So, What's on Your Bus?

This week the Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign put this statement on 25 Chicago buses, "In the beginning, man created God."

According to the Campaign, the slogan "espouses the idea that man created God as well as all religions, and encourages public and critical examination of the merits of religious belief." Members and supporters of this group say they hope that atheists will feel freer to "come out" because of having their belief system validated through this bus campaign.

What if Christians in North Carolina rallied to put one Christian message on Raleigh buses... What if we could put our denominations, social programs and politics aside to fund such a venture...

The "God Speaks" billboard campaign was very effective, but it was not funded by a group. Are we willing to be proactive in putting messages on our buses with our own money? By the way, if you know of someone who's considering starting a Christian organization with that purpose please let me know and I'll be sure to pass it along.

So what kind of slogan would be quick, to the point and effective?

*I Still Believe... in God
*It's Just a God-Thing
*Don't know God? Don't worry- He knows You!
*Creation speaks for itself... I AM GOD
*There is a God- He hears His name quite often in this traffic...

Please add your own... My Christian bus slogan is __________________.

Rotten Food, Rotten Faith

Even the toffee-like candy coating couldn’t cover the bitter flavor. Those special Praline Pecans in the Christmas Cranberry tin… A year ago we’d gone on vacation to Florida and tried these wonderful tourist-y pecans. We found out the brand name, then purchased a couple of tins through an online super sale… the Christmas leftovers. So these highly prized clearance pecans did time in our freezer for a few months, and we nibbled on a couple dozen nuts while they sat in their special tucked away spot. Rotten nuts never eaten… just waiting for that “special occasion.”

I couldn’t help but think (while I pondered whether or not to throw away the nuts) how that Christmas Cranberry container is similar to my faith. Those tracts that sit on my dresser just waiting for the “right occasion” to share my faith... Those days I’ve avoided a friend who needs Jesus because I’m afraid she’ll try to convert me to her belief system... I feel challenged somehow. What am I waiting for? My faith is sitting up there rotting on the freezer while people need to hear the hope of Christ!

What about you? What is God teaching you today? I'd love to hear your story. Feel free to share it below.

Summer Fun- On a Budget!

With Memorial Day being the unofficial start of summer, I thought it would be fun to explore some of the cheap/free options we have right here in North Carolina for kid-friendly activities.

1. Full-time summer camps can be expensive. As an alternative, local churches such as Open Door Baptist Church (www.opendoorlife.com) have day camps that can be quite inexpensive. This church has "Power Camp" where students can choose either an "arts" or "sports" track- only $20 for the week (It was $10 during early registration!!) Another idea- town parks and recreation sports activities.

2. Summer concerts provide inexpensive or free music. Many communities such as Holly Springs have free outdoor concerts on the weekends. The free outdoor concert series starts tomorrow evening and goes through September. For more details, go to http://www.hollyspringsnc.us/news/2009/outdoor.html

Christian festivals are a great way to get the most music for your money. For example, Sonfest at Carowinds costs nearly the same amount as a good seat at the concert of a single artist. This year tobyMac, Brandon Heath and Third Day will showcase their talent at Sonfest. Read more about Sonfest, June 13th through our homepage www.hisradiowrtp.com.

3. Water! Whether its the fountain at Triangle Town Center or Falls Lake, there are plenty of places to enjoy free water fun. There are plenty of city parks that have pools- like Seabrook Pool in Fayetteville. It's worth checking on a season's pass if you plan to go often. Another alternative- buy your own round ring blow-up pool. It may be cheaper in the long run and will attractive the neighbors!

4. Take me out to the cheap ballgame! With the Mudcats and Durham Bulls, we are blessed with inexpensive ways to celebrate the American Pastime. Even cheaper- high school and little league games (and the little leaguers are the cutest to watch anyway!)

5. Take a picnic lunch to an unusual place. Need inspiration? Check out the book 100 Classic Hikes in North Carolina by Joe Miller. Our family just fell in love with the Franklin County Nature Preserve's Children's Bamboo Trail. There is a perfectly located picnic bench in the shade just waiting for a picnic under the bamboo!

