In the halls of LIFE, we're still pretty stoke about the 10th Anniversary concert. Tons of email "congrats" are coming in from listeners and advertisers. It's neat to know that this celebration isn't confined to employees, but shared by - well, everyone.
After intermission, the show paused while the staff ran a tribute to me. I wasn't expecting it. Somewhere about halfway through this 9 minute video, I realized, "uh oh... this is a tribute to me!" However did they pull this off without my knowing about it?
Thanks to the LIFE DJs for their kind words. Nice to have a greeting from my friends who make the music. And to those people who are part of my radio history. And especially the greeting from Ra McGuire - whom I pray for everyday.
If you missed the vid, here you go.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
I DON'T GET IT. IS IT JUST ME?
As a radio guy, I've lived in a bunch of different cities and, although I've been a member, I've never stuck with one denomination.
I think it's funny that Christian regard their denomination more than simply being a Christian. Baptists ONLY go to a Baptist church, even if they move to another city and Pentecostals ONLY go to a Pentecostal church.
Alot of stuff confuses me about God, partly because of denominations. They each believe something slightly different - and neither are willing to budge on their beliefs.
So who's right? They tell me they are both right and the other church has "it all wrong". (I've actually been told that by pastors.)
One Christian friend attends a church that claims their church is not a denomination, and they told me they don't approve of "denominations" because denominations aren't doing what the Bible says. But THEY are.
I've been part of a few churches. A Pentecostal church, vineyard church, missionary church and alliance churches.
I feel like I have a good perspective of Jesus and I like the fact that different pastors and friends have poured into me. I'm not a one-denomination type of guy. But, I still have a lot of questions about how God moves. Is it just me? By asking these questions, I feel like a heathen.
Like, how come we keep praying for the same thing every day? A salavation. A healing. A relationship. Didn't God hear us the first time? I know he did - so why be a pest? Ya I know - we pray for our benefit, not His. Ya ya.
We pray for healing of cancer but people die anyway. I know they're eventually going to die, but if we prayed for healing and God didn't heal, why do we make excuses for God, like, "oh He answered the prayer in His way. We don't understand His ways". Uh huh. What does that mean?
Why do churches disagree about the role of women in the church? I'm told "it's very clear. Just read the Bible". Ya right - then why do you guys disagree?
I won't even mention tongues. Who's right on that issue? Well, one church is right and one is wrong. It can't be both.
Why did Jesus speak in parables? Why didn't he just explain it? Now we all argue about what He really was really saying.
Like the final words of Jesus ....in the three gospels "the final words" are all recorded differently. If they were FINAL words, how can they be different? Wouldn't the saviour of the world want his final words remembered accurately? Or did the writers of the Bible mess it up? Listen, if I was on my deathbed and my kids were by my side, I'm sure they would both want to remember MY finals words and not a misquote from someone else. Instead, we have a variation of his final words.
We each read God's stories with a different interpretation. Even the church denominations (including the church that doesn't think its a denomination) disagree on these subjects.
Is it ok to have questions, after being saved for 20 years? I think I have more questions every year and I don't really get any answers. Am I being irreverent?
I think it's funny that Christian regard their denomination more than simply being a Christian. Baptists ONLY go to a Baptist church, even if they move to another city and Pentecostals ONLY go to a Pentecostal church.
Alot of stuff confuses me about God, partly because of denominations. They each believe something slightly different - and neither are willing to budge on their beliefs.
So who's right? They tell me they are both right and the other church has "it all wrong". (I've actually been told that by pastors.)
One Christian friend attends a church that claims their church is not a denomination, and they told me they don't approve of "denominations" because denominations aren't doing what the Bible says. But THEY are.
I've been part of a few churches. A Pentecostal church, vineyard church, missionary church and alliance churches.
I feel like I have a good perspective of Jesus and I like the fact that different pastors and friends have poured into me. I'm not a one-denomination type of guy. But, I still have a lot of questions about how God moves. Is it just me? By asking these questions, I feel like a heathen.Like, how come we keep praying for the same thing every day? A salavation. A healing. A relationship. Didn't God hear us the first time? I know he did - so why be a pest? Ya I know - we pray for our benefit, not His. Ya ya.
