Q: Clothing will be this year's most popular Christmas present. What's #2 on the list?
A: Gift cards! Congrats to Paul from San Pedro, who will now be taking his lovely wife Lynn to the Michael W. Smith "It's A Wonderful Christmas" concert on 12/9!
Have a beautiful weekend!
11.30.2007
Fantastic Charitable Event
From Maddi's Closet is having their annual "Mad Dash" charity event this weekend! Here's the link for more info: http://www.maddiscloset.org/
Precious Little Boy!
Check out this youtube clip from our sister station, kkla: http://www.kkla.com/subpages/kkla-fm/logansmessage.aspx Make sure you have the sound up on your computer, and please have some tissue handy!
11.29.2007
Salvation Army Fundraiser
The first time I went with my church to work with the homeless, I met a family with 2 young children living on the streets. The little boys had everything they owned in a single garbage bag that they carried over their shoulders. Their little faces haunt me, and I wish I could have done more than give them a sandwich and water and pray with them.
Please help us provide families in OC with food, clothing, and presents this Christmas. Call 1-888-799-4999. Thank you so much!!!!
The Brainbuster returns tomorrow!
Please help us provide families in OC with food, clothing, and presents this Christmas. Call 1-888-799-4999. Thank you so much!!!!
The Brainbuster returns tomorrow!
11.28.2007
Lara's Brainbuster
Q: Almost 91% of moms say THIS is their most important holiday activity. What?
A: Cooking! 5% said beauty. :-) Congrats to Andrea, who won tix to the Michael W. Smith "It's A Wonderful Christmas" concert on December 9th!!! (source: Suave)
A: Cooking! 5% said beauty. :-) Congrats to Andrea, who won tix to the Michael W. Smith "It's A Wonderful Christmas" concert on December 9th!!! (source: Suave)
Sweet Story!
From www.ocregister.com...
Rachael Ray gives $50,000 to Anaheim foster dad
Talk show host Rachel Ray invites Joseph Democko to New York for a chat - and a $50,000 surprise.
By GWENDOLYN DRISCOLL
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Anaheim foster dad Joseph Democko thought he'd have to put his dreams on hold to take care of his sister's children. The 24-year-old whose struggle to foster, then adopt his three nephews, was first profiled in The Orange County Register last spring, may not need to defer those dreams much longer.
On Tuesday Democko and his three children – Chris, 6, Anthony, 5, and George, 3 – appeared on a taped version of "The Rachael Ray Show" for a chat – and a surprise.
The Democko family had already been taken on a $3,000 shopping spree by Valerie Bertinelli, a correspondent for the show. Family friends, flown to New York along with the Demockos, received $1,000 'thank-yous' as well, courtesy of American Express Gift Cards.
Ray also prevailed upon Democko's employer, Irvine-based Med-Source Diagnostics Inc., a medical billing company, to raise the 24-year-old's salary from $14 to $16 an hour. The company threw in a $1,000 Christmas bonus.
Then there was the year of free dinners kicked in by HomeBistro.com, a New York food delivery company.
Ray saved the best for last. With Joseph sitting beside her, an assistant arrived carrying a box. Inside the box was money – $50,000 in all.
"When I first read about Joe it was one of those stories where we knew we had to help out even if it was in some small way," said Ray after the show's taping. "He has put his life on the back burner to give these wonderful kids the life and upbringing they deserve."
On the set, Democko fought back tears. He said Bertinelli had to pinch him twice.
"Unbelievable," Democko said Monday from his office in Irvine. "I still don't believe I deserve it."
Democko says the attention he and his family have received since the Register's article ran has occasioned some gentle teasing by friends and colleagues.
"My boss actually calls me Mr. Hollywood and he swears I'm going to go there," Democko said. But I'm still Joey. Nothing's changed but this is going to give me some financial stability for the kids."
Rachael Ray gives $50,000 to Anaheim foster dad
Talk show host Rachel Ray invites Joseph Democko to New York for a chat - and a $50,000 surprise.
By GWENDOLYN DRISCOLL
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Anaheim foster dad Joseph Democko thought he'd have to put his dreams on hold to take care of his sister's children. The 24-year-old whose struggle to foster, then adopt his three nephews, was first profiled in The Orange County Register last spring, may not need to defer those dreams much longer.
On Tuesday Democko and his three children – Chris, 6, Anthony, 5, and George, 3 – appeared on a taped version of "The Rachael Ray Show" for a chat – and a surprise.
The Democko family had already been taken on a $3,000 shopping spree by Valerie Bertinelli, a correspondent for the show. Family friends, flown to New York along with the Demockos, received $1,000 'thank-yous' as well, courtesy of American Express Gift Cards.
Ray also prevailed upon Democko's employer, Irvine-based Med-Source Diagnostics Inc., a medical billing company, to raise the 24-year-old's salary from $14 to $16 an hour. The company threw in a $1,000 Christmas bonus.
Then there was the year of free dinners kicked in by HomeBistro.com, a New York food delivery company.
Ray saved the best for last. With Joseph sitting beside her, an assistant arrived carrying a box. Inside the box was money – $50,000 in all.
"When I first read about Joe it was one of those stories where we knew we had to help out even if it was in some small way," said Ray after the show's taping. "He has put his life on the back burner to give these wonderful kids the life and upbringing they deserve."
On the set, Democko fought back tears. He said Bertinelli had to pinch him twice.
"Unbelievable," Democko said Monday from his office in Irvine. "I still don't believe I deserve it."
Democko says the attention he and his family have received since the Register's article ran has occasioned some gentle teasing by friends and colleagues.
"My boss actually calls me Mr. Hollywood and he swears I'm going to go there," Democko said. But I'm still Joey. Nothing's changed but this is going to give me some financial stability for the kids."
11.27.2007
Lara's Brainbuster
Q: Almost 40% of us at work today feel like THIS about our job. What?
A: That we're overqualified!!! Congrats to Anna, who wasn't at work...she was on her way to do some Christmas shopping. Merry Christmas! She won a pair of tix to see Michael W. Smith on December 9th. For more info on the show, go to www.kfsh.com.
A: That we're overqualified!!! Congrats to Anna, who wasn't at work...she was on her way to do some Christmas shopping. Merry Christmas! She won a pair of tix to see Michael W. Smith on December 9th. For more info on the show, go to www.kfsh.com.
11.26.2007
Lara's Brainbuster
Q: Almost 25% of parents will NOT let their kids do this these days. What?
A: Play outside! Congrats to Brenda from Arcadia, who won a pair of tix to see Michael W. Smith at the new Nokia Theatre/L.A. Live on December 9th. Merry Christmas! :-)
A: Play outside! Congrats to Brenda from Arcadia, who won a pair of tix to see Michael W. Smith at the new Nokia Theatre/L.A. Live on December 9th. Merry Christmas! :-)
How much will the 12 days of Christmas cost you?
From Usa Today...
Study: '12 Days of Christmas' will cost you $78,100
Four calling birds, three french hens, two turtledoves and, um, $78,100: That's how much it would cost to buy the 364 gifts listed in The 12 Days of Christmas, according to PNC Wealth Management's Christmas Price Index.
That's up about 4% from last year, PNC reports. You could try to 'cheap out' and buy just one of each item (it seems like one swan a-swimming would be enough, for example), but that still would set you back $19,507, up 3.1 percent from last year's $18,921.
Shopping online makes things even worse: the 364 items would cost $128,886 online, up 2.5 percent from last year's $125,767, according to PNC.
"What's really surprising is that our index follows overall Consumer Price Index trends," Rebekah McCahan, a PNC senior vice president, says in a news release. "To think that the cost of a partridge in a pear tree would mirror what's going on at Target, for example, is pretty interesting."
