Monday, January 31, 2011

I got to give my one year-old daughter cake for the first time this past weekend. It was epic! How was your weekend? Did you experience a once-in-a-lifetime event or was it just your regular routine?

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. " - Ferris Bueller

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Scott Wesley Brown



Scott Wesley Brown's musical career began in the 6th grade. He was having a hard time grasping grammar in English class, but he excelled at poetry. A wise teacher used his love for rhythm to help teach Scott grammar, and he used his poetry to create his very first songs. In the 1970's Scott was a part of the Jesus movement. It was a thrilling time to be a Christian songwriter. Being a young adult, surrounded by a firey faith solidified his calling.

While times have changed and Christian music has become a multi-million dollar industry with hundreds of artists and songwriters, Scott's method is still that of a songwriter - taking poetry and putting it to music.

Originally from Philadelphia, Scott now records, tours and is a minister at a church in Scottsdale, AZ. His songs have been recorded by Sandi Patty, Amy Grant, Petra, Pat Boone and many others. After taking many years off from the recording world, he found a place to fit again with the hymn revival that has taken place over the past few years.

Latest Album: Songs From The Valley
Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: How was Joseph told about Jesus' miraculous conception?

A: In a dream (Matthew 1:18-21)

Congratulations, James!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Have a great weekend!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Caedmon's Call



Caedmon's Call has been producing eclectic, acoustic driven music for two decades. Cliff Young fronts this family of songwriters that includes Derek Webb, Danielle Young (Cliff's wife), Andy Osenga, Todd Bragg, Garett Buell, Jeff Miller and Josh Moore. Ask any Christian performer who they think is authentic in a world of pop culture glitz and they'll tell you, without skipping a beat, Caedmon's Call.

When Christian music was playing sold out arenas and massive mega-churches, Caedmon's Call continued (in spite of their great success) to play coffee shops and bars. They always wanted to be where they felt Jesus would be. Caedmon’s Call has sold over a million units of its 15 records to date but has always been more of a community itself than a band.

Caedmon’s also helped launch or boosted the careers of artists like Bebo Norman, Jill Phillips, Waterdeep, and Andrew Peterson. The band is also a longtime promoter of missional living, through their longtime partnership with Compassion International, and more recently with the Dalit Freedom Network, an organization fighting caste discrimination in India, and the band’s own Share The Well Foundation.

Latest Album: Raising Up The Dead

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: How did Elisha purify bitter water?

A: He threw a container of salt into it. (2 Kings 2:19-22)

Congratulations, Janet!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Today is my daughter's 1st birthday! She doesn't know why she got her favorite breakfast (pancakes) or why there are streamers all over the dining room or why Mommy and Daddy have been so extra cuddly - but we do! This weekend we have a lot family and friends coming over to celebrate her birthday, but today is that special day that my wife (Elena) and I get to think back over the most life changing year we've had yet.

So happy birthday, Kaylee. Love, Daddy.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jonny Diaz



When Jonny Diaz headed off to Florida State University on a baseball scholarship in the fall of 2002, he was prepared to focus his time and efforts on his athletic skills. However, God had other plans and He began a work in Jonny’s life that led him to put down his bat and glove and instead, pick up his guitar. Jonny is the youngest of four brothers - all of whom went to college on baseball scholarships. His brother Matt currently plays for the Atlanta Braves. So it was a shock to the family when this jock got all intimate on the acoustic guitar.

Jonny’s debut album, Shades of White, released August 2003 as he entered his sophomore year of college. A few years later, More Beautiful You (his third album) struck gold with the title track - a loving anthem of self-worth for young women. Jonny has had the opportunity to open in concert for some of Christian music’s biggest acts (Mercy Me, Stephen Curtis Chapman, ect). He has also performed at some of the largest Christian music festivals in the country (Atlanta Fest, Alive and more). Although he primarily travels as an acoustic act, Jonny has an amazing group of musicians who join him for full band shows.

Latest Album: More Beautiful You

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What is the 3rd book of the Bible?

