Happy New Year!

I remember, like it was yesterday, thinking about how far off into the future the year 2000 was. And, now we're starting our second decade of the 200o's. Time does pass so very quickly. The years stack up quicker and quicker. And, the more years that pass the more I realize just how important it is to make the most of the time that we have left.

That is just one of the reasons we work so hard at serving you. We want to make sure that the time you spend listening to Family Friendly Radio is time well spent. One of the ways we are able to do this is by making sure you have a voice and your voice is heard. One of the ways we're able to do this is through our Music Advisory Panel. It's a tool that you can use to help us serve you better. It's totally free and won't take up much of your valuable time. But, the investment will be more than worth it.

Twice a month we ask our Music Advisory Panel how they feel about particular songs they hear on our radio station. We ask them to rate each song they hear and let us know how often they want to hear that particular song. We also ask questions that help us get to know you better, so that we can do an even better job of serving you. There's also an open ended comments section at the end of each survey, so you can share with us anything on your mind.

If you have never become a Music Advisory Panel Member, can I ask you to consider becoming a member today? Again, it's totally free and you'll have access to have your thoughts and opinions heard. Decisions are made regularly based on the information we receive through our panel members. If you're interested in getting signed up, please simply click on the radio station you listen to; WBGL WCIC WIBI

Thank you so much! Also, if you are already a panel member, thank you! You're truly helping us serve you even better. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to let me know. You can drop me an email today at; joeb@newlifemedia.org

Happy New Year!

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,WIBI & WCIC

Christmas 2010

Christmas Music 2010

Again, this year, we kicked our Christmas off the Friday following Thanksgiving. It's become our family's tradition. My kids can barely contain their excitement as the day draws near. We make a complete mess of the house, dragging boxes out from basement. What fun. What great memories that are built each year. This year, I couldn't help but realize that these days are numbered. My kids are getting older and each passing year is like a mile marker of miles stretching out behind us. That's why these memories are so important to me. And, the soundtrack to these memories is equally as important. And, the best mix of Christmas music is a must-have for me. But, there's always so much to choose from. And, 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 can also share your opinion about the music by joinng our Music Advisory Panel. Your opinion is very important to me!

(go to www.newlifemedia.org - Just click on your favorite station at the top left of page 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 again this year, it's one of our favorites. 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 eleven 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. A year ago in 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. Newsboys - "Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday" - Christmas, Newsboys style. This is a great new EP. If you're a Newsboys fan, this is a must-have Christmas CD, this year. Their versions of Jingle Bell Rock and Winter Wonderland are fantastic. But, it's their version of the Mariah Caray song, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" that kept me coming back for more.

Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "All I Want For Christmas Is You","Winter Wonderland","Jingle Bell Rock"

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 2 - Featuring Various Artists (Downhere, Jason Grey, Me In Motion and others) -The Bethlehem Skyline tour last Christmas was a highlight of my entire Christmas season. A Christmas celebration with Downhere, Lena Hale, Jason Gray and others is an amazing memory that will be tough to top. Lanae' Hale's performance of "Starving Artist Christmas" was one of my favorite moments during that show and I was happy to see that Centricity Records has included that song on their second installment in this series. Like volume one, this CD has Christmas songs that will be my favorites for years to come, including my favorite new Christmas song this year, "Give It Away" by newcomers, Me In Motion.

Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Silent Night " - Downhere, "Give It Away" - Me In Motion, "Morning Star" - Sixteen Cities,

7. Jadon Lavik - "Christmas" - From the very first time that I met Jadon, I've been a big fan. His heart for God and people far exceeds his love for music. Then, there's his talent. A very talented artist with a sound that's all his own. When I heard he was releasing a new Christmas CD this year, I couldn't wait to hear his take on some of the classics. Plus, I knew he would also bring his own original music to the project. Well, I wasn't disappointed. From start to finish, this is a fantastic Christmas project.
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Go Tell It On The Mountain", "Silent Night", and an incredible version of "Mele Kalikimaka"

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,WIBI & WCIC

Pizza Anyone?

My wife always smiles whenever I call something a tradition. In my mind, if our family does something twice, it's officially become a tradition. I contribute this to the fact that my first ten Thanksgivings were spent with ten different families in ten different homes. And, the memories surrounding those Thanksgivings are not ones I enjoy remembering. So, needless to say I work very hard to make sure that my kids have very different memories of their childhood Thanksgivings.