Study: '12 Days of Christmas' will cost you $78,100
Four calling birds, three french hens, two turtledoves and, um, $78,100: That's how much it would cost to buy the 364 gifts listed in The 12 Days of Christmas, according to PNC Wealth Management's Christmas Price Index.
That's up about 4% from last year, PNC reports. You could try to 'cheap out' and buy just one of each item (it seems like one swan a-swimming would be enough, for example), but that still would set you back $19,507, up 3.1 percent from last year's $18,921.
Shopping online makes things even worse: the 364 items would cost $128,886 online, up 2.5 percent from last year's $125,767, according to PNC.
"What's really surprising is that our index follows overall Consumer Price Index trends," Rebekah McCahan, a PNC senior vice president, says in a news release. "To think that the cost of a partridge in a pear tree would mirror what's going on at Target, for example, is pretty interesting."
Stay Safe!
This was in our Fish News this morning...
It's Cyber Monday, which officially kicks off the online holiday retail season. experts say shoppers should be extremely wary of transmitting any bank information over computers at Internet hot spots like Starbucks, and over public or shared computers. He warns that they're shared by a lot of people. It’s the first step to guard against identity theft.
It's Cyber Monday, which officially kicks off the online holiday retail season. experts say shoppers should be extremely wary of transmitting any bank information over computers at Internet hot spots like Starbucks, and over public or shared computers. He warns that they're shared by a lot of people. It’s the first step to guard against identity theft.
11.23.2007
Lara's Brainbuster
Q: The more $$$ you have, the more likely you are to ____. What?
A: Regift! Merry Christmas!
A: Regift! Merry Christmas!
11.21.2007
Lara's Brainbuster
Q: What's the #1 thing men say they wanted for Christmas last year, but didn't get?
A: We had lots of guesses of CARS and PLASMA TVs, but Peggy got it--a LEATHER JACKET!
A: We had lots of guesses of CARS and PLASMA TVs, but Peggy got it--a LEATHER JACKET!
Switchfoot News
NEWS SOURCE: EMI CMG; Jesusfreakhideout.com
Jon Foreman, the frontman for the multi-platinum band, Switchfoot is returning to his indie-scene roots by releasing four solo EPs over the coming months. These EPs, individually titled Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer, evoke vivid images of each season, making the collection a likely soundtrack to the year ahead. All four EPs will be released prior to the upcoming Switchfoot release in late 2008.
"Because of the autobiographical nature of these songs, they became a self portrait that was far too personal for a band to release," says Foreman. "Tim, Chad and the rest of the band have been pushing me to get these types of songs out there for years. So I decided to let them go."
According to Foreman the songwriting and production of these EPs were creatively intertwined. "Most of these songs were written and recorded the same night," said Foreman. "I would sing and play my guitar late at night until I got a take that captured what the song meant to me. From there I would add instruments to the vocal to see what would be appropriate. It was a very therapeutic, lonely, cleansing process."
The Fall EP stirs up just this sort of sentiment — its stripped-down arrangements put Jon's earnest voice and raw lyrics at the forefront of this personal set of songs.
The frequent solo set Jon has recently been performing in many ways inspired these solo EPs. "For the past few tours we've done as a band, I've made a habit of playing a set after the show. Many of these 'after shows' have been incredible experiences, a chance for spontaneous acoustic music that is completely juxtaposed to the rock band environment: no booking agent, no light show, no amps or guitar techs – just Dylan covers, some sing-a-longs, and honest stories," said Foreman. "These projects are an attempt to create a musical conversation that mirrors that experience."
Here is a brief timeline of the upcoming EP releases…* November 20, 2007: The Fall EP will be available at all of the digital music stores and at www.jonforeman.com* January 15, 2008: The Winter EP will be available at all of the digital music stores and at www.jonforeman.com* January 15, 2008: A two disc collection featuring both the Fall and Winter EPs will be available at all physical music retailers and at www.jonforeman.com* Note: Spring and Summer EPs will be release within the first half of 2008 (exact street release dates TBD)
These EPs will be the debut releases from Switchfoot's indie imprint, lowercase people records, in conjunction with EMI Music's Credential Recordings. All four EPs were produced by Jon Foreman with Grammy-nominated, Charlie Peacock serving as the executive producer.
For more information visit: www.jonforeman.com or www.credentialrecordings.com
Jon Foreman, the frontman for the multi-platinum band, Switchfoot is returning to his indie-scene roots by releasing four solo EPs over the coming months. These EPs, individually titled Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer, evoke vivid images of each season, making the collection a likely soundtrack to the year ahead. All four EPs will be released prior to the upcoming Switchfoot release in late 2008.
"Because of the autobiographical nature of these songs, they became a self portrait that was far too personal for a band to release," says Foreman. "Tim, Chad and the rest of the band have been pushing me to get these types of songs out there for years. So I decided to let them go."
According to Foreman the songwriting and production of these EPs were creatively intertwined. "Most of these songs were written and recorded the same night," said Foreman. "I would sing and play my guitar late at night until I got a take that captured what the song meant to me. From there I would add instruments to the vocal to see what would be appropriate. It was a very therapeutic, lonely, cleansing process."
The Fall EP stirs up just this sort of sentiment — its stripped-down arrangements put Jon's earnest voice and raw lyrics at the forefront of this personal set of songs.
The frequent solo set Jon has recently been performing in many ways inspired these solo EPs. "For the past few tours we've done as a band, I've made a habit of playing a set after the show. Many of these 'after shows' have been incredible experiences, a chance for spontaneous acoustic music that is completely juxtaposed to the rock band environment: no booking agent, no light show, no amps or guitar techs – just Dylan covers, some sing-a-longs, and honest stories," said Foreman. "These projects are an attempt to create a musical conversation that mirrors that experience."
Here is a brief timeline of the upcoming EP releases…* November 20, 2007: The Fall EP will be available at all of the digital music stores and at www.jonforeman.com* January 15, 2008: The Winter EP will be available at all of the digital music stores and at www.jonforeman.com* January 15, 2008: A two disc collection featuring both the Fall and Winter EPs will be available at all physical music retailers and at www.jonforeman.com* Note: Spring and Summer EPs will be release within the first half of 2008 (exact street release dates TBD)
These EPs will be the debut releases from Switchfoot's indie imprint, lowercase people records, in conjunction with EMI Music's Credential Recordings. All four EPs were produced by Jon Foreman with Grammy-nominated, Charlie Peacock serving as the executive producer.
For more information visit: www.jonforeman.com or www.credentialrecordings.com
Amazing Column
Stop Before You Gripe
By Michelle Malkin
Before you blow your top about the holiday hassle at the airport, the long lines at the grocery store, all the hours you'll spend cooking and cleaning, the uninvited guests who are crashing hubby's football party, and the endless Christmas shopping list that awaits, just stop.
Stop and think of the Johnson family. Army Spc. John Austin Johnson of El Paso, Texas, is recovering from massive head wounds sustained in an IED attack. Johnson is a member of Fort Bliss' 4-1 Cavalry. He had survived five previous bombing incidents. That is not all.
Earlier this month, Johnson and his wife, Mona Lisa, buried their 9-year-old son, Tyler Anthony Johnson. The little boy had been on life support for several weeks after sustaining critical injuries in a horrible car accident. He was on his way with his family to see his dad in recuperation at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. He never made it. The family car rolled over several times after being hit by powerful blasts of wind. Tyler was laid to rest at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Benton, Ark. That is not all.
The Johnsons had two other children. Ashley Mishelle was 5 years old. Logan Wesley was 2. They were killed instantly in the same car crash that claimed their older brother's life. During the funeral service, the Benton Courier reported, the program included Ashley Mishelle's favorite song -- Ashley Simpson's "Pieces of Me" -- and Sarah McLachlan's haunting "In the Arms of an Angel." White doves were donated by a retired military officer.
