Monday, February 28, 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

Thunderstorms won't stop the Joy Ride!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Corey Franklin




Corey Franklin is a long time member of the Joy! 102.5 family. His church - his life - it's all right here on the Eastern Shore. And while Corey calls Laurel, DE home, he's originally from Williamsport, PA.

Aside from a love of music - both writing and performing, Corey loves to play soccer and is a gamer. Platform of choice? Xbox 360.

Love Corey Franklin? Good news - he will be guest-hosting the Joy Ride tomorrow afternoon!

Latest Album:
Truth Be Told (Single)

Want More?
CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What food did God bring to the wandering Israelites by using a wind?

A: Quail (Numbers 11:31)

Congratulations, Emma!

Friday, February 25, 2011

Friday, February 25, 2011

Is it the weekEND or just the beginning?!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Nicole C Mullen




Nicole C Mullen started her music career as a background vocalist/dancer/choreographer. But her talent went far beyond support. She wrote such hits as "Redeemer" and the Jaci Velasquez hit "On My Knees."

For the past months she's been consumed with perfecting her upcoming worship album Captivated. When she began the writing process, Nicole set out to craft a funk album. But God had other plans. As she began writing and recording it became evident that Captivated would be a worship album. Nicole had shyed away from making a worship project up to this point, not wanting to simply be trendy.

Her first single from the upcoming album is “Kingdom Come,” a duet with longtime friend Michael O’Brien. “Every other day there is a tornado or an earthquake or a tsunami or oil spill or whatever it is,” says Mullen. “Even nature is crying out for the return of Christ, for His kingdom, but His kingdom actually is already here. The kingdom of God is among us. God is already the king. We’re not going to make Him king at the end of time."

Latest Album: Captivated (Coming May 3, 2011)

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What prophet suffered from a hot east wind after his shade plant was eaten by a worm?

A: Jonah (Jonah 4:8)

Congratulations, Tom!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Thursday, February 24, 2011

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Point Of Grace




Point of Grace first came to be 19 years ago at Ouachita Baptist University. Despite nearly two decades of Christian music stardom, at it's essense are women who are trying to live their lives right, be good wives and raise their children the best they can. In conjunction with their new album, they released a new cookbook, Cooking with Grace, featuring personal photos and stories to help raise money for an African orphanage.

The two-time Grammy nominees have sold more than 6.5 million albums and earned 24 consecutive No. 1 singles (27 total), a feat unmatched by any artist in any genre. They’ve also won 10 Dove Awards.

2011 Dove Nominations:
Christmas Album of the Year: Home for the Holidays
Country Songs of the Year: There Is Nothing Greater Than Grace
Country Album of the Year: No Changin' Us

Latest Album: No Changin' Us

Want More? CLICK HERE

Cookin' With Grace: Pork Chops

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What Hebrew prophet experienced an earthquake, a strong wind and a supernatural fire all in one day?

A: Elijah (1 Kings 19:9-12)

Congratulations, Kaymel!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

The Oscars are this Sunday! Yay!
.. Oh wait, I've never heard of any of those movies.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Salvador




Salvador is committed to always bringing their best to the stage and the studio. They believe that GREAT only happens when hard work is combined with dedication, determination, focused attention to detail, and a conscious decision to deflect the credit from themselves to their Creator.

Hailing from the blistering sun of Texas, Salvador is now a Nashville music scene staple. Some of the guys still live in Austin, but Nic Gonzalez (front man and chief songwriter) lives with his wife Jaci Valasquez in NashVegas. Their latest album was a test of faith for Nic - who agreed to co-write many of the songs for the first time. It was a chance to try something new - with fresh perspective and what we got was the band's best album to date: Aware.

Fun Fact: Salvador doesn't have a set list when they play a show. They try to be spontaneous by playing whatever songs God inspires them to play in the moment.

Latest Album: Aware

Want More? CLICK HERE

Music Video: What Would It Be Like

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What leaves were thrown down in front of Jesus on his entry into Jerusalem?