The past 10 years or so we have made it a tradition to spend Thanksgiving with Tara's parent's. I feel like I won the lottery when my wife, Tara, agreed to marry me. I've always heard that you're not just marrying the person, but their family. And, I have to tell you, I got a good one! Not only is Tara more than everything I could have ever dreamed in a wife, but her family is nothing short of amazing. Their love for each other has made Thanksgiving something our whole family gets really excited about each year. Just thinking about it, I can already smell the turkey. Hands down, my favorite meal of the entire year! Tara's parents work very hard to make it a very special day for each of us. And, it's yet to disappoint.

However, last Thanksgiving almost didn't happen at all. Thanksgiving morning as we were rolling out of bed, Tara's parents called and suggested we not come over. They had been up all night with the stomach flu. They offered us all the food, but, not wanting to take any chance of getting sick, we declined.

My mind began to race. What could we do? Sure, we felt bad for Tara's parents and prayed for a speedy recovery, but how could we salvage the day? Tara's brother and his family decided to come on over to our house and after much deliberation, we decided the best course of action was to simply order a pizza. Mainly, because the only place open within a short driving distance was a gas station down the road that served pizza. I was okay with this, but slightly concerned that this may be a blemish on our kid's perfect Thanksgiving tradition record. Well, needless to say, the kids weren't phased at all by the change in plans. In fact, they talk about it as though it was a highlight of 2009.

The experience also reinforced some things God's been teaching me. I was reminded to be careful not to spend so much of my time concerned about building great memories that I miss the truly great memory opportunities. It's not about how perfect everything is set around you, but the love you have for each other. Sure, we're all excited about having a real Thanksgiving meal this year, but the funny thing is that last year's pizza Thanksgiving will be the one that stands out 25, 50 years from now.

I have several dear friends whose Thanksgiving will be quite different this year. And, for them, it goes far beyond the stomach flu. Maybe you, too, will not be celebrating your traditional Thanksgiving. Maybe, like my friends, this Thanksgiving will be filled with pain of what once was. My prayer is that, even though this Thanksgiving will not be quite the same, God meets you where you are and reminds you of just how much you mean to HIM.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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

Who Will Love Me?

I see so many emails, on a regular basis, from listeners who are hurting so much. Many of whom are blaming themselves for the needless hurt caused by others. It breaks my heart as I try my best to bring even the slightest encouragement as I direct them back to the One who can really bring healing. In reading between the lines of these thoughts, a theme rings out loud and clear. They just want to know someone loves them.

Even the strongest amongst us becomes weak without love. It's the glue that holds us all together and without it, there is simply no hope. And, unfortunately, there are so many who walk through their daily life believing they are unloved. And, for many who believe they are loved, they secretly fear the love they experience is performance based.

You don't have to look very hard to find stories of people who are desperately searching for love. These stories dominate our news sources every single day. People looking for love anywhere they can find it.

So, what ever happened to unconditional love? It's so difficult to fully understand how we could be loved unconditionally in world full of conditions. But, there is One who does love us, unconditionally.

"What Love Really Means" by JJ Heller addresses these issues. It's a new song that points us in the direction of real love. I'm already seeing stories of lives impacted by this phenomenal song. If you haven't heard it yet, click here to see the video; http://www.jjheller.com/home.asp

When I'm feeling unloved, these verses always bring encouragement; Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:38-39, 1 Peter 5:7, 1 John 3:1, Romans 8:31-32, 2 Thessalonians 2:16, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 55:22, Isaiah 40:11, 1 John 4:16, Psalm 34:18, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Revelation 21:3-4 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

Waiting...

I can be so impatient sometimes. And, yet other times I seemingly have an endless supply of patience. So, what is it that makes it so easy to wait sometimes and impossible others? Well, for me, it's identifying the triggers that cause me to be impatient. This took me years to fully understand and to say I've mastered it would be a gross misstatement. I have so far to go. And, every time I think I'm starting to get it, I find myself in a situation that keeps me humble.

So, what is it that causes me to be so impatient. I believe I've narrowed it down to things I can't control. For instance, if there's something I want to buy, I can be extremely patient in getting it. Because, I know at any time I could decide to just go get it. However, if there's something I can't control it drains my tank rather quickly. I believe it stems from childhood experiences. And, understanding this has helped me a lot.

Something that God has been working with me intensely on over the past year or so is Proverbs 3:5. God's teaching me how to not lean on my own understanding, but to trust Him. It's a lot easier said than done. But, when I lean on Him, not only does He supply the strength I need to not lean on my own understanding, but I also find incredible peace. Because, when I'm leaning on my own understanding, things can get quite scary very quickly. It really does boil down to just trusting Him. The more I trust Him the less impatient I become.

