Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Years Eve!

Here are some tips to actually keeping your New Years' Resolutions:

1. Be realistic - Pick achievable goals.

2. Celebrate the successes - When you celebrate your accomplishment, you reinforce your determination to continue.

3. Write them down - You are far more likely to keep your resolutions when you simply write them down.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
MeryMe



Can you believe it has been over eleven years since we were introduced to I Can Only Imagine? It was a game changing, cross-over, worshipful, heartfelt hit that sent a long touring worship band out of obscurity and into the stratosphere! And even with the incredible success MercyMe has had over the past decade - you will be hard pressed to find a more humble group of guys who are genuinely interested in leading every audience before the throne of God.

These guys have been leading the Body of Christ in worship ever since they formed in Greenville, TX back in 1994! Since their debut they have been responsible for 22 number one radio hits!

Latest Album: The Generous Mr. Lovewell
Want More? CLICK HERE

Thursday, December 30, 2010

New Years' Eve is a weird holiday. I've never really had one of those quintessential movie-like New Years' where everyone cheers at midnight while at some fancy black tie party and then kisses someone around them. That always seemed as awkward as mistletoe to me.
Usually I was at a church event, or a friend's house or just home in my pajamas. One year I actually had a girlfriend break up with me New Years' Eve afternoon. Fortunately I had a really great friend who invited me over and we watched movies all night so that I wouldn't feel so alone.
Ever since I've been married, New Years has much improved. I always have someone who I am excited to spend the next year with there by my side. Still, usually we are in our pajamas and I almost always have to wake her up after she drifts off to sleep around 10:45. The sentiment of ringing in the new year is a great mirror of Grace. The idea of a fresh start is enticing to all of us fallen beings. But a calendar doesn't provide that forgiveness that we all know deep down we need. That can only come from Jesus.
So celebrate the dawn of 2011! Whether you will be alone or with a group of friends or a spouse - thank God for the gift of a new year. As Irving Berlin once said, "..count your blessings instead of sheep, and you'll fall asleep counting your blessings."

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Brenton Brown



Brenton has an unusual story. He grew up in Cape Town, South Africa. Studied in Oxford (Rhodes Scholar), England. And now lives in Malibu, California. While studying in England, Brenton Brown became one of the young worship leaders for the very first Vineyard UK. But just when life seemed to be roaring down the highway of success, Brown fell ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and was forced to leave his position as worship pastor and take a sabbatical in his South African home town. It was there that he married Jude - also ill with CFS.

Brenton then recorded and released his album Everlasting God. Realizing that a change in pace and lifestyle might assist their recovery in 2005 the Browns reluctantly left London and their home church of Holy Trinity Brompton for California. Since then they have been welcomed into the Horizon family of churches and have traveled across the States and beyond leading worship in churches as far afield as Sweden and Korea. 2008 saw the arrival of a baby daughter named Bella.

Songs By Brenton Brown That You Probably Know:
Lord Reign in Me
All who are Thirsty
Come Now Is The Time
Hungry
Everlasting God

Latest Album: Adoration

New Album: Our God Is Near (Coming in March 2011!)

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What Old Testament word means "anointed"?

A: Messiah

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

There's not much time left in 2010.
Do you have any goals scheduled for this year that you can still accomplish?
Sure - losing 20 lbs isn't going to happen in 56 hours, but what about cleaning out that closet or garage?
You could still do that this year!
Perhaps you need to take a load of stuff to Goodwill - load up the car!
Don't delay if you want to end 2010 with a clean slate!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Sixpence None The Richer



There weren't many movies made in the 1990s that did NOT feature Sixpence's mega-hit "Kiss Me." It was a massive crossover success that the band utilized to play for a broader audience than their bluesy Christian roots would have normally ever allowed. Toss in some great Christmas music, several Christian radio hits and plenty of awards and nominations and you get a career that has quietly been impacting lives for nearly two decades.

Their quirky name comes from a passage in CS Lewis' Mere Christianity. Leigh Nash explained it on the Late Show with David Letterman:

It comes from a book by C. S. Lewis called Mere Christianity. A little boy asks his father if he can get a sixpence—a very small amount of English currency—to go and get a gift for his father. The father gladly accepts the gift and he's really happy with it, but he also realizes that he's not any richer for the transaction. C.S. Lewis was comparing that to his belief that God has given him, and us, the gifts that we possess, and to serve Him the way we should, we should do it humbly—realizing how we got the gifts in the first place.

