Praying for Mercy Me and Josh Hamilton

News came out this weekend about Mercy Me being involved in a tour bus accident that led to the deaths of two adults and an unborn baby. Also this weekend Christian Josh Hamilton, local guy-turned-pro-baseball player for the Texas Rangers, was discovered intoxicated in some questionable photos. Please join me in prayer for these men who are going through some very difficult situations.

For more about Mercy Me: http://actsnetwork.com/?p=528

For more about Josh Hamilton: http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/52794237.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciatkEP7DhUsl

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!

And The Dove Goes To...

The Biggest Night in Gospel Music... Full of Surprises!


The 40th Annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards were presented last night at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN, honoring the year's brightest and best during the LIVE, exclusive broadcast on Gospel Music Channel. For the first time in the GMA's 40 year history, music fans were given the opportunity to vote in two of the 43 award categories, "Artist of the Year" and "New Artist of the Year."

(I previously wrote a blog with my predictions about who would win Dove Awards and I have marked in red those that were correct predictions... Gee, it's obvious there's no "crystal ball" here! :-)

Here's a partial list of 2009 Dove Award winners:

Artist of the Year: Steven Curtis Chapman (chosen by music fans)

New Artist of the Year: Tenth Avenue North

Song of the Year: "Give Me Your Eyes" Brandon Heath, Jason Ingram

Male Vocalist of the Year: Brandon Heath

Female Vocalist of the Year: Natalie Grant

Group of the Year: Casting Crowns

New Artist of the Year: Tenth Avenue North (chosen by music fans)

For a complete list of this year's winners, go to www.doveawards.com/doveawards.

Tired of "Going Through the Motions"

"I don't wanna go through the motions. I don't wanna go one more day. Without Your all consuming passion inside of me. I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,"What if I had given everything, instead of going through the motions?" Matthew West from the song "The Motions"

So if there was no fear of failure holding you back, what would you do? What would you do now? Next week? For the rest of your life? Is there a career move, physical move, ministry opportunity, person you'd like to lead to Christ, or call to adopt a child that you're ready to go forward with in spite of your fear? Praise God. I'd love to hear all about it!

Matthew West has a challenge on his website, a resolution of sorts, you can sign up for indicating you want to stop going through the motions and follow God's leading in your life. Many people have shared what they believe God wants them to spend their lives doing and have a renewed sense of clarity. Read all about it at: http://www.matthewwest.com/motions/

Fear gets in the way of so much that God wants to do in the world, through us. Honestly "life" gets in the way of so much that God wants to do through us. Ritual without purpose. But any life whether exciting and daring or somewhat mundane 100% focused on Christ is a highly effective life!

Ready to get focused?!

Third Day- And the Camera Frenzy!

I'd have to say the Third Day concert last night would have to be right up there among my favorite concerts of all time. I enjoy Third Day's music, but it really was their "up-close-and-personal" touch that put this concert at the top of my list.

If you didn't have the chance to attend the concert, I'll try to explain the "moments" that made it so special. Mark Lee was on stage with a killer guitar solo and I noticed a few people scurrying in the back near the sound guy. Our family sat toward the back (ear protection for the kids!) but I had no idea what great seats they'd be!! The few people who were scurrying about were doing a switcharoo. While all the focus was on stage with Mark Lee's guitar solo, Mac Powell was getting set up on a makeshift stage in the crowd! He took requests and played several classic Third Day songs- including my favorite "I've Always Loved You."

I went crazy leaning over the railing and trying to take pictures. A flashing light on my camera indicated I needed new batteries and I was trying out the never-used "Night" setting. Looking back I probably spent too much time figuring out my 16x zoom and not enough time enjoying myself!

(By the way, if you can't tell, the picture above is of Mac Powell. Any good photoediting software you'd like to recommend!?)

Anyway it was a great concert and a great opportunity to be in Fayetteville and spread the word about our signal at 90.1. It was great to meet so many listeners!

Third Day's Impact on a Life

"I've Always Loved You"

I don't know how to explain it

But I know that words will hardly do

Miracles with signs and wonders

Aren't enough for me to prove to you

Don't you know I've always loved you

Even before there was time

Though you turn away

I'll tell you still

Don't you know

I've always loved you

And I always will

Greater love has not a man

Than the one who gives his life to prove

That he would do anything

And that's what I'm going to do for you

I love this song from Third Day because it reminds me how much God loves me and the lengths He is and was willing to go to- to show me His love.

So, what's your favorite Third Day song? Leave a comment or email me Brittney@hisradiowrtp.com. And don't forget the Wednesday night concert in Fayetteville at 7:00. Tix are still available through our website. Head back to the hisradiowrtp.com homepage for more details!

Purity is Very Manly!

Rush of Fools is in concert, 7pm on Friday Feb. 20th at Aversboro Road Baptist Church in Garner. I have been very impressed with the guys' stance on purity from sexual addiction. Many Christian artists have a cause that they partner with (such as Compassion International or World Vision.) Rush of Fools is raising the awareness of addiction to pornography through Freedom Begins Here. According to this ministry, statistics show 50% of Christian men and 20% of Christian women have a sexual addiction. It's not just "out there" it's a problem that's "in here." Kudos to these great guys for having the guts to raise awareness about this tough topic. By the way, you can find out more information on this ministry at freedombeginshere.com or at Friday's concert! By the way, be sure to stop by the His Radio Booth!