On Episode #70 of UTR, we play "What Love Can Do" by the talented Mindy Smith. Here's a video of another of Mindy's fabulous songs, "Highs and Lows".
Mindy Smith "Highs And Lows" from Jon Grimson on Vimeo.
One of the great joys of my job is learning about terrific Christian artists that are mostly undiscovered. One up-and- coming songwriter is Andrew Greer. I had the chance to talk with him recently, and here’s some of our conversation:
DT: When did you realize that you wanted to do music as a full-time career?
Andrew: I loved music my entire life. My mother is a music educator and has been educated in music, so she infused my brothers and I with music of all sorts from an early age. And then, into high school - actually when I began going to live concerts and I began seeing the interaction between stage artists and the crowd… that’s where I first realized I wanted to do have a platform because I wanted to interact with people through music.
DT: What led to the creation of your debut album Open Book?
Andrew: In 2006, I went out to Wyoming for about six to eight months just to have some personal time. The purpose was to learn how to be alone with myself and alone with God and to really see God. Fortunately He did show up! Honestly, at that time I was just kind of in a personal wreck where I just needed to get clear headed. I started out at this place at the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The owners of this old historic lodge, gave me access to an old upright piano from maybe the 1930's. The Shoshone mountains, and the Shoshone river, national forests, everything was just right outside the window. And that’s really where a bulk of the record was either written or inspired by that.
DT: What’s the story behind the song “Time Has No Meaning”?
Andrew: Yes, “Time Has No Meaning” is a very, very special song to me - very personal. I grew up in Texas and a good family friend of our entire family, Betty Hicks, lost her husband Gaylon a couple years ago unexpectedly. He just died from a heart attack - boom. She's close to 70 years old and they've probably been married close to 50 years. A lot of people use those kind of statistics to diminish what she was going through and the grief that she has to process through. You know, there’s no real formula for how grief hits and for how the death of a loved one will hit us and there’s no real quick remedy either. She said to me one time: "Andrew, I have all these things on my schedule book. I have lunches that I need to be at, doctors appointments, church gatherings, etc. But without Gaylon I walk around as if time has no meaning." I thought that was such a poignant way for her to explain what was happening in her life at that very time. I just wanted to coin that into the song, that time has no meaning. I think my favorite line in that song says "Lonely is the word I barely even utter. But man I feel it every time I sit down for dinner." And I just wanted to paint a picture of what this looks like and what the grief looks like.
DT: Finally, do you have any artists that have been an inspiration to you?
Andrew: Yes, this is too easy. You have obviously listened to the record. Good job Dave! There's a song on the record called "Emmylou" - Emmylou Harris is the ultimate for me. Emmylou if you're listening...(laughting) She is an under the radar artist though. There are many other influences - a lot of black gospel influences and New Orleans zydeco. But I discovered Emmylou Harris after college actually - just a few years ago. That’s where the melancholy comes from as well. She is known for her sad songs. And she knows how to carry it with her voice. I wish I had that big wallowed out vibrato.
Tune in to the current edition of “Under The Radar” (Episode #69), as Andrew Greer is our special guest all hour. Plus check our website for how you can win an autographed copy of “Open Book”!
This past Saturday, a big benefit concert took place at the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. The efforts were to raise funds for the Haiti relief efforts through Compassion International, an organization that has already been ministering in Haiti for over 4 decades.
OK… those are the facts. Now, let me kick my shoes off and tell you what it was like to experience this event first-hand. In a word… Amazing! It was one of the coolest concert experiences I’ve had in my life.
Any concert in the Ryman is special, but this was a sold-out concert featuring some of my favorite artists (many of which I regularly play on Under The Radar) including Brandon Heath, Needtobreathe, Jon Foreman, Matt Wertz, Dave Barnes, Mat Kearney – among others – and featured a rare 2010 performance from Alison Krauss & Union Station. It was first time hearing AKUS live, and they knocked my socks off – 5 songs that were virtually without a single flaw.
Compassion artist Shaun Groves organized the entire event, and did an unbelievable job. Nearly every piece of the event – from artists to production to catering – was donated, so that 100% of the net revenue from the event (and 100% of all online donations) could go directly to Compassion’s disaster relief fund for Haiti.
