Your Hands...

Looking back over my life, there have been so many times when I was sure God couldn't hear my cries for help. Have you ever been there? When it seems like time and time your prayer goes unanswered, seemingly unheard. Trouble that you may or may not have brought on yourself and how hard you've wished it wasn't there. Pain so deep that it overshadows the good things in your life. And, the loneliness. It can cut so deep.

For me, that's the most difficult part of walking through challenging and tough times. The loneliness. Feeling all alone causes us to isolate ourselves. Then, the challenge or problem can seem so big. Much larger than it actually is. And, the more that I isolate myself, the harder it becomes to reach out for help. The more my prayers seem to go unheard, the more likely I am to stop praying.

That's the exact opposite of what I should be doing. God has taught me so much through the pain in my life. And, although I still have so far to go and so much to lean, I'm in a better place than I was even a year ago. I can take no credit for that. It's all Him. One of the areas He has challenged me to grow is trust. Leaning not on my own understanding, but fully trusting Him. I would love to say, with all the time He's invested in me, that I've finally mastered it. But, a statement like that couldn't be further from the truth. Actually, the more I learn the more aware I am of how much I need to learn. I'm so grateful for His patience with me.

A new song I'm really excited about is called, "Your Hands" by new artist, JJ Heller. I love the way she starts out the song, "I have unanswered prayers. I have trouble I wish wasn't there. I have asked a thousand ways that you would take my pain away." She goes on to say, "When my world is shaking, Heaven stands. When my heart is breaking, I never leave Your hands"

He's got us, securely placed in the palm of His hand. No matter the circumstance that you find yourself in today, God is there with you. He's holding you each and every step of the way. He has promised to never let you go. He sees every tear. He feels ever hurt. He knows every fear and although you may feel all alone, you've never truly been. And, He understands that, too.

If you find yourself in a tough stretch, can I stand with you in prayer? First, there is power in prayer, but also knowing someone is praying for you can help take the edge off the loneliness. You can be as specific or vague as you want, but if I can be praying for you, please don't hesitate to let me know - joeb@newlifemedia.org

Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)

We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!

Music Advisory Panel: WBGL WCIC WIBI

I want to hear "Chorus Of the Colts!"

So, I got this email from a listener this week. It was all in good fun. She thought it was out of line for our station, being a midwest station, to play a song like "Chorus Of the Saints" by Revive. After all, living in the midwest, we should be pulling for the Colts on Sunday, right?

Well, whatever team you're pulling for, you probably want me aligning with the other team. For whatever reason, this year it seems like I can't pick a winning team no matter how hard I try. Even in games I don't care that much about, if I start to pull toward one team, that team will start to self destruct, right before my eyes. In games where "my" team is picked and should win by plenty, they still find away to end up on the losing end. So, even now, I'm still not sure which team I'll pull for. Sure, I know which team I would like to win. So, maybe I'll experiment and pull for the other team on Sunday. Yea, I kind of like that idea. After all, we all know the outcome of that game is completely based on which team I pull for. Not! No matter the outcome or however you chose to spend Superbowl Sunday, I hope that it is a good day packed with terrific moments that create wonderful memories.

Getting back to the chorus of the Saints. No, not the football team. The song from Revive. Have you had a chance to really listen to the lyric in this song? The words are quite amazing, actually! I think there are so many times when we feel like we're down for

the count. Our circumstances can seem so impossible. The hill is just too hard to climb. We become confused by the doubt and suffering and we lose our way.

But, there is hope! All we have to do is "Open our eyes and see the beauty of our God who has never left our side!" I love that line in the song. We've all heard those around us say things like, "When I see it, I'll believe it." But, maybe it should be the other way around. "When I believe it, I'll see it." That's why He calls it faith, right? Believing without seeing.