To lose one child is devastating enough. To lose three? While recovering from traumatic war injuries? And to bury three little angels just weeks before Thanksgiving? No parent can read of suffering like that of the Johnsons and indulge the petty, selfish complaints of holiday gripers and road-ragers. The complainers featured on the nightly news this week wallowing in self-pity over a few hours' delay on the road or in the air need to get a grip, get over themselves and get some perspective.
C.S. Lewis wrote famously that "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." Thankfully, countless citizens were roused by the Johnsons' plight -- and demonstrated that the American giving spirit lasts 365 days a year.
More than 200 Patriot Guard Riders, the volunteer band of motorcycle enthusiasts who provide protection during military funerals, served as Tyler's pallbearers. The Patriot Guards traveled from Arkansas, Tennessee and Louisiana to attend. Anonymous donors provided the gravesites and markers for the children's plots. That is not all.
Soldiers' Angels provided hotel stays as needed for the Johnsons' extended family in Dallas, a Brooke Army Medical Center official told the American Forces Press Service. The group also provided funding for food and other basic needs. The Dallas Veteran Service Organization and the Veterans of Foreign Wars pitched in with meals. Operation Comfort covered gas for rental cars, which were provided by Hertz and National. That is not all.
The Fisher House Foundation's Hero Miles program provided travel for Johnson to get to his injured wife. American Airlines picked up the tab for the Johnsons to travel to their children's funerals. The Professional Golfers Association raised $95,000 for a new car and other expenses. Operation Homefront will use leftover funds to build a permanent memorial playground in the children's honor at Fort Bliss.
Before Thanksgiving brings out the worst in you, stop before you gripe. Give thanks for noisy houses, healthy children and overflowing company. Give thanks for bounteous tables, rambunctious friends and neighbors, life and limb. And give thanks for those who give of themselves -- in service to our nation, in civic duty and in answer to His call -- all year 'round. That is all.
By Michelle Malkin
Before you blow your top about the holiday hassle at the airport, the long lines at the grocery store, all the hours you'll spend cooking and cleaning, the uninvited guests who are crashing hubby's football party, and the endless Christmas shopping list that awaits, just stop.
Stop and think of the Johnson family. Army Spc. John Austin Johnson of El Paso, Texas, is recovering from massive head wounds sustained in an IED attack. Johnson is a member of Fort Bliss' 4-1 Cavalry. He had survived five previous bombing incidents. That is not all.
Earlier this month, Johnson and his wife, Mona Lisa, buried their 9-year-old son, Tyler Anthony Johnson. The little boy had been on life support for several weeks after sustaining critical injuries in a horrible car accident. He was on his way with his family to see his dad in recuperation at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. He never made it. The family car rolled over several times after being hit by powerful blasts of wind. Tyler was laid to rest at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Benton, Ark. That is not all.
The Johnsons had two other children. Ashley Mishelle was 5 years old. Logan Wesley was 2. They were killed instantly in the same car crash that claimed their older brother's life. During the funeral service, the Benton Courier reported, the program included Ashley Mishelle's favorite song -- Ashley Simpson's "Pieces of Me" -- and Sarah McLachlan's haunting "In the Arms of an Angel." White doves were donated by a retired military officer.
To lose one child is devastating enough. To lose three? While recovering from traumatic war injuries? And to bury three little angels just weeks before Thanksgiving? No parent can read of suffering like that of the Johnsons and indulge the petty, selfish complaints of holiday gripers and road-ragers. The complainers featured on the nightly news this week wallowing in self-pity over a few hours' delay on the road or in the air need to get a grip, get over themselves and get some perspective.
C.S. Lewis wrote famously that "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." Thankfully, countless citizens were roused by the Johnsons' plight -- and demonstrated that the American giving spirit lasts 365 days a year.
More than 200 Patriot Guard Riders, the volunteer band of motorcycle enthusiasts who provide protection during military funerals, served as Tyler's pallbearers. The Patriot Guards traveled from Arkansas, Tennessee and Louisiana to attend. Anonymous donors provided the gravesites and markers for the children's plots. That is not all.
Soldiers' Angels provided hotel stays as needed for the Johnsons' extended family in Dallas, a Brooke Army Medical Center official told the American Forces Press Service. The group also provided funding for food and other basic needs. The Dallas Veteran Service Organization and the Veterans of Foreign Wars pitched in with meals. Operation Comfort covered gas for rental cars, which were provided by Hertz and National. That is not all.
The Fisher House Foundation's Hero Miles program provided travel for Johnson to get to his injured wife. American Airlines picked up the tab for the Johnsons to travel to their children's funerals. The Professional Golfers Association raised $95,000 for a new car and other expenses. Operation Homefront will use leftover funds to build a permanent memorial playground in the children's honor at Fort Bliss.
Before Thanksgiving brings out the worst in you, stop before you gripe. Give thanks for noisy houses, healthy children and overflowing company. Give thanks for bounteous tables, rambunctious friends and neighbors, life and limb. And give thanks for those who give of themselves -- in service to our nation, in civic duty and in answer to His call -- all year 'round. That is all.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise! Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name!" Psalm 100:4
11.20.2007
Lara's Brainbuster
Q: Almost 55% of us think it's okay to sell THIS on e-bay. What?
A: Our wedding dress!!! Congrats to Leanna, who won tix to our Fish Christmas Concert with Natalie Grant. Her friend bought a wedding dress online, and ended up looking fabulous AND saving a ton of $$$.
A: Our wedding dress!!! Congrats to Leanna, who won tix to our Fish Christmas Concert with Natalie Grant. Her friend bought a wedding dress online, and ended up looking fabulous AND saving a ton of $$$.
From the Heart
Hi! I"ll be on Frank Pastore's show today at 6:30 (99.5 KKLA or www.kkla.com) with the From the Heart segment. I can't wait to share some amazing stories of inspiring people! There's so much bad news out there...we are going to lift your spirits with some wonderful news. :-)
www.fromtheheartradio.com
www.fromtheheartradio.com
YAY!
CASTING CROWNS WINS "FAVORITE ARTIST" AT THE 2007 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS
Casting Crowns was named "Favorite Artist" at the "2007 American Music Awards" in the Contemporary Inspirational category at the NOKIA Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.
Juan, Chris, Mark, and Hector pick up Casting Crowns' first American Music Award
"This is an incredible honor! Wow, an American Music Award; this is voted on by our fans so it's very special to us. We're both humbled and honored to represent Christian music and its fans tonight," noted Mark Hall, lead singer and youth pastor.
The award show, which aired live on ABC, was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and for the first time in American Music Awards history, winners were determined by online fan voting at ama.abc.com. A BIG thanks to everyone who voted!
Casting Crowns was named "Favorite Artist" at the "2007 American Music Awards" in the Contemporary Inspirational category at the NOKIA Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.
Juan, Chris, Mark, and Hector pick up Casting Crowns' first American Music Award
"This is an incredible honor! Wow, an American Music Award; this is voted on by our fans so it's very special to us. We're both humbled and honored to represent Christian music and its fans tonight," noted Mark Hall, lead singer and youth pastor.
The award show, which aired live on ABC, was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and for the first time in American Music Awards history, winners were determined by online fan voting at ama.abc.com. A BIG thanks to everyone who voted!
11.19.2007
Lara's Brainbuster
Q: The top 2 phrases women love to hear from their husband are "I can't wait to see you!" and "I love being with you!" What's #3?
A: We had lots of guesses of "Have you lost weight?" and "The house looks great!" but the answer was..."I bought you something!" Congrats to Cathy in Fountain Valley, who won a pair of tix to our Fish Christmas Concert with Natalie Grant. :-)
A: We had lots of guesses of "Have you lost weight?" and "The house looks great!" but the answer was..."I bought you something!" Congrats to Cathy in Fountain Valley, who won a pair of tix to our Fish Christmas Concert with Natalie Grant. :-)
Merry Christmas to the troops!
Just got this from our friend Valerie...