“The talent side has all donated their time,” said Groves in an interview I had with him backstage before the concert began. “The Ryman Auditorium is owned by Gaylord Entertainment, and they’ve been able to underwrite our show so that we don’t have the big expense of a venue. We got LiveStream and Eleven2 hosting and have donated all their services – literally a half-million dollars in services just to make the live stream happen.”
Shaun was able to announce during the concert that on top of the donating the use of the Ryman, Gaylord Entertainment contributed an additional $25,000 to Compassion’s Haiti relief efforts.
Jars of Clay had one of the more humorous moments of the night. They were having some obvious technical issues in getting their set started. Guitarist Steve Mason finally gave up on getting any audio out of his electric guitar and switched to his acoustic. He quick-wittedly grabbed the mic and said, “How appropriate at the Ryman that the electric stuff doesn’t work.” CLICK HERE to see a video of this memorable moment.
I got a chance to talk to Jars backstage, and asked them why they wanted to be a part of the concert. “We’ve been looking for something to do for Haiti,” said lead singer Dan Haseltine. The obvious response is to text to donate and things of that nature. But as a band we tried to figure out a way to leverage some of our own music and creativity to benefit the story that’s going on there and help relief efforts. This was really just a perfect fit. It was a good way to get on stage and show our support and use our voices to make a difference.”
Readers, viewers, & attendees have the chance to donate $10 onto your phone bill by texting the word “Disaster” to 90999.
“All these people stepped up together and gave,” shared event organizer Shaun Groves. “It’s just been phenomenal to see the body of Christ come together and say, “What do you need; we’re here. “We want to help you guys help Haiti.” It’s been really encouraging and really neat to see.”
Look for exclusive Help Haiti Live concert photos, videos, & interview audio coming soon to this site and to Facebook.com/radarradio.
I’ve been thinking lately about the songs that I’m drawn to, and the ones that I connect with emotionally. There was a day when I was digesting a steady diet of CCM Radio Music – which has a tendency to be overtly encouraging and happy.
But in the last year, I have fallen more in love with sad songs. The artists that inspire me tend to look through melancholy glasses. But why is this happening? Why am I growing less interested in the standard contemporary praise songs of the day, and finding solace in the arms of minor chords? I don’t feel any more sour or depressed. So why?
I’m wondering if the answer is found in the crafting of art itself. When a worship leader writes the new song “You’re an Awesome, Huge God” (make believe title, albeit believable), they are doing so with the masses in mind. They are envisioning their song being sung by thousands and on heavy rotation on K-Love. This vision isn’t far off for those who write the next “positive and encouraging” hit for believers to sing along to in their cars. It’s art for the masses. Nothing wrong with it… that’s just what it is.
Yet some artists dig into their souls and reveal the brokenness, pain, struggle, and hurt that they are working out in their everyday lives. Their faith is an important part of the journey, but it doesn’t serve as a spiritual Band-Aid on their sadness. We are let into an area of vulnerability and weakness. It’s art for one; maybe to connect with one listener, or maybe just a song to work out something in that artist’s own life. It’s small. It’s personal. It’s sad. And I find myself diving into the deep end of this kind of art.
Jon Foreman (Switchfoot lead singer/songwriter) wrote an interesting article for the Huffington Post and said:
“I don't write songs when I'm happy. When I'm content, I take my wife out to dinner, I go surfing. I hang out with my friends and play ridiculous cover tunes when I'm happy. But when I'm depressed, I turn to look for something beyond this life. When I'm lonely and nothing makes sense and the world has lost its flavor I search for notes and words that usher in a transcendence that soars high above the tragedy. I look for song to understand the present tragedy in the context of a hope for a better world. I look for words that remind me of a bigger story, for songs that acknowledge the tragedy and move beyond it.”
Well said, Jon Foreman. I don’t need hope or inspiration when I’m happy and all is right with the world. Music helps me deal with my own weaknesses and the broken world around me.
To celebrate, I have one of the most beautifully penned “sad songs” I’ve heard in some time on Episode #67 “Under The Radar”. And since I searched the Interweb and could not find these lyrics published anywhere, I transcribed the song for your reading encouragement.
