Thursday, January 20, 2011

Thursday, January 20, 2011

I don't watch American Idol - even the tryouts. But its back. Apparently.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Among The Thirsty




Among The Thirsty is from Clearwater, FL. Their goal? Create awesome, God focussed music that can reach every generation. That shows a lot of maturity for a band of four guys in their early 20s.

Their Credo:
“Our purpose is to present a unique style of the Gospel to the world through our music. We strive to live a life that is worthy of God's presence, to proclaim the Majesty and Holiness of Christ with our gifts, and to speak words of hope and life to all those who are searching and hurting. We make a strong effort to be straight forward with the gospel and not to be timid when sharing the Good News. All these talents and gifts have been given by the grace of God and from a heart of thankfulness we continue to Thirst for more of Him."

Latest Album: Wonder

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What kind of angels did Isaiah see in the Temple praising God? (Hint: They had 6 wings)

A: Seraphim (Isaiah 6:1-6)

Congratulations, Chloe!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

There's a term for folks who are into the posh-food scene. They are called "foodies." While I'm not a foodie, I'd love to be able to afford to be one! Every year there are trends in food - just like clothes and cars and pretty much anything anyone sells. The idea behind a trend is to create the need to replace something that is probably just fine - but since we live in a consumer based society, we have to sell something!

Here are some food trends for 2011:

* Expect to see Coconut Water in the hands of celebrities. It is pretty much an all natural sports drink (think frou-frou Gatoraid). Low in calories, refreshing and all natural doesn't sound bad to me...

* Gluten-free grains and cereals will pop up. While most of us aren't allergic to gluten (a protein found in wheat), designer grains sound fancy in a dish. I like gluten. Maybe it will go on sale now ...

* Because of a burgeoning market of Food Trucks - expect to find more ethnic "fast food." Kabobs, hummus, tempura fried - anything mildly exotic might become standard fare at what used to just be Taco Trucks.

* Thai Iced Tea will show up under the Beverages section of many menus. While it is a refreshing fruity drink - its loaded with sugar so trick yourself into thinking it is a health drink.

*
Prepare for the word "Artisian" to crop up at the grocery store. Cheeses, bacons, breads - all specially crafted in order to cost more. They might be more delicious than crescent rolls and cheddar - but you will pay through the snobby nose for them!

*
The age of the almond ends with people turning to seeds. Especially sunflower seeds offer healthy omega-3 fats just like almonds and salmon. Doesn't flax-seed sound delicious?

* Macarons (little puffy meringue sandwich cookies - not the coconut based macaroons) are the replacement for the cupcake fad. They have fewer calories than cupcakes, but its like biting into sugar flavored air.

So if you are an aspiring foodie - learn the lingo - try the food - and most importantly to the foodie subculture - blog about it and talk incessantly about the foreign delicacies you have partaken until you have no friends left.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Sara Groves




This Minnesota girl (originally from New Jersey) is a former teacher whose gift for songwriting has propelled her life to a very different place than creating lesson plans. Respected by her CCM peers, songwriters and producers - Sara's emotive and honest songs have captivated audiences from incredibly diverse walks of life.

Fireflies & Songs features songs that take a more personal look than any of her albums before. Now a married mother of three, balancing life with music leads to a passionate and poignant picture of life - the struggles and successes.

In 2005 she and her husband Troy led a group from their church down to New Orleans to help the community of Slidell after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the area. I personally remember her visiting and can tell you that her act of service impacted many lives that week.

Latest Album: Fireflies & Songs

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What prophet had his lips touched with a live coal by a seraph (angel)?

A: Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5-7)

Congratulations, Melissa!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

I am tired of being cold - how about you?

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY:

Leaving Eden
by Brandon Heath | Genre: Adult Contemporary
*featuring the hit song "Your Love"

The Legacy Project
by John P. Kee | Genre: Gospel

Want More? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
David Crowder Band



All the Wackos live in Waco ...

Including David Crowder and company. DCB was born out of a need for an authentic worship experience at Baylor University. David Crowder and Chris Seay founded University Baptist Church in 1995 - while still in school. The church grew - and so did the worship team. Crowder began writing songs to incorporate into the worship times at the church and eventually the church released an independent CD, Pour Over Me.

After appearances at summer festivals and regional events, Sparrow Records signed the band who would go on to be a leader in the Passion movement and challenge what worship music could be. At a time when many worship artists were sticking to the G,C,D acoustic chord progression, David Crowder Band delved into bluegrass, folk, alternative, and worship, woven together with a touch of electronic ambience.

After the HUGE success of Illuminate, the band released an electronica EP called Sunsets & Sushi, putting a new spin on their hit worship songs. And with A Collsion, the band released B Collision, featuring bluegrass and country remakes of their latest hits.