Hi Lara,
I was thinking all weekend about a way that I could get more cards to the troops this holiday. Due to security issues I was struggling with a way I could accomplish this goal. Then this morning I received an email with the solution. Xerox has created a free website http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home.html that will enable people to send thank you notes to the soldiers overseas. On the website you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services. I was hoping you could put this information in your blog.
Hi Lara,
I was thinking all weekend about a way that I could get more cards to the troops this holiday. Due to security issues I was struggling with a way I could accomplish this goal. Then this morning I received an email with the solution. Xerox has created a free website http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home.html that will enable people to send thank you notes to the soldiers overseas. On the website you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services. I was hoping you could put this information in your blog.
11.16.2007
Lara's Brainbuster
Q: What was the #1 answer to this survey question? "I loved it when I was a kid and opened my lunchbox and found _______."
A: Not a bag of Cheetos....a note from mom!!!! Congrats to Valerie in Huntington Beach, who who tix to Kutless at Biola on 12/2.
A: Not a bag of Cheetos....a note from mom!!!! Congrats to Valerie in Huntington Beach, who who tix to Kutless at Biola on 12/2.
11.15.2007
Lara's Brainbuster
Q: Almost 30% of pet owners have attempted to teach their dog to do _____?
A: Fetch the paper! Congrats to Kathy in Buena Park, who won tix to Kutless at Biola on 12/2.
A: Fetch the paper! Congrats to Kathy in Buena Park, who won tix to Kutless at Biola on 12/2.
Save Gas and $
(This is from www.thedailygreen.com)
When you are picking up food, going to the bank or even filling a prescription, park your vehicle and walk inside instead of using the drive-through. It will cut down on unnecessary fuel use as well as carbon emissions.
Every time you use a drive-through, you burn about 18 cents worth of gas idling your car. According to Quick Service Restaurant Magazine, the average drive-through wait time once the order is taken is three minutes. Add the minute or two that it takes to place the order, and that means one billion car-minutes spent idling each year in front of Burger King restaurants alone! Estimates for total fuel costs for idling in front of every drive-through in America are in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Parking your car and getting out also allows an opportunity to stretch your legs. Given the obesity epidemic in this country, any chance to get your body moving is also nothing to scoff at. Getting out also gives you the chance to throw away garbage, so you will be less tempted to toss litter out your window later on.
Some people have argued that drive-throughs save on energy because they allow establishments to have smaller dining areas (or eliminate them altogether.) But others question such logic. If enough people declined to use drive-throughs, new facilities would instead be designed with walk-up (and bike-up) windows. Plus, using centralized electricity is typically far cleaner than auto exhaust. The environmental arguments against drive-throughs are so compelling that a number of smog-choked cities, including Atlanta, are even considering banning them.
When you are picking up food, going to the bank or even filling a prescription, park your vehicle and walk inside instead of using the drive-through. It will cut down on unnecessary fuel use as well as carbon emissions.
Every time you use a drive-through, you burn about 18 cents worth of gas idling your car. According to Quick Service Restaurant Magazine, the average drive-through wait time once the order is taken is three minutes. Add the minute or two that it takes to place the order, and that means one billion car-minutes spent idling each year in front of Burger King restaurants alone! Estimates for total fuel costs for idling in front of every drive-through in America are in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Parking your car and getting out also allows an opportunity to stretch your legs. Given the obesity epidemic in this country, any chance to get your body moving is also nothing to scoff at. Getting out also gives you the chance to throw away garbage, so you will be less tempted to toss litter out your window later on.
Some people have argued that drive-throughs save on energy because they allow establishments to have smaller dining areas (or eliminate them altogether.) But others question such logic. If enough people declined to use drive-throughs, new facilities would instead be designed with walk-up (and bike-up) windows. Plus, using centralized electricity is typically far cleaner than auto exhaust. The environmental arguments against drive-throughs are so compelling that a number of smog-choked cities, including Atlanta, are even considering banning them.
Charity Fashion Show
It's this Saturday at Dwelling Place Church! Here's the # to call for more info: 562-857-1816 (ask for Michelle or Earl). Thanks for helping the youth go to their retreat! :-)
Great Devotional!!!
There's A Work Going On In You
By Bishop E. Earl Jenkins
"Grace wherein we stand, and tribulation [that] worketh patience." Romans 5:2-3
We're too impatient! If God doesn't speak to us in the first 5 minutes of our prayer time we get up, shrug it off and decide "He isn't talking today." Where's the tenacity of our spiritual forefathers who would take hold of God in prayer and refuse to let go until they received "a sure word" from Him? (See 2Pe 1:19).
There are 2 things you can count on as you walk with God: trouble that works for you, and grace to stand while you're going through it. Have you been praying for patience? Get ready for trouble! There's no other way to get it. Patience grows in the soil of adversity. How do you test the strength of an anchor? Expose it to the fury of a storm. Understand this: some of the people you can't stand right now are the very ones who'll mature you! Our problem is - we pray for things but don't recognize the answer when it comes. God has a purpose in all things, He also has a process. As you get to know Him better you begin to recognize both.
Here's how it works: you ask God for strength and He allows you to go through times of testing. You ask for wisdom and you get to deal with problems that require solutions. You ask for success and He gives you the ability to work - not necessarily harder, but smarter. You ask for favor and He gives you responsibility. Salvation is a gift, but patience is a reward for overcoming. So stay where God has you today and learn the lessons He wants to teach you; tomorrow you'll be glad you did!
By Bishop E. Earl Jenkins
"Grace wherein we stand, and tribulation [that] worketh patience." Romans 5:2-3
We're too impatient! If God doesn't speak to us in the first 5 minutes of our prayer time we get up, shrug it off and decide "He isn't talking today." Where's the tenacity of our spiritual forefathers who would take hold of God in prayer and refuse to let go until they received "a sure word" from Him? (See 2Pe 1:19).
There are 2 things you can count on as you walk with God: trouble that works for you, and grace to stand while you're going through it. Have you been praying for patience? Get ready for trouble! There's no other way to get it. Patience grows in the soil of adversity. How do you test the strength of an anchor? Expose it to the fury of a storm. Understand this: some of the people you can't stand right now are the very ones who'll mature you! Our problem is - we pray for things but don't recognize the answer when it comes. God has a purpose in all things, He also has a process. As you get to know Him better you begin to recognize both.
Here's how it works: you ask God for strength and He allows you to go through times of testing. You ask for wisdom and you get to deal with problems that require solutions. You ask for success and He gives you the ability to work - not necessarily harder, but smarter. You ask for favor and He gives you responsibility. Salvation is a gift, but patience is a reward for overcoming. So stay where God has you today and learn the lessons He wants to teach you; tomorrow you'll be glad you did!
11.14.2007
Lara's Brainbuster
Q: A bunch of men were recently asked, "Who is the most beautiful woman of all time?" What was their #1 answer?
A: Their wife! :-) Congrats to Kandi, who's had a rough couple of weeks and was so excited to win tix to see Kutless in concert at Biola. For more info on the show, go to our homepage at www.kfsh.com.
A: Their wife! :-) Congrats to Kandi, who's had a rough couple of weeks and was so excited to win tix to see Kutless in concert at Biola. For more info on the show, go to our homepage at www.kfsh.com.
11.13.2007
Lara's Brainbuster
Q: What's the #1 mistake a man can make when he first meets someone?
A: Calling her too much right away! We had lots of guesses of propose marriage, too. :-) Congrats to Rachel in Anaheim, who won tix to Kutless in concert at Biola. Yay!
A: Calling her too much right away! We had lots of guesses of propose marriage, too. :-) Congrats to Rachel in Anaheim, who won tix to Kutless in concert at Biola. Yay!
Help A Family At Thanksgiving!
