Christmas Music

Every year the day after Thanksgiving, it's a tradition in our home to decorate for Christmas. It's so good for me to watch how excited my kids get with each passing year and the tradition gets rooted deeper. This year was no exception. My kids started counting down the days months earlier. They loved it! One of the elements that makes the day so special is the wonderful Christmas music. But, there's so much to choose from. Of course, you know you have access to the best mix of Christmas music on your Family Friendly radio station. You also can speak into that process by joing our Muisc Advisory Panel.
(www.newlifemedianetwork.org - Just click on your favorite station and then click on Music Advisory Panel. if you have questions or need assistance, please feel free to email me; joeb@newlifemedia.org)

If you're aslo wanting to buy some new Christmas CDs this year, but find yourself a little apprehensive with all the choices, I've included a few recommendations I believe you will love. Again, please feel free to email me if you have any questions or need assistance - joeb@newlifemedia.org

1. MICHAEL W. SMITH - "It's A Wonderful Christmas" - Recorded in London at Abby Road Studios with a 65-piece orchestra and 4 Choirs, this CD is really, really good. If there were an official "Movie" soundtrack for the Christmas Season - this would be it!
Songs from this CD you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Christmas Angels" & "Christmas Day" - duet with Mandisa



2. RELIENT K - "Let It Snow Baby...Let It Reindeer" - My roots cause me to lean a little more to the rock side, which is one reason I'm really loving this new one from Relient K. Plus, your kids are sure to love it, too.
Songs from this CD you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" & "Merry Christmas, Here's To Many More"

3. BEBO NORMAN - "Christmas...From the Realms Of Glory" - The first time I ever saw Bebo live was at a Third Day concert many years ago. From the moment he started the song "Great Light Of the World" I became a Bebo fan! I was blown away that day and continue to be blessed by his music. If you, too, are a Bebo fan, then you are going to love this CD.
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Christmastime Is Here","What Child Is This?" & "O Come Emmanuel"

4. JARS OF CLAY - "Christmas Songs" - Jars of Clay, for a long time now, have owned my favorite versions of two Christmas songs. "Little Drummer Boy" & "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." That coupled with my love for their last studio CD "Good Monsters" I found myself excited to hear their new Christmas CD. And, I was not disappointed. From start to finish this CD is great.
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Wonderful Christmastime"& "Love Came Down At Christmas"

5. BETHLEHEM SKYLINE - Featuring Various Artists (Downhere, Jason Grey, Jaime Jamgochian and others) - Ok, it's no secret that I love Downhere! In fact, their latest studio CD "Ending Is Beginning" is one of my top 5 CDs of 2008! So when I saw they had a couple of Christmas songs on a compilation CD, I just had to have it! Yes, the Downhere songs are great, but the rest of the CD lives up to those songs, too. In fact, this CD is so good, that it gave us an opportunity to introduce you to Circleslide and Daniel Kirkley through a couple of their Christmas songs found on this CD. And, even though the CD is incredible from start to finish, the Downhere song "How Many Kings" litterally knocked me over. Like the others on this list, this CD is great!
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "How Many Kings " - Downhere, "Joy To the World" - Circleslide, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" - Daniel Kirkley, "O Come O Come Emmanuel" - Jaime Jamgocian, "Glory To God In The Highest" - Downhere & "O Come All Ye Faithful" - Downhere and friends.

6. MercyMe - " The Christmas Sessions" - MercyMe through the years has become one of your all time favorite groups. They've released great CD after great CD, with chart topping hits like "I Can Only Imagine", "God With Us", "Homesick", "Word of God Speak" and many, many others. And, this CD is no exception. Not abandoning their sound, they incorporate it wonderfully into this amazing Christmas project. From the very first track through the last song you will not be disappointed. You've already began to fall in love with "Gloria", "What Child Is This", "O Holy Night" and your favorite, an original contribution; "Joseph's Lullaby" "The Christmas Sessions" would have to be one my top 5 Christmas CDs ever.
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Joseph's Lullaby", "Gloria", "What Child Is This", "O Holy Night", "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" & "Silent Night"

Merry Christmas...

