These Men and Women Deserve Our Gratitude And Our Understanding!

When a soldier comes home, he finds it hard....

...to listen to his son whine about being bored.

...to keep a straight face when people complain about potholes.

…to be tolerant of people who complain about the hassle of getting ready for work.

...to be understanding when a co-worker complains about a bad night's sleep.

...to control his panic when his wife tells him he needs to drive slower.

...to keep keep his tongue around someone who complains about hot weather.

...to control his frustration when a colleague gripes about his coffee being cold.

...to just walk away when someone says they only get two weeks of vacation a year.

Chew CAREFULLY in Nashville...

Hey gang! I don't quite know WHERE to start to share about our trip to GMA Music Week in Nashville! God REALLY blessed us in SO many ways, it's hard to decide where to begin! Suffice it to say that we were able to soak up a whole bunch of great information and ideas that will help us to serve you even better as a radio station, and more specifically as an air staff. We're very excited about the future of Spirit-FM, and of Christian Radio Broadcasting in general!

We knew that God had His hand on us right away in Nashville. We arrived Friday evening, and went to one of the downtown eateries for some dinner. Jim, Darren and I sat and talked about things that we were about to see and do. Our food arrived, and the conversation continued - until Darren took a bite of black beans, stopped chewing, and pulled a piece of PLASTIC from his mouth. Now, we're not talking about Saran Wrap here - we're talking about a corner of a PLATE. Darren was so calm, and informed the waitress that we had a small problem. The waitress FREAKED OUT, and immediately offered to clear our bill and make Darren a fresh plate of food. The manager of the restaurant followed close behind, offering her profuse apologies. We had a delicious meal as it turned out, dessert included - and God took care of the bill. We praised Him for keeping Darren safe, because that piece of plastic could have done some pretty serious damage had Darren attempted to swallow.

On Saturday, we spent the day in seminars, learning lots of great things to help us to grow as broadcasters. By days' end, we were famished, and looked forward to our annual foray to Joe's Crab Shack. The Joe's trip has become sort of a Spirit-FM tradition, and we always enjoy the meal. We had to wait for a while to get our table, but once we were seated, the waitress quickly came to take our order. We resumed conversation, recapping the days' teachings and generally laughing it up. Apparently we had been there much longer than we thought, because the manager of the restaurant appeared to tell us that our appetizers had taken WAY too long to arrive, apologized, and took them off our bill. MAN! We're BLESSED!

We related the story of the blessing to our waitress, and told her about the previous night's near miss and blessing. She was amazed at our story, and agreed that we were blessed.

Now - if this had not happened to me - I NEVER would have believe it. Nearly finished with our meal, I took a bite of a little jalapeno/crab bite, which felt like it had a little bone in it. I pulled the bone from my mouth, only to realize that it was a 3/4 inch piece of METAL. Yeah. It was IN the crab bite. At this point, I tell the fellas that I don't know what to do, because SURELY the waitress is going to think we're some kind of scam artists! But, she was very kind, and got the manager, who recognized the piece of metal as a wire from one of their fry baskets in the kitchen. (Apparently, I'm not the first to experience this.) Soooo...another night - and another free meal. Yeah - they took MY meal off the bill, too! So General Jim only had to pay for his and Darren's plates. WOW! God's so cool! He protected me, and bought supper again!

Believe it or not - we have MORE great stories to share about our Nashville trip. Stories about the artists, the broadcasters we spoke with, and the Community Praise & Worship led by Michael W. Smith - WHOA! Nothing short of AMAZING!

I'll look forward to seeing you at Crossover Christian Music Festival, and sharing more great stories! Thank you for being a part of our lives, and therefore a part of our adventures!

In Christ,

-Fredly.

Some Nuggets from Today's Afternoon Drive...

Here are a couple of tidbits from today's show - enjoy! I'm hoping to have some neat pics and stories next week when we return from GMA Radio Week in Nashville. I think I'm most excited about Sunday night worship, led my Michael W. Smith. That man is annointed by God! Every time in my life that God was calling on me, Michael W's music was there. His music and his ministry have been such a HUGE part of my life, to be able to be led in worship by him in person is going to be extraordinary! *sigh* I know - I'm rambling. Here's today's nuggets:

“Blue Roses”

by Pastor Hal Steenson

It was time for me to do my 'Dollar Store' run, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags and Clorox. So off I go. I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and headed for the checkout counter only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man that appeared to be about sixteen-years-old.

I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, 'Mommy, I'm over here.' It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged, and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, 'Hey Buddy, what's your name?'

'My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother,' he responded proudly.

'Wow,' I said, 'that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Hal. How old are you Denny?’

'How old am I now Mommy?' he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle. 'You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by.'

