SPIRIT Updates

Here's What Really Happened...

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:23:00 GMT

The other night when I got home from work, my youngest son, Hayden, met me in the garage with his hands in the air. “Hey, hi Dad,” he said. “Yeah, if you’re wondering why I have band-aids on my hands, I fell playing kickball at recess today.” Then he turned and went back in the house...returning 30 seconds later with what REALLY happened.

“Okay, I didn’t fall at recess,” he said while sobbing. “I was trying to get some money out of the vacation jar in the kitchen cupboard (sniff) and accidently knocked a glass out and it broke on the counter (sniff). I cut hand picking up the pieces! I’m really sorry!”

The first thing I wanted to say was, “You did what? That’s not your money to take! What were you thinking? That’s about the dumbest...” But, as I was looking at him, I realized he didn’t need me yelling at him, he was already feeling bad. So, I took a deep breath, gave him a hug and said, “Mistakes happen, buddy. Thanks for telling me the truth. I love you.”

Proverbs 12:18 says, “Reckless words pierce like a sword. But the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Thank you, God, for helping me to be a gentler dad.

Crisis Averted

Matt Stockman - SPIRIT 105.3 Program Director — Tue, 28 May 2013 20:20:00 GMT

We’ve all had a moment like this. You hear of a tragedy and realize after that, you narrowly averted being directly involved. Thursday May 23rd, I worked in Lynden for the day and drove home that evening without giving thought of anything in particular, except that I forgot to stop in Mount Vernon to pick up a few home supplies. About the time I realized all this, my phone began to chirp with alerts about the I-5 bridge collapse over the Skagit River. Had I stopped to get the milk and toilet paper, at best I would have been stuck north of the bridge, and at worst...well, let’s not dwell on that. Thank God he was watching out for not just me, but all the travelers on the bridge that day.

While God can and often does cause us to avert danger, He doesn’t always. Right now, people all around us are in the middle of what feels like the worst crisis of their lives. That’s precisely why every song and every word on SPIRIT 105.3 is so important. For the one in the crisis (and perhaps that’s you), the hope and encouragement on SPIRIT 10.53 are a life rope to rescue them from the cold river of their present trial. If we can pray for you and your situation…great! It’s our highest privilege. Let us know how to pray for you by contacting our prayer team by clicking here.

In Him,

Matt Stockman

SPIRIT 105.3 Responds to Oklahoma Tornado Tragedy

Fri, 24 May 2013 23:30:00 GMT

With encouragement from station employees and listeners, SPIRIT 105.3/KCMS has decided to repurpose $4,805 of contest prize money to support relief efforts in the wake of the Oklahoma Tornado Tragedy.

KCMS conducts a cash contest called the “SPIRIT Secret Sound” by inviting listeners to call in and guess correctly a mystery sound played on the radio station. Each day without the correct answer, the SPIRIT Secret Sound jackpot increases by $105. With each passing day without the correct answer, the SPIRIT Secret Sound jackpot has been building up. At the start of this week, the cash prize in the jackpot was approaching $5,000. That’s when the powerful tornado hit Moore, Oklahoma.

“There's no question that the tragedy in Oklahoma has a profound effect on each of us, on our whole nation. Our hearts hurt for the moms, dads, and families who have lost loved ones and their possessions. We recognize their lives will never be the same. If the Secret Sound prize money can help bless and heal in some small way, then it is our privilege and obligation to gladly give on behalf of the whole SPIRIT listening family,” says KCMS Program Director, Matt Stockman.

The announcement was made on-air Friday afternoon during the Ana Kelly show on KCMS that the SPIRIT Secret Sound jackpot would be donated on behalf of the SPIRIT listeners. On behalf of the radio station staff at KCMS, we want to thank our listeners for their generosity in prayers and support for the victims and families in Moore, Oklahoma.

Donations to support the tornado relief efforts can be made through SPIRIT 105.3 online.

Looking for a VBS near you?

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:35:00 GMT

Looking for a VBS? We’ve got all the upcoming dates and locations for VBS’s that are sure to be a blast!

What is VBS?
In short, VBS stands for Vacation Bible School. VBS’s typically last a week long and are during work hours in the summertime. These Vacation Bible Schools include educational teaching on biblical principles, entertaining stories, creative crafts, exciting games, cool prizes, and lots of fun!