So Much To Be Thankful For...

I saw a national poll the other day that said 67% of Americans are unhappy. I can't turn on the news for more than a second, these days, without feeling like the world is crashing down. There are so many things to be unhappy about....right?
I once heard a story about a King who was ill. To find healing, he needed to acquire the shirt off the back of someone sincerely happy. So his servants searched and searched and couldn't find anyone who was truly happy. Sure, they found people who were laughing and having a good time, but not really happy. Finally, after a long search, they searched a place they least expected to find someone happy - the poorest neighborhood in the kingdom. But, to their surprise, they found a man who was sincerely happy! There was only one problem, he didn't even own a shirt!
Maybe it's time to turn off the TV and make a list of things we're truly grateful for. In doing this it's quite amazing what makes the list after you get past the surface things. Things we haven't consciously thanked God for in a long time. No matter our circumstance, we do have so much to be thankful for and through that thankfulness comes true happiness. I think we have to delete the things we've been taught about being happy. It really is a choice. A choice that belongs to each of us. I know life can get quite difficult. I know there are times when the light at the end of the tunnel turns out to be a freight train. Times when the future looks quite bleak. But, I also know the one who holds that future. The one who asks us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. I love that verse in Proverbs. Lean not on your own understanding - my understanding of things can quite often make me very anxious. Maybe that's why God said it - and then advised us to not be anxious about anything - Philippians 4. No matter your situation, my prayer is that you will be able to find true happiness this Thanksgiving and Christmas season. We do have so much to be thankful for!

Slow Down...Please!

Just last week, we celebrated my daughter's eighth birthday. I remember, like it was yesterday, holding her for the first time. Praying; "Lord, please help me be a great father and guide me in raising her and please, Jesus, let her come to know you." I remember thinking about how fast it was going to go, but never could have imagined it would seem this fast. Tara and I had decided when our daughter was about two months old that we would wait until she was eight to have her ears pierced. At the time it seemed like a lifetime away. And yet, it was one night just last month I was walking toward my daughter's room to tuck her in and overheard her conversation with Tara. They were talking about earrings. As I walked into the room, I asked with a smile "What are you two discussing earrings for, you're not getting your ears pierced until you're..." Then it dawned on me. I knew she was about to turn eight, but didn't realize she was about to turn eight!
A couple of weeks later, we took the entire family to witness the ear piercing and then for our traditional birthday ice cream outing. As I stood there watching her hold tightly to Tara's hand, I couldn't help but grow slightly sad. If these eight years went that fast, how much faster are the next eight going to go? To further complicate my feelings, eight years from right now, she'll be the age her mom was when we started dating. I'm definitely not ready for that! How the memories started to rush in. Instantly, I started to remember so many things we've done together, the special moments, the milestones, the laughter, even the tears! At that moment, they served as yet another reminder of how important it is to make the days count. They are numbered. And, although the years will fly by, we have control of the days that make up those years! God's amazing! He has answered our prayer so many times over. If these next eight years are even half as wonderful as the first, it will be pretty awesome! Sure, these next eight years will have their own set of challenges, difficulties, but, also their own beautiful moments.
I really do wish there was a way to slow time down. But, looking back with as little regret as possible, will be far more valuable than seemingly more time. In the meantime, I will continue to ask God to help me, do my best, to make the most of each day.

60/60 Revolution...

Have you ever been in that moment where you learn of someone else's idea and thought to yourself, "Why didn't I think of that?" Well, I was sitting in church this past Sunday, enjoying the service, when pastor started talking about this revolutionary idea. An idea so simple, yet so profound. The 60/60 Revolution. An idea conceived by a pastor at a church in Texas. The idea is to allow God to penetrate the busyness, stress, even privacy of our everyday lives, everyday - every hour. To spend a few moments in prayer at the top of each hour every single day. The concept is based on John 15:4-5. "Remain in me and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself, it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine and you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him he will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing."
Those that have completed the challenge had reported that their lives will never be the same. God has a way of blessing our efforts to grow close to Him. Can I encourage you to take this challenge with me? Here's what you need. A few moments every hour and a way to remind yourself. It's that simple. Everything else will fall into place.

