (my favorite) and no condemnation.

BC: If possible, is there a specific testimony that stands out among PoG that just makes you all say, "Wow, isn't God amazing?"

LC: Oh goodness, where to start? Well, the one that still is so incredible to me is the testimonies of Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry. Both were captured by the Taliban in 2001 while working with a relief organization. More details of this miraculous story can be found in their book titled, "Prisoners of Hope: The Story of Our Captivity and Freedom in Afghanistan.

BC: What's next for Point of Grace? What are you all working toward?

LC: We just finished our brand new record titled, Directions Home. The release is April 7th. We are so excited about this project. The record is made up mostly of cover tunes with the exception of two originals which happen to showcase our friends Ricky Skaggs and Vince Gill. POG is in rehearsals now getting ready for our tour with Selah, "You Amaze Us." This tour is going to keep us busy all year long. In addition to our touring, we are trying to be Moms, wives and friends to our loved ones - a BUSY and BLESSED time ahead!

BC: Anything else to add?

LC: We will also be continuing our Girls of Grace conferences starting in the Fall. These conferences are designed for teenage girls and we have an absolute BLAST!!! In this broken world the sum of the parts can be very beneficial. This conference allows us to come along side Parents, Guardians and Youth Leaders to encourage with inspirational messages, music and some wonderful life changing moments for Mom's and Daughters alike. Check out our website for locations and other details at girlsofgrace.com.

The album is currently available for preorder and part of a special deal the girls are offering for those who order early.

"Don't forget to take advantage of our pre-order bundles!" they wrote on Facebook, "There are two official merch bundles to choose from: the Classic bundle (Includes autographed lyric poster, CD, & digital download) and the Deluxe bundle, (includes a custom tote bag, autographed lyric poster, CD, & digital download). http://www.pointofgrace.net/directionshome"

Directions Home (Songs We Love, Songs You Know) Tracklisting:

1 - Life That's Good
Written by Ashley Monroe and Sarah Siskind
2 - Only Love
Written by Roger Murrah and Marcus Hummon
3 - Directions Home
Written by Stephanie Chapman
4 - Something in the Water
Written By Carrie Underwood, Chris DeStefano and Brett James
5 - Friend of a Wounded Heart
Written by Wayne Watson and Claire Cloninger
6 - Lord, I Need You
Written by Matt Maher
7 - Home
Written by Drew Pearson and Greg Holden
8 - You're Gonna Miss This
Written by Ashley Gorley and Lee Thomas Miller
9 - Two Roads
Written by Cindy Morgan and Lola Morgan
10 - The Climb
Written by Jessi Alexander and John Mabe