How will VBS benefit my child?
Your child will not only make friends and have a great time, but they will also be learning about God and biblical principals in a comfortable atmosphere. These teachings will be thoughtfully taught to your child with the hopes that they will be carried into maturity and adulthood. Aside from learning great values, your child will have a blast in this unique and encouraging environment.

Don’t hesitate to sign your child up today! Click here to see a list of Vacation Bible Schools that are in or around the Puget Sound area.

Does your church have a VBS you would like to add to our list? Send a note to Ashley@spirit1053.com.

How to help Oklahoma tornado victims

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:17:00 GMT

There are a number or resources you can use to give toward those who have been affected by the disaster in Oklahoma.

World Concern will be supporting World Renew in their response work for Moore and Oklahoma City. World Renew is sending Early Response Coordinators to Moore to help with Spiritual Care and Early Assessment, and to plan for clean-up and long term recovery efforts. World Renew also expect[s] to stand by disaster survivors for the long-term, repairing and rebuilding homes for the elderly, the disabled, and those who lack insurance or ability to do repairs on their own.You can make a donation to help with the Oklahoma tornado through World Concern here.

American Red Cross
The Red Cross has set up shelters in various communities. You can donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief fund here, and the organization also suggests giving blood at your local hospital or blood bank.

If you're searching for a missing relative, check Red Cross Safe & Well's site. And please register if you're within the disaster region. The site is designed to make communication easier after a tragedy like this.

If you want to send a $10 donation to the Disaster Relief fund via text message, you can do so by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999. As in the case with other donations via mobile, the donation will show up on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your balance if you have a prepaid phone. You need to be 18 or older, or have parental permission, to donate this way. (If you change your mind, text the word STOP to 90999.)

Phone: 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767); for Spanish speakers, 1-800-257-7575; for TDD, 1-800-220-4095.

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief
This organization says donations will "go straight to help those in need providing tree removal services, laundry services and meals to victims of disasters."

It is requesting monetary donations (It says clothing is NOT needed). For more information, and to donate, visit Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief's website.

You can send checks to: BGCO, Attn: Disaster Relief, 3800 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK., 73112.

Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is organizing disaster response units to serve hard-hit areas in central Oklahoma, including Moore, where it is sending mobile kitchens that can serve meals to 2,500 people a day, and to South Oklahoma City.

Supporters can donate online via the organization's website, SalvationArmyUSA.org. You can also text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation via cellphone.

If you want to send a check, the Salvation Army asks that you put the words "Oklahoma Tornado Relief" on the check, and mail it to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK., 73157.

Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).

United Way of Central Oklahoma
A disaster relief fund is being activated as of May 21 so that individuals can specifically donated to tornado relief-and-recovery efforts, the organization says on its site.

"Financial contributions are the best way to help unless otherwise requested." Donations can be made online at

United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Disaster Relief Fund is open. Donations may be made online here. Checks, with a notation of "May Tornado Relief" can also be sent to the United Way of Central Oklahoma, P.O. Box 837, Oklahoma City, OK , 73101.

Feeding America
Through its network of more than 200 food banks, Feeding America, whose mission is to "feed America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks," says it will deliver truckloads of food, water and supplies to communities in need, in Oklahoma, and will also "set up additional emergency food and supply distribution sites as they are needed." You can donate online here.

Phone: 1-800-910-5524.

Operation USA
The international relief group, based in Los Angeles, says it is "readying essential material aid — emergency, shelter and cleaning supplies" to help Oklahoma's community health organizations and schools recover.

You can donate online here. You can also give a $10 donation by texting the word AID to 50555. Checks should be sent to: Operation USA, 7421 Beverly Blvd., PH, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone: 1-800-678-7255.

Red Poppies on Memorial Day

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:07:00 GMT

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer as friends and families gather together for picnics and fun. It’s a time to shake off the blahs of cooler weather and to enjoy the warm afternoons of late May as we anticipate a joyful summer with our loved ones.

All of these are wonderful things to celebrate, but we should also take time to reflect on the real reason for Memorial Day – to remember and honor those who have sacrificially given their lives in service to our country.

I’ll admit, I get caught up in the joy of the three-day weekend, and I don’t take as much time to reflect on the true meaning of this national holiday as I should. So what can we do this year to help ourselves and others make Memorial Day more meaningful and to revive the traditional observance of it?