A: palm leaves (John 12:13)

Congratulations, Joseph!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY
What's New in Christian Music


Level Ground
by Brian Doerksen Genre: Praise & Worship

Love Riot
by Worth Dying For Genre: Praise & Worship

Hope Of Glory
by Chris Clayton Genre: Praise & Worship

The House Always Wins
by Heath McNease Genre: Americana/Folk

Hold Me EP
by Jamie-Grace Harper Genre: Inspirational

Reviews - Purchasing - Much More! CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Building 429




2004 was a big year for Building 429! “Glory Defined,” was a record-breaker at radio, a chart-topper that earned the band a wide mantle of accolades and industry recognition. Topping eight separate charts and declared as BMI’s Song of the Year, the band went on to capture the Dove Award for New Artist of the Year.

With a new album in post-production, the band is touring furiously this Winter and Spring playing some of their new tunes. Even though the record won't be released until June. "Listen To The Sound" is an exciting new album in that the guys went into the studio committed to not turning out a carbon copy of their past successes, but to chase something new.

Who is B429?
Jason Roy (lead vocalist)
Michael Anderson (drums)
Jesse Garcia (keys, lead guitarist, background vocalist)

Latest Album: Listen To The Sound (Due out June 2011)

Want More?
CLICK HERE

Music Video: Always




Scriptural Pursuit

Q: On what day of Creation did God create the plants?

A: Day 3 (Genesis 1:9-13)

Congratulations, Chris!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Monday, February 21, 2011

Happy President's Day!

Yeah ... unless you needed to buy a new mattress, it's sort of a disappointing holiday.

THE HISTORY OF
PRESIDENT'S DAY

Presidents' Day, celebrated each year on the third Monday in February, is a day when Americans honor the legacies of the U.S. presidents. The holiday was established in 1800, when Congress declared February 22–George Washington's birthday–a federal holiday. Still legally known as Washington's Birthday, Presidents' Day has become a day to honor not only Washington, but Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. president who was born on February 12, and the lives and accomplishments of all U.S. presidents.

The origin of Presidents' Day lies in the 1880s, when the birthday of George Washington—commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and the first president of the United States—was first celebrated as a federal holiday. In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, which moved a number of federal holidays to Mondays. The change was designed to schedule certain holidays so that workers had a number of long weekends throughout the year.

Learn More.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Chris Tomlin




Originally from East Texas, Chris Tomlin grew up enjoying country music and playing the acoustic guitar with his dad. Tomlin wrote his first song at the age of 14 and always sensed that God would use him best through music. He graduated college with a degree in Psychology, but began hanging out with pastor Louie Giglio. The two would go on to create the Passion conference in 1997 (now a bi-annual HUGE worship event for young people).

Stats:
* Career sales of over two million units
* Six No. 1 radio singles
* 4 Top 25 CCLI songs
* Two GRAMMY nominations
* 14 Dove Awards
* Two Gold albums

Latest Album: And If Our God Is For Us...

Want More? CLICK HERE

Tour:
Baltimore in March

Music Video:
I Will Rise



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What Old Testament book mentions the "rose of Sharon" and the "lily of the valley"?

A: Song of Solomon (Song of Solomon 2:1)

Congratulations, Becky!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Friday, February 18, 2011

Happy Saturday Eve!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Toby Mac




TobyMac was one-third of the mega-group DC Talk. But about 7 years ago DCT decided to branch out and try expressing themselves with solo projects. It was an amicable split that led to even more great Christian music!

The most successful of the three DC Talk alums is arguably TobyMac. He took home his first Grammy as a solo artist last year, after receiving Grammy nominations for each of his first three solo projects (Momentum, Welcome To Diverse City, Portable Sounds). And last year TobyMac topped 2 million in total albums sold during his solo career.

Toby is the first to admit that he has to work really hard to make great music. “That’s what drives me,” he says. “I feel like I have to work harder than other people to get there. Sometimes I feel like I’m slightly under-gifted; I usually don’t sit down and write a great song in just a few minutes like others can. But I think my work ethic makes up for that.”

