Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Dancing With Max

Along with impending motherhood came the dreams of an ideal suburban New England family - a Volvo in the driveway and a perfect, healthy child who would learn to grow up with all the advantages of a "normal" family. Well, that was the dream of Emily Colson, but God had something different in mind for her.

Her "healthy" baby boy was diagnosed with autism, a disorder the affects 1 in 110 births. Along with an autistic son, Emily also endured a divorce and years of battles to get the help her son, Max, needed.

Dancing with Max is a beautiful story of how God used Max in not only Emily's life but the lives he came into contact. Especially the life of his grandfather, Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship. Listen to my interview with Emily by clicking here or scrolling down.

The story of Max and Emily is one that will encourage and inspire you. It touched my heart and I hope that it does the same for you. To learn more about autism please check out the Autism Society website.



Here's a video preview of the book with Emily and Chuck



Here's a Two Minute Warning with Chuck Colson about the book and eugenics

Monday, November 22, 2010

Marriage: Broken, In Need of Restoration : Mark Regnerus

I mentioned on today's show that there's new research from the Pew Forum about marriage. It reports that one in three U.S. children live with a parent or parents who are not married or who are no longer married. This confirms what the U.S. Census Bureau has found in the 2010 reports - nearly 7.5 millions couples are cohabiting. This is firm research that there is a major attack on traditional marriage and families. What are Christians to do in this situation? This latest essay from Q offers some good advise. Plus, the article has a link to the Pew Research on marriage.

Marriage: Broken, In Need of Restoration : Mark Regnerus

Thursday, November 18, 2010

The Leadership Wisdom of Solomon

Pat Williams, co-founder and vice president of the Orlando Magic, has recently released, The Leadership Wisdom of Solomon, which takes a look at the leadership wisdom of the wisest person in history, King Solomon. After spending most of his life reading, studying and teaching leadership concepts, Pat has developed 7 sides of leadership. They are:
  1. Vision
  2. Communication Skills
  3. People Skills
  4. Good Character
  5. Competence
  6. Boldness
  7. Servanthood
These 7 sides are woven into the 20 strategies for leading we learn from Solomon. To listen to the full interview, click here or scroll down.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Fireplace Safety

I love the Autumn and Winter seasons. The best part is having a fire in my fireplace and each the warmth that it brings. However, each year over 25,000 chimney fires occur which results in the loss of 30 lives and over $126 million in damage. All can be prevented by properly maintaining your fireplace. Here are some tips to keep your fireplace burning safely this year:

  1. Get your chimney cleaned by a professional chimney sweep
  2. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  3. Install chimney tops or shrouds
  4. Keep the hearth area clear
  5. Make sure your fireplace screen is present
  6. Use the right materials for fuel; firewood should be well-seasoned (cut 6 to 12 months earlier)
To learn more go to the Burn Wise site from the EPA

Choosing the Right Artificial Tree

For as long as I can remember, my family always had a real tree at Christmas. My folks would load us up in the van and go to the tree sellers and pick out the best one we could find. This was always special for me because we did that on my birthday.

Today, since trees are somewhat expensive, artificial trees are on the list of things to get this season. My family inherited an artificial tree that we have used the last three years and have saved quite a bit of money.

So, now that you have decided to buy an artificial tree, how do you choose one. Here as some points to consider that I found in the November 2010 issue of Lake Living magazine:
  1. Artificial trees come in many colors. You need to keep in mind your particular style. Christmas ornaments will really stand out on a color other than evergreen
  2. Some trees come in one piece and are able to collapse for storage. Others, however, have individual branches that need to be inserted. Gauge your level of patience.
  3. The needles on artificial trees come in a variety of ways. Some are flat and soft while others resemble real needles.
  4. Some artificial trees come pre-lit. That's a big thing for me, but there are some concerns. What happens when a bulb goes out? What about LED lights? Should the lights be colored or just white?
  5. Size is something to think about. Make sure the tree fits your home and the place it will be standing for Christmas.
  6. Since size is something to consider also add to the fact storage - where will it go once Christmas is over.
For more tips on buying an artificial tree check out this site. Just some things to think about when hunting for the perfect artificial tree. Once you have found your tree and have it decorated, send me a picture!

Monday, November 15, 2010

5 Ways To Get the Most Out of a Sermon | The Resurgence

Have you ever walked out of a Sunday morning service and asked yourself, "What did he just talk about? I didn't get it!" I know there are times when that as happened to me. A friend of mine shared this article with me that points to the fact that the Christian faith is based on listening and that there are 5 ways to get the most out of a sermon. The concepts are so easy I smacked myself on the forehead and thought, "I should have known this!"

5 Ways To Get the Most Out of a Sermon | The Resurgence

Thursday, November 11, 2010

A Leader's Perspective on Unemployment

This has been Unemployment Emphasis Week here at WRAF. We've teamed up with Crown Financial Ministries and have been sending out to those in our audience who are unemployed or underemployed The Unemployment Survival Guide. The response has been phenomenal!!

This morning I had the chance to talk with John Hull, president of Equip, about a leader's perspective on unemployment. To listen click here or scroll down.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Monday, November 8, 2010

Unemployment Emphasis Week


Today, over 14 million people are without jobs. Do you know one of them? Are you one of them? People all over are hurting and need encouragement. The Morning Show has teamed up with Crown Financial Ministries to bring hope and encouragement to many of these who are in need of help finding a job or their path in life. I had the chance to talk with Chuck Bentley, president and CEO of Crown, about this week of encouragement. To listen click here or scroll down.

Crown Financial Ministries has created The Unemployment Survival Guide to give hope from God's Word and practical help for surviving financially and finding a new job. They are available all this week from WRAF all you need to do is to call us at 800-251-8326 or you can email The Morning Show at mornings@myfavoritestation.net.

The Unemployment Survival Guide, yours free this week (November 8 - 12)

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Thoughts on Election 2010


Here are some interesting ideas regarding this past last election. George Barna, researcher and founder of Barna Research, has come out with some interesting thoughts on Tuesday's election. Before you think that the next two years are going to be political bliss give George a read and then let me know what you think.

Thoughts on Election 2010

The next article is from Q, authored by Gabe Lyons and Jonathan Merritt. They believe the Christian right didn't show up Tuesday. Do you agree? Do you consider yourself a member of the traditional Christian right or the Tea Party?

Why the Christian Right Was Noticeably Absent in This Election


Monday, November 1, 2010

Interviews Finally Up!

Last week we had interviews everyday! It was a great week on the Morning Show and WRAF! I've finally gotten all the interviews ready for download.

Mark Young - writer and director for the new movie The Least Among You. I highly recommend this movie! To listen to the interview with Mark click here.


Tosca Lee - former Mrs. Nebraska and author of two books, Havah, The Story of Eve and Demon: A Memoir. She also has a book coming out that will deal with Judas Iscariot, and a new series with one of my favorite authors, Ted Dekker. To listen to my conversation with Tosca click here.



Kevin Sorbo - you'll remember him from the television series, Hercules, the Legendary Journeys. He is the lead of a brand new movie that has a It's a Wonderful Life feel to it, What If. It also stars Kristy Swanson, Debby RyanJohn Ratzenberger. This is another movie that I highly recommend. If it's not playing in a theater near you please request that it be shown!! You can hear my interview with Kevin here.

I hope you enjoy the interviews and don't forget to check out the websites!