Here is the challenge:
For the next 60 days, try to stay in a continuous, honest conversation with God, willing to do His will, moment by moment. Set a watch or alarm clock to beep every 60 minutes and put up sticky notes and reminders around your home, car and office as a reminder to stay connected. Try to turn your thoughts back to God all throughout the day, as often as you can. This simple conscious contact with God isn't easy, but if you do, you'll start to see everything else begin to fall into place over time. Even if you're not yet convinced, this does work. Try it. Every 60 minutes, stop and recall "God is with me right now" And let that propel you to ask God "Show me your Will this next moment. I want to be willing to do your Will as an act of love toward you."

If you are planning on taking this challenge, would you please let me know? Simply drop me a line at joeb@newlifemedia.org - Thanks!

I can't take any credit for this incredible idea- I am merely jumping on a revolutionary thought process encouraged by the leadership of my church. I'm extremely grateful for the pastoral staff at my church and I appreciate the way they are continually challenging me to grow!

In the Moment...

It never ceases to amaze me how fast time seems to slip by at an increasing pace. With each passing year, time appears to move faster than the year before. If only someone had warned me when I was younger. I spent so much time living just beyond the moment I was in. Biding my time, just existing, until the next great moment arrived. You know, that moment, event, or happening that would, of course, be the best thing ever! That's how I would build it up in my mind. And the closer I would get to the event, the bigger and better it would become in my head. This would lead to such depression, because no matter what it was, that I was waiting for, it always went by much too fast and never quite lived up to my grand expectations. In fact, on many occasions, the "looking forward" was more enjoyable than the event itself. More and more I found myself increasingly disappointed. This was until I met my wife, Tara, 16 years ago, today. A day that I had been looking forward to and anticipating about for the better part of the prior month. I can remember that day like it was yesterday. It's hard to imagine there was a time when I was nervous about being with Tara. The awkward first days together. I had been to her house many times over the previous several months. I had had conversations with her parents and several occasions. I had been out with Tara with others from the youth group. But, this was different. This was a date. As I walked to her front door, I had to walk past the garage. This particular day, Tara's dad was working in the garage. Not because he had stuff to do, but that he was going to be the first line of defense between me and his daughter. I had never, on any occasion, felt intimidated by her dad, until this day. I remember the stern look he gave me as he said "There are three thing you'll know if you're going to take out my daughter. First, you'll treat her like a lady. Two, you will have her in on time. And, three, if your car leaks oil, get it off my drive!" My car didn't leak oil, but I wasn't taking any chances, I didn't park on the drive for a long time thereafter. This was truly one of the first days in my entire life that lived up to the expectations I had created in my mind. And, I can honestly tell you that with each passing year, it gets better and better.
Sure, Like many of us, I still find myself from time to time living outside the moment I'm in. But, during those times, God will use Tara or my kids to gently remind me to live "in the moment."

To Serve You Better...