“I still believe that a song can penetrate a heart. I believe God can use a song to open someone’s mind and heart."

I still want to see a DC Talk reunion, but TobyMac is still keeping real - just like in his DCT days.

Latest Album: Tonight

Want More? CLICK HERE

Music Video: Tonight



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What prophet prophesied that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey?

A: Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9)

Congratulations, Jean Gary Nicolas!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Spring arrived today! It's lovely outside, with the promise of another beautiful day tomorrow! Eat it up. I personally will have my car windows rolled down when I head home - with Joy! 102.5 blasting!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jamie Slocum




Jamie Slocum made the choice to be the starving musician in the early 90's - moving to Nashville to make his music career happen. Jamie has steadily honed his talents and skills all the while learning that real success was found in his deeper dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ.

In 2009 his hit song "Dependence" garnered him a #1 hit on Christian radio for 11 weeks - and his follow up "Fragile" raced up the charts as well. Both songs deal with the issue of trusting God in an uncertain world. How we must delight in adversity knowing that our faith is being tested.

Latest Album: Dependence

Want More? CLICK HERE

Music Video: Fragile



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: According to the Bible, what foolish bird lays its eggs on the ground in the sun?

A: Ostrich or stork or peacock depending on which translation you use (Job 39:13-18)

Congratulations, Joy!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

AND THE NOMINEES ARE...

Just a couple of days after the GRAMMY'S we now know the 2011 Dove Award Nominees!

The 42nd GMA Dove Awards will be hosted by The View's Sherry Shepherd and held at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA on April 2oth. Then the program will be aired Easter Sunday (April 24th) on the Gospel Music Channel!

Here are the BIG categories:

SONG OF THE YEAR:

"All of Creation"
"Beautiful, Beautiful"
"Get Back Up"
"Hold My Heart"
"Lead Me"
"Let the Waters Rise"
"Our God"
"Sometimes I Cry"
"Starry Night"

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:

Doug Anderson
Chris August
Jason Crabb
Brandon Heath
Israel Houghton
Marvin Sapp
Chris Tomlin

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:

Audrey Assad
Francesca Battistelli
Natalie Grant
Britt Nicole
Janet Paschal
Kerrie Roberts
Laura Story

GROUP OF THE YEAR:

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Gaither Vocal Band
MercyMe
MIKESCHAIR
Needtobreathe
Sidewalk Prophets
Tenth Avenue North

ARTIST OF THE YEAR:

Francesca Battistelli
Jason Crabb
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Natalie Grant
Marvin Sapp
TobyMac
Chris Tomlin

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR:

Audrey Assad
Chris August
Forever Jones
John Mark McMillan
No Other Name
Kerrie Roberts
Kristian Stanfill

Get the low-down HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Shawn McDonald




Originally from Oregon, now Seattle-based - Shawn McDonald crafts lazy melodies with rich lyrical depth. Shawn's journey through the musical landscape has taught him to appraciate and delight in the truly good things of life and to embrace each season as it unfolds. He yearns to find contentment and accept every step God leads him on.

Showcasing his love of all things artistic, Shawn invited artist Scott Erikson to paint an original work each night of the tour - on stage during the concert. At the end of each show, they auctioned off the art to benefit the Transpire Project (for artists).

Regional Fact: Shawn's deep appreciation for coffee makes Seattle the perfect place to live.

Hobbies: Music isn't Shawn's only artistic expression. He is also a budding photographer.

Latest Album: Closer (Coming March 22)

Want More?
CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What father and son were, according to David, "swifter than eagles"?