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement because he was the center of someone's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him. I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow and pink roses in God's garden, however, 'Blue Roses' are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a 'Blue Rose' and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, 'Who are you?'

Without thinking I said, 'Oh, I'm probably just a 'daffodil or maybe even a dandelion,' but I sure love living in God's garden.

************************************************************************************

Today’s “Ashleigh” Story…

Yesterday, my wife was buckling the kids into the car after her MOPS meeting. Julie decided to play with our four-year-old daughter, Ashleigh – and she leaned down and gave Ash a quick smooch. Julie smiled and said, “I can steal a kiss from you!” And that just set Ashleigh OFF.

Ashleigh got upset, and said, “Mommy – you’re not supposed to steal, because God doesn’t WANT you to steal!”

Julie started to try to explain that she wasn’t REALLY stealing – Ashleigh just didn’t GIVE Mommy a kiss, so Mommy TOOK one.

Next thing you know, Ash is on the verge of tears, and she manages to choke out “Yeah, but that was Daddy’s kiss, and I was going to give it to him when we got home, but now I can’t because you TOOK it!”

Julie tried to explain that Ashleigh had PLENTY of kisses to give Daddy, but Ash was convinced that she was supposed to give me THAT kiss.

So Julie resolved the matter by convincing Ashleigh that she would give the kiss BACK, and then Ash would be able to give it to Daddy.

This is so good, I couldn't WAIT to share it with you!

We are a blessed people - Americans. And we are blessed to be served by an amazing group of American men and women who don their uniform every day to protect our United States from enemies who would threaten the freedom and civil liberties that we hold dear. The American serviceman and servicewoman swear an oath to protect not only our nation, but her friends - and as so many currently serve in harm's way overseas - I believe with all my heart that we owe them a debt of gratitude.

While most of us are indeed thankful and supportive of our American servicemen and servicewomen, there are some who don't know how to show their appreciation. I received the following web link in my email this morning, which leads you to a very powerful video presentation that will show you how to say, 'Thank You.'

I pray this blesses you as much as it did me. I also pray that we ALL take it to heart, and make the effort to give and SHOW our thanks to the many men and women who serve in the finest fighting force that this world has ever seen!

I love you all!

-Fredly.

Ever wonder how to say thank you when you see a military person in uniform? See a simple way to do it from across a room or as you are passing by.


http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/fullmovie.php

I was thinking about you today...

I received this in my email this morning, and while I was thinking about you - I decided to share it. Thank you so much for being a part of my life and of the lives of my family - and thank you for allowing us to be a part of yours!

Enjoy!

-Fredly.

Faith Sees the Savior

Be strong in the Lord and His great power. Ephesians 6:10

I stand a few feet from a mirror and see the face of a man who failed… who failed his maker. Again, I promised I wouldn’t, but I did. I was quiet when I should have been bold. I took a seat when I should have taken a stand.

If this were the first time, it would be different. But it isn’t. How many times can one fall and expect to be caught?

Your eyes look in the mirror and see a sinner, a failure, a promise-breaker. But by faith you look in the mirror and see a robed prodigal bearing the ring of grace on your finger and the kiss of your Father on your face…

Your eyes see your faults, your faith sees your Savior. Your eyes see your guilt, your faith sees His blood.

Max Lucado

When God Whispers Your Name

I don't know if it's true...but it sure is FUNNY!

The Dillard's Shopping Bag

(I don’t know if it really happened, but either way it’s too funny not to share!)

Clutching their Dillard's shopping bags, Ellen and Kay woefully gazed down at a dead cat in the mall parking lot. Obviously a recent hit---no flies, no smell. What business could that poor kitty have had here?" murmured Ellen.

"Come on, Ellen, let's just go..."

But Ellen had already grabbed her shopping bag and was explaining, "I'll just put my things in your bag, and then I'll take the tissue." She dumped her purchases into Kay's bag and then used the tissue paper to cradle and lower the former feline into her own Dillard's bag and cover it.

They continued the short trek to the car in silence, stashing their goods in the trunk. But it occurred to both of them that if they left Ellen's burial bag in the trunk, warmed by the TEXAS sunshine while they ate, Kay's Lumina would soon lose that new-car smell. They decided to leave the bag on top of the trunk, and they headed over to Luby's Cafeteria. After they cleared the serving line and sat down at a window table, they had a view of Kay's Chevy with the Dillard's bag still on the trunk. BUT not for long! As they ate, they noticed a black-haired woman in a red gingham shirt stroll by their car, look quickly this way and that, and then hook the Dillard's bag without breaking stride. She quickly walked out of their line of vision. Kay and Ellen shot each other a wide-eyed look of amazement.