I recently had the privilege to attend Gospel Music Association week (GMA) in Nashville, TN. While there, it dawned on me that this was my 13th trip to GMA. It really doesn't seem like it was all that long ago that I ventured out on my maiden journey to the Music City. I can remember my first trip like it was yesterday. It's hard to forget how out of place I felt and how terribly green I was. I had so much to learn. As I made my way through the busy, but wonderful week, this year, I found myself reminiscing about those first years. It's fun to think back and look at how far I've grown. Yet, the more I learn the more I realize how little I really do know. God is continually challanging me to do a better job at His purpose in my life. Although there are many things similar to those first few years, like the hotel, the city itself, and so many faces, a lot has changed. A few artist still stroll through the hotel lobby familiar to my early days, but most are a new crop birthed in the last 10 years or so. Music has changed. The face of music has changed. And, the way we do radio has changed. I remember those first few years being a lot about "me." How do I do it better? How do I make a difference? How do I play the best music? Although those questions can seem harmless, and sure there was also a focus on God, but still I felt there was something missing.
That was until about 6 years ago when I noticed a shift in focus at GMA. A shift not only in the industry, but also in me. It was no longer all about me, but more about you. Yea, YOU! Believe it or not, you've play a much bigger role than you might think. That's because we better understood God's calling on us to serve you. And, once we began to understand where God was leading, well, there was just no turning back. This year's GMA was all about YOU! You have more power than you may realize. It's you that makes a song a hit or not. With an increasing number of radio stations relying on input from their listeners, the charts are actually influenced by your opinion. As artists better understand what you're looking for, they are now recording songs to better serve you. You are also influencing songs radio stations decided to play. Here, at Family Friendly Radio, we have experienced some amazing success over the past several years. Of course, all Glory goes to God, but so much "Thanks" to you. God has used YOU to help us get to where He is leading. And I believe we've only touched the tip of the iceberg.
You are significant! God has an amazing purpose for your life. And, maybe a small part of that plan would be to help determine the direction for the future of Christian Music. And, it's really easy! It takes just minutes a week, a few weeks a month! Plus, to top it all off, it can be done right in the privacy of your own home. All you need to do is join our Music Advisory Panel today. It's free and there are never any strings attached. You could also win some very cool prizes just for being a panel member. For more information about joining this amazing team and help determine which songs get played, please check out our website or email me today; joeb@newlifemedia.org

It Is Worth Fighting For?

Last year, my wife and I received devastating news from some friends we admired. I remember when we were first married, how we looked up to them. They had a kind of marriage that we desired. Or, so we thought. If there were ever a couple beyond the risk of breaking up, it was these two. No doubt about it. So what happened? Well, I could share with you the details surrounding the final moments of their marriage. But, it wouldn't shed any light as to what really caused the decay of the relationship. It would be nothing more than the final images of the destruction. so, what really happened? Somewhere along the way one or both decided to stop fighting. I'm not referring to bickering and such. I'm talking about the desire to make the marriage work no matter how difficult it becomes. There was no infidelity or abuse in this marriage. Just a subtle decision that it wasn't worth working at anymore. The struggle to keep it going was no longer worth it. And, it wasn't a decision that was made one day, it was something that crept in and slowly took control of their marriage until it had completely stripped the life from it. The symptoms were there, just below the surface out of site. We do an amazing job designing masks to hide what's really going on. So, even though it came as a complete shock to my wife and I, this relationship had been in trouble for a very long time.
It made us take a deeper look at our marriage. To make sure we're always on guard for anything that can sneak in and begin to bring decay to our relationship. To regularly come back to our foundation, Christ, and spend time together on our knees seeking guidance. To not allow the word "Divorce" to enter our vocabulary at any time. To understand that it is not an option. And to know no matter how bad it gets, it's always worth fighting for!
With one out of every two marriages ending with divorce these days, it can sometimes feel like fewer and fewer couples are doing any good fighting at all anymore. Plus, with recent law changes, marriage has become one of the easiest contracts to void. In fact, in most states you don't even need the consent of both people to end the contract. And with "No Fault" divorce, you don't even have to have a good reason to call it quits.
That's why I believe Warren Barfield's new song "Love Is Not A Fight" is so timely. It's not only a song I believe you'll soon fall in love with, but also a great reminder that when things get tough in our marriages, they are worth fighting for! I love the line, "If we try to leave; May God send angels to guard the door." I can't wait for you to start hearing this song on the radio this week. I just know you're going to love it! And, speaking of that, I love knowing your opinion about the music we play. In fact, you can have your opinion heard by joining our Music Advisory Panel. It's free! Check out our station's website to find out more or to get signed up! Also, if you want to know more about Warren Barfield or hear this incredible new song, please check out his Myspace page; http://www.myspace.com/warrenbarfield

If you're marriage is in trouble, please seek help from someone you can trust, who is in love with Jesus and believes the Bible to be the manual for how to handle your situation. If I can be praying for you, please don't hesitate to let me know; joeb@newlifemedia.org Your marriage is worth fighting for!