A: Saul & Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:23)

Congratulations, Caleb!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY
What's New in Christian Music


Aftermath
by Hillsong United | Genre: Praise & Worship

The Covering
by Stryper | Genre: Rock

Be Lifted High
by Bethel Live | Genre: Praise & Worship

God Be Praise DVD
by Gateway Worship | Genre: Video/DVD

Want more info? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Michael English




Thirteen years ago, Michael English was amidst the top of the contemporary Christian music crop, not to mention the pinnacle of his musical ministry. The famed singer had won fourteen Dove Awards, including the highly coveted "Artist of the Year." The very next day Michael English found his personal life shattering into a million pieces. Over the course of the next several years, that highly publicized fall from grace went from bad to worse, with a series of regretful decisions leaving the star spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially bankrupt.

Michael had a life changing encounter with God several years ago and his life was dramatically renewed. The performer picked up the pieces with pastoral accountability and being grounded in the gospel. He returned to crafting songs in the studio, chronicling an unparalleled season of growth and redemption on the aptly titled The Prodigal Comes Home.

Michael recently rejoined the Gaither Vocal Band, as a group member. With a rebuilt life and a hope for the future, it appears the Michael English is a living example of Grace.

Latest Album:
The Prodigal Comes Home

Want More?
CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What almost-slaughtered son asked his father, "Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"

A: Isaac (Genesis 22:7)

Congratulations, Debbie!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Monday, February 14, 2011

THE GRAMMY'S

Best Rock/Rap Gospel Album:
Switchfoot "Hello, Hurricane"

Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album:
Israel Houghton "Love God. Love People."

Best Southern/Country/Bluegrass
Gospel Album:
Diamond Rio "The Reason"

THE HISTORY OF
VALENTINE'S DAY


While the cynic in me wants to declare Valentine's Day a creation of Hallmark to spur on a card-driven economic cash cow, the truth is Valentine's Day was sanctioned by the Catholic Church (pre-Reformation) back in 498 A.D. by Pope Gelasius. It wasn't until the 1840s that Valentine's day cards began to be produced!

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

So for over 1,500 years February 14th has been a day for grand gestures of love! That's four times longer than the United States has been around! Like most of our major holidays - the celebration was probably a pagan festival co-opted by the early Church (just like Christmas and Easter). According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year - which means you only have a 1-in-7 chance of getting one (although the third world population probably scews those odds a bit).

So tell your loved ones that you love them. Show them you love them. And read all about REAL Love in this months MANNA!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Austins Bridge




The story of Austins Bridge began in early 2006 when Jason Rivers and Justin Baird (formally of the Crabb Family) set out to form an all male trio named Austins Bridge. Their southern sound mixed with a bit of country and bluegrass was different from anything on Christian radio at the time.

As former music ministers, Austins Bridge has a passion for the church. Their mission is to build up the body of Christ, and reach as many unbelievers with the message as possible. While bridging the gap between different genres of music, they want to show the world that the gospel can be portrayed through different types of music and still have a huge affect on people.

A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Justin plays piano, drums, bass, acoustic, electric guitar, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle. Each member brings a diverse set of influences to Austin’s Bridge. Pressed to define how they’d categorize their unique sound, the guys may even reply, “contemporary pop country bluegrass with a little bit of funk.”

Latest Album: Times Like These

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Which Old Testament book compares a loved-one's teeth to a flock of newly shorn sheep?

A: Song of Solomon (SoS 4:2)

Congratulations, Shawna!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Friday, February 11, 2011

VALENTINE GIFT IDEA:

For Girls: Love letter in a bottle. For effect, stain the paper with coffee.

For Guys: E-Reader like a Kindle or Nook (can get used and refurbished ones)

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Stellar Kart




We all go through seasons of change - but when you get a new guitar player, switch labels and take a hard look at the fiscal responsibilities for your families - well that's a revolution for a pop rock band! Stellar Kart is really beginning a new journey with the release of Everything Is Different now. Lyrically they've made the shift from fun love songs to a more worship-centered arena. For the band this is actually a return to form for a band that started out playing worship for youth events.

Want to catch Stellar Kart in concert?
They'll be at the 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore on March 4th!