Perhaps you could wear a red poppy flower. Although you may not be familiar with this custom, wearing a red poppy is a long-standing Memorial Day tradition.

It all started with a woman named Moina Belle Michael, who was so inspired by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s 1915 poem “In Flanders Fields” that she wrote a poem of her own in 1918 called “We Shall Keep the Faith.” She pledged to not forget the sacrifices of those who had lost their lives in war as well as those who were surviving veterans.

She started a campaign to wear red silk poppies, the flowers from “In Flanders Fields,” which quickly spread to over 50 countries. Disabled veterans made silk poppies, and the profits went to the rehabilitation of veterans as well as to help provide for their dependents. The red poppy became a symbol of support for veterans. When she died in 1944, over two hundred million dollars had been raised for the cause to which Moina had devoted her life.

So this Memorial Day, wear a red poppy. And when someone asks you about it, you can tell them the story of Moina Belle Michael and how one woman made such a difference in so many lives. It’s a wonderful way to help remind people of the true meaning of Memorial Day.

And be sure to take a moment out of your weekend and pray for our military troops, and for the families who have lost their loved ones.

Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,
Sleep sweet - to rise anew!
We caught the torch you threw
And holding high, we keep the Faith
With All who died.

We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead
In Flanders Fields.

And now the Torch and Poppy Red
We wear in honor of our dead.
Fear not that ye have died for naught;
We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought
In Flanders Fields.

From the poem “We Shall Keep the Faith” by Moina Belle Michael.

As a way of saying thank you to military families, we invite all who are serving, or have served in the Armed Forces and their families to join CRISTA Camps and Spirit 105.3 for a free, fun day of food, games, and boating at Island Lake Camp in Poulsbo. Monday May 27 from 11am-7pm. Click here for more info.

Remembering our brave troops,

Martha

Life Long Promise

Matt Stockman - SPIRIT 105.3 Program Director — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:41:00 GMT

Have you ever had a friend promise you something that seemed too good to be true? I mean, they’ve been your friend for a long time, and they’ve always been honest with you and committed to you. But then, they promise something that seems SO huge, all the promises they’ve kept in the past can’t keep you from doubting, even for just a fleeting moment, if they’re completely serious?

Easter is the celebration of that moment in the hearts of all of the earliest followers of Jesus… when the disciples realized that the grave was empty, it meant that ALL of Jesus’ claims and promises for them were really true. This Easter, let us celebrate that every promise He makes to us in His Word is TRUE!

May the angel’s words that brought comfort and relief to those early-rising Jesus followers that special morning, give you comfort as well…

He is risen, just as he said… -Matthew 28:6

Easter Reflections

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 19:58:00 GMT

With the arrival of spring and the new life we see in nature, also comes Good Friday and Easter. It’s such an important reminder to not forget what Jesus did for us and to give thanks for the new life we have in Him.

Jesus is alive! The evidence is clearly seen by His hand of mercy and His loving care in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

During the Easter season, as we reflect on what Jesus did as he took the sin of all mankind on Himself and died on the cross, we’re humbled and awed by his unconditional love for us. We have so much to be thankful for as we think about His sacrificial death on our behalf and then His joyful resurrection. Easter is such a happy day as we celebrate our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Traditions are an important part of the Easter celebration. Whether it’s memories of when you were growing up or new ones that you’ve established in your family, it’s a good thing to carry on traditions. I’d like to share some of my treasured childhood memories with you:

As a little girl, when we woke up on Easter morning, we found an Easter basket filled with delicious candy eggs and chocolate bunnies by our bedsides. We hopped out of bed with anticipation for the day and quickly ate breakfast. Then, we put on our brand new Easter outfits.

Mother loved dressing us up, so my brothers wore suits and ties, and my sisters and I got matching hats, gloves and little purses to go with our frilly dresses. Yes, we actually wore Easter bonnets!

(Here’s an interesting fact…The custom of new clothes for Easter actually began when the early Christians were baptized the day before Easter. After they were baptized, they put on new clothes to show their new life in Christ.)

Before we could head off to church, we had our family picture taken in our new Easter clothes. Mother loved taking pictures. Now that I’m grown up, I’m glad that we have all those old pictures, but at the time, we didn’t always enjoy it. Mother was a firm believer that, for the best lighting, we had to face the bright sun. She would position us so that the sun was behind the photographer and it was shining directly in our eyes. So, a lot of our pictures show us squinting or looking down because the bright sunshine made our eyes water! (That's me in the yellow sweater!)

