Friday, September 30, 2011

COURAGEOUS

The premier is here! Join the Joy 102.5 family as we hang out at Regal Cinema in Salisbury for the 7:20 PM showing of Courageous!

SHARATHON

It's coming! October 19-21!
You can help us now during PRE-Sharathon.
CLICK HERE to renew your support or to join the family for the first time!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Rebecca St James



At the age of 12—a time when most young girls are just beginning idyllic dreams of ‘what I want to be’—a young Australian girl prayed a simple prayer. “God, I give you my gifts. Use my life to make a difference and change the world.” Rebecca St. James has since taken an unparalleled course in Christian music.

She has received countless industry awards, including the prestigious GRAMMY, garnered number one singles and has consistently topped both radio and sales charts, with career album sales in the millions of album units. She has also authored eight books – her ninth due out this Fall – and received acclaim for her touring worldwide. As an artist spokesperson for child advocacy organization, Compassion International, she has, through her concerts, globally helped find sponsorship for more than 30,000 of the world’s neediest children.

A move to Los Angeles in 2008 to pursue her interest in acting led many to wonder what Rebecca’s creative future might hold. Most notably, it produced her first leading role in film in the form of Sarah’s Choice, a movie with a strong pro-life message released by Pure Flix Entertainment and a creative ‘stretch’ that led to Rebecca’s emergence over the past two years as an outspoken national voice for the work of crisis pregnancy. Sarah's Choice is currently available on Netflix streaming.

Latest Album: I Will Praise You

Twitter: @RebeccaStJames

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: The Story of I Will Praise You

Thursday, September 29, 2011

SHARATHON

It's coming! October 19-21!
You can help us now during PRE-Sharathon.
CLICK HERE to renew your support or to join the family for the first time!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Chris Tomlin



"How Great Is Our God", "Jesus Messiah", "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)", and the recent song "Our God." All written by Chris Tomlin. In fact, he is currently the most sung worship song writer in America.

Originally from East Texas, Chris Tomlin grew up enjoying country music and playing the acoustic guitar with his dad. Tomlin wrote his first song at the age of 14 and always sensed that God would use him best through music. He graduated college with a degree in Psychology, but began hanging out with pastor Louie Giglio. The two would go on to create the Passion conference in 1997.

It's been a big year for the Tomlin family. Chris and his wife Lauren welcomed their first child, daughter Ashlyn Alexandra Tomlin, back in September. Plus Tomlin was named "Top Christian Artist" and "Our God" was honored for "Top Christian Song" at the Billboard Music Awards this past May.

Album: And If Our God Is For Us...

Upcoming: How Great Is Our God - The Essential Collection (Due November 15 2011)

Twitter: @christomlin

Tour: Coming to DC November 4th

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: I Lift My Hands



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: Who was Joseph's younger son?

A: Ephraim (Genesis 41:51-52)

Way to go Kayla of Hurlock, MD!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

SYATP

We are incredibly proud of all of the students who stepped out today and represented the Church at See You At The Pole.

SHARATHON

It's coming! October 19-21!
You can help us now during PRE-Sharathon.
CLICK HERE to renew your support or to join the family for the first time!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
MIKESCHAIR



MIKESCHAIR was born out of a dorm room at Nashville's Belmont University. Music could always be heard coming out of Mike Grayson's dorm room, attracting other musicians to volunteer in his jam sessions. Before long, a band had formed!

How did the name "MIKESCHAIR" come about? Well, the rest of the guys lived on a different floor of the dorm - but Mike was the epicenter of the band - so the guys bought Mike a chair to make him feel more at home hanging out of their floor of the dorm. Since college boys don't like sharing, Mike put a sign on the chair reading, "Mike's chair."

Though they love music, each member of MIKESCHAIR admits it’s about so much more. “We all really have this desire to be involved in ministry,” Hale says. “We are obviously all really passionate about music, but we always want it to be about something more. We saw that we all had the same heart for this and then God just kept opening doors.”

MIKESCHAIR has experienced a great deal since the release of their debut album. Not only have they toured extensively, they’ve also maintained their heart for missions to work and be involved with the international relief agencies such as Food for the Hungry and Buckner International; organizations that help at risk orphans. The band members have traveled abroad to Haiti with Food for the Hungry and to South & Central America with Buckner International.