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend and let me know your own inexpensive Summer Fun ideas!!

Recession Purchases.. How about Spam?

So what are you buying these days? We may be buying down or simply doing without in some areas, but there are some comforts such as chocolate that we seem to be clinging to during this recession. Other hot items: Spam, running shoes, gold coins and tanning products. (I guess it's because that trip to the beach may be out of our price range this year...) Read more about other items we're spending money on at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30781701/

The Famous One

I think famous people are really cool. Whenever I meet a "star" I try to act grown-up and "unimpressed" to suppress my excitement- but inside I’m all “oogly” (I’m not even sure that’s a word.) Anyway… I had the opportunity about five years ago to go to the big conference in Nashville that happens in conjunction with the GMA Dove Awards. Throughout the week it’s not uncommon to meet up with tobyMac in the hallway or Chris Tomlin in the elevator.

Well one of my goals at the conference was to collect freebies (promotional prizes offered by the record labels at these meetings) and bring them back to my radio station to give away on the air. I got the scoop that I should attend a particular radio industry breakfast because “that’s where all the good prizes are.”

I woke up bleary-eyed after a late night concert and went through the breakfast buffet line. I was handed a large, black leather duffel bag filled with CDs and prizes and was content to eat my muffin and leave. I heard beautiful three-part harmony coming from the dining room, so I could tell I was noticeably late. As I was still deciding whether or not to leave, I was swiftly escorted into the room and thought it would be best to sit down. I clapped for the group (sister brother trio “The Martins”) as they left the stage and another group of three guys came up to sing praise choruses. There were screens on either side of the room with the lyrics and beautiful scenery to go along with the songs, but the music was unimpressive.

It wasn’t until the partially gray-haired guy with a goatee and guitar opened his mouth and began singing, “Above all powers… Above all kings…” that it hit me. My heart began to race. This was Paul Baloche, the guy who wrote this song leading worship right here and I was in his presence! If that was Paul Baloche, then who were these other guys? One by one they each had their turn at a solo. The fella with the strong accent (Worship Leader Robin Mark from Belfast) led out “Shout to the North and South… Sing to the East and the West… Jesus is Savior to all. He is Lord of Heaven and Earth!” Tim Hughes from England led, “Here I am to worship. Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say that you’re my God…” Two of the three had come for this event from other parts of the world!! I hadn’t known what they looked like… three music greats were standing in front of me and I was unaware.

Knowing the author brings value to anything, whether it’s a song, a piece of art, or the world around us. I know it’s easy for me to numbly go through the day without stopping to enjoy the sound of the birds in the background or the new flowers I got for Mother’s Day. Life brings all of us the most joy when we really know the Famous One who created it all!

Behind the Scenes with BarlowGirl

(Left to Right: Alyssa Barlow, Myself, Lauren Barlow, and Becca Barlow from BarlowGirl. Note how Becca has a Bible in her hand.)

One of my highlights of the His Radio Music Boat Cruise was meeting artists and finding out what they are like when the spotlight is not on them. I appreciated observing the gals from BarlowGirl (as I mentioned earlier in the week) because they are so stylish and yet always modest in their dress- consistent with their platform.

I emceed the BarlowGirl concert on Thursday evening which was the final concert on the ship. This picture was taken after the concert. I felt so privileged to get a behind the scenes look into the faith of these very talented young women.

As the final song ended the girls were wisked to their dressing room in the humid bowels of the ship. The seas were as rough as they'd been the whole trip and Alyssa said it was one of the most difficult concerts she'd ever played. (The place was really rocking- but not necessarily in a good way!) All they wanted to do was go up on deck and get some fresh air. They were on their way when a family of four walked in the door. A post-show meet-and-greet had been scheduled with an African American child (probably 6 or 7) who had severe Diabetes. In fact he had missed his dialysis to be on the cruise.