A: Leviticus

Congratulations, Trish!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Scott Riggan



Scott Riggan is less worried about being cool and more obsessed with writing songs that he loves. But writing and recording and living add up to a pretty fast paced life. His family life and local church ministry also tie up a lot of attention.

In addition, Scott’s ministry has taken him all over the world – including places like Tanzania and Ghana and, most frequently, China. He has toured as a guest of the Chinese government, produced a Mandarin worship CD, facilitated short term mission trips and served with the underground church. His work in China continues to expand.

His latest hit "I See You" is a duet recorded with Jaime Thietten. The song was originally written and recorded by Rich Mullins. Riggan took loving care of the song and also managed to create something unique and beautiful on its own.

Latest Album: Remember: The Scott Riggan Collection

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What was Moses supposed to do to the rock at Horeb to bring water from it?

A: Strike/Hit It (Exodus 17:1-6)

Congratulations, Deborah!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Tax season.

I've made it a point to always have extra taxes pulled out so that this can be a positive time for me. My parents, however, have not always been so fortunate. My dad is an ordained minister, which creates a sort of complicated-self-employed hybrid financial status during tax season. I can remember times when they've gotten refunds and when they owed. It was always a stressful time.

Kids take to heart when their parents worry. That's one of the myriad of reasons Jesus told us not to worry. Aside from it only ever being a negative impact on our lives - it affects those around us.

A dear friend of mine who is a children's minister sadly showed me some art work she had her young elementary kids draw during Christmas time a couple of years ago. Almost all of them showed pictures of money. Sometimes on trees. Sometimes their parents smiling and holding a wad of cash.

That's what they wanted for Christmas. Not the money - but their parents to stop worrying.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY
What's New in Christian Music?

Come Home
by Luminate | Genre: Pop/Rock

Monster, Monster EP
by The Almost | Genre: Rock
*Another band featuring Aaron Gellespie

Here With You
by David M. Edwards | Genre: Praise & Worship

But, wait - there's more! CLICK HERE for the complete lowdown!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Francesca Battistelli



“We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”—E.M. Forester

Francesca Battistelli's last couple of years were more like a whirlwind than actual time! Bursting onto the scene with My Paper Heart, an album so rich with sincerity and filled with radio hits, made 2010 something of an out of body experience. And to think this was not the life Francesca set out for ...

At only six years old, Francesca was an aspiring actress. She longed to be on Broadway - singing and dancing and acting. Francesca’s passion for life on the stage wasn’t all that surprising, given her mom and dad’s extensive theater background. In fact, they met when her dad was the assistant conductor for the national tour of “The King and I,” while her mom played Anna, the show's female lead opposite Yul Brynner.

And when Francesca was 15, she put her skills to good use in an all-girl mainstream pop group in Orlando, an experience that helped pave the way for what she does today. But when the gig eventually ended, Francesca says she was thankful for an opportunity to clear her head. “Not long after, I recharged my batteries by going to this youth ministry that I absolutely loved,” Francesca shares. “It was there where the Lord really captured my heart for Christian music. I started playing guitar and really longed to bring something authentic to the scene that even non-Christians could listen to.”

Francesca married Matthew Goodwin in 2009 (he plays drums for her band now) and they welcomed baby Matthew into the family this past September. The 2009 Dove Female Vocalist and New Artist Of The Year has a brand new album hitting shelves this March - Hundred More Years. It features her latest hit song, "This Is The Stuff."

Latest Album: Hundred More Years (Coming March 2011!)

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: For how long did the plague of darkness hang over the Egyptians?

A: 3 Days (Exodus 10:21-23)

Congratulations, Toni!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Happy New Week!

Did you have a momentous weekend? Was it just so-so? Was it beyond terrible? However the weekend went, it is now over. Time to move on! So what does this week have in store for us?

ARTIST OF THE DAY
After The Chase



After The Chase is husband and wife duo, Nathan and Jenna Strong. As worship leaders and performers, their approach to music is unique. When performing live, they bring more than music to the stage - they add drama and stories to their songs - and also mix in their own quirky sense of humor to every concert. Along with leading worship, this California couple talk discuss topics that are close to their hearts: short term missions, the environment and social justice.