Latest Album: Church Music

Want More? CLICK HERE

Check Out The SMS [Shine] Music Video:



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Where was the first church that appointed deacons?

A: Jerusalem (Acts 6:1-7)

Congratulations to Joseph - a first time winner!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Monday, January 17, 2011

I half-watched part of the Golden Globes last night. I'm not sure why I watched. I haven't seen most of the movies, tv shows or mini-series that were nominated - much less won. There's just something about "celebrity" that draws me in. It has me questioning whether I unconsciously worship these famous people. I guess idolatry is alive and well...

I probably should have been reading The Manna instead ...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
John Mandeville




John Mandeville is one of Christian music's most acclaimed songwriters, writing and producing hits for artists such as Avalon, 4HIM, Point of Grace, and Tammy Trent, among others. Prior to his 2009 solo hit “Glorify,” Mandeville was awarded six certified Gold Records, wrote multiple #1 songs, and was nominated for three Dove Awards for Song of the Year with “Jesus Will Still Be There,” which was included in CCM Magazine’s 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music.

It seemed like John had it all, but as his star was rising, his world came crumbling around him. Family troubles, financial hardships and personal demons all came crashing down on the Mandevilles. John says that it was only through worship and faith that they managed to come out on the other side. His debut solo album "We Belong To Heaven" is filled with the story of that faith.

Latest Album: We Belong To Heaven

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What New Testament Church received Epistles (published letters) from two different Apostles?

A: Ephesus (Paul wrote Ephesians & John writes to the Church in Revelation 2)

Friday, January 14, 2011

Friday, January 14, 2011

Are you headed to worship this weekend? If you need a place to worship - to be loved on and to grow in your walk with Christ, visit our Area Church Directory!

ARTIST OF THE DA
Y
Shane & Shane




“The ministry of Shane & Shane is to just tell people about Jesus,” explains Shane Barnard.

These Texans average over 250 shows a year. Constant touring and ministry can be quite a drain on relationships, but these best friends have a lot of fun - and they bring their families on the road with them as much as possible. Shane Barnard and his wife Bethany Dillon (also a Christian recording artist) just welcomed their first child into the ever growing family circus that is Shane & Shane.

Latest Album: Everything Is Different

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit


Q: Who brought to Jesus the boy with the fishes and loaves?

A: Andrew (John 6:8-9)

Congratulations, Joe of Delmar!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Thursday, January 13, 2011

This morning Debbie (General Manager) and Rodney (Program Director) prepared breakfast for the staff. It was delicious, but also a tremendous act of service to all of us hungry staffers! They were Jesus to us this morning by cooking, cleaning and spending time investing in us. It was a wonderful time to laugh and be blessed.

It's also a source of inspiration for all of us to serve one another. We know how it feels to be blessed - so now our job is to go out and bless as many others as we can. Imagine if all Christ followers actually did what Jesus demonstrated - serve others. The one person in all of human history who actually had the right be to self-serving chose to be a servant to those who hated him - and eventually killed him. May we have that kind of love for the people God has placed in our lives.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Sanctus Real




Proof that some good things can come from Toledo! Sanctus Real formed in 1996, and the band released three independent albums over five years. After signing with Sparrow Records in 2002 things really took off with a string of successful albums, tours, and radio singles. Their album Fight the Tide won two Dove Awards! They've since gone on to release a couple more award winning albums and taken over Christian radio with a string of big hits.

Latest Album: Pieces of A Real Heart

Want More?
CLICK HERE

Here's the Music Video for Lead Me:



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who was the first to preach to the intellectuals in Athens, Greece?

A: Paul (Acts 17)

Congratulations Heidi of Greenwood, DE!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Snow cream has been a big topic online - since so much of the US is getting the white stuff, I guess making homemade ice cream out of it is a good idea. I don't like snow cream very much. It's a texture thing. But if you want to make it (and live north of Salisbury - where we only got a dusting last night):



ARTIST OF THE DAY
Casting Crowns




In just six years Casting Crowns has wracked up 4.5 million album sales, a GRAMMY Award, an American Music Award, 23 Dove Awards and 8 chart-topping radio singles! Even with such success the band still resides just outside of Atlanta and lead worship for their church's youth ministry.

The band recently got to perform their new single "Glorious Day" on Fox News' Huckabee! Governor Huckabee also interviewed lead singer and Pastor Mark Hall about the group’s dedication to student and family ministry in Atlanta and how this unique balance of careers inspires Casting Crowns’ blockbuster hit songs and platinum-selling albums.

Random Fact: Mark Hall had a Han Solo Frozen in Carbonite desk in his home office, which he recently auctioned off for charity.

Latest Album: Until The Whole World Hears

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Which apostle was baptized by a man named Ananias?

A: Paul (Acts 9:10-18)

Congratulations Lance!