Friday, April 29, 2011

Friday, April 29, 2011

It's Friday and this weekend is supposed to be beautiful! If you've got an outdoor wedding planned - congratulations! Also going on this weekend is the 29th Annual Salisbury Festival! Maybe I'll see you there!

And for a wide assortment of fun happenings, check out our JOY NOTES!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Chris Sligh




“I’m not writing happy songs for you to clap along with,” he says. “I’m writing songs to challenge you to be a better person.”

Luckily, it seems beyond Chris Sligh to write a challenging song that is not also easy to clap and sing along to! On top of writing for himself, Sligh’s making a name as a songwriter for others, making time to write every day he’s not working on a record. The first song he turned in on his publishing deal was a big one: Rascal Flatts’ multi-format hit “Here Comes Goodbye,” co-written with Clint Lagerberg. In the last two years, Sligh has submitted close to 150 songs on that deal, a remarkable output that’s both a testament to his work ethic and to his perspective on his place in the music world.

In trying to create his sophomore project (The Anatomy of Broken) Chris burned through three records worth of songs and switched record labels in the process of finding the right songs to say exactly what God had put on his heart. It took two years. That's an eternity for a follow-up album for a burgeoning career!

Latest Album: The Anatomy of Broken

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What Hebrew prisoner interpreted the dreams of the Egyptian pharaoh?

A: Joseph (Genesis 41)

Congratulations Anna!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Thursday, April 28, 2011

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Chasen




Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Chasen Callahan had a gift that was honed during nearly a decade as a worship pastor. He built a following one person at a time, playing youth camps and conferences.

Modelling their music and method after Switchfoot, David Crowder Band and Hillsong United, this South Carolina youth worship band is hitting the big time, touring the world and leading worship at every show.

Bucking the trend to reside in Nashville - Callahan and company still live in Greenville, SC. With a wife and young son at home, Callahan knows it’s beneficial to have the support of family nearby. The hectic pace of Nashville isn't what he wants for his young family (something we can appreciate on the Eastern Shore!).

Chasen Is:
Chasen Callahan - Vocals & Guitar
Evan Silver - Vocals & Lead Guitar
Aaron Lord - Drums
Jared Barber - Bass

Latest Album:
That Was Then, This Is Now

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit


Q: What is the first color mentioned in the Bible?

A: Green (Genesis 1:30)

Congratulations Jackie!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

It's hard to mow the lawn in a straight line when your glasses are all fogged up. I have terrible allergies, so I wear a little face mask while mowing, but when I breath, it fogs up my glasses (because I can't see without them). That sent me down a line of thought to all the things I wish I could change about myself. I want to weigh less (which I'm working on). I want to see without glasses. I want to not be allergic to the great outdoors.

I think most of us are fairly insecure about our physical selves. That's tragic. From what I've gleaned from God's word, we are pretty special - each DESIGNED BY GOD! That's what I call a designer label! I'm not saying we shouldn't work to better ourselves - but perhaps I need to really accept some of the things God designed into me not as faults, but rather charming character.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Big Daddy Weave




Big Daddy Weave came to be while its members were in college at the University of Mobile. Mike Weaver had been serving as worship leader of a Pensacola, Florida church and attending community college in the area. He, his brother, and their friends gelled as a worship band - and to this day, they see that as their primary calling. Lucky for them the Praise & Worship genre is still one of the fastest growing music markets!

The band's latest album (What Life Would Be Like) is an album about grace and expectation. Mike Weaver explains, "We all grew up in church. That is awesome, and I’m thankful for it, but there is also some baggage that comes with that." The premise is what would life be like if the Church really behaved like we say we believe. If we truly grasped that Grace saves us and not all that we try to do.

4 Things Mike Weaver Would Be If He Wasn't A Musician:
1. Walmart Greeter
2. Stay At Home Dad
3. Apple Store Genius
4. Whole Foods Employee

Big Daddy Weave is:
Mike: Songwriter/Lead Vocals/Guitar
Jeff: Drums
Jay: Bass/Vocals
Joe: Saxophone/Keyboards
Jeremy: Guitars/Vocals

Latest Album: What Life Would Be Like

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who was the first shepherd in the Bible?