You're Not Alone...

It's actually quite amazing how we can be completely surrounded by people, even friends, and still feel so all alone. Whether we're facing pain form the past or currently walking through difficult situations, many times we can't escape those, sometimes, suffocating experiences of feeling lonely. I remember walking through stretches in my life when I would do almost anything, reasonable and legal, to take that lonely feeling away. My escape was to watch movies. I watched a ton of them and all the time. But, inevitably at the end of each movie, the loneliness that I was able to numb always made it's way back around. It really wasn't until I started consistently giving my pain to Jesus, that I began to find freedom. And, I can't take any credit. I wouldn't have found the way out on my own. God put some pretty smart people in my path willing to sacrificially pray for me and help guide me. I thank God for those true friends. And, sure, there are days when those lonely feelings can rear their ugly head, but God has taught me to hold tightly to Him. I don't always get it right and I have a ton to learn yet - but God is patient and I know He is at work and no matter what happens or how I feel, I'm truly never alone.
If you can relate at all, I know a song you just have to hear! In fact, from the very first time I heard this song I was blown away! It's one of those songs that just lifts you up. It's called "You're Not Alone" by Meredith Andrews. You can hear it now, by visiting Meredith's Mypace page. Although I love the song - my opinion isn't as important as yours. Please let me know what you think, by joining our Music Advisory Panel. Thanks!
When you get time, please let me know how this song or any other song we play has impacted your life. And, if there is ever anything I can be praying for you about - please don't hesitate to let me know. You can drop me a line anytime at; joeb@newlifemedia.org.

Lower My Bills, Please...

So, earlier this week I talked about an article I read at ehow.com on how to lower your monthly bills. Outside of getting a ton of emails, I also took the challenge. And, I'm pleased to say that after about 20 minutes on the phone, I was able to save nearly $40/month without losing very much at all. Most companies were more than willing to work with me right away. "So you want to lower your bill without losing any services" is what one operator said. "Sure, that would be great!" was my response. "Let's see what we can do for you today, Mr. Buchanan." All I can say, is if you haven't yet tried this, please check out this link to find out more about how to lower your monthly bills. Lower my bills

Breakfast with Matt...

It's not everyday I can work a breakfast meeting into my schedule. And, looking at my planner this week, it was going to be even more difficult. But, I enjoy meeting new people. Besides, the work will still be waiting for me when I'm done. Anyhow, this morning I had the opportunity to have breakfast with Matt Maher. Now, you may not recognize his name, but you probably love some of his music. In fact, you've probably sang a song of his a time or two before. Like "Your Grace Is Enough" a song, actually recorded by Chris Tomlin, that has become a favorite among worship leaders across the country and all over the world. Matt also co-wrote another song you love, "On the Third Day" by Michael Olson.
So, over pancakes and eggs we talked about his life, his past and where God is taking him. We discussed "Lost" (of course) plus some other great music we both enjoy and his new CD coming out this spring called "Empty & Beautiful." The more we talked, the more I wanted to know. Matt's story is quite amazing! It continues to blow me away how God has each of our lives delicately balanced. If we'll just trust Him, oh the things He'll do through us. Matt was born in Canada and after his parents divorced, he moved to the States. It was here that his cousin took him to church and began the journey that would lead Matt to where he is today. After giving his heart to Christ, Matt began to chase after the desires that God placed within him. From leading worship to recording independent CDs, Matt patiently waited on the Lord to direct him. I found myself more and more excited about the future God has for Matt and how he is already being used to impact lives through his incredible music. I can't wait to introduce him to you through his version of "Your Grace Is Enough" which will be on the radio soon. I the meantime, if you would like to know more about Matt, please check out his myspace page; http://www.myspace.com/mattmahermusic
You can also check out his music while you're there! You'll be glad you did. And, as always, please feel free to let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Tenth Avenue North...