The Band:
Adam Agee (vocals, guitar)
Jordan Messer (drums)
Brian Calcara (bass)
Jon Howard (guitar)

Latest Album: Everything Is Different Now

Want More?
CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who became a shepherd in Midian for his father-in-law?

A: Moses (Exodus 3:1)

Congratulations, Jensen!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Thursday, February 10, 2011

VALENTINE GIFT IDEA:

For Girls: Name a star. Sure it's cheesy, but its also sweet. To really kick it up a notch, get a telescope and search the night sky together.

For Guys: Something pertaining to his hobby: golf balls with his initials on them, custom guitar pick, custom phone/ipod case, etc.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Bebo Norman




Admittedly, Bebo Norman stumbled into the role of vocational musician with much fear and trepidation. But despite the unknowns associated with his calling, he finds incredible joy and satisfaction in the journey. That's something we can all aim for as we use our own skills to bring glory to God. A 15-year career in music is quite an accomplishment for a guy who graduated college with a degree in Biology...

Here Goes is a song that Norman wrote with my longtime friend Brandon Heath. The song is really the culmination of dozens of conversations that Brandon and Bebo have had over coffee or lunch or on some random tour bus throughout the years that they've known one another. Many of those conversations were about the conflict between what they felt called toward and the overwhelming insecurities that made them so uncomfortable with that calling. And how we all tended to err on the side of fear rather than faith in the face of difficult moments. But Here Goes is really a celebration over God’s goodness and faithfulness winning out over our deep-seeded apprehensions and insecurities.

Latest Album: Ocean

Want More?
CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit


Q: What prophet paid Jesse a visit while young David was out tending the sheep?

A: Samuel (1 Samuel 16:10)

Congratulations, Bruce!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

VALENTINE GIFT IDEA:

For Girls: Take her to a custom pottery place where you both spin our a mug or plate. Not only does it create a memory, but she gets a warped mug to drink coffee out of.

For Guys: Feaux-book covering for our laptop - it's cool.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Matt Maher




When God calls you to a mission, it can be both exillerating and terrifying. Over the past few years Matt Maher has made the transition from full-time ministry at his home church in Mesa, Arizona to life as a respected worship leader with an international platform.

Leaving behind the comfort and security of home is a scary thing. But by following God's call, Maher has had the chance to write some incredible worship songs and work with other gifted worship leaders such as Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Brenton Brown and Hawk Nelson.

Matt Maher's challenge to those he worships with is, "In a post Christian society, everybody is called to be a missionary wherever we are. The mission field has changed. The mission field is everywhere."

Latest Album: Alive Again

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit


Q: Who do scholars believe wrote the book of Ecclesiastes?

A: Solomon

Congratulations, Dorris!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY:
What's New in Christian Music


See You
by Josh Wilson | Genre: Pop/Rock

Crazy Love
by Hawk Nelson | Genre: Pop/Rock

Alaskan Homecoming
by Bill and Gloria Gaither | Genre: Southern Gospel

Majesty
by Bill and Gloria Gaither | Genre: Southern Gospel

Times Have Changed EP
by After Edmund | Genre: Dance

Oh, but wait, there's more! CLICK HERE

VALENTINE GIFT IDEA:


For Girls: Personalized jewelry (with inscription). Reference a memory with a date or special phrase.

For Guys: Classy travel kits. They don't have to be expensive real leather, but they need to look nice. Make us want to take you on a trip.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jars of Clay




Jars of Clay formed in 1994, when Dan Haseltine and Charlie Lowell became friends at Greenville College. By the end of 1995, few had not heard their breakout song Flood. Ever since, this college rock band has pursued their art form with relentless touring, recording and writing.

While Jars of Clay's legacy as great songwriters is cemented, their latest album The Shelter is something a little different. They wanted something new to push their sound and their message past the wall of their own comfort zone. So they grabbed their friends who happen to be amazing song-writers and performers and got some fresh new ideas for song writing and recording. Making cameos as performers and/or song writers on The Shelter: Laura Story, Phillip LaRue, Mac Powell, Amy Grant, Brandon Heath, Leigh Nash, TobyMac, and more!