Rock Harbor in Costa Mesa is doing a wonderful thing to help out needy families at Thanksgiving! Here's the link for them: http://www.rockharbor.org/
The Lifehouse Everything Skit Info
Here's the link to the church that's performing it this Sunday: http://www.missionebenezer.com/ I've spoken to their youth group, and it's a wonderful church!!!
Today's My Utmost for His Highest Entry
FAITH AND EXPERIENCE
"The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
We have to battle through our moods into absolute devotion to the Lord Jesus, to get out of the hole-and-corner business of our experience into abandoned devotion to Him. Think Who the New Testament says that Jesus Christ is, and then think of the despicable meanness of the miserable faith we have - I haven't had this and that experience! Think what faith in Jesus Christ claims - that He can present us faultless before the throne of God, unutterably pure, absolutely rectified and profoundly justified. Stand in implicit adoring faith in Him, He is made unto us "wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." How can we talk of making a sacrifice for the Son of God! Our salvation is from hell and perdition, and then we talk about making sacrifices!
We have to get out into faith in Jesus Christ continually; not a prayer meeting Jesus Christ, nor a book Jesus Christ, but the New Testament Jesus Christ, Who is God Incarnate, and Who ought to strike us to His feet as dead. Our faith must be in the One from Whom our experience springs. Jesus Christ wants our absolute abandon of devotion to Himself. We never can experience Jesus Christ, nor ever hold Him within the compass of our own hearts, but our faith must be built in strong emphatic confidence in Him.
It is along this line that we see the rugged impatience of the Holy Ghost against unbelief. All our fears are wicked, and we fear because we will not nourish ourselves in our faith. How can any one who is identified with Jesus Christ suffer from d
"The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
We have to battle through our moods into absolute devotion to the Lord Jesus, to get out of the hole-and-corner business of our experience into abandoned devotion to Him. Think Who the New Testament says that Jesus Christ is, and then think of the despicable meanness of the miserable faith we have - I haven't had this and that experience! Think what faith in Jesus Christ claims - that He can present us faultless before the throne of God, unutterably pure, absolutely rectified and profoundly justified. Stand in implicit adoring faith in Him, He is made unto us "wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." How can we talk of making a sacrifice for the Son of God! Our salvation is from hell and perdition, and then we talk about making sacrifices!
We have to get out into faith in Jesus Christ continually; not a prayer meeting Jesus Christ, nor a book Jesus Christ, but the New Testament Jesus Christ, Who is God Incarnate, and Who ought to strike us to His feet as dead. Our faith must be in the One from Whom our experience springs. Jesus Christ wants our absolute abandon of devotion to Himself. We never can experience Jesus Christ, nor ever hold Him within the compass of our own hearts, but our faith must be built in strong emphatic confidence in Him.
It is along this line that we see the rugged impatience of the Holy Ghost against unbelief. All our fears are wicked, and we fear because we will not nourish ourselves in our faith. How can any one who is identified with Jesus Christ suffer from d
11.12.2007
Lara's Brainbuster
Happy Monday! And Happy Veteran's Day! THANK YOU for your service and your sacrifice. YOU make it possible for us to live our lives in a free country, and we are so grateful for you and your families. God bless you!!!
John 15:13 (New International Version)
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Lara's B-buster:
Q: Working women are twice as likely as working me to do.......what?
A: We had lots of guesses of cook and lock their keys in the car, but Jackie got it: Call in sick to work!
Listen for a new Brainbuster (and a chance to win Kutless tix!!!) tomorrow at 1:15.
John 15:13 (New International Version)
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Lara's B-buster:
Q: Working women are twice as likely as working me to do.......what?
A: We had lots of guesses of cook and lock their keys in the car, but Jackie got it: Call in sick to work!
Listen for a new Brainbuster (and a chance to win Kutless tix!!!) tomorrow at 1:15.
11.09.2007
Lara's Brainbuster
Q: What do 40% of us do several times a night while we're sleeping?
A: Flip the pillow to the cool side! Ahhhh....that always is so nice. :-) Congrats to Bobby from Garden Grove, who won a copy of Thou Shalt Laugh 2.
Have an awesome weekend!
A: Flip the pillow to the cool side! Ahhhh....that always is so nice. :-) Congrats to Bobby from Garden Grove, who won a copy of Thou Shalt Laugh 2.
Have an awesome weekend!
Meet my cats!
BWD is always putting up cute pics of his kids, so......here are my little ones: Lily and Barkley!
Weekend Events
Here's the site for Calendar Gal Jodi: www.calendargal.info There's tons of info on fun weekend events, and a lot of the events are free. :-)
11.08.2007
Lara's Brainbuster
Q: 60% of men admit to having dreamed about.....what?
A: Their wedding day! Awwwww......Congrats to Andrew from Brea, who won a copy of Thou Shalt Laugh 2.
A: Their wedding day! Awwwww......Congrats to Andrew from Brea, who won a copy of Thou Shalt Laugh 2.
Jaci's New Baby!!!
New York, NY – (November 8, 2007) – On November 3rd Latin/Christian artists, Jaci Velasquez and Nic Gonzales (Salvador) were blessed with the arrival of their first child. Zealand David Gonzales was born at 7am on Saturday, November 3, 2007. He weighed in at 7lbs and measured 19 ¼ inches long with jet black hair. His smile and dimples have been the delight of those who have visited the infant over the last couple of days.
Both mother and son are healthy and resting comfortably. Nic states, “It only takes a second to understand what people mean when they say, ‘this will change your life.’
On Saturday morning the world as I knew changed right in front of my eyes. Watching my son enter into the world, and being by wife’s side will forever be indescribable. God has a way of revealing himself to you in new and amazing ways everyday. But this seems so much sweeter than an everyday lesson. The love for my wife has grown through this 9 months and my understanding of being One has been thrust into the world in baby boy form. I’m proud of my family and I am proud to say that, ‘As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.’”
Gonzales is currently writing for Salvador’s next album and Velasquez is readying the release of her album, LOVE OUT LOUD in early 2008. They will be touring together this Spring.
Both mother and son are healthy and resting comfortably. Nic states, “It only takes a second to understand what people mean when they say, ‘this will change your life.’
On Saturday morning the world as I knew changed right in front of my eyes. Watching my son enter into the world, and being by wife’s side will forever be indescribable. God has a way of revealing himself to you in new and amazing ways everyday. But this seems so much sweeter than an everyday lesson. The love for my wife has grown through this 9 months and my understanding of being One has been thrust into the world in baby boy form. I’m proud of my family and I am proud to say that, ‘As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.’”
Gonzales is currently writing for Salvador’s next album and Velasquez is readying the release of her album, LOVE OUT LOUD in early 2008. They will be touring together this Spring.
11.07.2007
My fave author is coming to Lighthouse Christian Stores!!!
Karen KingsburyComing to Lighthouse!
November 8th-Orange Store 7:00-9:00pm
November 9th-Long Beach Store 11:00-1:00pm
Lara's Brainbuster
Q: What's the #1 thing a man should never say to his wife?
A: "Just relax!" In our house, that usually has the opposite effect. :-) Congrats to Joy from Downey, who won a copy of the clean comedy dvd "Thou Shalt Laugh 2!"
A: "Just relax!" In our house, that usually has the opposite effect. :-) Congrats to Joy from Downey, who won a copy of the clean comedy dvd "Thou Shalt Laugh 2!"
Lyrics!