Latest Album: Strange Conversation (due out in 2011)

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What Old Testament word means "anointed"?

A: No correct answer yet ... we'll try again tomorrow!
(The New Testament word for "anointed" is Christ)

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

So ... what'd you get for Christmas?

That was the perrenial question upon return to school after Christmas break. That was the key indicator of how good a break you had. That question evolves into the adult question of "How was your Christmas?" but it still pretty much means the same thing. Just add in curiosity about travel or any particularly hystical or dramatic family happenings.

So how was your Christmas?

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Big Daddy Weave



BDW has been around for a decade now - and a fast one it was! Their latest release What Life Would Be Like is the band's fifth studio release! This album in particular is all about communicating their hearts in a straightforward, raw way.

“We all grew up in church,” Mike explains. “That is awesome, and I’m thankful for it, but there is also some baggage that comes with that. We grew up hearing people talk about grace, but there seemed to be an unspoken law that said, ‘but you also have to do this, this, this, this, and this.’ Nobody ever said it out loud, but I saw how people who didn’t do ‘this, this, this, this, and this’ were treated. Now truly, you will know a tree by its fruit, but that’s not grace. With What Life Would Be Like we are ripping up our old expectations to get to a place where we can receive the heart of God.”

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: What substance was usually used for anointing in Israel?

A: Olive Oil

Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

This year I have watched far fewer Christmas movies and specials than is usual for me. Probably because I've never before had an 11 month old to chase around. I sort of miss it, to tell the truth. I didn't watch Elf or A Charlie Brown Christmas or any of the Tim Allen Santa Clause movies. I did catch a few Christmas episodes of my favorite shows, but I missed out on Home Alone and Christmas Vacation!

Those movies don't define Christmas for me, of course. But Christmas is special because it is an ever evolving collection of Christmasses past. Those memories (which we see through rose colored glasses) paint the picture of what Christmas truly means to us. For me, it is a compilation of experiences with friends and family. That is what I most love about the season. I love the memories of people I love. Jesus being first and foremost on that list - but it isn't wrong to love Christmas for more than the birth of Christ. May you have a marvelous Christmas. Know that you are loved by your Savior - and your family here at Joy.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Anointed



Da'dra and Steve were born and raised in Columbus, Ohio; two of nine children in a strong, church-going family where musical gifts were taken as a given. When they were hardly more than toddlers they were already singing with their extended family group, the Crawford Singers, which included their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins on all vocals and instruments, performing in and around the Columbus area.

Anointed has always been renowned and celebrated for its singular gift at breaking down barriers of genre, styles and markets while building a broad, multi-ethnic following in the process. The group has won seven Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards and three Grammy Award nominations. Brother and sister Steve and Da'dra still helm the group, Nee-C and Mary having left in the early 2000's. Their latest album Now Is The Time spotlights their songwriting like never before. Except for a tribute recording to Andre Crouch - the entire album was written by the duo.

Latest Album: Now Is The Time

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: According to Jeremiah's vision, where would the new Covenant between God and man be written?

A: On men's hearts! (Jeremiah 31:33)

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Christmas Eve-Eve-Eve!

Just a couple of days left until the big day. And then the misery that is January ...

I wonder if ABC Family will launch a digital cable channel called 365 Days of Christmas?

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Shannon Wexelberg



Shannon grew up sitting at the piano with her grandmother. She was a natural and by the age of 11 she was up front playing piano for her church praise team and writing and singing her first worship songs. Aside from classical training, her piano teacher had a heart for worship that she passed on to her student. Her family also started paying regular visits to a nursing home in their area over dinner hour, singing for the elderly – a precious & most gracious audience. It was Shannon on the piano, her Mom on guitar, and her Dad, brother, Mom and herself on vocals.