I get into such trouble when I get that backwards. When I start leaning on my own understanding. God wants me to do the opposite. Lean not on my own understanding, but to trust Him. And, when I misplace the trust I should only place in Him, it can get so scary so fast. But, as He helps me open my eyes to, again, see that He has never left my side, I can begin to sing once again, "Hallelujah! Our God Is Faithful!" If you haven't heard Revive's "Chorus Of the Saints" you can click this link to hear it now; http://www.reviveband.com/media/music

You can also hear it on Family Friendly radio. (WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)

If I can be praying for you as you seek to deepen your relationship with the one who created you, please don't hesitate to let me know - joeb@newlifemedia.org

Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)

We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!

Music Advisory Panel: WBGL WCIC WIBI

I want to fall in love...

I can't tell you how many times I've set out to better my relationship with God. I've worked hard to pick the right devotional, made sure I set some kind of reminder and sat down each day to make it happen. The plan worked for about a week or until the scheduled time got interrupted a couple times by, life. Yea, I'm ashamed to say that the distractions of life get in the way of me spending quality time with Him.

So, what next? How do I get from wanting to make myself grow my relationship with Him to actually making it happen? That's a question I've asked over and over. And, the closer I do grow to Him the more I believe it's not just about the physical act of making it happen. Don't get me wrong, discipline is extremely important, but it's got to come from somewhere deeper.

A few years ago I had a Pastor extend me some great advise. He suggested that I simply ask God, every day, to help me fall deeper in love with Him. I can't begin to tell you the impact that simple prayer has had on me. God did draw me in closer to Him, but it's a two way street. The more I fall in love with Him the more I want to spend time with Him. But, it's in the time I spend with Him that I fall deeper in love with Him.

The first time I heard Jason Gray's new song, "More Like Falling In Love" I immediately connected with it. Jason has this amazing way of communicating a great truth through this catchy and well written song. If you haven't heard it yet, please click here to hear it now; http://jasongraymusic.com/home You can also hear this song on Family Friendly Radio. (WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)

I can honestly say that I am more in love with Jesus than ever, but it's a process. I still have so far to go. I'm humbled by His patience. He is so good to us. And, through him, I find myself enjoying the journey. If I can be praying for you as you seek to deepen your relationship with the one who created you, please don't hesitate to let me know - joeb@newlifemedia.org

Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)

We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!

Music Advisory Panel: WBGL WCIC WIBI

I want to help...

As I was watching the news last night, I found it difficult to sit through the images coming in from Haiti. I can't imagine what it must be like. I try to put myself in their shoes, but can't stay there very long. So many lives lost. So many loved ones missing. So much devastation.

So, what can we do to help? It can seem so overwhelming. What in the world can one person do to make a difference in the aftermath of something like that? It's like Josh Wilson's lyric, "It's like trying to fit the ocean in a cup."

But, we can make a difference. Here are a few organizations doing some amazing things to help, if you're looking for ideas.

1. Pray.

2. www.convoyofhope.org

3. www.compassion.com

4. www.redcross.org

5. You can also quickly and easily donate $10 by texting the word "HAITI" to '90999' from your cell phone. The $10 will be added to your next cell phone bill.

If you are aware of other avenues through which we can help, please don't hesitate to let me know. joeb@newlifemedia.org Thanks!

Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)

We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!

Music Advisory Panel: WBGL WCIC WIBI

Christmas Music 2009

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 had to be the most anticipated and exciting one yet. The kids started counting down the days months earlier. They loved it! One of the elements that always makes the day so special, for my family, is the wonderful Christmas music. But, there's always so much to choose from. Of course, as in years past, 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. Your opinion is very important to me!
(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 looking to buy some new Christmas CDs this year, but find yourself a little apprehensive with all the choices, here are a few I truly believe you will love. Again, please feel free to email me if you have any questions or need assistance -joeb@newlifemedia.org