___________________________________________________________________
LYRICS: "WRITE ONE" by Tommy Sims from CD Peace and Love
Let me write one today that speaks for all the losers
Let me write one today that speaks to all the confusion
And may the lyric be not clever neither smart
And should they ask where I was coming from, let it be from the heart
May the melody one day find its mark
Let me somehow say that you are not the problem
But now how to best convey, you alone could not solve them
Could be the difference ‘tween what is and is to come
And facing down these monkey demons I’ve been so long running from
Now ordinarily I would be glad to play that song
But you’d always call the one with something beautiful to say
This is not the day, I can’t go on right now in that vein, ‘cause I cannot see the light
Sitting here in the dark, trying to mend two pieces of a broken heart
So please let me off today, I just needed to write one this way
Let me write today for those of us short on the answers
If I could just play one today for all you solo dancers
And if of this step with which you’re leading, you’re not sure
Then may the tears in these proceedings bring your healing heart a cure
Maybe just until your song is played, that one from back in the day
You know the one with something wonderful to say
But this is not the day, I can’t go on right now in that vein, cause I cannot feel the sun
A little bit in the dark, trying to bridge two pieces torn all apart
I am not myself today, I just needed to write one this way
‘Cause I can’t get back the feeling I once had
And I can’t go back to living in the past
At least not today, Baby I can’t go out any more on that sage
Because I’m just not having fun
I can’t find my part, all that’s left of these pieces of bleeding heart
So darling if I may be excused from the words on this page
I am simply not myself today
I just had to write this one this way
I had the privelege of seeing my first ever Switchfoot concert this week at Chicago's House of Blues. Even on a Tuesday night, it was a sold-out crowd, and you could sense an excitement in the air. It was the first time I received a press pass specifically with UTR, so I was feeling like Daddy Warbucks!
After the so-so opening act Paper Tigers (didn't impress me all that much), Switchfoot took the stage and ripped into their opening track from Hello Hurricane, "Needle and Haystack Life."
What didn't surprise me at all was the musical excellence, the energetic stage presence of Jon Foreman, and the loyal fan participation. One thing that did surprise me was even with a backlog of incredible songs in their past, Switchfoot played the majority of songs off of Hello Hurricane, and it was fab-u-lous! Of course they did play some of their radio singles from the past like "Meant to Live," "Stars," "Gone," and they closed with their anthem "Dare You To Move".
They did not disappoint; not for a second.
Since a picture is worth a 1000 words -- and to make good use of my media credentials -- take a look at our exclusive Switchfoot Concert Photo Gallery.
Last month, I went on a mini-tour with Nashville songwriter Eric Peters in an effort to promote Under The Radar. True, this was small potatoes in the world of touring. All of our venues were either in Chicagoland or Western Michigan – which allowed me to actually sleep in my own bed most nights. But still, this was a first for me – so here’s the Top 10 things I learned from the tour.
10. Eric Peters loves his family. This was the longest Eric had been away from home in years. He checked in with his family several times per day, and missed them a ton. It was admirable.
9. Days off are a good thing. I was disappointed in myself that I couldn’t book a concert event every day (although 11 events in 12 days is not bad… especially in January). But if did more promotional tours in the future, I would intentionally insert off days. We both needed it!
8. Gino’s East is #1. You can’t spend 10 days in Chicago without PIZZA! Eric had previously experienced Giordano’s. On this trip, I introduced him to Gino’s East, Lou Malnati’s, and south-suburban thin crust specialists Beggars. In the end, Gino’s reigned supreme.
7. Love offerings are awkward. Thankfully, we only had to do one… and it was the first night of the tour.
6. We NEEDED the Saints to win. Eric is from south Louisiana, and is a long-suffering Saints fan. As the tour would have it, I got to watch both Saints playoff games prior to the Superbowl. I quickly realized that if the Saints failed during this tour, Eric would be… how do I say this nicely… um… emotionally fragile.
5. Party in the U.S.A. Eric heard the Miley Cyrus hit for the first time while on the tour! Yes, the first time! Welcome out from the rock you were living under for the last 6 months!
4. Welcome to Powell Bookstore. I am a rookie when it comes to the universe of used bookstores. Eric introduced me to what apparently is the Gino’s East of paperbacks. I actually bought 3 books.
3. Touring is not glamorous. Even though this tour had a lot less travel than most, it was still a grueling schedule – a little bit of time off in the morning, but then solid work from about 2pm-11pm. When you add in radio interviews and other duties as assigned, it’s no vacation. I have a deeper sympathy toward the traveling artist.