Her passion for worship grew as she attended Christ for the Nations and began writing, playing piano and leading worship for their annual worship recordings and morning chapels. Shannon also traveled several summers with CFNI's 'Living Praise' - a music ministry group - and later went on staff in CFNI's music department, arranging and writing for their recordings and directing their praise band. She has also been a member of the Maranatha! Praise Band and taught as a clinician for their Worship Leader Workshops. She is grateful to have had the chance to write and record three worship albums of her own as well as to have written for and recorded with many other individuals and ministries including: Paul Baloche, Jared Andersen, Charles Billingsley, Scott Krippayne, The Desperation Band, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Integrity Music, Christ for the Nations, Discovery House Music, RBC Ministries, Word Entertainment, Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss and many others.

Christmas Album: Love Came For Me

Latest Album: I Have A Song

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What smooth-skinned man disguised himself to pass as his hairy brother?

A: Jacob (Genesis 27)

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Merry Christmas!

It's just a few days away and my stocking is taunting me.

Want a free Chick-Fil-A Spicy Chicken Biscuit? Of course you do!
Click the pic to find out more!



New Release Tuesday:
What's New in Christian Music?

Nothing new until 2011, but here's a glimpse at what is coming next year...

Kristian Stanfill, Brandon Heath, Hawk Nelson, Hillsong United, Josh Wilson, Tenth Avenue North, Sixpence None the Richer ... and that's all before taxes are due!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jason Gray



Jason Gray is from Minnesota (Ducks fly together!). It's cold in Minnesota. He spent six years in youth ministry before going into full time music ministry in 1999. Jason grew up with a stutter and has used his speech handicap as a testimony of how God can use anyone to do anything, even when we don't think we can be of use.

Besides writing and performing his own music, he has collaborated with many other artists including Sara Groves, Andrew Peterson, Joel Hanson, Jason Ingram and more! (Sara and Joel are also from Minnesota) Jason and his wife Taya have three children and live in southern Minnesota (where it is is still cold, even if they call it the "south").

Christmas Album: Featured in Bethlehem Skyline Vol 1 & 2

Latest Album: Everything Sad is Coming Untrue

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who suggested to Moses that he appoint judges so that he would not have to judge all cases himself?

A: Jethro, Moses' Father-In-Law (Exodus 18)

Monday, December 20, 2010

Around Christmastime I find myself fighting between hoping for the future and wanting time to slow down. It is so very hard for me to live in the moment. Last night Elena and I watched The Nativity Story for the first time. It was very good. Aside from a few extra-Biblical plot devices and Catholic traditions, it was remarkably well done. At the end of the movie, when Jesus was born and the shephards and wise men show up to worship the King, the filmakers did a great job of capturing the look of awe on Jospeh and Mary's face. It was that human touch that made the movie special for me.
As a relatively new dad (my daughter is 11 months old), I remember how time seemed to stop as I looked at my baby's face for the first time. I was overwhelmed with emotion just imagining what it must have been like to look at Jesus when he was just a newborn baby. How much hope, awe and fear? How much love, peace and joy? One thing we want to always do at Joy is invite you to be in awe of God. Christmas is a wonderful cultural celebration, filled with lights, music, family and friends - but it is also a sacred time. Imagine the baby Jesus. Heaven's hope, as fragile as any newborn child. Thank you, Jesus.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Wayne Watson



Wayne Watson By The Numbers:
23 #1 radio hits!
12 Dove Awards!
2 Grammy nominations!
Performed on the Tonight Show with Sandi Patti
Featured on Touched By An Angel

Weird But True: Wayne originally planned to pursue a career playing baseball

Christmas Album: King Of Kings

Latest Album: Even This

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What bird did John the Revelator hear crying in a loud voice, "Woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth"?

A: An eagle (Revelation 8:13)

Friday, December 17, 2010

Christmastime is here. Happiness and debt.

If the holidays has you overspending, be sure to listen daily to Money Life! 2:30 PM weekday afternoons, just before the Joy Ride! It is practical, Godly, and encouraging.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Avalon



Avalon has been a Christian music staple for over 15 years. To their credit: 21 #1 radio hits, 6 Dove Awards, 3 Grammy nominations and even an American Music Award! They could just put out greatest hits albums and tour, singing old songs for another 20 years - but noooo, they went out and nabbed uber-producer Ian Eskelin to breathe some new life into their music. That proves that these singers are artists and performers committed to growth.