A: Abel (Genesis 4:2)

Congratulations, Carrie!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Make It Loud
by Martha Munizzi | Genre: Praise & Worship

The Life You Promised
by Ashley Aucker | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Keep Living
by Ricky Dillard | Genre: Gospel

So Not Cool
by Cstraight | Genre: Urban

Dissimulation
by Hope for The Dying | Genre: Hard Rock

Reviews - Purchasing - More - CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Above The Golden State




“How Jesus is moving in our church locally is the lifeblood of our ministry.” - Michael Watson

Michael Watson, songwriter and lead vocalist of the group has no doubt as to why he is doing what he is doing. “Music is from God and for God. And I believe God is raising up a new generation of young musicians who want to see music being used for its original purpose – to glorify God.”

In the cool, culturally minded streets of Portland, Oregon, Christianity, like much of the city’s music scene, is basically underground. So the band feels like they get to live and love in spiritual trench warfare. After all, it's in some of the most repressed societies that the message of Christ thrives, all around the world.

Above The Golden State is:

Michael Watson (vocals/guitars/songwriter)
Brook Moser (drums)
Tim Aylward (keys)

Musical Influences:
Weezer, Five Iron Frenzy, Delirious, The Beatles and Duke Ellington

Latest Album: The Golden Rule

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit


Q: Who told the first lie in the Bible?

A: The serpent (Genesis 3:4)

Congratulations, Karen! Also, let this be a lesson to never trust a talking animal.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Monday, April 25, 2011

So now what? Easter is over. There's two months of school left. No more holidays...

You go on enjoying this life God has blessed us with! And listening to the Joy Ride every afternoon, of course.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Beloved




This trio was born out of a Sunday School class at a church in metro Atlanta (Roswell Street Baptist Church). Originally it was just Kim singing at churches, but when she met Amy and Denise the three fused into an inseparable trio!

Beloved's latest album (Way You Been Loved) is a bit of a departure from previous records. It's still got some Southern Gospel roots, but with a modern twist. Kim Hardee says, "Sonically we wanted to create music that was more in line with what we like to sing and listen to. And lyrically we wanted to challenge ourselves and our listeners to get out there and live the life God intended for us."

Beloved does perform stand alone concerts, but their passion is to host full on women's conferences. Want to bring Beloved to your church? CLICK HERE!

Beloved is:
Kim Hardee
Amy Goins
Denise Clark

Fun Facts:
Kim is a former Miss Georgia pageant winner. Denice loves Pralines & Cream ice cream. Amy is a huge U2 fan.

Latest Album: Way You Been Loved

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit


Q: What is the first book in the Bible named after a woman?

A: Ruth

Congratulations to Barry - he won Aaron Shust's album Take Over!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Friday, April 22, 2011

It's Good Friday. I sometimes find it hard to be filled with joy on a day we remember the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf some 2000 years ago.

My college education is actually in History (not broadcast radio - which my school didn't offer). Despite the liberal arts' desire to paint Christianity in a negative light - no one can refute the life of Christ. Historically speaking, His life is well chronicled - as is His death and even resurrection. While the lost refuse to believe in the resurrection, they cannot deny the life and death of Christ and his impact.

While I might not offer up a "happy Good Friday" which seems flippant given the cross, it really is a day to celebrate. Today honors the day when God paid our debt to Himself, in full. That is freedom!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jonny Diaz




Recently Jonny was on the air with the Joy In The Morning team. His new album Jonny Diaz just hit shelves last Tuesday and is already creating as much or more buzz as his smash hit debut. Jonny comes from a family of overachievers. Both he and two of his brothers went to Florida State University on FULL BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIPS! FSU has a tremendous reputation in the world of college baseball - these guys are talented - Two of them went pro!

In fact, Jonny's brother Matt plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates! But a year into college, Jonny found his calling was music and not playing ball. Turning away from a full ride, he focused on what God called him to do - and it is paying off in spades!

Fun Fact: The secret track on the new album is his "Chick Fil-A song."

Latest Album:
Jonny Diaz

Want More? CLICK HERE

Have a blessed and happy Easter! He is risen!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Friday, April , 2011

Easter Countdown: 3 Days

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jeremy Riddle




Jeremy Riddle is a songwriter and worship leader. His debut album caught fire when the world heard Sweetly Broken. Since hitting the scene in 2007, Jeremy Riddle and band has played with Rebecca St. James, Big Daddy Weave and Brenton Brown.