2. MAH’-lo-nee. No radio person likes to eat the humble pie of having mispronounced an artist’s name. It’s bad enough once, but I learned that I had misspoken for years of Bill Mallonee, former lead singer of Vigilantes of Love. I had always heard and spoke his name like “muh-LOW-nee” (think “Mahoney”). I come to find out that Eric is a friend of Bill, and his name is actually “MAH-lo-nee” (not far from “felony”). Yes, humble pie.
1. Eric Peters is worth getting to know. I first direct you to his craft. Too many are missing Eric’s excellent music and gut-wrenchingly honest songwriting. I implore you to stop reading and go buy his CD Chrome. He’s a great live performer too – good stories, skillful guitar playing, pure vocals, and a humble stage presence. So if you bought his CD like I told you to, your next mission is to see Eric live in concert, or invite him to your town/church yourself. You’ll be fully satisfied with those 2 steps, but if you have had the privilege (like me) at spending some quality time with Eric, you are blessed indeed. Eric’s friendship was and will be my favorite part of our tour.
Browse around this site for some exclusive photos and videos from the UTR/Eric Peters Tour.
Congrats to our grand prize winner: Judson Neer. You'll be receiving 2010 minutes of music (over 40 CD's)!
But that's not all. These 6 listeners will win our runner up prize, a new UTR t-shirt: Brandon Kashitani, Randy Doleman, Anjeanine Brown, Walt Coyle, Doug Kimball, and Adam Cline.
Reflecting on the year gone by, our UTR panel of critics made their recommendations for the Top Gourmet Songs of last year. As you might expect, the choices vary widely because a lot of these are based on how certain songs connected with each person. However, we're confident that you can peruse this list and find some new gems to add to your music collection.
CRITIC: Dave Trout
CRITIC: John J. Thompson
CRITIC: Russ Breimeier
CRITIC: Andrew Greer
CRITIC: Amber Bolton
CRITIC: Bob Pierce
CRITIC: Kevin Davis
CRITIC: Jeremy Gudauskas
In a small step toward global dominance, Under The Radar is getting the word out grassroots-style about the program by promoting & sponsoring a Chicago-area tour featuring Nashville indie songwriter Eric Peters. If you’re in IL or MI, we’d love to see you at any of these shows:
For details about any of these events, contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
For the first time, Under The Radar presents the Top 11 Gourmet Albums of 2009. This list is a collaboration of a panel of critics who nominated the best art made by Christians in the CCM industry and in the mainstream - based on creative songwriting, production quality, artistic presentation, and spiritual depth.
1. Fireflies & Songs - Sara Groves
Like a gourmet meal, this album is one to savor. One critic said, "With such naked songwriting & inspired delivery, Groves articulates heartache & pain as if it is her holy calling.". Another of our reviewers stated, "It’s hard to imagine, but Sara has now once again released her best album, topping all of her previous excellent work."
2. Hello Hurricane - Switchfoot
With Switchfoot's seventh studio release, we see a darker, moodier side to this award-winning band. Lyrically, this CD is more mature and hopeful than previous releases. One of our critics said this album is "accessible yet intelligent... Hello Hurricane undeniably returns them to top form."
3. The Outsiders – Needtobreathe
"It’s not just music, it’s an experience" were the words of one of our critics when describing The Outsiders. Their previous work is acclaimed, but this time around Needtobreathe infused more blues and roots into their songs. The result is a career-to-date best album.
4. Stockholm Syndrome – Derek Webb
The envelope-pushing Derek Webb's latest offering was not without controversy. His leap into the world of electronics is a step forward artistically, but it's his no-topic-is-off-limits approach to lyrics that makes this "a significant album that the Church will be chewing on for years to come."
5. Sara Watkins – Sara Watkins
The debut solo album of Nickle Creek member Sara Watkins spotlights her "immense vocal and multi-instrumental talent." This CD is brimming with authenticity and subtlety, with influences from folk to country to gospel. The real star is Sara's mesmerizing voice, and the winners are anyone who gives this a listen.
6. Fiction Family – Fiction Family
When you get the collaborative minds of Jon Foreman and Sean Watkins together, you know something good is going to come from it. The album is, in the words of one of our critic, "all around amazing acoustic-oriented pop music." Let's hope this was more than just a one-off album.
