Nothing Special...

I think it's something that's ingrained in us from birth. From early on, we all want and need to know there is something about us that stands out from those around us. Many will work longer and harder, many times spinning their wheels, just to help them feel a little less average. Because, let's face it, average just isn't good enough. We all want to feel special.

But, by it's very definition, to be special means that someone isn't. Right?

I spent so much of my time as a child, dreaming about what it would be like to feel special. I wanted someone, anyone, to think that I was something more than just ordinary. But I wasn't and I knew it. I was reminded of it everywhere I turned. So, I grew up thinking I would never amount to anything meaningful. There was no hope, because it was driven into me at an early age that ordinary people don't do extraordinary things. So, what happens to those of us who don't believe we're special?

I think one of two things. One, we end up working so hard our entire lives to hold on and recapture those brief moments of feeling special. Or two, we fade into the night.

We've all been sold a lie. We believe that we have to be beautiful and extraordinary to be useful in society. Many feel, like I did, that God could never use someone so far from special. And as result, we hold back. We stop listening for His voice because we figure He's not talking to us anyhow. So we squelch our dreams and do our best to just get through each day, hoping we'll somehow be at least as good as ordinary.

But the Bible is chalked full of examples of God using plain old ordinary people to do extraordinary things. And I've come to believe that in and of ourselves, we can't even reach average. However once we surrender our lives to Him, He can do immeasurable more than we could ever ask or imagine, according to His Power at work in us.

There's a song we've recently started playing across our network that has become a life anthem for me. It's called, "Anthem For The Ordinary" by a new artist, Evan Milby. I love the line from his song, "Stop waiting to be better, you're already more than enough. Because you're all that love needs to turn this world around." It's such a great reminder for me, because so many times I find myself thinking that one day when I have it all together I might be usable for God. I tend to forget that God is already at work in us even as flawed as we are. He wants to do something extraordinary through you and me.

If you want to find out more about Evan Milby or hear this amazing new song, please click here; http://www.myspace.com/evanmilby

If you also find it difficult to understand how God could do extraordinary things through you, I would be so honored to stand in prayer with you. God really does have pretty amazing things for you to accomplish. Looking for proof? Check out these verses;

Ephesians 3:20 - Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Psalm 37:23 - The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart. And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

God does love you so much, my friend. He deeply cares for you. If you're in need of prayer today, 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

What Can I Say?

We've all be there, right? In a place where we are desperately seeking for some kind of magic words to bring comfort to someone in pain. But, more times than not, there's not a lot we can say that hasn't already been said. There's not a lot we can say that aren't just words.

I found myself there recently. A close-up view of devastation completely tearing a loved one's world apart. It's the phone call we all never want to receive.

It was a normal Sunday, during football season. Plans had been made and the house was full of friends watching playoff football. When I saw the caller-id, I just figured it was a call to comment on the game. However, the moment I answered, I knew immediately that something was wrong. I had never heard that tone before. I knew what was to follow had nothing to do with the game.

Over the next several moments, my world came unglued. The request to put the phone on speaker and have Tara with me meant this news was going to be tough to take. We huddled in my son's bedroom, away from the noise, and listened in shock as tear filled words were slowly delivered. My little nephew, Seth, had suddenly and without warning passed away.

So many things went through my mind. Jumbled thoughts, really. We were so close to Brian and Angie. Our kids are all the around the same ages. We had walked through so much together and it had already been a very tough year for them. How could this be? What could we do?

Over the past month and a half, God has showed us how to better love Brian, Angie and their boys. It's been hard for us, but we can't even imagine what it's got to be like for them. I've found myself so often in a place where I just can't find words. There just aren't any. I want to desperately to take away their pain to somehow say something that will make them feel better. But, there just aren't any words. So, I pray. And, I do the best I can to communicate, sometimes without words, that I'm praying. Praying them through.

I think sometimes our mentality is that when all else fails, let's pray. When we can't do anything else, we'll just pray. But, prayer is not the last resort - it's the first and most powerful thing we can do. Because nothing else we could ever do on our own would ever be enough.

God reminds me of this all the time, especially every time I hear the new song from Sixteen Cities, "Pray You Through" There is such incredible truth in this amazing song. When I heard it for the first time, I loved it, but, I had no idea it would end up meaning so much to me. I appreciate these guys and the way God is using them to bring such encouragement to those who find themselves in uncertain and painful places in their lives.

If you are need of encouragement today or want to share your story, Sixteen Cities have set up a great place to do just that. Check this out; www.prayyouthrough.com If you would like to find out more about Sixteen Cities, or hear this amazing song, please click here; http://sixteencities.com/

If you do find yourself in a similar situation today. Prayer is powerful. And, I'm so honored to pray for you. If you're in need of prayer today, 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

How Many Times...

When I was eighteen I found myself at an extremely important crossroad. Years of continuous hurt and abuse had led me to a very dangerous place. I spent my days just trying to numb the pain enough to get through each day. I was teetering over the edge. Something had to give.

God had been nudging me, ever so gently, toward an inevitable decision. I could either spend the rest of my life running from the pain, or be obedient to what God was asking me to do. To assure I was hearing His directive loud and clear, He placed key people in my path to speak words of truth into my life. My task: forgive those that hurt me.

At first, I fought this very hard. There was no way I wanted to forgive any of them. I couldn't let them off the hook. With everything they had done to me, I could never do that for them. They would take this to their grave. I wasn't ever going to forgive them.

The conflict raged on inside me. It was tearing me apart. I found myself obsessing about it. I wanted revenge. I wanted to hurt them for all they had done to me. And, as much as my hatred grew, I hated even more the way it made me feel. The way it chased me into the very person I didn't want to become.

I kept running from it, until one night I was listening to my Christian radio station and heard the song "How Many Times" by Whiteheart. I had heard that song many times before that, but this time I heard it differently than at anytime before. And, it was really one line that hit me.

“You bled from a broken heart and I was to blame”

I knew in that moment that I had to go and forgive those that had hurt me. It took a little time to work up the courage, and I'll never forget the way I felt the first time I found myself face to face with someone who had hurt me so much. I felt sick. I was so torn, even at the very moment of truth. But, with God's help and strength, I was able to follow through. And, even though it wasn't received well at all, something extraordinary happened inside of me. I felt it almost immediately. It surprised me. I had been so focused on not wanting to set them free, it never crossed my mind that it was me that needed to be set free.

God is so amazing and so good to us. Looking back, my only regret is that I had fought God for so long. He knows what's best for us. I just needed to trust Him more. That single event has forever changed my life. God had been wanting to bring healing into my life, but I had been fighting Him. With that one act of forgiveness, the healing process took off like wildfire. It's not always been easy and forgiveness is a process not just a single event. But, God blessed the effort and continues to give me the strength I need to live in that forgiveness.

There's a new song you're going to start hearing in February that I'm so excited

about. It's called "7x70" by Chris August, the same artist that brought us the hit song, "Starry Night" and I know this song is going to impact lives in amazing ways. The same way "How Many Times" changed my life. From the first moment I heard "7x70",

I just knew it was one of those songs that was going to need to be shared. Even after all these years, this song impacted me in a profound way and reminded me the importance of living out our forgiveness.

Click here to see the official music video and hear this amazing song; http://bcove.me/na38qth2

If you are holding onto unforgiveness, please don't wait another day to let God help you find the healing you need, through forgiving those that have hurt you. You can trust Him. He does love you so much!

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

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