Some bands have to tour a long time to get their big break - but just a few weeks into the band's inception, the guys won Belmont University's Music Showcase competition, got signed to CURB Records, played a ton of shows and got themselves nominated at the Dove Awards for Song of The Year (For "Let The Waters Rise").

Latest Album: A Beautiful Life

Twitter: @MIKESCHAIR

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Someone Worth Dying For



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: Who is the first child mentioned in the Bible?

A: Cain (Genesis 4:1)

Score for Nathan of Lusby, MD!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Music Inspired By The Story
by Various Artists | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Vice Verses
by Switchfoot | Genre: Rock

All We Need
by Rachael Lampa | Genre: Pop/Rock

We Once Were
by Rush of Fools | Genre: Pop/Rock

This Time Around
by Heather Williams | Genre: Pop/Rock

WOW Hits 2012
by Various Artists - WOW Series | Genre: Adult Contemporary

WOW Christmas (2011)
by Various Artists - "WOW" Series | Genre: Christmas

The Old Rugged Cross
by Bill and Gloria Gaither | Genre: Southern Gospel
*A Homecoming musical event

World Anthem
by Press Play | Genre: Pop/Rock

Tent Revival Homecoming
by Bill and Gloria Gaither | Genre: Southern Gospel

The Journey
by Andrae Crouch | Genre: Gospel

BUT WAIT! There's much more!
The latest in Christian rock, gospel, dance and more - CLICK HERE!

SYATP EVE

Tomorrow students all over the world - and estimated 2 million participants, will gather at their school flag polls for prayer. We can help by praying for their courage and guidance as they take a stand for Christ.
If you or your student will be participating in See You At The Poll, please call in to Joy In The Morning tomorrow and share with Rodney & Joelle how things are going! The phone number is 410-543-9652

CHECK YOUR MAIL BOX

It's getting to be that time - time to renew your partnership with Joy 102.5!
Check your mailbox for a letter from WOLC and experience the Joy that comes from being a part of our family.
CLICK HERE to make your faith commitment!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Planet Shakers



Planetshakers is a Christian youth movement that began as an annual conference and grew into an international ministry and large church in Melbourne, Australia. Now Planetshakers also has its own bible college which is located in several campuses throughout Australia. The first conference held in Adelaide in 1997 had 300 delegates, growing to reach 20,000 nation-wide by 2004.

Growing internationally, Planetshakers now also runs conferences in Malaysia, Singapore and South Africa, with a desire to expand to the United States of America. The main worship band has an ever rotating group of members - and at one time featured Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian.

This Church/Band/Ministry now has 9 full time ministries including a massive outreaches to kids, youth, women and men. CLICK HERE to learn more!

Latest Album: Nothing Is Impossible

Twitter: @planetshakers

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Get Up



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: What dreaming ruler gave Joseph his own ring?

A: the pharaoh (Genesis 41:42)

Big win for Meg from Cambridge!

Monday, September 26, 2011

CHECK YOUR MAIL BOX
It's getting to be that time - time to renew your partnership with Joy 102.5!
Check your mailbox for a letter from WOLC and experience the Joy that comes from being a part of our family.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
The Museum



The Museum took shape when singer Ben Richter and guitarist Geoffrey Ashcraft moved from Texas to Georgia and plugged into a church where drummer/programmer Josh Kirk was the janitor. Soon they were leading local worship services together and then traveling on musical mission trips overseas.

In Romania, Josh was deeply moved to be part of a large Christian gathering in a town square where communism had been overthrown in 1989. A nearby museum containing humble evidence of that revolution also left a remarkable impression. It was that particular museum that led to the band's name. Josh says, “because we hope our music and those we share it with can be the evidence that Christ has done a revolution in our hearts.”

Joined by bassist Chris Brink in 2009, The Museum is continuing its commitment to global outreach while also developing an important bond with churches across the United States. Ben’s passion for staying rooted in a spiritual community brought the group to Briarlake Church near Atlanta where it still leads worship most Sundays. Additionally, the guys have helped out at neighboring North Point Community Church’s partner Atlanta locations and around the country as well as Ben leads at the multi-site Elevation Church in North Carolina on a recurring basis.

