Tuesday, November 9, 2010

November sweeps - a dangerous time for television addicts.

Everyone wants to drum up viewer loyalty before shows go on hiatus until the beginning of 2011. It's a time where shows bust out big named guest stars and throw in a mid-season cliff hanger to get you to return next year. They know that people are very busy during the holidays and choose not to compete. Plus they want to be with their families too!

At Joy 102.5, you ARE OUR FAMILY! We look forward to spending Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years with you. We'll be here playing great music (and some Christmas music in December), playing your favorite contests, and enjoying this season together!

New Release Tuesday
What's New In Christian Music?!

Moving Pictures
by tobyMac | Genre: Video/DVD

Yahweh DVD
by Hillsong Chapel | Genre: Video/DVD

God Be Praised
by Gateway Worship | Genre: Praise & Worship

Very Merry Christmas
by Dave Barnes | Genre: Christmas

And More: CLICK HERE

102.5 Shore Things
Getting to Know the Eastern Shore!

#98. Smith Island cruise

Smith Island, Maryland was discovered by Captain John Smith in 1608. This is the state of Maryland’s only inhabited offshore island. Today Smith Island Maryland is known for its awesome crabcakes, fun cruises, amazing scenery, wildlife, awesome day trips and of course, their world famous Smith Island Cakes. Cruises leave from Crisfield Maryland and Point Lookout, Maryland.

Learn more: http://smithislandcruises.com/

#97. Bargain Bill's ($5 pizza)

Got something to add to the list? Time is running out to add to it!
Email me: jmillwood@wolc.org

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Atmospheres



Atmospheres is the worship ministry at C3 Church Asheville, NC. C3 is a one-year-old church in the not-so-urban heart of the North Carolina mountains who, despite tripling in size in merely twelve month’s time, still boasts only 300 members.

The group is fronted by Steve Deal, a native of Australia who served at a C3 church in Lawrenceville, GA before heading to Appalachia. Stephen von Heyking relocated from Calgary, Alberta, Canada to join Steve with the intent of building upon an already urgent and unconventional musical culture in the North Carolina Mountains.

Want more from the Atmospheres? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who was the first hunter in the Bible?

A: Nimrod (Genesis 10:9)

Monday, November 8, 2010

Thanksgiving is rushing towards us (2 1/2 weeks), and I am thrilled to welcome back the Holiday season! Thanksgiving is all about family for me. And it will be my daughter's first Thanksgiving - which makes it extra special for my family. We have so much to be thankful for, even though we've just gone through a tremendous season of change in our lives.

Throughout my many Thanksgivings, it is the years where there was little - when times were the hardest - that I remember most fondly. That must be a God thing. Did you know that people give more generously during hard times than during times of plenty? I think when we are accountable to our blessings is when we are most thankful for them.

So how has God taken care of you this past year? Was it hard? In those hardships did you see God better? That's generally been my experience. One thing is for sure - this Thanksgiving, I am so thankful for my WOLC family. The staff and management - and especially the listening family! Thanks for welcoming me and my family. Thanks for becoming our new family!

PS,
I also get very sentimental during the last couple of months of the year ...

102.5 Shore Things
Getting to Know the Eastern Shore!

#97. Bargain Bill's ($5 pizza)

Bargain Bill's Flea Market in Laurel, DE was listed by Good Housekeeping Magazine as one of the top 50 flea markets in the U.S.! They have 15 acres of stuff - plus there's a culture to Bargain Bill's that you don't soon forget, and it keeps you coming back for more! Plus, a listener told me they have the best $5 pizza in the world!

Got something to add to the list? Tiem is running out to add to it!
Email me: jmillwood@wolc.org

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Pocket Full Of Rocks



PFoR have been recording and touring since 1995, but just under the radar. Then Michael W. Smith caught wind of one of their songs (Let It Rain). He recorded it for his platinum-certified album Worship. Phillips, Craig & Dean took notice of another song (Let The Worshippers Arise) and recorded it for their worship record.

But Pocket Full Of Rocks is more than just a song factory! They released their debut Song To The King in 2006 to critical praise, followed by Manifesto in 2007 and this year's release More Than Noise!

Currently the band is enjoying some radio success and opening up for Todd Agnew all across the country for An Evening of Worship Tour.

Latest Album: More Than Noise

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What Old Testament person's name means "laughter"?

A: Isaac (Genesis 21:3-6)
His mother thought it funny that she was raising a baby in her 90's.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Random thought leading into the weekend:
What is with the Eastern Shore's love affair with yard sales? They are everywhere, all the time. Most of the stuff is still in the box it came in from Walmart.

102.5 Shore Things
Getting to Know the Eastern Shore!

#96. Punkin' Chunkin'

Catapulting pumpkins in a field. 'nuf said.
This might be the most fun thing on the list yet! The 25th Annual Punkin' Chunkin' is THIS WEEKEND!