The group has featured many different singers over the years:

Current members

* Janna Long
* Greg Long
* Jeremi Richardson
* Amy Richardson

Former Members

* Rikk Kittleman
* Tabitha Fair
* Nikki Anders
* Cherie Adams
* Michael Passons
* Jody McBrayer
* Melissa Greene

Christmas Album: Joy
Latest Album: Reborn

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: In what body of water was Jesus baptized by his cousin, John?

A: The Jordan River (Matthew 3:13)

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Christmas food is wonderful. It's rich, sweet, and abundant!

Today I was greeted with a taste of the fantastical: a dark-chocolate, bacon candy bar. Yes. Bacon.
It was amazing and also a little bit gross.
Still, I find myself wanting more ...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
David Phelps



David Phelps comes from a Mayberry-esque childhood. Raised in Toball, TX (outside of Houston) by a CPA and an English professor, David experienced a protected community fueled childhood filled with school and church. His parents nurtured music in their children. David performed for his high school talent show as a freshman, and his natural ability to captivate an audience sent him propelling into an arts driven life.

He earned a music degree from Baylor University and then snagged a spot in the legendary Gaither Vocal Band. David Phelps continues along his journey hoping to be more and more like Christ. He records, performs and spends as much time with his wife Lori and their four children. David also got to be on an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

Christmas Album: Christmas With David Phelps

Latest Album: The Best Of David Phelps

Random Fact: David Phelps has performed in both Carnegie Hall and the White House

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What prophet, who lived in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, had visions of a flying scroll and a gold lamp stand?

A: Zechariah

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Have you ever been in Sam's during the holidays? I imagine Costco would provide a similar experience. They bump up the samples! It's like a Christmas feast in a series of small plastic cups. So if you get hungry while you are out doing a little Christmas shopping - grab that Sam's Club card and eat hearty!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Peder Eide



For over a decade, Peder Eide has led Christ-centered praise and worship for youth conferences, festivals, camps, churches and any other venues students and their families have gathered. For Peder, it's all about effective communication as we draw closer to God and closer to one another.

His passion is for teaching families to worship together and to truly learn the power of praying for one another. He works to unite parents and children, siblings, and spouses - all in worship. Instead of separating the generations for worship, he aims to bring everyone together, blending many styles of music so that no one feels left out.

As an active artist/spokesperson for Compassion International, Peder is humbled to have seen thousands of third world children sponsored through his ministry. He has also experienced the joy of his own family sponsoring many children.

Peder, along with his wonderful wife Sherri, have further invested in the needs children by internationally adopting two beautiful kids of their own, Makenzie and Teshome. Combined with their three biological treasures Taylor, Allison, and Ethan, the Eide's have uniquely tasted worship together and have truly seen the goodness of the Lord.

Christmas Album: Perfect Surprise
Latest Album: Taste And See
Random Fact: Peder dreamed of being on the PGA tour - and plays golf whenever time affords.
Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What prophet, who lived in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, had visions of a flying scroll and a gold lamp stand?

A: No correct answer yet ...

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Say this out loud: "Christmas is next week."

Yep, it's true. Next Saturday is Christmas. For some this brings excitement, for others panic, and still, for others - sweet relief. Before you know it, 2010 will come to a close and a new year of life will begin. I hope you will spend the year with us here at Joy! 102.5. We've got exciting plans, dreams and hopes for 2011 - and they include you!

New Release Tuesday:

Sorry gang, nothing new this week. Everyone is off celebrating the holidays or playing Christmas concerts - so nobody put out anything new. How will we ever survive!? (I'm sure we'll make it...)

ARTIST OF THE DAY
33 Miles



Chris Lockwood and Jason Barton are 33 Miles. When 33 Miles burst onto the scene in 2008 they were heavily influenced by new country. Comparisons to Raskal Flatts were obvious. Now with a little experience under their belts, the guys bring a more layerd sound in Today. While still very much country, there are more pop influences in their songwriting to atract a broader audience.

Change is a part of life. A lesson the band recently learned when one of their original members, keyboardist Collin Stoddard, followed God’s calling into worship ministry full time.

“For five years, it’s just been the three of us,” says Chris. “But I think God had been preparing Collin’s heart, just as he’d been preparing us. As his heart was headed elsewhere, our sound began to change.”

The band showcases their love of Christmas in an EP called Believe. You can hear pretty much that whole album on Joy! - and listen to it for free HERE!

Christmas Album: Believe

Latest Album: Today

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who was the only female Judge of Israel?