You're hearing a song these days on your favorite Family Friendly radio station that serves as a reminder to continue leaning on Him, even when I grow weary of waiting. Have you heard John Waller's "While I'm Waiting?" Click here to hear it now; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3b2jw1rjBc

Do you find yourself in a situation or circumstance that makes it difficult to wait on Him? 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

Unconditional...

I woke up the other morning to my 4 year old son exclaiming, "It's my birthday today Daddy! I can do whatever I want!" Well, within reason, I supposed. The first thing he wanted was some sugar cereal. The look on his face was priceless. The larger than life smile, as he chowed down the cereal, was worth the repercussions that all that sugar was going to cause.

After apologizing to my wife for loading him up with all that sugar, I headed off to work. I couldn't get his smile out of my head. It brought back so many wonderful memories I've had the privilege to share with our kids. That smile, in that moment, was the product of his 4 years of life.

Now, I wish I could take all the credit for that. And, it's quite possible that I got some things right. But, I've probably made far more mistakes than not. That's where God comes in. As we strive to honor Him, to the best of our ability, He somehow makes up the difference. At times, I'll climb into bed after checking on our kids and I'll ask my wife, "Do you think they know I love them?" Without even thinking about it, she'll respond, "The thought has never crossed their minds."

Like so many times before, she reminds me to do the best I can to honor God as a father and husband and let Him make up the difference. I worry about them feeling unloved, because that's how I grew up. I was convinced I wasn't loved or lovable. I worried about it. What a peace it brings to be reminded that they have never even thought about it. It's just a given for them.

In the same way, it's a given for us with our Heavenly Father. His love is unconditional. It's not dependent on what we do or don't do. Or, how we feel about ourselves. And, He longs for relationship with us. Not just in our good times, when we feel like we have it all together. In all times. If you're anything like me, it's much easier to come before God when I'm doing well. When I know I've done a good job honoring Him. But, I can neglect that relationship when I'm feeling ashamed, under qualified, or unworthy. I can pull away. But, that's when I should be pushing into Him even more. I think sometimes, those honest cries for help can mean more than a perfect praise song. It's a constant battle and I'm always working on not letting my circumstance hold me back.

That's one of many reasons I really love Amy Grant's new

song, "Better Than A Hallelujah" It's a great reminder that God will not ignore our request for help. He's not going to laugh at us or be disappointed. He loves us so much.

Is He patiently waiting to hear from you today? Are you holding back? 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

Hard days...

If I were completely honest with you, I would tell you that this past week has been extremely difficult. It shouldn't really surprise me. After all, it's each year at this time I deal with emotions I can barely keep below the surface. For as long as I can remember, it's been the most difficult time of year for me. And, it all pertains to what is happening on Sunday.

Now, for so many, Sunday will be a wonderful day full of family and joy with amazing moments of reminiscing through great memories. Sure, there will be stress, but for the most part, it will be a day some are really looking forward to. And, if that's you, I hope it's everything you hope it will be.

But, for others, this will be one of the most difficult weekends of the year. There are countless different reasons as to why this day will be so difficult for so many. For me, it's because of the abuse I experienced as a child. And, like clockwork, it hits me each year starting a few weeks before the big day. I can't understand why I can't just get past it. I am so richly blessed. God has brought such incredible healing to my life. He's also brought so many "moms" who have stepped in and graciously filled that role in my life. Not to mention my incredible wife who is a fantastic mother to our four children. So, why can't I just man up and get over it?

I was having this very discussion with my wife, Tara, last night. And, right in the midst of our conversation, she said something so very profound. She said "If you didn't have this hurt from the way your mom treated you, then it would mean my job is pointless. That pain you continually battle, because of the abuse you experienced as a child, serves as a reminder of how important my job really is."

Wow. I guess I knew that. But, to hear those words framed in that way reminded me of how extremely important our job as parents really is. And, I do believe it is the most important job on the planet. So, even though this Mother's Day will carry with it some pain, I still appreciate the incredible job that God-honoring Moms everywhere are doing. I celebrate that. Thank you, moms.

If Mother's Day is also a very hard day for you, please don't beat yourself up about it. And, if I can be praying for you, please don't hesitate to let me know - joeb@newlifemedia.org

Remember, God loves you so very much!

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