7. No Line on the Horizon – U2
Christian themes permeate throughout No Line on the Horizon and you get an album that is, in the words of one of our reviewers, "layered, thoughtful, insightful and passionate." This CD isn't full of radio singles, so it tends to grow on you with each listen.
8. Lost Animals – Josh Garrels
Blending aspects of folk, neo-soul, and electronica Josh Garrels newest release Lost Animals brings an album that is "artistically unique, musically fresh, and certified organic." This album imaginatively shares how a broken creation is yearning for redemption. Don't let this one fall through the cracks!
9. The Long Fall Back To Earth – Jars of Clay
Returning with yet another gem is Jars of Clay. One reviewer described this album as a "portrait of a band that's operating at creative full-speed." While the band steps into electronica, they still deliver some gourmet folk-rock anthems with socially-charged lyrics.
10. Heaven and Earth - Phil Wickham
In Gourmetmusicland, usually more synthesizers is not a good thing. Phil Wickham proved us wrong by creating an epic album with thematic substance. One critic said Heaven and Earth proves that "Wickham deserves to rank with A-list artists."
11. Written in Chalk – Buddy & Julie Miller
When talking about this duo’s latest release, one of our reviewers stated, "This is everything I love about music right here." Another critic said that Written in Chalk "further establishes The Millers' reign as Americana music's leading duet." Now let the conversation begin! What do you think about our list? What did we get right and what's missing? Let us know!
In addition to our Top 11 Gourmet Albums of 2009 we have a few honorable mentions.
Featured on UTR episode 42, this Louisiana native released to date his career best album in August 2009. One of our reviewers stated "His previous releases featured solid songwriting and quality musicianship, but Chrome takes both of these to another level."
Beauty Will Rise - Steven Curtis Chapman
Steven Curtis Chapman’s latest album Beauty Will Rise was described as "incredibly engaging, hopeful, and relatable" by one of our critics. The emotion contained within it is palpable as Chapman deals with the tragic loss of his daughter just 18 months before the album's release.
The Hope that Lies in You - The Glorious Unseen
Described as "evocative worship music that holds a flickering candle of hope in darkened corridors of the human heart" the Glorious Unseen takes another of our honorable mentions.
Lanae was featured on UTR episode 33, and her first full length album was one of the best pop albums of the year. The CD has "catchy melodies and a fantastic singing style" in the words of one critic. Do you think our list hit a home run? Or do you have some Gourmet Albums that we missed? Let us know!
Our Top 11 Gourmet Albums of 2009 list would not have been possible without the hard work of our panel of critics.
Andrew Greer - Artist & Freelance Reviewer - andrew-greer.com
Bob Pierce - Radio Host & Program Director - thelightradio.net
Amber Bolton - Concert Promoter & Blogger - hopecoffeemelody.blogspot.com
Dave Trout - Host of UTR - facebook.com/radarradio
John J. Thompson - Writer, Critic, & Label Director - johnjthompson.blogspot.com
Kevin Davis - Music Reviewer - newreleasetuesday.com/nrteam/kevindavis
Russ Breimeier - Writer & Music Critic - noisywhisper.com
Jeremy Gudauskas - Concert Promoter - nccunion.com
Coming mid-January, we will reveal each critic's personal top Gourmet Album and Gourmet Song list for 2009. Stay tuned!
This morning, the town where I live experienced the first snowfall of the season. I'm sure it was pretty. I'm sure God wanted to remind me of the whiteness of His forgiveness. But, I was running late on getting my kids to school, so we were rush, rush, rushing. As my car slid on the cold pavement, I was beginning to look at the snow as a serious inconvenience; heaven forbid I have to drive 5 MPH slower!
The Christmas season tends to bring out the worst of our impatience. Yes, the cards are stacked against us. On the one hand, there seems to be so much more to do this time of year - church plays, family gatherings, school performances, social parties, cooking, cleaning, shopping. Yet, as we try to fit in more this month, everything tends to take longer to accomplish - more layers to bundle up in, more time for your car to warm up, more traffic to fight, longer lines to stand in, and to cap it all off... snow! Ugh!
If I quieted my life enough, I might notice that God is speaking through the snow. He's reminding all of us that our souls are made spotless, clean, and pure through the forgiveness we have in Jesus. Instead, I get upset at the snow because it slows me down. But maybe that's exactly what I need.