We pray for healing of cancer but people die anyway. I know they're eventually going to die, but if we prayed for healing and God didn't heal, why do we make excuses for God, like, "oh He answered the prayer in His way. We don't understand His ways". Uh huh. What does that mean?
Why do churches disagree about the role of women in the church? I'm told "it's very clear. Just read the Bible". Ya right - then why do you guys disagree?
I won't even mention tongues. Who's right on that issue? Well, one church is right and one is wrong. It can't be both.
Why did Jesus speak in parables? Why didn't he just explain it? Now we all argue about what He really was really saying.
Like the final words of Jesus ....in the three gospels "the final words" are all recorded differently. If they were FINAL words, how can they be different? Wouldn't the saviour of the world want his final words remembered accurately? Or did the writers of the Bible mess it up? Listen, if I was on my deathbed and my kids were by my side, I'm sure they would both want to remember MY finals words and not a misquote from someone else. Instead, we have a variation of his final words.
We each read God's stories with a different interpretation. Even the church denominations (including the church that doesn't think its a denomination) disagree on these subjects.
Is it ok to have questions, after being saved for 20 years? I think I have more questions every year and I don't really get any answers. Am I being irreverent?
Monday, August 24, 2009
RAMBLING THOUGHTS ABOUT LIFE'S 10TH
Friday night was the LIFE 10th anniversary/Lincoln Brewster concert. I could write a series of blogs about my favourite moments - the audience, the songs, the video surprise, our very good looking staff (haha!). And from what I heard backstage, I could probably write another blog all about our visiting rock star's requests. But I won’t pop any illusions you may have.
Two big surprises. The appearance by my son Brett - on stage. Brett and his wife live in Nashville and to my knowledge his immigration green card was not approved. Little did I know, it was!
My daughter Crystal was on stage at intermission talking about our family days in Nashville where there are many Christian stations to choose from and our relocation to Barrie where there was a Christian radio void. From the stage Crystal said, "too bad Brett can’t be here..." and then - he walked out on stage! W-H-A-T??!!
My first response was "the U.S. border control isn’t going to let you return!"
Then I thought.... "how did they hide you from me?" Apparently, he had been in hiding all day, avoiding my usual routes. During the concert my wife had Brett sitting in the car, at the side of the road for the entire first half of the show, waiting for a cell call. I didn’t suspect a thing.
After Brett took his seat and Lincoln hit the stage, I noticed about three songs later that Gretyl (Brett’s wife) was also in our row!
God has done so many amazing things through LIFE 100.3. It’s not an overstatement to say that listeners have grown in character and faith because of LIFE’s ministry. That’s why we do it. Thank you, everyone, who affirms me and my staff of our ministry’s impact.
I was so very proud of four particular people. Luke Langman, Paul Turner, Jody Cross and Andy Horrocks.
Luke, Paul and Jody were the three artists who opened our show and warmed up the crowd before Lincoln’s performance. We asked each guy - Luke, Paul and Jody - to sing two songs that were familiar through radio airplay. Each guy was more than amazing! Each song came "alive" on stage.
Luke - He’s probably the newest radio artist of the three, yet he looked so comfortable. I was so proud to see him perform "Change The World" for such a receptive crowd.
Paul - "Earthquake". I have loved this song since it was released and everytime I play it, I crank the studio speakers.
Jody - Maybe the most seasoned of the three - but he’s the oldest! Haha! Hearing "Bigger" made me think, again, about how big God is, how much I don’t know or will ever understand.
Luke, Paul and Jody - I am so proud of you guys! Thank you for sharing your songs with us on this special night.
Andy - I chose Andy Horrocks to be the band leader. He’s the guy who arranged the songs, picked the back-up musicians and kept the first three artists running a tight set. Andy is not only the producer of all three Karaoke Superstar artists - he has also become a great friend of LIFE 100.3. He gets us. He knows what we want and he always delivers! I value our relationship very much.
Lincoln was the "star" performer. He rocked the house for 90 minutes with "Everlasting God" and "Love The Lord" and sharing stories about his family.
