New Year's Resolution

Well, I've been taking some time off from the blog and the radio show. I just got back from 3 days in Macon, GA with 10 middle schoolers. We attended the Youth Evangelism Conference that is put on by the Georgia Baptist Convention. I'm a little tired - no let's say a lot tired and I'm grateful for Bryan Race (WRAF station manager) for allowing me to take those few days and to take the rest of the week off to recuperate. I also want to thank Maggie Downing (evening personality at WRAF) for taking the morning show this week (Mags you're the best!!)

Before I sign off for the week I thought I would share with you my partial list of resolutions. You know, those things we say we want to accomplish each new year but never get them all done. Well, here's my list:

1. I want to yell less and listen more
2. I want to drop to 240 lbs (right now I'm about 290-300)
3. I want to read more and watch less television (if you know of any good books - Christian or not - let me know)
4. I want to get the family out of more debt
5. Raise money for my son's trip to Student Life in the summer (I will go, of course)
6. Start my speaking ministry - I've already been to a few churches and youth group and if you would like me to speak at your church just drop me a line
7. Spend more time with my wife in the word

There are a lot more but I don't want to get to bogged down. I think a primary reason we don't reach any of our goals is that we set too many, and many of them are just to high. Set some goals before you reach 2009 and I pray you will reach them all.

Have a Happy New Year!!!

The Gift of a Bible and a Kind Word

In Phil Cooke's latest blog article he shares a story of the power of a small gift and a kind word. Penn of the magic/comedy act Penn and Teller was given a Gideon Bible by one of the members of the audience. Penn is an atheist but this short interaction definitely made an impact on his life. Take a look

Let's remember that we have been given the greatest gift and during this Christmas season let's not forget to "give" this gift as well.

Merry Christmas

I just received this from my good friend Wayne Shepherd - Merry Christmas!!

Holiday Driving Tips

Christmas is upon us and with that comes traveling. Since gas prices has taken a plunge there will probably be more drivers on the roads which means the chance for hazzardous roads. America's Road Team Captains, elite professional truck drivers chosen by the American Trucking Association, offers advice for holiday travelers. Here are some tips you can use to get to your destination safely:

1. Map your route. Know where you are going and be prepared to exit the highway in advance.
2. Prepare an emergency road kit. This kit should include: battery powered radio, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, maps, tire repair kit and flares.
3. Avoid extreme weather conditions.
4. Slow down.
5. Buckle up.
6. Do not cut in front of large trucks. Keep a safe distance between and other drivers on the road.

The American Trucking Association is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of other trucking groups, industry-related conferences, and its 50 affiliates state trucking associations. The ATA represents moren than 37,000 members covering every type of motor carries in the United States

Francesca Battistelli Named iTunes “One of 2008’s ‘Best’”

NASHVILLE, TN - Fervent Records’/Reprise singer and songwriter Francesca Battistelli hasn’t stopped since the release of her debut project, My Paper Heart, released July 22nd. With the success of her first radio single, the hit “I’m Letting Go,” which nabbed the #3 spot on the radio
charts, to numerous appearances and touring non-stop this past summer and fall, Battistelli is more than excited for what’s ahead in 2009. Set to follow up with her next radio single “Free To Be Me” hitting the airwaves next month, Battistelli has joined the 35-date “Winter Jam” tour,
performing in markets all over thecountry starting in January and going through March. She’ll be sharing the stage with artists such as TobyMac, Brandon Heath, and Hawk Nelson, among many other special guests. For the most updated tour dates and information, please visit www.jamtour. com. The music of Francesca Battistelli has been recognized by being named one of iTunes’ best new artists of 2008 within the Christian/Gospel Category. In addition, she received accolades for “I’m Letting Go” as the #3 “Best iTunes Song” of the year, following Steven Curtis Chapman and Casting Crowns, respectively.

Morning Show Christmas Top 10

Morning Show Christmas Top 10

1. NATALIE GRANT - Our Hope Endures
2. AARON SHUST - God Has Come To Earth
3. FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI - You're Here
4. FERNANDO ORTEGA - Angels We Have Heard On High
5. GINGER MILLERMON - Have Yourself A Blessed LIttle Christmas
6. 33MILES - Christmas Medley
7. CASTING CROWNS - I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day
8. SARA GROVES - O Holy Night
9. CHRIS SLIGH - What Child Is This
10. ANNIE MOSES BAND - O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Fred Thompson at His Snarkiest

He may not have made it to the White House, but we would have missed comments like this:

Inspiration at the Right Time

Mike Gallagher, radio host and Fox News contributor, has a wonderful article on today's Town Hall. It's inspiration that has come at the right time. I urge to read it today.

Former Student Competing in Saving Contest

It was a shock to say the least. Checking my email for news items I came across a story of a former student of mine who is competing in the Pay Yourself First contest down in Snellville, Georgia. Tim Rhodes, a former student of mine and former co-worker at WRAF-FM, is a finalist in the contest being sponsored by First National Bank of Omaha.

Tim's goal is save $6000 in six months and to pay of his student loans. He and his wife, Beth, have taken a minimalist attitude toward their budget. They have even opened their house to a fellow worker and his wife. They have sold boxes of old records, books - even Beth's wedding dress. Follow Tim's blog about his progress here.

What a great goal for the coming year. Minimize stuff, get out of debt, and start saving. Tim, buddy you have inspired me! Thanks for your example.

A question - what are your goals for the coming year? Drop me a line and let me know.

Merry Christmas - What's Wrong With That?

On today's morning show, I had Jody Hice on the air with me and we discussed the issue of stores not using "Christmas" in their marketing and advertising. Jody gave a brief list of those who were for "Christmas" and those who were not. Some of the stores mentioned gave a few in the audience a little shock. Some even called some of the individual stores to confirm what was reported by Jody.

Here's a list compiled the American Family Association of Naughty and Nice businesses. If you find your favorite store on the list, give them a call and let them know your feelings. You never know but you might be the catalyst for change.

5 Ways to Avoid the Flu

This past weekend I came with a 48 hour version of the 24 hour flu. I hate when I get sick - coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, the whole thing. I remember something I shared on the morning show last week that I got from Yahoo! Health that I hope will help you from getting the flu. Here are 5 ways to keep from getting sick:

1. Stay away from sugar and processed food.
2. Fresh food offers the highest quality of vitamins.
3. Get enough sleep.
4. Fatigue is the first sign of a weakened immune system.
5. Wash your hands - but stay away from anti-bacterial products.

I have to say after looking at this list, I wasn't getting enough sleep and by last Thursday I was extremely tired. Sleep is probably the one thing we can all do keep the defenses up. Get your sleep and eat your veggies and have a healthy winter.

The Morning Show Top 10

The Morning Show Top 10 for the Week of December 1

1. Chris Tomlin - Jesus Messiah
2. 33Miles - One Life to Love
3. Jamie Slocum - My Dependence
4. Wayburn Dean - I Need a Savior
5. Jamie Jamgochian - For You
6. Jadon Lavik - Wondrous Love
7. Molly Rees w/ Jamie Slocum - Different
8. Michael W. Smith - A New Hallelujah
9. Natalie Grant - Our Hope Endures
10. Matt Maher - As It Is In Heaven
    

Image is Everything

Saw this cartoon on the Out of Ur blog and it got me thinking about truth and what our audience deserves from us.