Jeremy comes from a family of 7 children and was homeschooled all the way through high school. He graduated from Cal state Fullerton with a BA in political science. Jeremy attended and later served as a youth pastor at the Anaheim Vineyard. Riddle is married with 4 children and now lives in Redding, California and is part of the worship ministry at Bethel Church.

Random Fact: Jeremy loves all breakfast foods and will eat them any time of day.

Latest Album: The Now And Not Yet

Want More?
CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit


Q: What is the first commandment that God gives his new creation (humans)?

A: "Be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28)

Congratulations Toni! She won the Fireflies & Songs from Sara Groves!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Do you have family coming over for Easter? Are you visiting the grandparents? In my family, Thanksgiving and Christmas were really the family centered holidays - and since Dad worked in the church most of my life - Easter meant I simply wouldn't see much of him for a week and a half.

My heart truly breaks for all the families of ministers. As they rush around to plan the 30 weekend services on one of the biggest outreach weeks of the Western church, many times their families are left feeling neglected.

I don't have any simple solution. Reaching people during Easter seems right. But missing out on celebrating Jesus with your family is wrong. What would Jesus do? I have no clue. But if you see the kids of the pastor or worship leader this weekend waiting around anxiously hoping to catch a glimpse of their mom or dad - give them a hug.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Sara Groves




When it comes to songwriting, Sara Groves influences the influencers. Her most vocal admirers range from pioneers of Christian worldview music, including Randy Stonehill, Michael Card and Charlie Peacock, to her peers today, Natalie Grant, Jars of Clay, Nichole Nordeman, Point of Grace and Bethany Dillon.

This former teacher, who lives in Minnesota with her husband and their three kids probably wouldn't strike you as a famous songwriter if you caught her in the grocery store or out at the park playing - but she's already a legend in Nashvillian circles.

Sara has been nominated for many Dove Awards over the years, including "New Artist of the Year" in 2002. She was named one of the best Christian music artists of 2005 and the album, Add to the Beauty, was named "Album of the Year" for 2005 by CCM Magazine.

Sara Groves started writing songs when she was four years old. She describes her youth as being "lonesome", and she wrote about deep issues while still in junior high school. Eventually, she took a songwriting course, prompted by her husband, and she began to take the art seriously.

Latest Album:
Fireflies & Songs

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who was the first drunk mentioned in the Bible?

A: Noah (Genesis 9:21)

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY
What's new in Christian music:


Love Shine Through
by Tim Hughes | Genre: Praise & Worship

The Best Of Mark Schultz
by Mark Schultz | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Control
by Abandon | Genre: Pop/Rock

You'll Be Changed
by Chris Fields | Genre: Gospel

Live Out Loud
by Preashea Hillard | Genre: Gospel

Want More? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Todd Agnew




Todd's life changes dramatically in 2010 when he got married and became a step-dad to two children! To go from a single, touring worship leader/speaker to a married dad with a mortgage has had a humbling impact in his life - and left his heart wide open for a sense of grace that he had never imagined.

“I’ve always been kind of the hammer – walk in, speak the truth, blow up the town, walk off and let all the pastors apply that truth or pick up the pieces. Now I’m having very similar things in my marriage and in my life, where I’m definitely someone who sees the truth that needs to be spoken, but I’m watching my wife who always see the love that needs to be shared.”

The hit song "Joy Unspeakable" is about the incredibly blessing of his new married life - but also that when hard times hit, real Joy isn't subjected to circumstances - but always remains in Christ.

Latest Album: Need

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Name one of the three languages that the Bible was originally written in.

A: Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic

Congratulations McKenzie! She scored the new Francesca Battistelli album!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Monday, April 18, 2011

It's Holy Week. Around the world, Christians are celebrating, praying and preparing for Easter Sunday - which is sort of the biggest day in the History of the World.

Think about it.

Without Christ rising from the grave, He was just a teacher of love. But because He is also God - and ALIVE - the world has Hope! So if you are feeling hopeless - embrace this week. Study the Gospels - go to church - and watch as Christ opens amazing hope into your life!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Tree 63




Hailing from Durban, South Africa - this pop rock trio has spent the last decade touring the world with a message of encouragement for the body of Christ - and hope for those who don't yet know Him! Tree 63's music sounds like U2 but happier. They've toured with fellow foreigners The Newsboys and Rebecca St. James.