MAT KEARNEY LYRICS"Undeniable"
[chorus]It's undeniable how brilliant you areIn an unreliable world you shine like a starIt's unforgettable now that we've come this farIt's unmistakable that you're undeniable
February 5th, Friday morning, purple dawnBroke a yawn, as a I stepped through the fog, like I stepped to a songA moment like a poem, you wish you could hold itI shut my eyes like it's frozen, it's gone when I openIt slipped passed the clouds right there where it lingeredLike your band and a girl could slip through your fingersMy feet hit the ground like a beat for the lonelyON a path beaten down by the crowds in the morningIf only I could touch past the phonyIf only they were there now to hold meAs the questions keep droningYou're the only one who stuck it out last nightThe only other one who caught the other lineYou're the only one when this world collidesThe one that I can't deny
[chorus]
It's my last year here My first class moved to portable 'a'Under construction since summerAnd it's cold todayI can see my breath, and what's left of the west parking lotAnd all the spaces that we foughtAnd it all seems forgotten, left in the bottomIn past piles of rubble, in puddles of rain waterThat hurt last night when I left like thatWhen I won't come backSpeaking my peace to the pastI can't help but wonder, who is this wind at my backA whisper to walk on, come on from all that
[chorus]
How am I gonna take it away in this winter windYou found me on a summer breezeHow am I gonna run away when the autom breaksNow that you found me in the springCome on and sing it out
[chorus]It's undeniable how brilliant you areIn an unreliable world you shine like a starIt's unforgettable now that we've come this farIt's unmistakable that you're undeniable
February 5th, Friday morning, purple dawnBroke a yawn, as a I stepped through the fog, like I stepped to a songA moment like a poem, you wish you could hold itI shut my eyes like it's frozen, it's gone when I openIt slipped passed the clouds right there where it lingeredLike your band and a girl could slip through your fingersMy feet hit the ground like a beat for the lonelyON a path beaten down by the crowds in the morningIf only I could touch past the phonyIf only they were there now to hold meAs the questions keep droningYou're the only one who stuck it out last nightThe only other one who caught the other lineYou're the only one when this world collidesThe one that I can't deny
[chorus]
It's my last year here My first class moved to portable 'a'Under construction since summerAnd it's cold todayI can see my breath, and what's left of the west parking lotAnd all the spaces that we foughtAnd it all seems forgotten, left in the bottomIn past piles of rubble, in puddles of rain waterThat hurt last night when I left like thatWhen I won't come backSpeaking my peace to the pastI can't help but wonder, who is this wind at my backA whisper to walk on, come on from all that
[chorus]
How am I gonna take it away in this winter windYou found me on a summer breezeHow am I gonna run away when the autom breaksNow that you found me in the springCome on and sing it out
MercyMe Article from Christianitytoday.com
Comfortable with All That Is WithinBy Stan Friedmanposted 11/05/07
Consider this: ever since MercyMe made their debut in 2001 with Almost There and their runaway hit "I Can Only Imagine," they've somehow managed to release a new album every year except 2003. An impressive feat, though some would object by saying the band hasn't offered anything new over four albums (and one Christmas project). Bart Millard and his fellow band members see it differently—MercyMe is simply trying to be who they are, and with their sixth album, they feel more comfortable being themselves than ever before. Millard told us about the creative challenges that arose in putting together All That Is Within Me, and why they're so happy with the results.
Let's start with the title. How did you come up with All That Is Within Me?
Bart Millard: This is probably the first time we really sat down as a band and started asking questions like, "What is MercyMe good at? What is it we are called to do? Where is our place in the grand scheme of things?" We realized that for whatever reason, our call is to reach out to the hurting, to help people get through difficult times, and if possible, to be part of the healing process. We just decided this is who we are and what we are called to do. This is all of who we are and all of what we do. We want to give all of ourselves to God.
It's an interesting album cover. How does the photo mosaic relate to the theme?
Millard: It's not your typical MercyMe cover. With the album title in mind, we bought a bunch of disposable cameras, giving them to all the guys with instructions to take pictures of what consumed us—what meant something to us, either serious or lighthearted. Then we gave them to the graphic artist and he did his thing. [Millard's pictures include the grave of his father and a St. Louis Cardinals baseball cap from the 1996 World Series given to him by Albert Pujols.]
Did you know what the theme was going to be when you started writing for the album?
Millard: Not really. I had the title for it even before Coming up to Breathe. Originally I first thought the album was going to be like a full-blown Third Day worship album, where part of it was cover tunes, and part of it stuff we've written ourselves. It definitely would have been a lot easier to do that way. Our biggest goal was to write songs that the church would be singing long after we're gone.
Two weeks before we went in, I was thinking if I can just get five songs done, then we can cover the other half. But then when we got in the studio, the songs started coming, and everybody got into the zone. It got to where I didn't want to do covers for the other half of the album. I just wanted to keep writing, and the next thing you know, we had a whole album. We even had to cut a couple of songs because we wanted to keep it at ten.
Lots of people these days download singles rather than buy entire albums. Is there a place for thematic albums anymore?
Millard: I don't think we know any other way, to be honest with you. I know everything is about the single, but writing these songs is the most important thing I do in MercyMe. I don't know how else I could get my thought across without trying to put together songs that aren't initially related.
Do you download singles?
Millard: I always do whole CDs—I never download singles. Sometimes I wish I would have, but I'd rather give the artist the benefit of the doubt. If I'm a fan of the artist, I can't get enough of them. Even if it's bad, I've got to hear the whole album.
When you're writing, do you ever feel trapped by "I Can Only Imagine"?
Millard: No pun intended, but I couldn't imagine not singing it in a show. You know, it's still special when you can see on people's faces that maybe they're hearing it live for the first time, or that they're being touched by it because of something that recently happened in their lives. I don't think we'll ever feel trapped [performing it].
Consider this: ever since MercyMe made their debut in 2001 with Almost There and their runaway hit "I Can Only Imagine," they've somehow managed to release a new album every year except 2003. An impressive feat, though some would object by saying the band hasn't offered anything new over four albums (and one Christmas project). Bart Millard and his fellow band members see it differently—MercyMe is simply trying to be who they are, and with their sixth album, they feel more comfortable being themselves than ever before. Millard told us about the creative challenges that arose in putting together All That Is Within Me, and why they're so happy with the results.
Let's start with the title. How did you come up with All That Is Within Me?
Bart Millard: This is probably the first time we really sat down as a band and started asking questions like, "What is MercyMe good at? What is it we are called to do? Where is our place in the grand scheme of things?" We realized that for whatever reason, our call is to reach out to the hurting, to help people get through difficult times, and if possible, to be part of the healing process. We just decided this is who we are and what we are called to do. This is all of who we are and all of what we do. We want to give all of ourselves to God.
It's an interesting album cover. How does the photo mosaic relate to the theme?
Millard: It's not your typical MercyMe cover. With the album title in mind, we bought a bunch of disposable cameras, giving them to all the guys with instructions to take pictures of what consumed us—what meant something to us, either serious or lighthearted. Then we gave them to the graphic artist and he did his thing. [Millard's pictures include the grave of his father and a St. Louis Cardinals baseball cap from the 1996 World Series given to him by Albert Pujols.]
Did you know what the theme was going to be when you started writing for the album?
Millard: Not really. I had the title for it even before Coming up to Breathe. Originally I first thought the album was going to be like a full-blown Third Day worship album, where part of it was cover tunes, and part of it stuff we've written ourselves. It definitely would have been a lot easier to do that way. Our biggest goal was to write songs that the church would be singing long after we're gone.
Two weeks before we went in, I was thinking if I can just get five songs done, then we can cover the other half. But then when we got in the studio, the songs started coming, and everybody got into the zone. It got to where I didn't want to do covers for the other half of the album. I just wanted to keep writing, and the next thing you know, we had a whole album. We even had to cut a couple of songs because we wanted to keep it at ten.
Lots of people these days download singles rather than buy entire albums. Is there a place for thematic albums anymore?
Millard: I don't think we know any other way, to be honest with you. I know everything is about the single, but writing these songs is the most important thing I do in MercyMe. I don't know how else I could get my thought across without trying to put together songs that aren't initially related.
Do you download singles?
Millard: I always do whole CDs—I never download singles. Sometimes I wish I would have, but I'd rather give the artist the benefit of the doubt. If I'm a fan of the artist, I can't get enough of them. Even if it's bad, I've got to hear the whole album.