I will take this moment to thank Pastor Rick Buck, the senior pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church, for allowing us to take over the auditorium for the day. A great, comfortable, well-equipped venue. Thanks Rick!
Tomorrow, the video replay of "the surprise greeting" from my staff, to me. Haha!
Friday, August 21, 2009
TONIGHT - OUR 10TH
Tonight is the LIFE 100.3 10th Anniversary Party with Lincoln Brewster, Luke Langman, Jody Cross and Paul Turner. A great line-up of music.
Last night there were four tornados reported in our listening area. Lots of rain. Crazy winds. I was thinking today, had last night’s weather come today, it could have affected travel plans of people coming to town for our anniversary concert. As it was, the plane carrying Lincoln and his band sat on the tarmac in Toronto for three hours, waiting to get to the gate. Apparently they didn’t get to Barrie until 2am.
I don’t think I slept last night. This morning I rode 20km to get some energy in my body.
It’s hard to believe the result of an idea. The idea of starting a Christian radio station. The result being thousands and thousands of people’s souls being touched. I see LIFE bumper stickers on cars owned by people I have probably never met, and may never meet. Yet, they have a bumper sticker on their car that, at one time, was just an idea in my head. I’m touched by those bumper stickers every time I see one.
I hear stories of how Christian music has inspired people. Songs that provided reassurance during the storms of life. While the storm is raging and our troubles are many, the songs remind us that God is with us through our troubles and we’re not alone. All that, from a song on the radio.
Tonight, Lincoln will be singing many of those songs. "Every day it’s you I live for...." I can’t wait!*!*!
Last night there were four tornados reported in our listening area. Lots of rain. Crazy winds. I was thinking today, had last night’s weather come today, it could have affected travel plans of people coming to town for our anniversary concert. As it was, the plane carrying Lincoln and his band sat on the tarmac in Toronto for three hours, waiting to get to the gate. Apparently they didn’t get to Barrie until 2am.
I don’t think I slept last night. This morning I rode 20km to get some energy in my body.
It’s hard to believe the result of an idea. The idea of starting a Christian radio station. The result being thousands and thousands of people’s souls being touched. I see LIFE bumper stickers on cars owned by people I have probably never met, and may never meet. Yet, they have a bumper sticker on their car that, at one time, was just an idea in my head. I’m touched by those bumper stickers every time I see one.
I hear stories of how Christian music has inspired people. Songs that provided reassurance during the storms of life. While the storm is raging and our troubles are many, the songs remind us that God is with us through our troubles and we’re not alone. All that, from a song on the radio.
Tonight, Lincoln will be singing many of those songs. "Every day it’s you I live for...." I can’t wait!*!*!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
DEPRESSION
I think I’ve mentioned on the blog that I have "moderate depression". When I wrote yesterday’s blog, I was really feeling bummed out. That situation which I wrote about, and another situation with someone (not at LIFE), set me off. If you have depression, you know how hard it is to get out of the darkness. Nothing works. You just sulk and stay silent.
Tuesday night when it really kicked in, I called four friends, hoping one of them would "talk me up" and no one came through for me. So the night spun down. Probably the sleeping pills and Tylenol Tuesday night had a lot to do with the hangover of darkness the next day - the day I wrote the blog.
Yesterday, I got invited to a friend’s house for dinner last night. During dinner, the depression came off and the night was fun. Me and my dinner buddy hit the gym, and then I ran into another buddy there and we went for an 11 o’clock swim.
This depression thing is really crappy. There are a couple of situations that act as triggers and if I know they’re coming, I can work through it or avoid feeling depressed. But there’s a couple of other situations that I cannot avoid. I have anxiety about them and unfortunately the end result is "a really bad night".
So what?
So right now, 10% of the population is on an antidepressant and afraid to tell anyone because friends won’t understand. You’re not alone. My friends understand my battle with depression but they do a lousy job of helping me out of the darkness. They don’t take my phone calls or provide an exit for me. I usually sleep it off.
Oh, if you’re wondering - do I do a radio show when I’m depressed? Yes, most of the time. I plow through coz - "the show must go on". Fun huh?