Even though Alyssa, Becca and Lauren were sweating and decidedly uncomfortable the gals did more than take just a picture. They immediately recognized they had met this family earlier on the ship and picked up on the conversation they'd had previously. They went out of their way to make each family member feel special, including the brother who did not have the severe health problems. Before they said good-bye Lauren, Alyssa and Becca grabbed the hands of every person in the room and each prayed earnestly for the little guy's healing- either instantaneous or through a kidney transplant. (He had apparently already had one transplant but looks to be in need of another.) It was probably 20 minutes before the gals had the chance to go up on deck but their Christ-like attitude was such a breath of fresh air for me.

Day #4 His Radio Music Boat Cruise

They say all good things come to an end and I feel a bittersweet sensation at the thought this cruise is nearly over. Crew members have verbalized how this group has been different and more "decent" than many organizations that have taken over the entire boat. The casino has been largely empty and the purveyors of tropical drinks have learned to say "alcohol and no alcohol" to drum up more business. This has been a wonderful group of people with a great witness.

Today has been a more reflective day and I have so enjoyed hearing the hearts of the artists and performers that are here with us on the cruise. Today is the National Day of Prayer and many of the activities have focused on teaching and worship.

Jason McLeod (“Brock” the death crawl guy from “Facing the Giants”) shared his testimony and heart for ministry. He is one of those guys who has always been a “good kid” and even a leader in the youth group. He also loves football. Jason really did play football for four years in high school and went to college on a football scholarship. Interestingly enough he has left college because he feels the Lord wants him to go into ministry. (Right now “ministry” also includes a day job at a chicken farm!) He’s a really sweet guy and I wish the best for him.

One of the highlights of this week would have to be the artist question and answer session after lunch with Mercy Me, Audio Adrenaline, Pillar, and Fee. These guys are all “sharp” Godly men. If you think of it, be in prayer for the guys from heavy bands like Pillar and POD that have a lot of temptations that other Christian bands may not have to face openly. If it all works out I’m hoping to post a brief video of the Q&A (with my question) on the blog when we back on dry land..

Tonight it’s Mercy Me and Barlow Girl… I’d appreciate your prayers for a safe trip home. I miss you all and can’t wait to share more about how God has challenged me during this great week. If you are interested in going on the next His Radio Music Boat Cruise, it is November 8-12 and it will have three stops Nassau, CocoCay AND Key West. I also just discovered that Third Day will be on that cruise. I’d do this trip again in a heartbeat!! Check it out online at www.musicboatonline.com.

Day #3 His Radio Music Boat Cruise

This update is coming a day late because “yesterday” actually ended “today.” We indulged in the Midnight Buffet and came back too sleepy to drag out the computer. Mexican at midnight- one of these days I’m sure I’ll have to say I’m too old for this.

Anyway, yesterday was absolutely incredible. We spent the day docked in Nassau. After the morning breakfast buffet we visited shops around Nassau. It was great to meet “Greg” one of the local artisans who is a Christian and said he’d like to listen to His Radio online!

In the afternoon we visited the gargantuan Atlantis Hotel. For $6/roundtrip on a shuttle boat we were able to explore the hotel which includes an amazing multi-wall aquarium with sharks, manta rays and even scuba divers. (Really! The guests can scuba dive into this aquarium!)

In the evening we enjoyed comedy with 3-2-1 Improv and concerts with Toby Mac and Matthew West. 3-2-1 Improv was incredible. I must say that even though we got to bed at about 1:00 a.m. I was thinking about the jokes and laughing out loud when I should have been sleeping. (There is something about the idea of children playing on a giant playground-sized hard shell taco that gets my funny bone!)

Toby Mac and Diverse City always impress me because of their dancing, rapping and on-stage antics. There is no doubt that they put everything they have into a performance. It also makes perfect sense why Toby stays so young and trim… he has to in order to do these shows. I loved our close seats. In these small auditoriums there isn’t a bad seat in the house!

Matthew West was inspiring. He played all the radio hits: “Only Grace”, “Next Thing You Know”, “I Love You More”, and the current #1 song in the country “The Motions.” He wrapped up his concert with “The Cruise Song” about why food is his favorite part of going on a cruise. Matthew said he hoped to finish up a bit early so he could beat the crowd to the Midnight Buffet. I’m not sure if he beat the crowd, but I did find him there and was able to tell him how his song “The Motions” had inspired me to sign up for a conference for Christian women who are authors and speakers. It was such a joy to talk with him and meet his family. Great music, real people, and incredible food. ..It’s been a great day!