The Shelter broaches topics of social justice, per usual for Jars of Clay, but also a touch of something they have not focused on before: The Church. The Shelter is a love song to how the body of Christ can interact when following Christ in a broken world.

Latest Album: The Shelter

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: In what book of the Bible does the phrase "spare the rod, spoil the child" originate?

A: Proverbs (13:24)

Congratulations, Anna!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Monday, February 7, 2011

Are you ready for a new beginning? That's what Mondays are all about!

VALENTINE GIFT IDEA:


For Girls: Flowers - Not the $4 pansies - though they need not be roses.

For Guys: Personalized M&Ms - we like chocolate too, but we don't need a giant Russel Stovers assortment.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Phil Wickham




Phil Wickham is originally from and currently serves at Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego, CA with his wife Mallory. Phil was raised in a Christian home, the second of three children (brother Evan, sister Jillian), and after feeling the need to "make his faith his own" he began leading worship for his youth group at 12 years old. Wickham's father is currently a worship leader, and both of his parents were at one time members of Jesus movement band Parable.

Either Phil or people who love him and do his booking did something very sweet for the itinerant singer/songwriter. They booked him a weekend gig at the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa in Maui this May. I hope he enjoys playing and worshiping in paradise.

Latest Album:
Heaven & Earth

Want More?
CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What book is the second most Old Testament book quoted in the New Testament - with a total of 414 references?
*Hint: It's the also the longest book in the Old Testament)

A: Psalms

Congratulations, Jenna!

Friday, February 4, 2011

Friday, February 4, 2011

Have a glorious weekend! Look forward to a new week-beginning!

And as my wife will surely say on Sunday, "Go team with the prettiest outfits!"

SUPER BOWL OF GOODNESS

Need a show-stopper dip for the big game? Try my (well, I found it somewhere...) Bacon-Spinach-Queso!

Ingredients
1 thing of Velveeta
half a thing of cream cheese
10 pieces of crispy bacon
a handfull of chopped spinach leaves
1 can of (hot) RoTel

Directions:
Cube up Velveeta and Cream cheese.
Crisp and crumble bacon.
Chop spinach leaves.
Open can of RoTel.
Put everything in a microwave safe bowl. Stir and nuke for 3 minutes. Stir and nuke for 2 minutes. Stir and check for consistency - keep nuking in one minute increments until it looks combined.
Best served with tortilla chips (but also is a great condiment for hamburgers and hot dogs!).

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Sidewalk Prophets




Integrating worship with real life - that is one of the simple truths Sidewalk Prophets has learned to live by. Dave Frey and Ben McDonald founded the band in college, having no idea that in just a short time they would have a successful record and a loaded touring schedule. A demo tape landed them in a campus talent contest, which somehow connected them to Audio Adrenaline's Will McGinniss, landing them an opening gig for Audio Adrenaline which formed the template for their life now spent on the road over 150 days of the year.

Sounds like a fun life, right? Sure, if you want to leave family and friends to live on the road for half of each year, sleeping in the janitor’s closet at some venues, and making due with beans and cornbread, while trying to practice, write and record in between shows. Exhausting? Yes. Worth it? To Sidewalk Prophets, they'd have it no other way!

Dave and Ben rounded out their band with a bassist and drummer (Cal Joslin and Justin Nace) they found on Craigslist. So you never know who will respond to your ad! Although Ben and Dave had been writing together ever since their college days, they realize that sometimes three heads are better than two, so when the opportunity came to prep for their new album by co-writing with some of the top names in the industry they didn’t hesitate for a moment. Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, Ian Eskelin, and Sam Mizel all helped craft These Simple Truths into the hit maker it is.

Latest Album: These Simple Truths

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Which apostle said "Master, look, the fig tree that you cursed has withered and died!"?