A: Deborah (Judges 4:4)

Monday, December 13, 2010

Josh is recuperating from a family Christmas weekend, so Rodney kindly accepted the reigns for the Joy Ride this afternoon. Buckle up - it's going to be a Christmassy ride!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Sidewalk Prophets



Sidewalk Prophets was born out of Anderson University when two music loving Christians named Dave Frey and Ben McDonald connected. And although the mid-westerners don't consider themselves a worship band, they do say that they are perfectly content to play more worship music than original recordings during their concerts. It's a goal they have for their daily lives - integrate worship in all ways possible! That is what motivates them to tour 150+ dates a year, sleeping in closets, and missing family. They are grinding out their calling and God is blessing them with success.

Recently Sidewalk Prophets was featured on a Christmas compilation called Come Now Our King. Their song is Hope Was Born This Night. The entire EP features Chris August, Meredith Andrews, Barlow Girl, and Francesca Battistelli as well!

Christmas Album featuring Sidewalk Prophets: Come Now Our King

Last Album: These Simple Truths

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Which Old Testament prophet had a wife named Gomer?

A: Hosea

Friday, December 10, 2010

Rodney is the drivers' seat while Josh is out and about. He's Christmas shopping at Family Christian Store (and broadcasting live this afternoon)! Swing by and say hello - and you won't leave empty handed (or stomached). Georgia House has got food and you might win a great Christmas prize!

And for my tech-loving friends out there, you'll get a kick out of this! Atlanta based Northpoint church did a Christmas concert with instruments all synthesized on iPads and iPhones: http://vimeo.com/17570180

Thursday, December 9, 2010

A word of advice for Christmas shoppers out there. Take a baby. People are way nicer to you in Walmart and Target if you have a cute baby all dressed up Holiday style. And while they are oogling at the child, you can grab the last of the must-have sale items.

You're welcome.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Plus One



In the year 2000 ...

Boy Bands were BIG. I mean HUGE! And Christian music wasn't about to let that trend pass by unanswered. Enter Plus One. A dance-pop boy band, except instead of singing about ex-girlfriends, they were singing about God. What started out as a copycat answer to culture, turned into a real group of young men who learned the art of songwriting and refused to settle in their niche. Every album showed growth and change.

By the final album (Exodus), the band had come full circle to remain relevant in a changing musical landscape. In between pop records, the guys released Christmas - a broad spectrum Christmas project that lovingly played with classics while bringing some real worshipful moments as well. In 2004 the group called it quits, parting ways to pursue other avenues of ministry.

I sort of miss these guys ...

Christmas Album: Christmas
Last Album: Exodus

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What Old Testament prophet is most quoted in the New Testament?

A: Isaiah (85 times!)

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Have you ever been staring lazily at a Christmas tree, admiring the beauty of the season when out of the corner of your eye you notice a little blink. This time you seek it out and sure enough, there it is again! One light that is sort of flickering. It's not flashing or even twinkling, it is just barely shorting out. Now whenever you look at the tree, your eyes are immediately drawn to that one light that just won't stay on. And Christmas is ruined.

The End.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Newsong



After nearly 30 years and 20 #1 radio hits - Newsong still pushes the limits to reach a new generation for Christ. After nearly a decade away, award winning front-man Russ Lee has returned to the group as they promote their latest smash album Give Yourself Away. The music on the album is once again produced by Charlie Peacock and features the vocal harmonies you expect from Newsong, but a punch of fresh musical perspective.

Newsong loves Christmas! Their breakout hit The Christmas Shoes paved the way for the band's more recent The Christmas Hope. As a founder of the Winter Jam concert series, this group knows how to bring Christmas to a live audience.

“At the end of the day, the goal for NewSong has always been to share the Gospel and to make sure everyone knows that Christianity is a relationship of Hope that’s for anyone.”

Christmas Album: The Christmas Hope

Latest Album: Give Yourself Away

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What king built the first temple in Jerusalem?