While they saw huge success in Australia and the UK - Tree 63 got plenty of US radio play with hits like Blessed Be The Name and Sunday. Still after 12 years together, Tree 63 disbanded - leaving a legacy of great music and lasting friendships around the world.

Lead singer John Ellis is striking out on his own with his debut solo release Own Way Home. This leaves the future of Tree 63 up in the air. John left Nashville and brought his young family back to his native South Africa.

Tree 63 is:
John Ellis
Darryl Swart
Daniel Ornellas

Final Album: Sunday!

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Which American President published an edition of the Gospels that left out all of the supernatural elements - including the resurrection of Christ?

A: Thomas Jefferson

Congratulations to Mark of Salisbury - picking up a copy of Jonny Diaz brand new album!


P.S.
Taxes are due today. If you waited this long, and this surprises you ... I have no response to that.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Friday, April 15, 2011

If you are looking for a good time, Rodney will be broadcasting live from the Spring Fling in Pocomoke tomorrow! CLICK HERE to learn more!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Francesca Battistelli




While it might seem like Francesca Battistelli has been with us for a while - she's actually quite new to the Christian music scene. 2009 saw the release of her debut - and not only did My Paper Heart produce four major hits on the Christian charts—"I'm Letting Go," "Free To Be Me," "It's Your Life" and "Beautiful Beautiful"—but her music spread like wildfire on TV shows including ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, NBC’s The Biggest Loser, FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance, TLC's Kate Plus 8, the Style Network and in promos for the movie Julie & Julia!

The last couple of years have been chaotic to say the least! A whirlwind of touring and promotion - plus she got married and had a baby! Not only is she the reigning female vocalist from last year's Dove awards - but she's garnered another 4 nominations this year. In March she released her sophomore project Hundred More Years - featuring this already hit on Joy - "This Is The Stuff!"

Dove Nominations for 2011:
Song of the Year (Beautiful, Beautiful)
Female Vocalist of the Year
Artist of the Year
Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year (Beautiful, Beautiful)

Latest Album: Hundred More Years

Want More? CLICK HERE

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Food - hay rides - bouncies - a car show - music and more! Saturday is going to be a BLAST!

Rodney will be broadcasting live from the Spring Fling in Pocomoke!

CLICK HERE to learn more!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Natalie Grant




Natalie Grant, originally from Seattle, now lives in Nashville with her ever-expanding family. Power-house vocalist seems an apt description considering she was awarded the 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Gospel Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year. Four years in a row. (Last year Francesca Battistelli knocked her off the pedestal - no word if there was any retaliation...)

Natalie is a frequent speaker and ladies and young women's conferences. She has detailed her past struggles with bulimia. She says God helped her get over her eating disorder. Natalie and producer husband, Bernie Herms have fraternal twin girls, Grace Ana and Isabella Noelle. On December 17, 2010, Grant gave birth to their third child, Sadie Rose.

Beyond her artistry, she declares this message as an outspoken advocate for victims of human trafficking. A few years back she was stirred by an episode of Law & Order and set out to learn all she could about the modern slave trade. The Home Foundation, which Grant created in 2005, has raised over a quarter of a million dollars to fight the trafficking of women and children for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Latest Album: Love Revolution

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Which Apostle arrived in Rome bound by a chain?

A: Paul (Acts 28:20)

Congratulations, Jonathon!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

This Saturday, if you are looking for a good time, Rodney will be broadcasting live from the Spring Fling in Pocomoke! CLICK HERE to learn more!

ARTIST OF THE DAY Toby Mac




So let's say you were once a part of the biggest Christian group of all time. You won 4 Grammy's - sold over 8 million albums - and could build a house with all of your Dove Awards. What do you do after that?

Well Toby Mac goes on to have an insanely successful solo career! Once the mastermind behind DC Talk, now the front man for a traveling circus of musicians - Toby Mac just doesn't know how to quit. He's a producer, a song writer, a talent discoverer - a dad, a husband, and perhaps one of the best ambassadors the Christian music industry could ever hope for!

Toby Mac is a self described perfectionist, so know that any time you hear one of his songs, it was slaved over - produced - reproduced and prayed over before you ever got to hear it. One thing for sure is that Toby Mac keeps it real.

Latest Album:
Tonight

Want More?
CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit


Q: What Judge was bound in cords by the Phillistines?

