Heart of the Artist: Chris August

Recently, I had the chance to catch up with Chris August. You may have heard his music on WIBI - "Starry Night" or the new song "7 x 70." Chris will be part of Winter Jam coming to Family Arena in St. Charles, MO on April 1st.

Hear the entire conversation with Chris August here:

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http://www.chrisaugustmusic.com/

Ticket info. for Winter Jam: http://www.wibi.org/winterjam

Even When The Clouds Roll In

I want to preface what I'm about to say by telling you that today I'm not really writing this for you. Don't get me wrong - I hope you find encouragement and hope and that it puts a smile on your face. I often write things that I feel like God has placed on my heart or taught me that He wants me to share with you; but, today - I am writing this for me - because it is something that my heart needs to hear!

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. --Psalms 46:1

Last night I felt like the clouds had moved in and were hanging out right over my head - you know the clouds I'm talking about? The clouds of discouragement and anxiety and worry. The storm had moved in and was raining right on me and I was not Singing in the Rain. I was discouraged and frustrated! I have been trying to get over a cold now for 2 weeks. I'm so ready for Winter to be OVER already. Gas prices had gone from "this is really high" to "okay, what just happened?" seemingly overnight. The world seems to be so chaotic right now. And, I was just sick and tired of it! After I was all done whining and complaining and worrying, God reminded me of what is true. Faith is not based on how I feel. Faith is not based on my circumstances. Faith is not based on me coming up with the grand plan to fix everything and make it better. Faith is about trusting my Father - that He knows what is best for me, that He is watching out for me, and that He has this all under control. Faith is about holding on to Him when I can't seem to see even a glimmer of light in the dark.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. --Hebrews 11:1

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. --James 1:2-4

Okay, I feel better and I know that even if I have to remind myself (to set my mind) on what is true and lovely and right every 5 minutes today - my faith will not be shaken - we serve a God that can be trusted! If the discouragement clouds have been hanging out over your head, I hope you are encouraged today to continue to Trust in the unchanging, all-encompassing, never-failing Love of God.

Heart of the Artist: Kutless

The Winter Jam 2011 Tour Spectacular is coming to Family Arena in St. Charles, MO on Friday, April 1^st. Kutless will be part of this incredible concert and we recently had the chance to catch up with Dave Luetkenhoelter from Kutless. You can hear our entire conversation with Dave here:

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Ticket info. for the concert can be found at www.jamtour.com

Heart of the Artist: 33 Miles

We had the chance to catch up with Jason Barton from 33 Miles to talk about what God is doing in his life, how things have changed for the band, music, ministry, and sweet tea.

You can hear the entire conversation here:

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http://33milesonline.com/

Elephants in the Rearview

I don't think that is a sight that I will ever see as I'm driving through in Illinois with WIBI blasting from the car windows; but, this morning we were reminded once again that there are people listening to the station from all over the world - even Cape Town, South Africa.

You can hear our conversation with our new friend Nicholas here:

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If you are listening online we'd love to hear from you. You can post a comment here or e-mail us at morningshow@wibi.org. And, if you have friends who don't happen to have Christian radio where they live - let them know that they can listen online just like Nicholas does at WIBI.org.

Heart of the Artist: Heather Williams

We had the privilege of catching up with Heather Williams this morning. We talked about her song "Hallelujah," Heather's incredible testimony, and what God is doing in her life and through her music. You can hear our entire conversation with Heather here...

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http://www.myspace.com/heatherwilliamsmusic

Spoiled Pets

Do you know people who treat their pets like people? This morning on the show, we heard some hilarious stories about very spoiled pets! Wardrobes for dogs, birthday cards from the family pet, doggie daycare, and even pets who insist on going to McDonalds....if you thought this was the kind of thing only found in movies, think again. You can listen to the audio HERE:

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We had an Ah Umm Game Winner this morning that was really funny. I thought you would want to hear it:

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After Ryan had won his very own WIBI Travel Mug, I started thinking about what he said. Obviously, he was teasing us when he said that he had the gifts of criticism and sarcasm; but, I have certainly met some Christians who thought those were their spiritual gifts. And, I hate to admit it; but, at times I have acted like those were my spiritual gifts. Instead of using the gift of discernment, we use the "gift" of criticism, pointing out everything that is wrong with a situation or with someone else. Instead of using the gift of encouragement or exhortation, we use the "gift" of sarcasm, even when it sometimes crosses the line. Instead of using the gift of faith, we use the "gift" of commiseration or quickly throwing cold water on someone's idea or dream. Have you ever found yourself doing this (or having someone act this way toward you) - or - am I the only one?

"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve the same Lord, and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do. The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others. Some of us can speak with wisdom, while others can speak with knowledge, but these gifts come from the same Spirit. To others the Spirit has given great faith or the power to heal the sick or the power to work mighty miracles. Some of us are prophets, and some of us recognize when God's Spirit is present. Others can speak different kinds of languages, and still others can tell what these languages mean. But it is the Spirit who does all this and decides which gifts to give to each of us." --1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Congratulations again to Ryan for being the winner of the Ah Umm Game this morning and for reminding us in a humorous way that we need to be careful about the gifts that we are using.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." --James 1:17