When you're writing, do you ever feel trapped by "I Can Only Imagine"?
Millard: No pun intended, but I couldn't imagine not singing it in a show. You know, it's still special when you can see on people's faces that maybe they're hearing it live for the first time, or that they're being touched by it because of something that recently happened in their lives. I don't think we'll ever feel trapped [performing it].
New Member of Avalon!
AVALON WELCOMES NEW MEMBER JEREMI RICHARDSON
(from www.jesusfreakhideout.com)
Group Pays Tribute to Christian Classics on Ninth Studio Album In Stores Feb. 26
NEWS SOURCE: Savvy MediaNovember 6, 2007
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.)—Nov. 6, 2007—Dynamic vocal foursome Avalon welcomes new member Jeremi Richardson to the group. Richardson joins the award-winning artist in time for the release of its ninth studio album, Another Time, Another Place: Timeless Christian Classics, on Feb. 26.
Originally from Cleveland, Tenn., Richardson and his wife Amy currently reside in Orlando, Fla. where he is a member of the Disney groups Voices of Liberty and Four for a Dollar. He has toured singing and leading worship all over the United States, Jamaica, Bermuda and Israel. His voice can be heard on numerous recordings by Tribe Studios, Jeff Arthur Productions, WiseGuys Productions, Walt Disney Studios, Word Music, Brentwood-Benson, SpiritSound Music, and Integrity Music.
“I have been a longtime fan of Avalon,” says Richardson. “I first saw the group on tour with Crystal Lewis my sophomore year of college. It was that same evening I made the decision to pursue a singing career. I am so honored to be part of the group and look forward to what the future holds for Avalon.”
And in the very near future Avalon will release its latest music offering, Another Time, Another Place: Timeless Christian Classics, a collection of contemporary Christian music’s most beloved songs. Paying tribute to CCM legends including Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Twila Paris, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Crystal Lewis, among others, the record celebrates those songs which not only have influenced the genre itself but also Avalon and its more than decade-long career.
“These are songs that first made us want to do what we’re doing today,” says Greg Long of Avalon. “So many of these artists impacted us in a memorable way from before we began performing as a group until today.”
Melissa remembers singing “The Basics of Life” (4Him) in high school and taking her first solo, “Friend of a Wounded Heart” (Wayne Watson), while Janna recalls Avalon opening for Crystal Lewis on tour, when “People Get Ready” dominated radio and Lewis was the Gospel Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year.
“It was amazing, having the chance to spend time with so many of these seasoned artists so early in our career,” says Janna. “We are truly grateful to them for helping to make Avalon what it is. We hope this record shows our gratitude.”
Beginning Nov. 13, a three-song preview EP featuring “Another Time, Another Place,” “God Is In Control” and “Thy Word” will be available on iTunes and other digital music outlets. The album’s single, “Another Time, Another Place,” went for ads at Christian Adult Contemporary radio on Nov. 2. The group is also planning a major tour to launch spring 2008. Additional details are forthcoming.
Formed in 1996, Avalon set a new standard for modern spiritual music. In review of its 2006 project, Faith: A Hymns Collection, All Music Guide lauded the group’s “vocal efficiency and personalized stylings that place Avalon among the elite singing groups in contemporary Christian circles.” To date, the quartet has sold more than three million albums, charted 20 No. 1 singles, and won an American Music Award plus numerous Dove Awards such as the 1999 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year for “Testify to Love.” That song, a listener favorite, has also been specially re-recorded for Another Time, Another Place. For more information, visit www.avalonlive.com.
About EMI CMG Label Group:Brentwood, Tennessee-based EMI CMG Label Group is comprised of Sparrow Records, Forefront Records, and Credential Recordings, in addition to providing A&R and marketing support for sixstepsrecords via a joint venture and licensing partnership. Balancing freedom, discipline, creativity, profitability and ministry, EMI CMG Label Group strives for excellence in artist development. The Label Group is a division of EMI Christian Music Group. For further information, please visit www.emicmg.com.
(from www.jesusfreakhideout.com)
Group Pays Tribute to Christian Classics on Ninth Studio Album In Stores Feb. 26
NEWS SOURCE: Savvy MediaNovember 6, 2007
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.)—Nov. 6, 2007—Dynamic vocal foursome Avalon welcomes new member Jeremi Richardson to the group. Richardson joins the award-winning artist in time for the release of its ninth studio album, Another Time, Another Place: Timeless Christian Classics, on Feb. 26.
Originally from Cleveland, Tenn., Richardson and his wife Amy currently reside in Orlando, Fla. where he is a member of the Disney groups Voices of Liberty and Four for a Dollar. He has toured singing and leading worship all over the United States, Jamaica, Bermuda and Israel. His voice can be heard on numerous recordings by Tribe Studios, Jeff Arthur Productions, WiseGuys Productions, Walt Disney Studios, Word Music, Brentwood-Benson, SpiritSound Music, and Integrity Music.
“I have been a longtime fan of Avalon,” says Richardson. “I first saw the group on tour with Crystal Lewis my sophomore year of college. It was that same evening I made the decision to pursue a singing career. I am so honored to be part of the group and look forward to what the future holds for Avalon.”
And in the very near future Avalon will release its latest music offering, Another Time, Another Place: Timeless Christian Classics, a collection of contemporary Christian music’s most beloved songs. Paying tribute to CCM legends including Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Twila Paris, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Crystal Lewis, among others, the record celebrates those songs which not only have influenced the genre itself but also Avalon and its more than decade-long career.
“These are songs that first made us want to do what we’re doing today,” says Greg Long of Avalon. “So many of these artists impacted us in a memorable way from before we began performing as a group until today.”
Melissa remembers singing “The Basics of Life” (4Him) in high school and taking her first solo, “Friend of a Wounded Heart” (Wayne Watson), while Janna recalls Avalon opening for Crystal Lewis on tour, when “People Get Ready” dominated radio and Lewis was the Gospel Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year.
“It was amazing, having the chance to spend time with so many of these seasoned artists so early in our career,” says Janna. “We are truly grateful to them for helping to make Avalon what it is. We hope this record shows our gratitude.”
Beginning Nov. 13, a three-song preview EP featuring “Another Time, Another Place,” “God Is In Control” and “Thy Word” will be available on iTunes and other digital music outlets. The album’s single, “Another Time, Another Place,” went for ads at Christian Adult Contemporary radio on Nov. 2. The group is also planning a major tour to launch spring 2008. Additional details are forthcoming.
Formed in 1996, Avalon set a new standard for modern spiritual music. In review of its 2006 project, Faith: A Hymns Collection, All Music Guide lauded the group’s “vocal efficiency and personalized stylings that place Avalon among the elite singing groups in contemporary Christian circles.” To date, the quartet has sold more than three million albums, charted 20 No. 1 singles, and won an American Music Award plus numerous Dove Awards such as the 1999 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year for “Testify to Love.” That song, a listener favorite, has also been specially re-recorded for Another Time, Another Place. For more information, visit www.avalonlive.com.
About EMI CMG Label Group:Brentwood, Tennessee-based EMI CMG Label Group is comprised of Sparrow Records, Forefront Records, and Credential Recordings, in addition to providing A&R and marketing support for sixstepsrecords via a joint venture and licensing partnership. Balancing freedom, discipline, creativity, profitability and ministry, EMI CMG Label Group strives for excellence in artist development. The Label Group is a division of EMI Christian Music Group. For further information, please visit www.emicmg.com.
ADOPT A SENIOR PET!
November Is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month
(That's my wonderful senior dog, Red! I adopted him from The Brittany Foundation when he was 10.)
The Brittany Foundation and Petfinder.com are celebrating November as Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month.