For The Museum, reaching out to the world in need was a priority long before it had the platform that a record deal provides. Geoffrey lived in Belize for many years with his missionary family. Josh—who recently earned a commercial pilot’s license—will someday fly mission workers and supplies into remote areas. Together, the band partners with Overlooked, a company that donates proceeds from t-shirt sales to provide clean water to children in Africa, help free young girls from sexual slavery, which is a global issue, and feed victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

Latest Album: Let Love Win

Twitter: @TheMuseumMusic

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Never Look Away



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: What was the tent that was made according to God's specifications?

A: the tabernacle (Exodus 26:1-4)

Score for Toni of Seaford!

Friday, September 23, 2011

HAPPY WEEKEND!
Come hang out with me tomorrow in Snow Hill - where Brad Stine will take the stage!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Ginny Owens



Ginny Owens is a three-time Dove Award winner, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2000 New Artist of the Year recipient, and multiple ASCAP Award winner. She has sold nearly one million albums and has topped the charts with several hit songs including If you Want Me To and I Wanna Be Moved. Her music has been featured on television shows and her concerts have impacted the lives of tens of thousands.

And Ginny Owens is blind. That has never stopped her from chasing musical perfection, though. When she sits behind a piano, music flows from her soul and the lyrics ring of Truth. Sometimes that Truth is learned through heartache - sometimes through Joy. She's just like everybody else, except she takes our collective life experiences and turns them into art.

New Album: Get In, I'm Driving

Twitter: @GinnyOwens

Want More? Click Here

Thursday, September 22, 2011

CHECK YOUR MAIL BOX

It's getting to be that time - time to renew your partnership with Joy 102.5!
Check your mailbox for a letter from WOLC and experience the Joy that comes from being a part of our family.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
FFH



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

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

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

Just this year FFH began their own Christian record label: 62Records! Their aim is to promote and produce new Christian artists.

Latest Album: Wide Open Spaces

Christmas Album: One Silent Night: An FFH Christmas (October 18th)

Twitter: @FFHmusic

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: What It Feels Like



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: Who was Abram's first son?

A: Ishmael (Genesis 16)

Way to go Tim from Waldorf, MD!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Thanks for heading home with Josh on the Joy Ride this afternoon!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Brad Stine



OK, so today, things are a little different. Brad Stine doesn't sing (well not professionally anyways) - but he is an artist. He's an actor, an author and one of the most publicized Christian comedians on the scene!

Tune in at 5:30 to hear Josh's interview with the Christian comic - find out what drives him, makes him laugh and what to expect at Saturday's shows!

Books/CDs/DVDs: CLICK HERE

Twitter: @bradstine

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Comedy Reel



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: Whose wife helped him escape from King Saul by letting him down through a window?
Hint: His wife was also Saul's daughter...

A: David

Way to go Janice!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

The Great Awakening
by Leeland | Genre: Praise & Worship

The Love In Between
by Matt Maher | Genre: Pop/Rock

Ghosts Upon The Earth
by Gungor | Genre: Praise & Worship

One Song At A Time
by Jamie Grace | Genre: Pop/Rock

The Ultimate Collection
by Big Daddy Weave | Genre: Alternative

The Reckoning
by NEEDTOBREATHE | Genre: Pop/Rock

The Playlist
by Rita Springer | Genre: Praise & Worship

Furious
by Jeremy Riddle | Genre: Praise & Worship

And there's more! CLICK HERE

CHECK YOUR MAIL BOX

Check your mailbox for a letter from WOLC and experience the Joy that comes from being a part of our family.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jaci Velasquez



Jaci Velasquez has been breaking down walls and stereotypes for Christian music since the beginning of her career (and she was only a teenager!). Velasquez, a Houston, Texas native, began traveling and singing with her family when she was 9 years old. At the age of 14, she signed to Myrrh Records. Her first album “Heavenly Place” shot up the charts and garnered Jaci her first Platinum record, earning her the title of “the fastest selling solo debut artist in the history of Christian music.”

The Latin music industry quickly took notice and Sony Discos signed her to a Latin record deal. Jaci began recording both English and Spanish albums simultaneously. “Love Out Loud” was released in 2008 as Jaci’s 13th record and debut release on her self-owned Apostrophe Records. A secretive new project is due out in 2011.