Day #2 of His Radio Music Boat Cruise

Beautiful- that's the word for today! Beautiful sky, sand and ocean. We had a great day out at Royal Caribbean’s private island Coco Cay. (The picture above is of one of the water inflatibles on the island.) The sand was thick, soft, and white. Temperatures in the mid-80s with just the right amount of breeze. There was a wonderful spread of food on the island-including barbeque ribs and chicken. Although I had SPF 50 sunscreen I missed a few spots- know what I mean! I’m paying for it a bit tonight. David Crowder is playing in the background as I write. I really enjoyed seeing Matthew West juggle two plates and his toddler daughter at breakfast this morning. That’s the true life of a parent! Also it was refreshing to see how modestly the modesty- advocates- Barlow Girl dressed on the beach. These gals are for real!

Right now I am: Sitting next to a late night ice cream and pizza buffet and getting ready to sleep. They just put fancy embossed chocolates that say “Music Boat Cruise” in our room. I feel so spoiled!

Day #1 of His Radio Music Boat Cruise

Hey Everybody!!

It has been a wonderful day of incredible food, fun and music! Andy and I boarded the boat at lunchtime. We met up with Rob and Amy Dempsey almost immediately and were able to make arrangements to sit together at meals. I saw the gals from Barlow Girl at the check-in desk and Mark Stuart (Audio A) walked by while Andy and played ping pong. I’m looking forward to improving my ping pong skills and to tonight’s concerts. I’ll be emceeing the Katina’s concert at 11:00. Looks like a fun and late night!

Right now I am:
Eating soft-serve ice cream, reading a book by Florence Littauer, and getting ready for a mean game of Scrabble.

Sacred Friendships of Women

I have several wonderful "girlfriends" I love to spend time with. Lisa is my special friend to discuss deeply personal issues and spiritual truths. I love talking about the "Old Days" with Alice and "Kids, Remodeling and the Talk of the Day" with Dawn. My Mothers of Preschoolers group "The Bumper Car Beauties" (Don't Ask!) is a precious group of ladies I can cry with and bare my soul. I wouldn't trade any of these women for the world. There is something precious about having women friends you can feel completely comfortable with. Go to dinner or out to a movie with- without it being considered...How do I say this...You know, WEIRD.

I look at Christian men (in general) and see how this closeness is lacking. Men for the most part don't hug, don't go out in pairs, partially because of how it might be interpreted. Men often talk about how they'd like to have more friends. At noontime you're just as likely as not to see men sitting alone at a restaurant. Isolation.

Just recently CNN.com posted an article, "Why Women Are Leaving Men for Other Women" The story went onto say, "There's a new kind of sisterly love in the air..." The headlines are bombarding us with stories of celebrities and their new "loves." From Ellen to Lindsay, movies to chart-topping songs, women are being encouraged to try a new kind of lifestyle. What grieves me about this is that by pushing the "normalcy" of that sort of female relationship, true honest-to-goodness-hug-and-cry friendships suffer. They seem tainted. A loss of innocence.

I recently read the passage in 2 Samuel about the death of Jonathan, King David's best friend. David said, "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women." (2 Samuel 1:26.) Some scholars have concluded from that passage that David and Jonathan had some sort of "beyond friendship" relationship. I have to admit myself that I was taken back when I read that verse myself. But maybe that's the problem. Guys shouldn't have to feel the need to be stoic and handshake-only. It is the degradation of our society's morals that has confined men to relate to one another in only two areas: business and sports. That's a sad commentary.

Women have historically had the freedom to be hands-on with one another. We've been close, with no questions asked. It would be great loss to our society if women stopped sharing and hugging. I'd never really thought about it before but a Biblical stand for traditional marriage is also a stand for the sacredness of true friendship. I just love my Godly girlfriends- and that's perfectly okay.