The name of the band, After the Chase, comes from an old Southern saying about romance: "He chased her until she caught him." "Throughout our lives," says Nathan, "we find ourselves chasing after God, only to find that God has been catching us all along. Our music is our response to being caught up in the unconditional love offered to every one of us by the Creator of the universe."

Latest Album: Make Me New

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What did Moses cast into the bitter water at Marah to make it sweet?

A: A tree or piece of wood (Exodus 15:23-25)

Congratulations, Donna!

Friday, January 21, 2011

I am a morning person. Sort of.

I like to sleep in, but I operate best when I get up and moving in the morning. Sometimes I'll hit the treadmill an hour before the rest of the family is up - just for some quiet time. But some mornings the blankets are so warm - the house so cold - that it is hard to imagine that anything good could come of moving away from the bed.

Mornings are a special time to me. I think they represent Hope unlike any other time of day. Christ is all about new beginnings. Freedom from sin - the promise of life - the joy of the Spirit! I am tuned in to those aspects of the Christian walk best in the mornings.

The challenge is to try and hold on to that throughout a busy, often times frustrating day. This afternoon I hope that together we can recapture that Hope of the morning - even as the sun prepares to set.

THE HAPPIEST COUNTRIES

Forbe's Magazine released their list of the Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World. The US is #10. The top 3 are a genuine surprise! Check them out HERE.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Rush Of Fools



Alabama based Rush of Fools were an immediate success when they cropped up on the scene in 2007. Their debut and follow up album each provided radio hits - big sales - and successful tours. Such immediate success has left them wondering What do you do if at first you DO succeed?!

The band is fully aware of the trappings of success and fight hard to be good husbands and servants. Touring full time keeps them away from home and family sometimes, and that can be stressful. This summer the guys will be taking a step back from touring to be the worship band for Centrifuge at Ridgecrest, North Carolina. They'll get to spend the summer with their families and impacting the lives of teenagers.

Rush Of Fools:
Kevin Huguley – BGV’s, electric guitar & keys
Wes Willis - Lead Vocals, acoustic guitar
Jacob Chesnut – Bass
Jamie Sharpe – Drums
Dustin Sauder – Electric guitar

Latest Album: Wonder Of The World

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What 2 people walked on the water?

A: Jesus & Peter (Matthew 14:22-32)

Congratulations, Tony!

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

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

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

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

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 DAY
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

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

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!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

1-11-11 (awesome!)

Have you ever relaxed just enough for your body to start to hurt? Sometimes I'll get so tense that with just one good night sleep my body will finally acknowledge that knot in my shoulders - or that my lower back needs a good deep tissue massage. This morning I woke up feeling like my shoulder was disconnected. I carry a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders. The shooting pain down my arm reminds me of where Jesus says "can your worrying change even the color of your hair?" It's not like I go out looking for things to stress over, but somehow I find them. And then my body points out that I was not made to worry.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY
What's New In Christian Music?

Mountains Move
by Kristian Stanfill Genre: Praise & Worship

Heart of Worship V1
by Various Artists - Worship Genre: Praise & Worship

Acoustic Worship
by Various Artists - Worship Genre: Praise & Worship

Rehab: The Overdose
by Lecrae Genre: Rap

Want more? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Calling Levi



This full-time, traveling, vocal ministry is a family group of two sisters and their husbands. Last year alone the group traveled over 200 days! Their sole desire is to magnify Christ through heartfelt music and testimony.

The group met and began to take shape at Liberty University (where Rodney went!). After college, Rob and Stephanie (one half of the quartet) spent a year singing with World Help - a mission organization out of Forest, VA. In 2002 they all relocated to Delaware, where God fully formed Calling Levi.

Latest Album: The Pursuit

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who is the only apostle we know was married?

A: Peter (Mark 1:30)
Congratulations Drew!

Monday, January 10, 2011

This weekend was a real challenge. I wanted to keep up the good eating habits and exercise - but it was cold and I'm so used to chowing down for the holidays, it was hard to say no to those donuts and chocolate milk! It could have been worse. I didn't eat out or dig in to fast food - but it could have gone better too.