I can't wait for you to hear a great new song from a great new group! The song is called "Love Is Here" and it's by newcomers Tenth Avenue North. There is a lot of buzz surrounding this new group and sure the typical things that get said are true. For instance, they have a fresh sound, great dynamics, incredible vocals and phenomenal song writing. But, it doesn't appear to stop there. A great deal of buzz surrounding this group has to do with the type of people it's made up of. Mike, Jeff, Jason and Scott. Not unlike many other Christian bands, these guys love the Lord. But, there's something more than meets the eye with these guys. They really know their Bible and it's translated loud and clear through their encouraging and uplifting music. I know you are gonna fall in love with these guys as you get to know them. Be listening for their first radio single - "Love Is Here" You will start hearing it this week and it's from their debut CD "Over And Underneath" coming out in May. This will be one of those songs that has the ability to hold your memories of today, tomorrow. I look forward to hearing your thoughts about this song as you begin to hear it! If you want to hear right now, please click here; http://www.myspace.com/tenthavenuenorth

Other great songs you'll want to be listening for are the new ones from DecembeRadio "Find You Waiting" and 33Miles "Thank You"

Cinderella

My wife, daughter, son and I all sat down and watched the movie Hook a couple of nights ago. My wife and I had screened it a couple of nights earlier just to make sure it was appropriate for our kids. And, outside of a few moments in need of fast forwarding, it was a good movie. It was fun to watch my kids reaction through out the film. My son has been a huge Peter Pan fan for the better part of a year and my daughter loves Tinkerbell. It brought a smile to my face watching the way my daughter could barely contain her excitement when Tinkerbell made her first appearance. And, the way my son got so animated during the battle between Peter Pan and Captain Hook. But, the movie was more that just entertaining. I couldn't help but feel warned by the life lessons taught throughout the dialog of this movie. Cherish the time we have with our kids. It's really only for a few brief years that we have them as kids. I took note when Moria said to Peter "The kids are growing up, and you're missing it." I don't want to miss it. Once these years are gone, they can't be regained. That's one of the reasons I'm always looking for memory building activities for the family. In fact, I'm really looking forward to a very special evening planned with my daughter. In a couple of weeks we'll be attending a Cinderella ball together. It should prove to be an evening that lives on within our memories for a lifetime. She is so excited about it, she talks about it all the time. In fact, just yesterday we were discussing what we are going to wear to the ball and, out of the blue, she said, "I hope they play 'Cinderella' at the ball. " She was referring to Steven Curtis Chapman's new song from his CD "This Moment." She loves the song and would love to dance with daddy, at the ball, during that song. As I watched her face become so full of life while sharing her idea with me, I got a little sad at how fast she is growing. Sure, I'm excited about her becoming the woman God created her to be, but secretly wish it would move just a little slower. We just have to make the most of these moments. That's why I know you're going to love "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman! It is sure to become one of your favorites in record time. It really is a beautiful song carrying a gentle reminder to take breaks from our busy lives and spend time with our most precious gifts while they are still "here in our ams!" If you haven't heard it yet, you will. Keep listening to Family Friendly Radio! If you want to hear it right now, click here; http://www.myspace.com/stevencurtischapman


Steven Curtis Chapman
Album: "This Moment"
New Single: "Cinderella"
Website: http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/