As if being a multi-lingual music super star weren't enough, Jaci has also done some acting in both Christian and foreign language films, modeling, and been a spokeswoman. Plus she and her husband have two children under the age of 5. Seriously, is there anything she can't do?!

Latest Album: Diamond (Coming Soon)

Twitter: @jacivelasquez

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: The Encounter Trailer



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: What wicked queen was thrown out of a window by her servants?

A: Jezebel (2 Kings 9:30-33)

Way to go James!

Monday, September 19, 2011

CHECK YOUR MAIL BOX

It's getting to be that time - time to renew your partnership with Joy 102.5!
Check your mailbox for a letter from WOLC and experience the Joy that comes from being a part of our family.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
JJ Heller



Most overnight successes take years to accomplish. For example, JJ Heller began writing and performing music full time with her husband Dave back in 2003. But it was in 2009 that her song "Your Hands" skyrocketed her to Christian radio recognition. Only in the entertainment industry can a 7 year career be classified as an over-night success.

When I'm With You is actually JJ Heller's 4th studio album - but it might as well be her debut. The Hellers welcomed their second daughter in September, yet continues to tour as God is using their music to impact lives.

When you listen to JJ Heller, listen for honesty and melody. It's those two words that define her style and life. “2010 was an amazing year,” Heller says. “It’s been nice to be home during the beginning of 2011 to spend some time with family and friends, and to work on craft projects, but it always feels good to start playing concerts again and sharing my heart with more listeners.” JJ is actively songwriting, blogging, sewing, decorating and being a wife and mother.

Latest Album: When I'm With You

Upcoming Release: Deeper
* All pre-orders from jjheller.com will be autographed!

Twitter: @jjheller

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Control



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: According to Jesus, what building would be so thoroughly destroyed that there would not be one stone left on another?

A: the Temple (Mark 13:1-2)

Score for Pam!

Friday, September 16, 2011

YARD SALE

It's finally here!
Join us for our new Fall Yard Sale tomorrow morning!
CLICK HERE for directions.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Beloved



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

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

Along with singing, leading retreats and teaching - the girls have a line of make-up (Beloved Beauty) that they sell. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Beloved is:
Kim Hardee
Amy Goins
Denise Clark

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

Latest Album: Way You Been Loved

Want to bring Beloved to your church? CLICK HERE!

Twitter: @Belovedga

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Kim's Make-Up Tips: Eyebrows



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: Who hid two Israelite spies on her rooftop?

A: Rahab (Joshua 2:6)

Big score for Anne in Cambridge!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

YARD SALE

Join us for our new Fall Yard Sale.
CLICK HERE FMI

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Holly Starr



Raised on a farm in the small town of Quincy, Washington, Holly Starr is not afraid of hard work. And that's good, because as an up-and-coming Christian artist she's got a hard path ahead of her! Her second full-length record, Tapestry was made with one of the industry’s most sought-after producers, this year’s Dove Award-winning producer Rusty Varenkamp (Tenth Avenue North, Meredith Andrews). She's been on the road promoting and singing songs from her 2008 debut Embraced for several years - and now all that hard work is paying off!

Holly Starr is also missionally focused on the global Church. She's worked with Compassion International since a trip to El Salvador several years ago. During a recent trip to Israel, Holly discovered that she had Jewish ancestors. While leading worship in Israel, Holly met members of her grandmother’s family, whom she had never met and her grandmother hadn’t seen in over 60 years. She was able to reconnect the family members with her grandmother via Skype for a surprise reunion.

Album: Tapestry

Twitter: @hollystarrmusic

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: I Love You Anyway



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: Where was the witch that King Saul consulted to speak to Samuel?
Hint: The Ewoks lived on a moon named after this town

A: Endor (1 Samuel 28:7-14)

Way to go Skyler!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

YARD SALE

It's never to early for Christmas shopping!
Join us for our new Fall Yard Sale.
CLICK HERE FMI

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Chris Tomlin



Even if you don't know Chris Tomlin's name - you probably know his songs. "How Great Is Our God", "Jesus Messiah", "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)", and the recent song "Our God." In fact, Chris Tomlin is the most sung song writer in American churches today - and has been for several years!