If you found yourself working really hard to push yourself to be healthier in the new year - you are not alone! We'll keep encouraging each other into success, how's that sound?

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jeremy Camp



Jeremy Camp has been a leader in Christian music for the past decade. He lives his life under public scrutiny, putting his struggles into songs that we can all relate to. Living out his faith through music and ministry, Jeremy tours with his family at his side - of course having an award winning singer-songwriter for a wife helps make that plan workable. (Check out Adie Camp to learn more about Mrs. Jeremy...)

“The Lord says in Jeremiah 29:13, ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’ But we live in such a distracted society; we let the world’s noise divide our focus and our hearts. Our generation is in desperate need of crying out to God.”

By The Numbers:
Sold over 3 Million Records
Nominated for a GRAMMY
won several major Dove Awards
19 No. 1 Hits
6 Full Length Albums
2 Live Albums
Featured on over a dozen Compilations!

Latest Album: We Cry Out

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who was the "apostle to the Gentiles"?

A: Paul
Congrats Becky and Owen!

Friday, January 7, 2011

It's weird to have a weekend that isn't somehow a holiday. That has been the case for a few weeks - added to it, the snow we had after Christmas. This week was wholly normal, which is not normal for the last little while. Confused? Me too. But happy weekend!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jadon Lavik



When Jadon Lavik enrolled at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, he had two dreams for himself - a baseball career, and studies in business finance. All that changed, though, when Lavik began falling in love with music and the power it had to influence, encourage, and inspire people's lives.

Jadon was born in Redmond, Washington, where he was raised in a Christian home with his parents and two siblings. Although he had some experience with music early in life playing violin and guitar, he was most energized about sports and desired to pursue a baseball career. But after an internship at Saddleback church in Southern California, the calling on his life became glaringly obvious.

Now married with two kids, Jadon ministers in the local church and tours the country playing music whenever he can. He also has two Christmas records - which makes him even cooler in my eyes!
Latest Album: Art & Soul

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Name one of the two books of the Bible named after priests.

A: Ezra and Ezekiel are the answers! This was a hard one!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

I have several friends who are teachers. They dread this time of year. Students think they are the only ones who don't want to go back to school, but they are wrong! Teachers have to start brand new lesson plans, knowing full well that the two weeks off probably means no one remembers anything about what they were learning in December.

My teacher friends would much rather be reading paperback novels - not breaking down the Scarlet Letter for the umpteenth time with a group of rowdy teenagers that probably just rented the Demi Moore version on Netflix. (side note: that movie is nothing like the Hawthorne book!)

Perhaps instead of giving Christmas presents to teachers at the end of the year, we should give them "Thank you for coming back, my kids were driving me crazy at home" gifts in January...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Charmaine



An only child of parents who immigrated to Australia from Chile, Charmaine was raised in Sydney, Australia. With music at the core of their family, her parents committed their lives to music ministry and traveled the world as part of a vocal group; Charmaine was born on tour in Los Angeles and raised out of a suitcase. At 16, her musical gift was discovered and she moved to the US and toured with notable artists such as Rebecca St.James, Jeremy Camp, Newsboys and more.

A former backup singer for Rebecca St. James in years past, she released one solo album eight years ago under the title All About Jesus on Elevate Records. Most folks don't remember this worship outing. Love Reality is almost a second debut.

Latest Album: Love Reality
Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Name one of the two books in the Bible named after priests.

A: After Day 2 - STILL NO CORRECT ANSWER! Try again tomorrow!

Wednesday, January, 5, 2010

I'm not sure how I feel about music being used only as a tool. I firmly believe that making amazing music is an art. I think God has blessed people with the ability to create this art. Some performers claim that music is only a method for delivering the Gospel.
I respectfully disagree. I don't think that does justice to the gift God gave us in music. Can music be used to proclaim God's greatness? Of course! It should. But I don't think that is its only purpose.
All of God's creations somehow showcase His glory, but the also do a host of other things.
They were Designed to.
And now I step off the soapbox...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
The Sonflowerz



The Sonflowerz began in 1999 when Elissa Leander began writing original worship songs at the age of 14. Encouraged by her youth pastor to form a band with her sister, Becca, they began performing at various venues across Colorado. The act’s first album, You Remain, and single, Crazy Love, were released in 2002. Their sophomore effort, Alive in You, was released in 2005.