1. DOWNHERE - "How Many Kings" - My wife and I own every CD Downhere has ever released and from the moment I received this one, (Sometime this last summer) it's been playing in my house. From start to finish there isn't a bad moment on the entire CD. Their version of Good King Wenceslas has to be, by far, the best version I've ever heard of that song. "Five Golden Rings" is only elven seconds long. You'll find two versions of "How Many Kings" The original is the opening track and the project closes out with the "re-imagined" version. This would be a great soundtrack for your Christmas memories this year.
Songs from this CD you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "How Many Kings", "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen","Christmas In Our Hearts" & "Angels From the Realms Of Glory"



2. CHRIS TOMLIN - "Glory In The Highest" - Well, this CD has a very special place in my heart. I had the very rare privilege to participate in the recording process of this one. This past June, Chris invited some friends to come out and sing in the choir as he recorded the tracks to this project. The CD was recorded at Ocean Way, a legendary studio, in Nashville, TN. It was an amazing experience! We all gathered and just worshipped God together. As I listen through the CD now, I'm blown away by how well it reflects those special moments I'll never forget. And now, you can also be apart of it as this CD will transform your car, living room, etc., to a wonderful worship experience. Although the whole CD is great, one song that really stands out for me is "Winter Snow" featuring Audrey Assad. You may actually recognize her voice, as she was the female vocalist on "More Beautiful You" by Jonny Diaz. If you're looking for a great time of Christmas worship, this CD was made for you.
Songs from this CD you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy)","Emmanuel" & "Winter Snow (Featuring Audrey Assad)"

3. 33MILES - "Believe" - From the first moment I heard my first 33Miles song, I was a fan. And, after their beautiful Christmas Medley was a huge hit last year, I was excited to learn of their new full length Christmas CD. After one listen through, I just knew you were also going to love it! Complementing the beautiful arrangements of Christmas classics are some great originals delivered in true 33Miles fashion. And each song has that distinctive and unmistakable 33Miles fingerprint all over it! "I Could Not Come To You", "I Believe In Christmas" and "Finally Christmas" are fantastic original contributions that are sure to become tomorrow's favorites. "Believe" by 33Miles would be a great addition to any Christmas collection.
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "O Come All Ye Faithful / Sing To the King","Hark The Herald Angels Sing","Joy To The World" & "I Believe In Christmas"

4. BIG DADDY WEAVE - "Christ Is Come" - Another great Christmas CD! This one also rises to the top of the list. Great moments from start to finish. One of my personal favorites is "I'll Be Brave This Christmas" It's a track that made me stop what I was doing and really hear what was being said. After the track finished, I found myself so grateful for so much that God had done for me. And, for those who have so sacrificially put their lives on the line for each of us so we could even celebrate Christmas. I also absolutely love their version of "Joy To The World"
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Joy To the World","O Come O Come Emmanuel" & "I'll Be Brave This Christmas"

5. WHEN LOVE WAS BORN - "Various Artists" - If you're looking for one CD that delivers great Christmas songs from your favorite artists, you may have to look no further. This compilation carries both, great classics and incredible originals. With depth from beginning to the very last note, this CD will not only bring back wonderful memories from years past, but also help build new ones for years to come.
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: Mark Schultz, Meredith Andrews, Francesca Battestelli, Point Of Grace, Big Daddy Weave, Natalie Grant, Aaron Shust, Selah, Barlowgril & Chris Sligh

6. BETHLEHEM SKYLINE - Featuring Various Artists (Downhere, Jason Grey, JaimeJamgochian 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.

7. 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...

Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)

We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!

Music Advisory Panel: WBGL WCIC WIBI

Video Blog 1.6 :: Thankful...

If you find this to be a very difficult time of year and are in need of prayer, please don't hesitate to let me know. joeb@newlifemedia.org

I hope you and your family have a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)

We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!

Music Advisory Panel: WBGL WCIC WIBI

Vision Moment with Patty Dudley

Video Blog 1.5 :: Vision Moment with Patty Dudley

For more information about our fall fundraiser, Vision - please click here, http://www.wibi.org Thanks!

Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)

We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!

Music Advisory Panel: WBGL WCIC WIBI