Originally from East Texas, Chris Tomlin grew up enjoying country music and playing the acoustic guitar with his dad. Tomlin wrote his first song at the age of 14 and always sensed that God would use him best through music. He graduated college with a degree in Psychology, but began hanging out with pastor Louie Giglio. The two would go on to create the Passion conference in 1997.

Stats:
* Career sales of over two million units
* Six No. 1 radio singles
* 4 Top 25 CCLI songs
* Two GRAMMY nominations
* 14 Dove Awards
* Two Gold albums

Album: And If Our God Is For Us...

Upcoming: How Great Is Our God - The Essential Collection (Due November 15 2011)

Twitter: @christomlin

Tour: Coming to DC November 4th

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: I Lift My Hands



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: What city was home to the man who gave Jesus a burial place?
Hint: His name was Joseph...

A: Arimathea (Matthew 27:57-60)

Congratulations, Diane!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Every Falling Tear
by Matt Hammitt | Genre: Adult Contemporary
* Lead Singer of Sanctus Real

Get In. I'm Driving.
by Ginny Owens | Genre: Adult Contemporary
* Ironic title because Owens is blind...

A Way to See in the Dark
by Jason Gray | Genre: Pop/Rock

Not Myself Anymore
by Jessa Anderson | Genre: Pop/Rock

When The Stars Burn Down
by Travis Cottrell | Genre: Adult Contemporary

By Faith
by The Sonflowerz | Genre: Praise & Worship

And there's more!
CLICK HERE for more information, Southern Gospel, Rock, Hip-Hop and other Worship releases!

YARD SALE

Need to lighten your load this fall?
Well, join Joy! 102.5 and the Manna for our new Fall Yard Sale.
CLICK HERE FMI

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Paul Baloche



A native of Maple Shade, New Jersey, Paul Baloche is currently the worship pastor at Community Christian Fellowship in Lindale, Texas. When writing, Paul composes on piano and acoustic guitar, favoring guitar when leading worship. His wife, Rita Baloche, is also a Christian songwriter. Baloche is one of the writers for Compassionart, a charity founded by Martin Smith from Delirious!

Several Christian artists, such as Michael W. Smith and SONICFLOOd, have recorded Baloche's songs and many of his songs are among the most performed songs in American churches according to the CCLI (a company that handles music licensing). Among them are "Open the Eyes of My Heart" (ranked number 2) and "Above All" (ranked number 22).

Baloche has also written a book, God Songs, and released instructional DVDs that cover a variety of issues central to contemporary worship, such as music styles, music theory, creating flow in worship, and guitar techniques. In addition to his material output, Baloche participates in several seminars for worship leaders and musicians throughout North America and Asia.

Album: Glorious

Twitter: @paulbaloche

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Just To Be With You



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: What city was Melchizedek king of?

A: Salem (Genesis 14:18)

Score for Everett!

Monday, September 12, 2011

YARD SALE

Need to lighten your load this fall?
Well, join Joy! 102.5 and the Manna for our new Fall Yard Sale!
It's a great way to spend a Saturday morning, meet your regional neighbors and find a treasure.
Whether you are planning on setting up a table or filling your car with some great finds, we want to see you.
CLICK HERE FMI

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Aaron Keyes



Aaron Keyes and his band travel internationally, leading worship and coaching worship leaders as the Lord gives opportunity. Most frequently Aaron works with Kingsway Music, from the United Kingdom. He and his wife of 11 years, Megan, have four sons – Cooper, Judah, Nyle, and Linen. Aaron and Megan graduated from Furman University in Greenville, SC, where they were a part of planting CrossRoads Community Church (in Simpsonville, SC) with Aaron’s parents, Steve and Becky.

But it's not all international touring and recording for Aaron Keyes. Aaron has served as the worship pastor at Grace Fellowship Church (outside Atlanta, GA) for the past eight years. Several months out of the year, he has younger worship pastors living in his home as part of an intensive worship discipleship course, involving daily teaching, mentoring, coaching, and community. Plus Aaron helps teach the next generation the skills for worship leading through Catalyst Worship school!

Between church life, traveling, song-writing, discipleship and parenting, Aaron and Megan are loving their lives and excited about their next season of life, love and discipleship.

Album: Dwell

Twitter: @aaronkeyes

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Blessing & Honor



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: What two cities of the plain were (famously) destroyed by God for their wickedness?