Learn more: punkinchunkin.com

#95. National Outdoor Show
#94. Return Day: Georgetown, DE
#93. Delmarvacade
#92. Geo Caching

Got something to add to the list? Email me: jmillwood@wolc.org

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Shaun Groves



Shaun’s own salvation story began at the age of six with a dash down the aisle during an altar call given by a fiery revival meeting preacher. Shaun’s decision that day was fueled by fear; he knew he needed to be saved from eternal separation from God. But that knowledge alone didn’t bring Shaun peace.

At age 12 Shaun found the peace he was missing when he learned that God actually loved him. Fueled with a strengthening relationship with Christ, Shaun developed a love for music that propelled the weakest member of the school band all the way to the first chair, and on to a full music scholarship at Baylor University.

The life plan Shaun created at Baylor made sense: marry his sweetheart Becky, become a church minister and write Christian songs on the side. But an internship with a Nashville music publisher led to a job, and that led to interest around town in his singing and songwriting. Shaun signed a recording contract at the end of 2000, just a week before the birth of the couple’s first child.

“One CD,” he thought, and then he’d get back to his original plan. But Shaun was surprised by success. His 2001 debut Invitation to Eavesdrop scored five songs on the charts and a half dozen Dove Award nominations, including New Artist and Song of the Year for Welcome Home. He was soon touring coast to coast and around the world with Bebo Norman, Jars of Clay and Michael W. Smith. “New plan,” he thought.

But after a few years of working the music scene, and rarely seeing his family, Shaun found himself doubting the trajectory of life. After becoming involved with Compassion International, Shaun found his special purpose. He and his family began working with families in El Salvador (through CI) and speaking at churches around the US, bringing light to the situation.


Learn more about Shaun Groves HERE!

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What prophet was taken to Heaven in a chariot of fire?

A: Elijah (2 Kings 2:11)

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Gloomy weather can put me in a bad mood. Sometimes little things can get blown out of proportion just because that is where my head and heart are - ready to pounce! Thankfully we have Holy Spirit in our lives to bring calm, level-headedness.

But it isn't that hard to ignore God when we really want to feel self-pity. Thankfully the Bible teaching and great Christian music on Joy! 102.5 can refocus our hearts - even on gloomy days.

102.5 Shore Things
Getting to Know the Eastern Shore!

#95. National Outdoor Show

The Outdoor Show is held in Dorchester County each year with the goal of preserving Dorchester County's heritage by recognizing its resources and spot-lighting the people who carry out unique talents in their way of life. Want to learn how to prepare and cook muskrat? Enjoy beauty and talent competitions? Are you a competitive oyster shucker? Plus - log sawing competitions, raffles, pole skinning and more! Pencil the National Outdoor Show onto your calendar! February 25-26 in Golden Hill, MD!

Learn more: CLICK HERE

#94. Return Day: Georgetown, DE
#93. Delmarvacade
#92. Geo Caching

Got something to add to the list? Email me: jmillwood@wolc.org

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Marshall Hall



Marshall Hall is a gifted singer and songwriter, with several solo projects, but he's best known as one of the rotating members of the Gaither Vocal Band. This year he signed a new record deal with Daywind Records, to return to his first love, Southern Gospel music.

Marshall grew up in Lexington, KY - where his family’s life was centered around the church and their faith.

“My dad was a pastor before I came along, and if the church doors were open - the Halls were there,” he laughs.

He also found a spot as a back-up singer on projects for recording artists John Tesh, Clay Walker and Carman, among others. He has written songs for several Gaither videos, as well as for Salvador, Point of Grace, fellow Gaither Vocal Band member David Phelps and the Vocal Band.

Check out his music: CLICK HERE
Check out his ministry: CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Which Apostle had his chains removed by an angel?

A: Peter (Acts 12:6-7)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Politicians love to use buzz words.
"Hope."
"Change."
They grab your attention and are used frequently (usually out of context). The truth is that politics will only ever do so much. If you want real hope and real change - that is a heart condition. It's something that only comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

So while we can be responsible and vote and participate with our government, be sure you place your hope in Jesus. He's the only one who will not let you down.

102.5 Shore Things
Getting to Know the Eastern Shore!

#94. Return Day: Georgetown, DE

It's a custom that began in the 18th century - the day after the election, Georgetown, DE hosts a county wide festival while the returns are counted. 2010 Return Day is actually tomorrow. After the parade, Delaware's political leaders on the Main Stage on The Circle in front of the historic Sussex County Courthouse (circa 1837) will gather to hear the Town Crier deliver the returns from the Courthouse balcony.
Want the full History? CLICK HERE

#93. Delmarvacade
#92. Geo Caching

Got something to add to the list? Email me: jmillwood@wolc.org

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Matt Redman



Matt Redman is married to Beth and they have five children; Maisey, Noah, Rocco, Jackson and Levi. Based in Atlanta they are part of Passion City Church with pastors Louie and Shelley Giglio.
This is the third church plant Matt has been involved with, having previously been on the team for Soul Survivor,Watford, and The Point in the UK.

On May 22nd of this year, Matt became an intergalactic worship leader, when the crew of the STS-132 and International Space Station chose his song Shine to be there wake-up music. That's right - Matt Redman's songs in SPACE!