A: Peter (Mark 11:21)

Congratulations, Sheldon!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Thursday, February 3, 2011

It's the season of love. Have you ever been madly in love? Have you ever fallen out of love? Love is what this month's MANNA is all about!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Adam Paul Williams




"I want people to sit down and close their eyes and sense that they are at the throne of Christ."

It's with that attitude that Adam Paul Williams crafts his worship music. He's sensed that music was how God wanted to use him since he was 4 years old! He worked hard to craft his skills, even going so far as to get a degree in Music from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Williams' music ministry has reached lives all over the world - although he primarily reaches the South-East in the US. He has performed in London and Germany. Just last year he was a featured worship leader for In Touch Ministries with Dr. Charles Stanley. Williams is also one of the many Christian artists that partner with Compassion International. Not only is he a spokesperson for the ministry, but he and his wife Kellie recently visited their sponsored child in his hometown in Guatemala.

Latest Album: Adam Paul Williams

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What fish-shaped god of the Philistines was disgraced when his statue was broken by the presence of the Ark of the Covenant?

A: Dagon (Judges 16:23, 1 Samuel 5:1-5 & 1 Chronicles 10:10)

Congratulations, Kim!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

It happens. The car breaks down. The bottomless pit feeling hits your stomach. "Really, God? Today?" We blame the hard knocks of life on our Creator like it is His fault. But the truth is, in this less than perfect world, bad stuff happens. To everyone.

That's how my day started. Now I'll do my best to praise God for who He is - and not just for all that He does for me.

GROUNDHOG DAY:

Punxsutawney Phil did NOT see his shadow. Legend persists that we will have an early Spring! Hooray! Of course, meteorologists have confirmed that Spring's official start date is still March 20th, no matter what Phil saw or didn't see...

Ever wonder where Groundhog Day came from? Not the movie - the day. CLICK HERE to learn all about it!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Bread Of Stone



Indonesian brothers Ben and Bill Kristijanto along with their other band mates Tim Barnes (bass) and Wesley Holt (drums) make up Bread Of Stone. This internationally flavored band uses their pop/rock music to move people closer to Jesus. Not only was their new album produced by the folks behind TobyMac, Britt Nicole, Delirious, and Mute Math - but the depth of their lyrics will surprise you. There is no beating around the bush when it comes to boldly praising Jesus!

The song "Beautiful" is their first single from the new album. It came to be after a mission trip to Ben and Bill's home country Indonesia:

“The song was lyrically inspired by one of the lessons learned there,” said lead singer, Ben Kristijanto. “We spoke to a recent convert named Abraham and he told us that when he heard about the Gospel of Christ, he was in awe of how someone so great would come down for someone like him and take his desperate and bleak situation and turn into something beautiful.”

Latest Album: Saturate EP

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who miraculously turned water into wine?

A: Jesus (John 2:1-10)

Congratulations, Dan!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY
What's new in Christian Music:


Barton Hollow
by The Civil Wars | Genre: Americana/Folk
*If you have been wondering what happened to Joy Williams - she's back!

Love Without Measure
by Parachute Band | Genre: Praise & Worship

Anthem Lights EP
by Anthem Lights | Genre: Pop/Rock

Until We Have Faces
by Red | Genre: Hard Rock

WOW Gospel 2011
by Various Artists - "WOW" Series | Genre: Gospel

Oh, there's more! CLICK HERE for the rest!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Fee




Steve Fee fronts this worship band out of the ATL (that's Atlanta, GA). Steve has been a part of the Passion worship movement with Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin and David Crowder from the very start. In fact - this core group is responsible for Atlanta becoming the new hub for Christian music. The Dove Awards won't be in Nashville this year - but instead Atlanta!

Fee is:
* Steve Fee – vocals, rhythm guitar (acoustic and electric), keyboards
* Matt Adkins – lead guitar, vocals
* Heath Balltzglier – bass, vocals
* Brandon Coker – drums

Latest Album: Hope Is Rising

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What dangerous creature did not effect Paul when it bit him?

A: A viper (or poisonous snake) (Acts 28:3-6)

Congratulations, Everlyn!