It all happened so fast that neither of them could think how to respond. "Can you imagine?" finally sputtered Ellen, "The nerve of that woman!" Kay sympathized with Ellen, but inwardly a laugh was building as she thought about the grand surprise awaiting the red-gingham thief. Just when she thought she'd have to giggle into her napkin, she noticed Ellen's eyes freeze in the direction of the serving line. Following her gaze, Kay recognized with a shock the black-haired woman with THE Dillard's bag, hanging from her arm, brazenly pushing her tray toward the cashier. Helplessly they watched the scene unfold: After clearing the register, the woman settled at a table across from theirs, put the bag on an empty chair and began to eat. After a few bites of baked whitefish and green beans, she casually lifted the bag into her lap to survey her treasure. Looking from side to side, but not far enough to notice her rapt audience three tables over, she pulled out the tissue paper and peered into the bag. Her eyes widened, and she began to make a sort of gasping noise. The noise grew. The bag slid from her lap as she sank to the floor, wheezing and clutching her upper chest. The beverage cart attendant quickly recognized a customer in trouble and sent the busboy to call 911, while she administered the Heimlich maneuver. A crowd quickly gathered that did not include Ellen and Kay, who remained riveted to their chairs for seven whole minutes until the ambulance arrived.

In a matter of minutes the curly-haired woman emerged from the crowd, still gasping, strapped securely on a gurney. Two well-trained EMS volunteers steered her to the waiting ambulance, while a third scooped up her belongings. The last they saw of the distressed cat-burglar, she disappeared behind the ambulance doors, the Dillard's bag perched on her stomach!!

Sometimes, God does take care of those who do bad things! (AND once in awhile, He allows us to witness it!)

Thoughts for the End of the Week...

As I prepare for this afternoon's show, I find myself thinking about things that are of major concern, as well as things that are trivial by comparison. So many prayers are needed in the Richland community. Adults and youth alike are hurting very deeply as they grieve the loss of two young women. Words can't express what the family must be feeling at this moment, and only God will be able to bring peace to them right now. Pray for that peace which surpasses all understanding, for the community, the students, friends, and family to find strength in walking this out together, and that hearts will be open to receive not only God's peace, but His love, mercy, and grace as well.

People are still cleaning up the mess left in the wake of the recent storms in communities across the state. Some have to just pick up debris in their yard - for some, the debris is all that is left. It must be such a mix of emotion right now...thankful and happy to have their lives spared, yet broken and grieved as they survey the scene of where a home once stood. More prayer is definitely needed on their behalf. I can't empathize with them, as I've never endured that kind of damage. But as the hair on the back of my neck still stands up when the sirens begin to wail and the house vibrates from the wind in a mere 'close call,' I can only image the intensity of what someone would feel after having to literally run for cover to escape the destruction of a tornado.
May the peace of God and His amazing provision cover all their needs - spiritually AND physically.

I love Fridays - for the first time in my broadcast career. Used to be Friday only meant that I had to work another weekend, but life at Spirit-FM is blessed for me. I get to spend most weekends with my family, and I love that so much. My daughter Ashleigh gets excited at bedtime every Friday night, because she has come to realize that tomorrow is Saturday, which means "Daddy gets to stay home and play!" And now that Logan is old enough that he comes running when I hit the front door after work - I really get to cherish those occasional lazy Saturday mornings where we all just loaf around for a while, playing in Mommy & Daddy's bed. We wrestle, bounce, and tickle until we're all just about ready for a nap even before we get out of bed, and that's a picture I pray that I can carry in my mind for the rest of my life.

I pray that you will be able to take or MAKE some time to make a memory this weekend. I know I'm going to do my best. Thanks for reading my ramblings. And thank you for listening to Spirit-FM. It is such an honor for ALL of us to be a part of your lives. What a treasure God has gifted us with, that we can spend some time every weekday coming into your home, or your office, your car - proclaiming God's goodness, and just trying to lift you up and make you smile as much as you do for us.

May God bless you beyond imagination!

In Christ,

-Fredly.

Today's "Logan" Story...

Our children, Ashleigh and Logan are growing so fast. Ash is four years old, and Logan is almost a year and a half old already. They’re constantly in motion. I mean they can’t seem to sit still.

When Logan was in bed late last night, he was fighting a cough, which was making it tough for him to sleep. So Julie and I put him in the bed between us, and he just snuggled in a relaxed.

It brought back this flood of memories – even though wasn’t so long ago that we cuddled him to sleep every night – it seems like it was forever ago sometimes.

So there we were – Mommy, Daddy, and their little baby boy…with his little teddy bear, his cute little snore, and his little baby morning breath.

That’s MY kind of memory!