The Sonflowerz have shared the stage with artists such as Third Day, Jeremy Camp, Kutless, BarlowGirl, Needtobreathe, Sanctus Real and Phil Wickham. 6-time Dove Award-winner Don Koch produced their new record, “All Over The World”.

Latest Album: All Over The World
Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Name one of the two books in the Bible named after priests.

A: No correct answer today ... try again tomorrow!

Tuesday, January 4, 2010

I'm enamored by my dead grass. My yard looks the best it has looked all of last year simply because all of the weeds are finally dead. It's cut short, edged and trimmed. The bushes are cut back. Everything is in its place - and barren. I'm not complaining. I love yard work. Something about getting all sweaty and dirty for hours in the sun - after spending a week inside sitting - is incredibly liberating to me.

I've been researching how to prep my yard for the spring. I want to kill weeds and grow grass. In fact, one of my New Years Resolutions is to grow actual grass in the back yard, not just manage the height of my weeds. I feel close to God when I do yard work. I imagine when God was creating grass and sculpting earth. I love how He was so satisfied with his work in Genesis. He called it all "good." I relate when I get my little swathe of land looking the way I want.
I'm proud of my hard work. I want God to be proud of His work in me.
But I think He's still got some weeding to do.

New Release Tuesday:

Nothing new in the first week of 2011.
But get ready for an explosion of new over the next few weeks!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Caleb Rowden



Caleb Rowden is a husband, worship pastor, and musician. He's traveled the United States to tell the story of how messed up his life was before he met Jesus - and how amazing life is now because of our loving God. Hey debuted with Free From Ordinary in 2005 and toured with Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Skillet, David Crowder Band, and many more.

Then, in 2007, Caleb accepted a worship position at his home church in Columbia, MO. For a couple of years he plugged away in the local church, but felt his passion was leaving him. He missed the stage and traveling to share his story. Now he splits his time between touring and ministering at home.

Influential Quote: "If you don't like change, you're going to like irrelevance even less." - United States General Eric Shinseki

Latest Album: Until Everyone is Free

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What Hebrew married the daughter of an Egyptian priest?

A: Joseph (Genesis 41:45)
Congratulations Nikki on the win!

Monday, January 3, 2011

A new day, a new year.

More than anything, I think it is the sunshine that is making me hopeful today! Hope is such a powerful emotion. Hope is the opposite of guilt. Instead of dwelling on the past, Hope looks forward, while still fully present. To live a Hope filled life you don't just dream about the future - you work towards it!

So here's to a HOPE-full 2011!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Hillsong



Hillsong Live, Hillsong United, Hillsong Kids, Hillsong London, Hillsong Chapel ...

An entire worship movement was born out of the Hillsong mega-church in Australia! Dozens of worship leaders and bands have come into being through this one ministry.
The Mission Statement: Hillsong LIVE is the global expression of praise and worship from Hillsong Church with a commitment to resourcing the wider church, and a passion for seeing people connect with God in a real and personal way. Led by worship leaders Reuben Morgan, Ben Fielding, Joel Houston, Darlene Zschech and Hillsong UNITED the team record a live album each year.

Since 1992, Hillsong LIVE has resourced the local church and received gold and platinum album status multiple times, writing such well known worship songs as "Shout To The Lord", "Inside Out", "Hosanna", "The Stand" and “Mighty to Save”, awarded the 2009 Dove for Worship Song of the Year!

Latest Album: Hillsong Chapel: Yahweh

DVD: We're All In This Together

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What holy object did the Philistines take into the Temple of Dagon, causing the statue of Dagon to fall down?

A: The Ark Of the Covenant (1 Samuel 5:2-4)