The Broken Garage Door

Sometimes it seems as though things are not always as they seem. Let me explain. About a month ago, while backing out of my driveway, I closed my garage door as normal. The door came down about half way and just stopped. Didn't go back up, no blinking light to indicate something was wrong, it just stopped. I got out of my car and doubled checked the track . After finding no obstruction, I hit the button again and the door came back up and stopped as normal. So, very cautiously, I hit the button again. Big mistake. This time, instead of stopping at the same point it had before, the opener tried to close the door all the way. I'm still not sure what kept it from closing, but the opener completely mangled the panels of my door making it impossible to close. After taking a deep breath and then fully assessing the situation, an unsettling realization set in - this problem was bigger than me. After praying a moment, I called a friend over and we spent several hours working just to get the door closed. My friend, Tim, is actually a pretty smart guy! Still, there was no question, this door had to be replaced. To complicate things, it was December and Christmas was coming. This timing couldn't have been worse. I found myself starting to stress about where the money was going to come from. Not to mention the fact that the thought of having to replace a garage door never crossed my mind. I knew God would take care of it, but, this was going to be, at the very least, inconvenient. Even still, I was worried about it. That was until a couple of days later when my 4 year old son, Stevie, says, "I wish the garage door was broken again." At first I was taken back by this. Why in the world would he want the door broken? Then it dawned on me. When Tim and I were working on the door that night, I enlisted Steve's help. He got to hang out with the "guys" and spend some quality time with dad. It made him feel so special. He loved it. You know, it's kinda funny actually. I'm always looking for ways to spend quality, memory building, time as an investment in my kid's lives. One reason, is that I know our time together is going to be like a vapor and gone long before I'm ready. And, here in the midst of what I perceive to be an awful situation, is one of those very wonderful moments. I guess it just depends from what perspective you're looking. I now find myself thanking God for helping me, without me even knowing it, turn a potentially very stressful situation into a wonderful and lasting memory for my son and I. I'm so grateful that He used my 4 year old son to teach me a lot through this experience. Next time I can only hope I remember to, at least, take a peek from different perspective before I allow myself to become stressed out. God is truly awesome! And, yeah, I'm actually thanking God for the broken garage door.

New Year, New Music!

Wow, it's 2008! I can remember as a child thinking about the year 2000 and how it felt like forever away. Now, I find myself 8 years on the other side and life continues to move faster and faster. One "Resolution" I have for this year is to slow down a little and try to spend more quality time with my wife and kids, do more meaningful things for the Kingdom and enjoy each fleeting moment just a little more. When I think about 2007, there are so many highlights that come to mind.

One very fun highlight was an evening I spent with Steve Fee. We were supposed to have dinner together, but the plans fell through when he got tickets to a Cubs/Reds game at Wrigley Field. It turns out that Steve is friends with Tom Hume, pitching coach for the reds, and got incredible seats to the game. Hoping I wouldn't be too disappointed about having to cancel our dinner (and not knowing I'm a HUGE Cubs fan) he asked if I would be interested in attending the game. "Are you kidding?" To top it off, it was at the end of the season and the Cubs were in a race for the playoffs! What a great game! I watched Soriano throw out a runner at the plate in the 7th inning and the Cubs eventually won the game! To be a part of that celebration as they blasted "Go Cubs Go" throughout the stadium was unbelievable! As I was driving home that night, I found myself thinking back over the incredible evening. Yes, the game was pretty awesome, but, getting to know Steve was the highlight of the evening. And, almost getting lost in the excitement was the fact that Steve is in a band called Fee. Fee is signed to INO Records, the same record company that brought you great songs from groups like MercyMe, 33Miles, Phillips, Craig & Dean and so many others. Fee has a new CD, which Steve gave me a copy of that night, called "We Shine" and it is very, very good. I listened to it all the way home from the Cubs' game and have been listening to it ever since. I love it! You've also been hearing "Glorious One" during our Sunday Morning Praise and now you'll start hearing their new single "All Because Of Jesus", a song that Steve Fee wrote and Casting Crowns also recorded for their newest CD; "The Alter and the Door" I can't wait for you to hear this song, because I know you're going to love it!

Other great new songs you'll be hearing over the next month or so are "Captivated" by Shawn McDonald, Sanctus Real's "We Need Each Other", Brit Nicole "Set the World on Fire" and the incredible "Cinderella" from Steven Curtis Chapman.

As always, your opinion is extremely important to me! If you want to help shape the sound of your favorite Family Friendly Radio Station, please join our Music Advisory Panel and let me know what you think about, not only these songs as you hear them, but about any song we're playing! Thanks and, again, Happy New Year!