A: Sodom & Gomorrah (Genesis 19)

Way to go Savannah!

Friday, September 9, 2011

FREE MUSIC
Ashes Remains is from Baltimore and they are BLOWING UP!




ARTIST OF THE DAY
Chris Rice



Chris Rice was born and raised in Clinton, MD - just outside of Washington DC. The woods and creeks of Maryland, the political and historical scene of Washington D.C., and a house of four brothers was the setting that made Chris Rice into the introspective, humorist and songwriter that he is. After several years of college-hopping Chris finally landed in Tennessee in his mid-twenties, with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Communication, and a curiosity about the music business.

It turns out that Chris was tailor made for songwriting. He's been nominated and won multiple Dove Awards, but always paced himself with a laid-back optimism that never quite fit in with the music scene. As an oddity Chris Rice stands out as sincere and patient.

Chris Rice has slipped from public life after releasing What A Heart Is Beating For back in 2007.

FYI: Chris Rice has a stellar instrumental Christmas album - Living Room Sessions: Christmas

Album: What A Heart Is Beating For

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: The Other Side of the Radio



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: What publicly sinful Greek city had a church that received two letters from the Apostle Paul?

A: Corinth

Score for Ken!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Can you believe it has been nearly 10 years since 9/11 changed our world? Pray for the families that are still reeling from tragic loss.

A LITTLE FUN



ARTIST OF THE DAY
33 Miles



Chris Lockwood and Jason Barton are 33 Miles. After the breakout success of One Life, their first album, founding member Collin Stoddard left the trio to follow God's calling on his life to be a full time worship pastor. Now the duo (Chris and Jason) press on, having created a far richer sophomore album, Today.

While the band happily admits their country music roots, but they worked hard to bring a more distinguishable sound to the new album. What Chris says about Today:

“Nothing we can accomplish in business, no amount of education—nothing compares to Jesus,” says Chris, “But how our salvation translates to how we live today is the question. To wake up every day and make the choice to live with heaven in mind, to not let the circumstances of this day override that choice. It’s easier said than done, but getting up every day and trying makes it more and more possible.”

Latest Album: Today

Twitter: @33miles

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Story Behind The Arms That Hold The Universe



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: In what city were the followers of Jesus first called Christians (or little-Christs)?

A: Antioch (Acts 11:26)

Way to go, Becky!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

The FALL Yard Sale is coming soon!
CLICK HERE to get the deets - and come join us!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Michael W. Smith



Michael Whitaker Smith was born October 7, 1957 to Paul and Barbara Smith in Kenova, West Virginia. Michael was a typical boy – active in baseball, his family’s church activities, and playing piano. He wrote his first song at age 5 - but as a child, he longed to be a professional baseball player!

In 1982, Michael was asked to play keyboards in a band that was backing up young artist Amy Grant. Michael toured and wrote with Amy for years before launching his own solo career. In 1989 his song Go West Young Man began what would become one of the most legendary careers in Christian music.

Can't get enough Michael W. Smith? How about a harbor hopping Canadian & New England Cruise?! The Smiths and friends (Sean Hannity, Jeremy Camp, and Francesca Battistelli) are inviting you to join them next summer experiencing the beauty of the New England coast! CLICK HERE to learn more or book your trip!

Latest Album: Wonder

Upcoming Album: Glory (A new Instrumental album due out November 22nd 2011)

Twitter: @michaelwsmith

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: I'll Wait For You



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: What Empire was Nebuchadnezzar king of?

A: Babylon (or the Babylonian Empire)

Score for Tom of Princess Anne!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

You Are Love
by Darlene Zschech | Genre: Praise & Worship

The Sounds of Daniel Bashta
by Daniel Bashta | Genre: Praise & Worship

Forever If Ever
by Jon McLaughlin | Genre: Pop/Rock

Evolved: From Boys To Men
by 21:03 | Genre: Urban

Music With A Mission Tour 2011
by NRTV | Genre: Rock

One New Man Worship - Israel
by Various Artists | Genre: Praise & Worship

Get the deets: CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Nicole C Mullen



Nicole C Mullen started her music career as a background vocalist/dancer/choreographer. But her talent went far beyond support. She wrote "Redeemer" and the Jaci Velasquez hit "On My Knees."