“Think of a pet that is already trained and doesn’t chew or scratch everything in sight--a pet who will love you unconditionally,” said Kim Saunders, Petfinder.com’s Director of Public Relations. “That’s what you get when you adopt a senior pet.”
Some people worry that a senior pet comes with problems, but according to Hazel Blumberg-McKee of Tallahassee, FL, there are no disadvantages. “In most cases they’ve had a home and they want one again.” She adopted eight-and-a-half-year old Sadie, and has never regretted it. “An older animal is easier to deal with. And Sadie is still playful. She plays fetch and gallops all over the place.”
At animal shelters and rescue groups everywhere, there are loving, healthy senior pets like Sadie, looking for that one special home to cherish them for the rest of their life, and they don’t ask for much: just a warm place to sleep, good meals and plenty of love.
During Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, take the opportunity to get acquainted with the older pets available at The Brittany Foundation. Visit the shelter online at http://www.petfinder.com/ or at http://www.brittanyfoundation.com/
(That's my wonderful senior dog, Red! I adopted him from The Brittany Foundation when he was 10.)
The Brittany Foundation and Petfinder.com are celebrating November as Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month.
“Think of a pet that is already trained and doesn’t chew or scratch everything in sight--a pet who will love you unconditionally,” said Kim Saunders, Petfinder.com’s Director of Public Relations. “That’s what you get when you adopt a senior pet.”
Some people worry that a senior pet comes with problems, but according to Hazel Blumberg-McKee of Tallahassee, FL, there are no disadvantages. “In most cases they’ve had a home and they want one again.” She adopted eight-and-a-half-year old Sadie, and has never regretted it. “An older animal is easier to deal with. And Sadie is still playful. She plays fetch and gallops all over the place.”
At animal shelters and rescue groups everywhere, there are loving, healthy senior pets like Sadie, looking for that one special home to cherish them for the rest of their life, and they don’t ask for much: just a warm place to sleep, good meals and plenty of love.
During Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, take the opportunity to get acquainted with the older pets available at The Brittany Foundation. Visit the shelter online at http://www.petfinder.com/ or at http://www.brittanyfoundation.com/
11.06.2007
LARA'S BRAINBUSTER
Q: Standing up while you do this will cause you to lose 4 lbs. in a year! What?
A: Lots of guesses of watching t.v., but the answer was...talking on the phone! Congrats to John from Downey, who won a copy of "Thou Shalt Laugh 2." Whoohoo!
A: Lots of guesses of watching t.v., but the answer was...talking on the phone! Congrats to John from Downey, who won a copy of "Thou Shalt Laugh 2." Whoohoo!
AMY GRANT'S NEW BOOK:
In a career spanning more than twenty-five years, Amy Grant has won six Grammy Awards in multiple categories, beginning with the platinum-selling Age to Age in 1982, and has had six #1 songs, including “Baby, Baby” and “Every Heart Beat.” Billboard named her the most successful artist of the 1980s and ’90s, and she was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2003. Time Again…Amy Grant Live, the recording of Grant’s sold-out performances in Dallas, was released in September 2006, and she is attracting both devoted fans and new audiences with her symphony tour, in which she performs with local orchestras in Atlanta, Minneapolis, Kansas City, and other cities nationwide.
MOSAIC is the first and only authorized book of this much beloved icon. In an autobiography that resonates with her trademark poetic imagery and engaging spirit, Grant presents her musings on everyday life—friendship, marriage, motherhood, loss, forgiveness, and new beginnings—and provides inspiring insights into what it means to live authentically. Whether she is sharing light-hearted reminiscences about her childhood in Nashville, writing about beginning a new life with the country music star Vince Gill, or describing an amusing encounter with a fan of her husband’s, Grant invites readers into her world and into her heart.
In a career spanning more than twenty-five years, Amy Grant has won six Grammy Awards in multiple categories, beginning with the platinum-selling Age to Age in 1982, and has had six #1 songs, including “Baby, Baby” and “Every Heart Beat.” Billboard named her the most successful artist of the 1980s and ’90s, and she was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2003. Time Again…Amy Grant Live, the recording of Grant’s sold-out performances in Dallas, was released in September 2006, and she is attracting both devoted fans and new audiences with her symphony tour, in which she performs with local orchestras in Atlanta, Minneapolis, Kansas City, and other cities nationwide.
MOSAIC is the first and only authorized book of this much beloved icon. In an autobiography that resonates with her trademark poetic imagery and engaging spirit, Grant presents her musings on everyday life—friendship, marriage, motherhood, loss, forgiveness, and new beginnings—and provides inspiring insights into what it means to live authentically. Whether she is sharing light-hearted reminiscences about her childhood in Nashville, writing about beginning a new life with the country music star Vince Gill, or describing an amusing encounter with a fan of her husband’s, Grant invites readers into her world and into her heart.
11.05.2007
LARA'S BRAINBUSTER
Q: What do almost 70% of men refuse to do while in the car?
A: Ask for directions! (only 70%? just kidding!) Congrats to John from Placentia, who solved the problem by getting a GPS. :-) He won a copy of the clean comedy dvd "Thou Shalt Laugh 2," hosted by Tim Conway.
A: Ask for directions! (only 70%? just kidding!) Congrats to John from Placentia, who solved the problem by getting a GPS. :-) He won a copy of the clean comedy dvd "Thou Shalt Laugh 2," hosted by Tim Conway.
11.02.2007
LARA'S BRAINBUSTER (FRIDAY)
Q: After $ and lack of affection, what's the #3 cause of stress in a marriage?
A: The in-laws! Congrats to Tina from Anaheim, who had a wonderful mother-in-law. She won a copy of "Thou Shalt Laugh 2," hosted by Tim Conway.
Have a wonderful weekend!
A: The in-laws! Congrats to Tina from Anaheim, who had a wonderful mother-in-law. She won a copy of "Thou Shalt Laugh 2," hosted by Tim Conway.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Let's Thank Our Brave Firefighters!
Just got this from my friend Tim at Transparent Productions: Hey guys – Last Sunday we did a big donation drive at the Steven Curtis Chapman show for the victims of the fires and you were AWESOME in bringing in donations. I know it’s late notice, but The Fish wants to help the fire fighters and their families who have sacrificed so much to protect our communities. So tonight we are doing a donation drive for gift bags for fire fighters. We will be collections items at the MercyMe concert tonight at Mariners Church in Irvine. We are looking for things like:
Thank you notes from participating area churches Thank you notes from children Gift cards valued at $50 (for coffee, movies, restaurant, nice stuff) Other (hard candy, microwaveable popcorn, small toy Nice Gift bag, ribbon etc…….
Even if you’re not going to attend the concert, you can still drop off donations tonight at Mariners Church in Irvine.
For more information visit http://www.TransparentProductions.com
Thank you notes from participating area churches Thank you notes from children Gift cards valued at $50 (for coffee, movies, restaurant, nice stuff) Other (hard candy, microwaveable popcorn, small toy Nice Gift bag, ribbon etc…….
Even if you’re not going to attend the concert, you can still drop off donations tonight at Mariners Church in Irvine.
For more information visit http://www.TransparentProductions.com
11.01.2007
Yay! Welcome to my new blog!
Here's my awesome nephew, Fox! :-)
Hi! Check me out at 6:30 on 99.5 KKLA (www.kkla.com)! I"ll be on Frank Pastore's show with the From the Heart segment(www.fromtheheartradio.com).
Hi! Check me out at 6:30 on 99.5 KKLA (www.kkla.com)! I"ll be on Frank Pastore's show with the From the Heart segment(www.fromtheheartradio.com).
Lara's Brainbuster (Thursday):Q: What will 14% of us bring to a holiday party this year?
A: Food that's past its expiration date--Yikes! Please double-check that potato salad that's been lingering at the back of the fridge. Congrats to Christy in Huntington Beach, who won a copy of Thou Shalt Laugh 2.
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