A: Samson (Judges 16:6-9)

Congratulations to Tom of Great Mills, MD - scoring Phil Stacey's album!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Tuesday, April, 12, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Jonny Diaz
by Jonny Diaz | Genre: Pop/Rock

Close To You
by Marc Danyell | Genre: Gospel

The Seas We Sail
by Tidewater | Genre: Pop/Rock

Blessings
by Laura Story | Genre: Adult Contemporary

You Hold It All
by New Life Worship | Genre: Praise & Worship

Reviews & Details: CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY

Matt Brouwer



Matt Brouwer is originally from Nova Scotia - which is not a program on PBS as I originally thought, but the frozen tundra of Canada, eh. Now Matt calls Texas home - and continues to write, produce and lead worship at his church and all across North America!

After making his debut in 2001, Matt stepped away from a hectic touring schedule to focus on missions. He took extended trips to Venezuela, Poland, Jamaica and Guatemala. Like most who see God at work outside of the confines of America, Matt was struck by how deep faith was when put together with abject poverty and persecution.

It was those convictions that spurred him onward in his musical career, crafting songs that were at once worshipful and unafraid to ask hard questions about faith and God.

Latest Album: Where's Our Revolution

Want More?
CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit


Q: What nation suffered 10 plagues that were signs of God's power?

A: Egypt (Exodus 10:2)

Congratulations, Carol! She won Third Day's Offerings album!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Monday, April 11, 2011

I had a great time at Lifeway Church of God in Bridgeville this past Saturday!

Thanks to everyone who came out and enjoyed Corey Franklin & Julian Drive.

What a way to get pumped up for Easter!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
FFH




FFH was originally formed by Jeromy Deibler and Brian Smith in 1991, soon settling into its final configuration when Michael Boggs and Jennifer Deibler (having just married Jeromy) joined the team. Working independently, FFH produced and released six albums, while maintaining a productive touring schedule. When FFH's radio single cracked the Top 20 on Christian Adult Contemporary radio, eventually moving on to become the highest charting single by an independent artist in CCM history, major labels started taking notice. Essential snagged the foursome and the rest is history!

After a decade of the hard life on the road - starting a family and really missing security from having a port of call, the Deiblers decided it was time for a hiatus. After much prayer, counsel and conversation with the other band members, the unanimous decision was made to take an indefinite break beginning in Fall of 2006. For the next six months the Deiblers ministered in a small South African church. The small family welcomed a new child into the fold and Jeromy was diagnosed with multiple Sclerosis.

In 2008, Jeromy and Jennifer released Wide Open Spaces. Wide Open Spaces still has some of the harmonic sound of classic FFH, but a reality to it that is fresh and sometimes startling. It isn't a cuddly anthemic Christian album, but rather a lament, filled with sadness, despair and ultimately - Hope.

Latest Album: Wide Open Spaces

Want More?
CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit


Q: What was given as a reminder that the world would never again be destroyed by a flood?

A: the rainbow (Genesis 9:13-16)

Congrats Mike!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Friday, April 8, 2011

HANG OUT

This afternoon Rodney & Joelle are out at The Gospel Shop - and hang out with me (Josh) tomorrow evening at the Julian Drive concert! A weekend filled with Joy!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Julian Drive




Shane Bowers (vocals, guitar) and Shaun Bennett (keyboard, guitar) form the nucleus of the band. They got their start leading youth worship at church in their small hometown in rural Clarke County, Georgia. Winning the 2004 Exalting Him talent search in Georgia pushed them into regional and national touring - and it has been a steady plodding every since.

Julian Drive will be in concert tomorrow night (Saturday April 9) at Lifeway Church of God in Bridgeville, DE. The show starts at 7:00 PM with Corey Franklin opening! Tickets will be $10 at the door. FMI CLICK HERE.

Latest Album: Beauty Behind The Pain

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who was thrown into a den of wild lions and sealed in overnight with a big stone?

A: Daniel (Daniel 6:17)

Congratulations, Trina!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Thursday, April 7, 2011

MOST PEACE-FULL STATES

The United States Peace Index purports to be the first state-by-state ranking of America based on levels of peace. The group's standard for measuring a state's serenity was rather simple: "absence of violence." The group focused on homicide rates, percentage of population that is jailed, availability of small arms, number of police officers and overall violent crime rate.

Top 3 Peaceful States:

#1. Maine
#2. New Hampshire
#3. Vermont

Lease Peaceful State:

#50. Louisiana

Maryland was #40. Deleware #36. Virginia #25.