A: Solomon (2 Chronicles 2:1)

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

There is a difference between cheap and inexpensive. That difference has nothing to do with cost and only a little to do with quality. The cost of Christmas can be prohibitive. I sometimes find myself sad or embarassed when I can't get the thing I want for the person I love. But the love language of gift giving isn't about the gift - it's about the people. I love finding something or dreaming up something to find for people I love. I find satisfaction in giving gifts. For me, a gift is taking an emotion or memory and finding something tangible to represent that - and then wrapping it up in shiny paper and giving it away! Sometimes those things are simple and inexpensive. Sometimes they take months to save up for. But when they represent love, in a specific thinking of you sort of way, they go from a bauble to a jewel.
A cheap gift can be 5 cents or a million dollars. The difference between cheap and inexpensive is the thought. When gift giving is your love language, you know that it is the thought that counts! Something throughtless is not special. It is given and received out of duty or guilt. That's why Jesus said that the widow who gave her all (all two cents worth) gave much more than those who paraded their grand gifts in the Temple. It wasn't just about sacrifice, the gift was about Love. I think that is why so many people were disappointed with God's salvation. They wanted a grand king to rule on high, but God provided something much more special. He sent His Son. Not an expensive royal conquest, but a humble servant who lived, loved, died, and thankfully - conquered death! God's gift showed thought. He gave from His heart, not His wallet. And even though that gift is incalcuably valuable, it's real value is in what it means to us individually. So if you give gifts for Christmas let them show love and creativity, no matter what the price tag says.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Go Fish



Go Fish is three guys bringing fun accapella fueled music to families and young children! Everything they do is geared towards introducing kids to Jesus through music, dance, visuals and fun.

“CS Lewis called it ‘chronological snobbery’—every generation thinks the previous generations were out of touch and we know better,” adds Jamie. “But so much in today’s world is man-centered. Many times even the Gospel becomes all about us, what’s in it for us. More than anything we’ve ever done, Kickin’ It Old School is definitely God-focused. For us it isn’t just about singing old songs, it is about teaching kids that the Truth is in the Bible.”

Kickin’ It Old School is the latest installment of the biblical foundation for kids and families that Go Fish has been building since their 2003 children’s music debut, Splash. Leaving behind a career in Christian pop, the trio turned their attention to making music exclusively for kids after a series of sold-out concerts gave them a nudge toward an audience which might have been smaller in stature, but not in numbers.

Christmas Album: Christmas With A Capital C

Latest Album: Kickin' It Old School
Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who is the only king who is said to have neither mother nor father?

A: Melchizedek, the king of Salem (Hebrews 7:3)

Monday, December 6, 2010

Merry, merry Monday!

Egg nog is wonderful ... but only in moderation. Try drinking more than half a glass sometime. It does not settle well ...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Bebo Norman



Back before it was fairly normal for independent artists to be successful, Bebo Norman sold fifty thousand self-made copies of his first record (1996) at coffeehouse shows, out of the trunk, and online. Now, as a recognized singer/songwriter in the Nashville-Christian community, he still keeps a low profile. He likes to quietly do his thing, without the trappings of the limelight. In fact, after a decade of major label success, he chose to go with a more grassroots style label for his latest release - signing with BEC based in Seattle.

“There will always be giants of the faith who have gone before me, spoken more eloquently, sung more beautifully, and prayed more poignantly,” Bebo says. “But as I struggle to feel adequate enough to even approach Him, in some miraculous way I’m reminded that the God of the universe thinks my prayers are nothing less than stunning—simply because I am His.”

Still rooted in the tuneful sensibilities of men like James Taylor or more recently John Mayer, Bebo Norman stretches the artist’s production values, getting edgier and smoother on either side of his folksy inclinations. And there’s a new level of spiritual vulnerability that’s key to the lyrics, often about breathing new life into things that are running ragged. His Christmas record is a beautiful worship album that manages to somehow sound both familiar and different at the same time.

Christmas Album: Christmas From The Realms of Glory

Latest Album: Ocean

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What cruel king had the infant boys of Bethlehem slaughtered?