Today is good. Praise God.
Tuesday night when it really kicked in, I called four friends, hoping one of them would "talk me up" and no one came through for me. So the night spun down. Probably the sleeping pills and Tylenol Tuesday night had a lot to do with the hangover of darkness the next day - the day I wrote the blog.
Yesterday, I got invited to a friend’s house for dinner last night. During dinner, the depression came off and the night was fun. Me and my dinner buddy hit the gym, and then I ran into another buddy there and we went for an 11 o’clock swim.
This depression thing is really crappy. There are a couple of situations that act as triggers and if I know they’re coming, I can work through it or avoid feeling depressed. But there’s a couple of other situations that I cannot avoid. I have anxiety about them and unfortunately the end result is "a really bad night".
So what?
So right now, 10% of the population is on an antidepressant and afraid to tell anyone because friends won’t understand. You’re not alone. My friends understand my battle with depression but they do a lousy job of helping me out of the darkness. They don’t take my phone calls or provide an exit for me. I usually sleep it off.
Oh, if you’re wondering - do I do a radio show when I’m depressed? Yes, most of the time. I plow through coz - "the show must go on". Fun huh?
Today is good. Praise God.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
"YOU OWE ME", HE SAID
I ran into a guy yesterday who I haven't seen in nearly ten years. In fact, he was a key donor to LIFE to help us get started. One day, ten years ago, I made a LIFE business plan to help him understand my vision for LIFE and to ask for a donation. I remember being nervous and I knew I only had 15 minutes to make my case and ask for the donation.
He listened. He agreed with my vision. Then I stumbled over asking for a donation. But I did ask and he readily wrote me a cheque.
As I was leaving, I felt compelled for a critique because he was a straight-shooter. So I said, "so...how did I do?". He smiled and said, "Good. But don't forget to ask for the money. It's important". Ya. Pretty important to close the deal, right?
So, I met up with him by accident last night. I said, "hey Mr. Somebody. Guess what! It was 10 years ago that we started LIFE 100.3!"
"Well good for you. Would you like to help me with my business"? (Whaaaat? I laughed. He's super-weathy.) "Well," he said, "I helped you. Why don't you help me?" Ooooh this was getting awkward.
I started to ask about his business and he interrupted me and said, "people always ask me for money for their projects, but nobody returns the favour".
I was dumbfounded. I thought donors gived unselfishly, without condition, without expectation, giving for the pleasure of giving. Is the giver expected to give back to the same donor?
"That's the same look I get from everyone," he laughed, making me feel like a dork.
He started repeating the conversation and me giving him money coz, apparently, it's my turn.
I replied, "Well sir, I want you to know that you did a good thing for LIFE when you sewed that seed ten years ago. God has blessed us so much. This year at LIFE our donations are strong, our staff is stable, we have no debts and we only buy things when the money is in the back." I thought that would bless him.
He said, "oh, so you are going to give me money because you're loaded." Well, LIFE is a charity and give to other charities, especially to help Christian radio managers with their start-up. But we don't really give to "for profit" companies.
I said, "well I'll pray about that. Have a nice summer."
Being a person with moderate depression, his crazy talk just sent me over the edge. He was not only a giver, but he imparted wisdom to me and I want to bless him with my thanks.
My pastor once told me don't accept any donation that has strings attached. Walk away.
I'm thinking quite seriously about sending back his $5,000 and telling him to bite me. I am so steamed.
I'd love to tell you his name because he's a local well-known guy. But I'll just bite my tongue and plow through the depression I'm left with.
He listened. He agreed with my vision. Then I stumbled over asking for a donation. But I did ask and he readily wrote me a cheque.
As I was leaving, I felt compelled for a critique because he was a straight-shooter. So I said, "so...how did I do?". He smiled and said, "Good. But don't forget to ask for the money. It's important". Ya. Pretty important to close the deal, right?
So, I met up with him by accident last night. I said, "hey Mr. Somebody. Guess what! It was 10 years ago that we started LIFE 100.3!"