Some good news: According to the USPI, American states are getting MORE peaceful every year!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Josh Wilson




Josh Wilson grew up the son of a preacher in Lubbock, Texas. His debut album Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup became one of 2008's biggest success stories. The album was called “the future of Christian pop." and his songs Savior Please and Before the Morning rocked Christian radio coast to coast. This February, Josh Wilson released See You.

“Faith is being sure of what we hope and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

The tension between faith and sight is what See You is all about. Josh is quite the accomplished musician, playing 20 instruments on the record, including, ukulele, hammered dulcimer, and the glockenspiel!

I Refuse evolved as Josh was reading David Platt’s book, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. While reading the book, Nashville was hit with a huge flood. It was devastating to Josh's community and spurred him to not just cop out with prayer and go along his merry way - but to step out in action to help his community.

Latest Album: See You

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who built an altar out of stone, drenched it with water and then saw it consumed by fire from Heaven?

A: Elijah (1 Kings 18:31-38)

Congratulations, Gary!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Alex Edmonds




Alex Edmonds grew up in Crossett, Arkansas. At just 19 years old, she's quickly risen up the Christian music consciousness! She accepted Christ at just 9 years old during Vacation Bible School one summer. Ever since then, her focus has been on serving God through her greatest love - music.

Even with growing recognition and opportunities, Alex is focussed: "First and foremost my goal is to use the talents God has blessed me with for the enrichment of His Kingdom, that's my utmost priority!"

She also wants to use her position to encourage and reach young girls for Christ - taking up that mantle from the likes of Rebecca St. James, Natalie Grant and Laura Kaczor. Right now she's putting in the time, living on the road visiting and performing at churches. This past year her tour took her over 25,000 miles of the U.S.!

Random Facts: Alex loves Mexican food, plays softball and can totally school you in Battleship!

Latest Album: Alex Edmonds

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Which Patriarch used a stone for a pillow?

A: Jacob (later called Israel) (Genesis 28:11)

Congratulations, Charlene!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Tuesday, April 4, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

What If We Were Real by Mandisa
Genre: Pop

I Will Praise You by Rebecca St. James
Genre: Pop/Praise & Worship

My Brain Says Stop... by FM Static
Genre: Pop/Rock

Inside These Walls by Brandon Bee
Genre: Pop

Feedback by Derek Webb
Genre: Instrumental

Want more deets? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jadon Lavik




Jadon Lavik is a worship leader, a songwriter, a husband and father - he's like you and me, a hundred different things. Just like in life, when writing and recording you hope to find the perfect balance of old and new. You want to be fresh but at the same time comfortable. Some artists pride themselves in shocking the senses with the unexpected, but Jadon put both new and familiar themes and sounds in Art & Soul, his latest project.

“Helpless is right where you want me, and helpless is where I am free.” - Jadon Lavik (from Surrender)

Consistent with Lavik’s seminary background, a refreshing theological proficiency is woven throughout the album. Each song in the 1 Corinthians 13 trilogy: Faith, Hope, and Love present timeless truth on the three attributes indispensable for living effectively in God’s Kingdom. Often times great art is born out of tragedy or difficult seasons of life, but Jadon is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance, “It’s a great season of life right now. We have two amazing little ones, a busy and active ministry life, and I feel so blessed to focus on music and worship in my everyday life.”

Free Song Download and Sheet Music: Click Surrender

How To Play To The Cross:



Latest Album: Art & Soul

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What is the longest chapter in the Bible?

A: Psalm 119 (176 verses!)

Congratulations E-leo!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Monday April 4, 2011

Thanks, again, to everyone who helped out during our Spring Friendraiser last week! The future of Joy! 102.5 is possible because of you! ARTIST OF THE DAY 33 Miles Chris Lockwood and Jason Barton are 33 Miles. After the breakout success of One Life, their first album, founding member Collin Stoddard left the trio to follow God's calling on his life to be a full time worship pastor. Now the duo (Chris and Jason) press on, having created a far richer sophomore album, Today. While the band happily admits their country music roots, don't call them a Raskal Flatts clone! They worked hard to bring a more distinguishable sound to the new album. Latest Album: Today Want More? CLICK HERE Scriptural Pursuit Q: In Revelation, what color horse did Death ride? A: Pale (or pale green in some translations) (Revelation 6:8) Congratulations, Steve!