Both hits were named Song of the Year at the Dove Awards. With that distinction she joined the ranks of Gloria Gaither and Michael W. Smith as the only songwriters to ever have two songs honored as the Song of the Year. In fact, she is the first African American to ever win a Dove Award in the category!

When NCM began the writing process for Captivated, she set out to craft a funk album - but God had other plans. As she began writing and recording it became evident that Captivated would be a worship album. Nicole had shyed away from making a worship project up to this point, not wanting to be trendy, but authentic.

Her first single is “Kingdom Come,” a duet with longtime friend Michael O’Brien. “Every other day there is a tornado or an earthquake or a tsunami or oil spill or whatever it is,” says Mullen. “Even nature is crying out for the return of Christ, for His kingdom, but His kingdom actually is already here. The kingdom of God is among us. God is already the king. We’re not going to make Him king at the end of time."

Latest Album: Captivated

Twitter: @nicoleCmullen

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Why Captivated?



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: What body of water is usually called The Great Sea in the Bible?

A: the Mediterranean Sea

Way to go Trinity!

Monday, September 5, 2011

Do you wish someone a "happy Labor Day"?
I don't know what the etiquette is...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Tricia Brock



Tricia Brock has been one of the lead singers of Superchic[k] for almost a decade now. But her and her producer husband Nick Baumhardt felt led to record a worship album. That album is called The Road.

Raised in a Christian home, Tricia and her sister Melissa experienced their share of adversity and struggles. When they met Maz Hsu, a singer/musician, the three girls immediately hit it off. All three felt called to create music to inspire teenage girls like themselves, who dealt with depression and insecurity. Thus Superchic[k] was born. They would go on to rock the world over, win Dove awards and garner a GRAMMY nod.

Superchi[k] is not over, but this solo worship project is a collection of songs meant to breathe hope and to inspire new life into a battling heart. “We may be broken, but we’re never destroyed,” the album’s lyrics say. Tricia wants to share that at times the listener may feel without hope, but there’s no need to fear. Hope, refuge and strength are always with us when we are with God.

Album: The Road

Twitter: @superchicktrish

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Tricia Brock talks The Road

Friday, September 2, 2011

The Labor Day Weekend begins .... NOW!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Justin Unger



Formerly a founding member of the group Across The Sky (nominated for New Artist of the Year at the 2003 Dove Awards) - Justin Unger is now a few albums into his solo career. His start began when he won a songwriting competition in Colorado. His victory led to a record deal with Word Records. Justin pounded it out on the road with Across The Sky for a couple of years before God began a new work in his heart.

Called to full time ministry back in AZ, he packed up his family and headed back West. Losing himself in church work was fun for a time, but he yearned to make music. Fortunately for Justin, his church was thrilled to nurture his songwriting passion. Now he is taking it one day at a time with his family (wife and 4 kids) at their church and the occasional regional tour.

Latest Album: Some Good Advice

Twitter: @justinunger

Want More? CLICK HERE

Music Video: This Is Freedom



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: Where were Pharaoh's troops drowned?

A: the Red Sea (Exodus 15:4)

Way to go, Clark!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Josh is back for the Joy Ride today. Let's roll!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
The Afters



The Afters have seen a quick rise to success, forming in 2007 when Josh and Matt met while both working at their local Starbucks in Mesquite, TX. The band formed under the name Blisse, but thankfully they changed it before debuting with their first album Never Going Back To OK.

After losing their longtime friend and manager to a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer, two band members deciding to part ways, a nearly life-threatening car wreck and a new member losing a close friend one week after joining the band, it has been a hard season of change for The Afters. Holding on to their faith and their passion for making music, has kept the band focused throughout the mess of it all.

The changes in line-up and the constant evolution of sound created a fresh sound for the new album. Sonically, Light Up the Sky is somewhat of a departure from the grunge rock of the band’s debut. Instead, this collection of songs tends to lean more pop.

Light Up The Sky is a hit album, a hit song - and now a chance for you to share your light! CLICK HERE to tell your God story - and light up the sky!

Latest Album: Light Up The Sky

Twitter: @theafters

Want More? CLICK HERE

Music Video: Light Up The Sky



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: Where did John The Baptist baptize repentant people?

A: the Jordan River (Mark 1:5)

Way to go Cindy!