His early compositions include The Heart of Worship, Better is One Day and Once Again. More recent songs have included ‘Blessed Be Your Name’ and ‘You Never Let Go’ – both written with wife Beth and encouraging us to worship God through the storms of life.

As Matt explains, “Blessed Be Your Name is a declaration of something which we’ve both found to true in the tough seasons of life – that to worship God and trust Him no matter what will always be the best path to take."

Matt is also the author of three books which all center around the theme of worship. The Unquenchable Worshipper unpacks what a healthy heart of worship might look like, and how that translates into the lives we lead.
Facedown explores how we can paint a big picture of God through our songs and actions.
The third book, Blessed Be Your Name, co-authored with Beth, is an encouragement to trust in the sovereignty and goodness of God, even when to do so seems costly.
Matt has also compiled two other books – The Heart of Worship Files and Inside-Out Worship - practical worship-leading advice from many experienced leaders around the globe.

Want more Matt Redman? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What food was/is taken as a sign of the deliverance of the Hebrews from Egypt?

A: Unleavened Bread (Exodus 13:7-9)
Personally, I prefer my bread with yeast ... and hot ... and covered in butter ...

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

This is a great time of the year to take stock of our many blessings. Even in the hardest years of my life, I can look back and see God's presence and providence. If this is one of those kind of years for you, my prayer is that even if you can't see Him now, you will one day look back and know God is holding you right now.

One of my favorite Irving Berlin songs says to "count your blessings, instead of sheep..." So tonight, talk to God and thank Him for everything that comes to mind! Even ask the Spirit to reveal to you all of the blessings in your life.

New Release Tuesday
What's New in Christian Music!

feedback
by Derek Webb | Genre: Praise & Worship

Advent Christmas Vol. 2
by Future of Forestry | Genre: Alternative

Heaven Meets Earth
by Christopher Hopper | Genre: Praise & Worship

Voyage (Single)
by Scott Krippayne | Genre: Adult Contemporary
Scott's brand new song inspired by the upcoming The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Oh, and there's more ... CLICK HERE

102.5 Shore Things
Getting to Know the Eastern Shore!

#93. Delmarvacade

This annual marching band competition happens the last weekend in October every year on the Shore. A fan of marching bands? Then you don't want to miss this. Not a fan of marching bands? This might not be for you ...

#92. Geo Caching

Got something to add to the list? Email me: jmillwood@wolc.org

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Virginia Hill



Virginia Hill is no stranger to the performing arts. Her mom (Judy Buffum) and sister (Tammy Trent) are both also recording artists. Competition breeds excellence - Iron sharpens iron - sibling rivalry - one or more of those probably motivates Virginia every day!

Virginia’s musical gifts blossomed quietly in the background, revealed only through her church choir and school musical productions during her younger years. She actively participates with her Church music ministry, but it wasn't until after her two sons became teenagers, did she take the time to record a demo record of her own music.

Virginia speaks as well as she sings and plays, and her encouraging message of hope seems to strike a chord with every audience. Now with two albums under her belt (LOL and Truth & Love) she's traveling, singing and speaking all over the country! Years of sitting quietly before Him, guitar in hand and an open Bible at her feet, all come to beautiful fruition now in her sensitive ministry to all ages. Virginia Hill is ready to serve, to be His instrument, for such a time as this.

Want more Virginia Hill? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who set up 12 stones as a sign of God's parting of the Jordan River?

A: Joshua (Joshua 4:6)

Monday, November 1, 2010

Happy November!
It's All Saints Day, the start of a new month (which includes Thanksgiving), and today is the kick-off of a recent tradition called No-Shave November!

It's a time for manliness ... or at the very least, scruffiness. The goal of No-Shave November is not to save money on shaving cream, but rather create an army of masculinity! I have my suspicions it was started to freak out a lot of wives and mothers worried about Holiday season family pictures.

So I'm trying it out. We'll see how far I get. I'm betting maybe a week and a half before my wife holds me down and shaves off my weak mustache.

102.5 Shore Things
Getting to Know the Eastern Shore!

#92. Geo Caching

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. According to one adventurous listener, there are 30 Geocaching sites on Delmarva! Want to learn more about this fun hobby? CLICK HERE

Got something to add to the list? Email me: jmillwood@wolc.org

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Bart Millard



Not only is this crooner the lead singer of MercyMe (arguably the most popular act in Christian music today) but he writes and produces for a variety of other artists, and has a couple solo projects under his belt.

Bart Millard's "Hymned" and "Hymned Again" records are a collection of his favorite church songs growing up, with a vintage, southern church style. It's a little bit honkey-tonk, and a lot worshipful. In 2008, Hymned Again earned Millard his first solo Grammy nomination for "Best Southern, Country, or Gospel Album"!

Hymned was a tribute to his grandmother, but the sequel was inspired by his three kids who really enjoyed worshiping to the first album. He saw it as an opportunity to introduce another generation to some amazing 19th century worship songs.

Want more Bart Millard? CLICK HERE
Or check out his other band, MercyMe. CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who prophesied about a virgin conceiving a child as a sign of God's presence?

A: Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14)