Going Through The Motions...

Does life ever feel like your on a bike going down a hill at a hundred miles an hour, doing everything you can to keep from wiping out? Sometimes, it feels like I'm using every ounce of strength I have to just keep the handle bars steady. Life can be so stressful. And, it comes at you fast! There are so many different things pulling at us from so many different directions. Many times, It can be quite difficult, and sometimes almost impossible, to devote the necessary attention to each detail of our lives. And, if we're not careful, we can begin to compromise different aspects of our lives. We can start "going through the motions" in the smaller details that consume our lives. Then, before we know it, the majority of what we do consist of just motions. The thing is, the more we go through the "motions" the less we are able to feel. Then, life slowly becomes less and less about living and more about just getting through each day. We've all been there, at one point or another, right? I find myself there from time to time in different areas of my life. It's like I'm on autopilot. At the time it doesn't seem like that big of a deal, but in looking back I can see how much I missed out on. I don't want to miss out anymore! That's one, of many, reason I love the new Matthew West song, "The Motions." Matthew does a great job of articulating what I'm going through when I find myself fighting off falling back into autopilot. It's a daily challenge to step outside the "just get me through this day" and start to live again. I also love Matthew's heart and appreciate his desire to use his music as a tool to impact people's lives. If you would like to, also, say "No more going through the motions," please click here; http://www.matthewwest.com/motions/ And, if you wouldn't mind, please share your story. Your story will inspire others to take that step beyond "The Motions!"

What's In A Name?

Ever heard a song on the radio by a group and wondered, "Where in the world did they get that name and what does it mean?" Recently we began playing a song by a new group called, Dizmas. And, even though there has been a very positive response to the song, many are wondering what the name of the group means and what were they thinking when they chose it. Well, I did a little research and discovered something pretty cool about this name and why. Here is their explanation...

The name also stems from the character scholars cite as the thief (who had a change of heart just before death) crucified next to Jesus Christ. We look to that historic figure as a symbol of forgiveness, redemption and hope that governs our life and serves as a primary solution to the search we’ve so diligently embarked upon.

Pretty cool, right? Yea, that's what I thought, too. And I learned something new. I had no idea of the name of the thief that we grew up hearing so much about. Anyhow, the group didn't stop with just a cool name, they produce some great music, too! I believe "Yours" will become a favorite of yours! For your convenience I've included a few links to learn more about Dizmas.

1. http://www.1cubed.com/display.php?ID=348&sectionID=26
2. http://www.breathecast.com/Christian.Music.Artist-Dizmas/Article-386_2538.htm
3. http://www.alrcnewskitchen.com/cure/docs/release18.pdf
4. http://www.ccmmagazine.com/music/artist/dizmas/




OTHER NEW MUSIC NOW PLAYING ON FAMILY FRIENDLY RADIO...
(New music I truly believe you're gonna love!)

1. Francesca Battistelli - "Free To be Me" - From the artist who brought us "I'm Letting Go," delivers an incredible new upbeat song from her CD; "My Paper Heart"

2. Tenth Avenue North - "By Your Side" - You loved their first song, "Love Is Here!" I think this one's even better.

COMING SOON...
(Be listening for these to start playing very, very soon!)

1. Mercy Me - "Finally Home" - MercyMe has released some of the greatest music of our lifetime. A common theme throughout their music centers around the hope of one day being reunited with our loved ones who have passed on. This song is no exception as it takes a forward glance into what it may be like to one day reach our destination.

2. Jamie Slocum - "Dependence" - An accomplished songwriter/producer, Jamie is no stranger to radio. He's landed several top 10 hits over the years, including "Grace Changes Everything","Wounded","By Your Side" and others. His new song comes from a self titled CD due out this spring and tackles a very timely subject about surrendering our dependence to God.

3. Lincoln Brewster - "God You Reign" - Responsible for many of the songs we sing in church each week, this new song is sure to become a worship favorite. A worship leader at his church and one of the best guitarists I've ever seen, Lincoln's love for his savior is more than evident in this new song.

If you ever have any questions about the music you hear, or don't hear, please feel free to drop me a line. I would love to hear from you. joeb@wbgl.org

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."