A: Herod (Matthew 2:16)

Friday, December 3, 2010

During the Holidays I usually end up making at least one or two airport runs. And since Southwest doesn't have many non-stops into Salisbury or Easton, that means driving over to BWI. I don't mind the drive - in fact I love going to airports. It is even better than the mall when it comes to people-watching, which is a little like bird watching, except not as boring.
When you people watch at the mall, you see moms fighting each other over the last Barbie on the shelf or teenagers flirting casually while sipping on their oh-so-cool coffee beverages (which FYI, contain almost no actual coffee). But at the airport, you see humanity stripped down to the bare soul. You see anxious spouses pacing in anticipation. You see children screaming for joy as they jump into the arms of their daddy back from war. You see silver haired grandparents pulling out presents from the carry-on - to excited to wait until Christmas. You see the ever socially conscious college student cry for joy as they hug their parents and feel the warmth of knowing they are really home.
The airport is a crossroads in modern life. In my life, the two dominating signs at the airport have been the cause of sadness, joy, excitement and determination. Those signs? ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE. But I'm reminded of some lyrics to a song from the 90s, "..every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." Whether you are beginning or ending a beginning this Christmas, don't hesitate to show those you love, just how much you love them. The world would be a better place if we all behaved as honestly as people at the airport.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Ashmont Hill



Ashmont Hill was born out of the inner city in Boston, Massachusetts. As a pop-gospel quartet, the group draws inspiration from a diverse pool of talent - from Annointed to Michael W. Smith to the Winans, Hillsong, Leeland and many more! It becomes instantly apparent from listening to Ashmont Hill’s latest release, Your Masterpiece, that the group’s love of diverse musical influences and congregational worship can’t be confined to a single music market.

“Our Dad instilled in us from the beginning the need to be a church without walls,” says April.

Before the album had even released, the group landed an opening slot on tour with Natalie Grant. They are quickly building a following while touring as many days as they can.

Latest Album: Your Masterpiece

Want More? CLICK HERE

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Christmas parties. It's time. Ugly sweaters, weird food speared with a toothpick, and worst of all ... uncomfortably singing Christmas carols when you only know every third word. I mean, who knew there were so many verses to Silent Night?

My word of advice? Mouth "watermelon peanut butter" over and over, smile and bide your time til you can head for the door!

Josh's Spinach/Bacon Queso Dip:
1 lb Velveeta, cubed
4 oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese, cubed
1 can Ro*Tel (I prefer Hot)
8-10 slices crispy cooked bacon crumbled up
Slice up some spinach (half a package of frozen spinach that has been cooked and drained or a handful of spinach leaves chopped up nice and thin)

Put it all in a dish and microwave, stirring every couple of minutes until it comes together. It's a great holiday party winner! Served best with tortilla chips - and bring Kleenex if you use the hot Ro*tel!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Laura Kaczor



We are thrilled to have Laura calling in for the Joy Ride this afternoon! Though originally from PA, she now calls Nashville home. Tune in to hear all about her recording and writing process, working with a variety of ministries, and what her hopes are for the future!

Latest Album: Love Enough

Want more? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What future king of Israel was out looking for his donkeys when Samuel came to anoint him?

A: Saul (1 Samuel 9)

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Have you ever used a Neti Pot?
It's this little tea kettle looking thing that allows you to pour saline solution through one nostril - clearing out your sinusses and then spew all the gunk out of the other nostril. Yes, it is as gross as it sounds - but I was desperate to stop a sinus headache so I tried it. WOW! It works! It's still gross, but it gets the job done. So if you are like me - and all of these weather changes, leaves and pollen count has you feeling pretty stopped up, it might be a part of the solution for you.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
The Afters


The Afters have been through the ringer this past year. Their longtime friend and manager lost a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Two original members of the band moved on to new ministries, a life-threatening car accident, and a new band member losing a close friend just a week after joining the group. Their latest album Light Up The Sky is all about moving in and out of seasons in life. Some are hard, some feel unusually blessed.

“The story behind Light Up the Sky is a part of the story of all of us,” says Fuqua. “[It’s] a picture of what it looks like when you make it through [a] really challenging time, and you look back and see how God was using all of those things for good and that you were never alone.”

The songs on this new collection vividly reflect the faithfulness of God amidst hard times, something the band is all too familiar with. All of the battles have helped the guys change their priorities. The band has even rearranged its touring schedule to ensure they are home on Sundays to lead worship at church and that family time is a priority.

Latest Album: Light Up The Sky

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What man is the most mentioned man in the Bible?

A: Jesus
Though it varies in different versions, Jesus is mentioned approximately 1281 times! And for the naysayers out there who argue "Isn't God mentioned more?" well, the question was what "man" - not what "person/man/supreme being" is mentioned most in the Bible.