Could I busy my life to the point that I miss the point - even miss the manger itself? For this reason I am so happy for the reminders in my life that will cause me to never forget my Savior's birth. I see it in the Advent wreath, that builds anticipation. I hear it in the old Christmas hymns that are played by even the most pagan radio station. I find it in the candles and lights placed in windows, proclaiming that the Light of the world has come. I see it... yes, even in the snow.
This coming weekend, we will air the first of 3 all-Christmas music episodes of "Under The Radar". We find unique and creative remakes of holiday classics alongside thoughtful Christmas originals from some under-appreciated songwriters. I invite you to listen or download, even take with you during those busy hustle-and-bustle moments, and let the music draw you to the manger.
LET EVERY HEART PREPARE HIM ROOM!
One of the roles I love as a Dad is helping my children overcome their fears. Sometimes it's in the very small things, like trying a new food. At times it's a bigger challenge, like getting on one of those rickety rides at the local carnival.
My kids are a bit introverted, so they seem to be prone to timidity. I take on the role of coach as I challenge them often to stretch beyond their comfort zone.
I've seen how fear can affect people's health, cripple a church, hurt marriages, and cause businesses to fail. I also think of the football quarterback that loses his accuracy because he's afraid of tallying up a record number of interceptions (...not mentioning any names... Jay Cutler).
One of the simple activities I do with my kids is to have them jump off the stairs into my arms. I often challenge them to go one step higher. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. You can see their desire to leap off the higher step, but they are frozen because of fear.
I will say, "Look at me. Daddy will never, never, never drop you. I'll always catch you!"
My assurance doesn't always help, but sometimes my kids trust me enough to take the plunge. They quickly realize that I was there for them, and there was really nothing to be scared of after all.
What are the areas in your life where fear has frozen you? Is God daring you to take a risk that's outside your comfort zone? What's stopping you from leaping?
One of our "Under The Radar" listeners introduce me to the music of JJ Heller earlier this year. Even after 4 albums, she's gone largely undiscovered for the last 6 years. But the world is catching on to one of her hidden gems she released in 2008 called "Your Hands." It was featured on the Fox TV show "So You Think You Can Dance," and now has a national audience taking notice of this gifted songwriter. I'll be playing this breakthrough song on the next "Under The Radar."
The lyrics remind me that God sees things from a much different perspective than I do. Because I fail to trust Him with all of my heart, I get tripped up by my own fears and insecurities. Yet, He's coaxing me on, gently reminding me, "Son, I'm here. I won't fail you. My hands will always catch you!"
May you and I both go one step higher in our faith, ready to leap into the Father's trustworthy grip, "...for God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)
Congratulations to these 3 UTR listeners who will each receive a Phil Wickham Discography. (Thanks to INO Records for their partnership!)
Christopher Gruning - Clinton, MS
Tom Martin - Coral Springs, FL
Chris Smith - Winston-Salem, NC
Stay tuned.... Later this month we'll be launching our biggest contest to date!
How thankful are you the day after Thanksgiving?
I mean, we sit at our tables, with turkey and mashed potatoes and gravy and talk about how blessed we are. We say prayers of thanks to God and we thank the people in our lives for the things they have done for us. We remember the people that have died in the past, and the troubles we had to face to get to where we are in life, love, and a million other things.
And then we put away the turkey and buy a newspaper so we can scope out the best deals. We make plans of attack, pack baggies full of food so that we can eat in line while waiting at Best Buy, Macy's and Target. We forget everything we were so grateful for not even an hour ago and make plans to buy things that are bigger, better, and much more attractive. We get angry and frustrated when we get to the store and they are SOLD OUT of the product we want. We make a fuss about the lines and the lack of parking spaces. We complain about the staff that have left their families early on this Holiday weekend and have been there for hours just to open the store at 5am. We forget everything that happened last night.
Isn't something wrong with that?
Here we were just thanking God for what we have and now we're trying to get MORE stuff. We've made a production out of Thanksgiving, but just like the theatre, once it's over it's just a memory - rarely to be thought of again.
To help along these lines, "Under The Radar" this weekend presents a Thanksgiving special where all the music focuses on the theme of gratefulness. Maybe if we remind ourselves enough, we'll remember that thankfulness is a 365-day occurrence in the year of the Christ follower.