"Well good for you. Would you like to help me with my business"? (Whaaaat? I laughed. He's super-weathy.) "Well," he said, "I helped you. Why don't you help me?" Ooooh this was getting awkward.
I started to ask about his business and he interrupted me and said, "people always ask me for money for their projects, but nobody returns the favour".
I was dumbfounded. I thought donors gived unselfishly, without condition, without expectation, giving for the pleasure of giving. Is the giver expected to give back to the same donor?
"That's the same look I get from everyone," he laughed, making me feel like a dork.
He started repeating the conversation and me giving him money coz, apparently, it's my turn.
I replied, "Well sir, I want you to know that you did a good thing for LIFE when you sewed that seed ten years ago. God has blessed us so much. This year at LIFE our donations are strong, our staff is stable, we have no debts and we only buy things when the money is in the back." I thought that would bless him.
He said, "oh, so you are going to give me money because you're loaded." Well, LIFE is a charity and give to other charities, especially to help Christian radio managers with their start-up. But we don't really give to "for profit" companies.
I said, "well I'll pray about that. Have a nice summer."
Being a person with moderate depression, his crazy talk just sent me over the edge. He was not only a giver, but he imparted wisdom to me and I want to bless him with my thanks.
My pastor once told me don't accept any donation that has strings attached. Walk away.
I'm thinking quite seriously about sending back his $5,000 and telling him to bite me. I am so steamed.
I'd love to tell you his name because he's a local well-known guy. But I'll just bite my tongue and plow through the depression I'm left with.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
DON'T SEE "JULIE AND JULIA"
I went to see the movie "Julie and Julia" last night. Ok, my wife wanted to go and I wanted to do something together. She went to Star Trek with me, so it was my turn to see one of her girly movies.
Actually, I don't mind girly movies. They're a bit trite and simple - nothing explodes and there's no superheroes, but if you're prepared for that, then it's ok.
My wife read the review and friends had commented that the movie is very uplifting and you leave the theatre feeling motivated. I'm good with that.
Now, be warned guys, it's a cooking movie. Lots of cooking. Julia Child is famous for french cooking, even though she isn't french. That's part of the fun. Meryl Streep plays the role. She's fabulous in character but the character's voice is very very annoying.
The other main character wants to follow in her footsteps, "Julie" works in a boring job in a desk cubical and after work she runs home and cooks up another recipe from Julia's cook book. She does it everyday for a year and writes a blog about her activity, almost like a salute to her mentor whom she's never met.
Two bad things - spoiling ending - please note.
At the climax of the movie, Julia Child hears about the blog and puts down the girl who worships her. They could have left it out and the movie ending would have been positive. It wasn't an important part to the plot but to me it just sort of spoiled it all. I left feeling - "wow after all that fame and influence and mentoring, Julia Child is a cranky old jerk". Hmm.
I love movies. I love renting movies, especially movies I've already seen. But this won't be one of them. Don't waste your time. Go see "Forever Strong" instead!
Actually, I don't mind girly movies. They're a bit trite and simple - nothing explodes and there's no superheroes, but if you're prepared for that, then it's ok.
My wife read the review and friends had commented that the movie is very uplifting and you leave the theatre feeling motivated. I'm good with that.
Now, be warned guys, it's a cooking movie. Lots of cooking. Julia Child is famous for french cooking, even though she isn't french. That's part of the fun. Meryl Streep plays the role. She's fabulous in character but the character's voice is very very annoying.
The other main character wants to follow in her footsteps, "Julie" works in a boring job in a desk cubical and after work she runs home and cooks up another recipe from Julia's cook book. She does it everyday for a year and writes a blog about her activity, almost like a salute to her mentor whom she's never met.
Two bad things - spoiling ending - please note.
At the climax of the movie, Julia Child hears about the blog and puts down the girl who worships her. They could have left it out and the movie ending would have been positive. It wasn't an important part to the plot but to me it just sort of spoiled it all. I left feeling - "wow after all that fame and influence and mentoring, Julia Child is a cranky old jerk". Hmm.
I love movies. I love renting movies, especially movies I've already seen. But this won't be one of them. Don't waste your time. Go see "Forever Strong" instead!
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