The three following UTR listeners' names were drawn to receive an autographed copy of Randall Goodgame's CD "Bluebird":
Ben Parten - Valdosta, GA
Breann Stephens - Racine, MO
Adebiyi Adeyemi - Trieste, Italy
Be on the lookout... a new contest with INO recording artist Phil Wickham will begin in just a few days!
When I was 12 years old, I asked my Mom the deepest, most profound question of my life so far: "Will there be Nintendo in Heaven?"
Yes, it was the late 1980's, and I had fallen in love with this new machine, the Nintendo. I grew up in a video game generation, and at 12-year-old, a good percentage of my time that year was "invested" in Nintendo games.
I couldn't fathom an eternity in Heaven without Nintendo. Did I really want to go to Heaven if there were no video games there?
It was an internal struggle I can laugh about now, but at the time it was a serious dilemma. A sinless world, eternal peace, and worshipping in Jesus' presence wasn't enough for me. I needed Nintendo too.
I still enjoy an occasional video game, but I now realize Nintendo isn't necessary for happiness. Better things came along in my life -- a job, a wife, kids, a house, church ministry, etc. And (though hard to believe) I was finding an even deeper joy than what my video games had given me!
All of a sudden, Heaven didn't have to have a Nintendo.
Do you sometimes feel like Jesus couldn't satisfy you completely? Jesus is great... as long as we can have your favorite TV shows, sports teams, novels, Internet sites, or video games on the side as well. Yes, God allows us to enjoy these things, but only ONE thing is needed for fulfillment.
The one thing I ask of the LORD - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high, above my enemies who surround me. At his Tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the LORD with music. [Psalm 27:4-6]
My "Radar Rewind" song on the upcoming episode of "Under The Radar" is by David Wilcox, and also shares in the ultimate hope that Heaven gives us.
All those things I just "can't live without" -- they just don't compare to Jesus. Now I know, when I get to Heaven, I won't care about TV's, baseball, pizza, and Nintendo. All the best things of this world will quickly fade away as I see Jesus face-to-face.
And the amazing thing is that we can taste this even on this side of Heaven. As the old hymn shares, when we turn our eyes to Jesus, "the things of this world will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." May we each have more of Him this day!
Congratulations to the following 3 UTR listeners who will each be receiving Jason Gray's discography.
Steven Bill [Thunder Bay, ON]
Susan McFarland [Rochester, MN]
Josh Buschkopf [Manawa, WI]
Today, it's a break from music to talk about culture.
Should a pastor friend of mine have accepted an invitation to "Beerfest," an annual gathering of men at a neighborhood home? What would his congregation think if they found out? Well, he went... with the cost of admission in hand: a 6-pack microbrew. This resulted in getting to know several neighbors better, even having some personal & spiritual conversations that night. He gained far more that night than if he would have boycotted the event & stayed home with his arms folded in protest.
What about the annual festivity just days away, Halloween? Yes I said the "H" word. Will you boycott or will you seize the opportunity?
Let's be honest, to the majority of the nation, Halloween is nothing more than a fun day of make-believe and dress-up. Yet, the Church spends a lot of time emphasizing the pagan roots of All Hallow's Eve. Some even go as far as calling the entire holiday "evil." In a terrific 1999 article, John Fischer wrote:
"Not to diminish the reality of spiritual warfare - something to be taken seriously by all believers - but the last day of October is not a spiritual battle any more than any other day. If Satan comes out on Halloween, he doesn't go back into hiding the next morning.... If Satan wins anything on this day, he may win more through the darkened homes of Christians than anything else."
My wife & I were inspired by this article, so we started "Halloween Haven" on our block. We set up a tent outside of our garage so kids can play games and win prizes & candy. Inside the garage we serve hot dogs, hot cider, and coffee. We've been able to meet many neighbors and share openly about our faith. Regardless of your Halloween beliefs, on this day your neighbors WILL be walking your streets - knocking on your door. Will you be there to welcome them and engage in conversation?
Many Christians feel the best approach is to attend a Halloween alternative party at church. I believe this only adds to the problem. October 31 will be one of the biggest community hang-outs of the year, but where will the Christians be? Your dark house will speak volumes.
Just like a pastor carrying Jesus' light into Beerfest, my family will make sure our lights (physical and spiritual) are shining bright on my block on Halloween. Will your lights be on?
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