After church, we went to Nano and Papa’s house. They were my grandparents on my father’s side and we often went to their house after church on Sunday. Easter was especially fun because my aunts, uncles, and cousins would come over too, and we had a big Easter egg hunt after lunch.

(Another interesting fact: The tradition of colored Easter eggs started in the Christian Orthodox churches of Eastern Europe. The eggs were dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ, and the hard shell represents the stone covering His tomb. Cracking the shell open represents the celebration of His resurrection.)

My prayer is that you’ll experience the wonder of Easter with renewed hope and joy, and that if you haven’t already done so, you’ll embrace God’s forgiveness of our sins and His free gift of salvation. Remember, Christianity is not about religion. It’s about a relationship with Jesus Christ. We have been reconciled with God through Jesus’ sacrificial death for us on the cross as payment for our sins.

The awe-inspiring miracle of Easter is that Jesus died and rose again. By His sacrifice He brings hope for all people throughout eternity.

Happy Easter!

Love,

Martha

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

1 Peter 1:3-9 (NIV)

Artist Showcase: Newsboys

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 18:36:00 GMT

The band was formed in Mooloolaba, Queensland in 1985 by two young men: Peter Furler and his school mate George Perdikis. Two other teens were added soon after: Furler's best friend, John James, and bassist Sean Taylor. The band's original name was The News, but once in the U.S. they changed it to The Newsboys to avoid conflict with the U.S.-based band Huey Lewis and the News. The band came to the United States in late 1987 and released the album Read All About It in 1988 in the United States.

It wasn't until their 1992 album, Not Ashamed, that the band gained notice in the Christian music scene. Furler remained the band's primary songwriter and beginning with this album began sharing lead vocal duties with James and continued to do so until James' departure.

In 1994, amidst continued lineup changes, the band released Going Public, their fifth album and first real success. The record proved to be a watershed for the group, winning a 1995 Dove Award for "Rock Album of the Year". It also produced three No. 1 hits: "Spirit Thing", "Let It Rain", and, most notably, "Shine".

The 1996 follow-up album Take Me to Your Leader was recorded with an expanded line up with new additions Phil Joel and Jeff Frankenstein. The album produced more No. 1 hits: "God Is Not a Secret", "Reality", "Breakfast", and the title track. This album spawned the Newsboys only movie Down Under the Big Top (1996), which was based on the song "Reality".

In 2000, Newsboys released a greatest hits compilation, Shine: The Hits, After this album, the band did not release any new material until the 2002 release of Thrive. Also in 2002, The Newsboys recorded the track "In the Belly of a Whale" for the end credits of the 2002 Veggie Tales movie Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie.

The Newsboys then followed with two praise and worship albums: Adoration: The Worship Album in 2003 and Devotion in 2004. In 2005, The Newsboys co-authored a book of devotions with Jim Laffoon entitled Our Daily Blog which was published by Inspiro and released on 1 November.

More radio hits came in 2006 with a live version of "I Am Free" and "Wherever We Go". On 31 October 2006, The Newsboys released a pop/rock record entitled GO. GO featured David Eri as a co-writer and the songs "Something Beautiful" and "In Wonder" were big hits on Christian Radio. That December, Joel announced that he would leave the band to pursue his own projects and albums. On 8 May 2007 the band released GO Remixed which was made up of new versions of the songs from GO and featured remixes by Tedd T., Jeff Frankenstein, Max Hsu of Superchick and Lee Bridges.

On 20 November 2007 the Newsboys released their second greatest hits compilation, The Greatest Hits. The eighteen-song CD also features two new songs "I Fought the La..." and "Stay Strong." This album was followed by Newsboys Live: Houston We Are GO, a CD/DVD combo recording package of a show from the GO Tour, which was released on 30 September 2008. Also in 2008, the band, with Steve Taylor providing vocals, recorded the song "Yo Ho Hero" for The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie.

On 5 January 2009, Colman announced he would be leaving The Newsboys to return to his solo projects. At the same time it was announced that Davis would return to the band, after a 5 year hiatus. “I am thrilled to be returning to the band and back with my bandmates, who are some of my best friends,” says Davis, “this is a big change in my life, and I’m looking forward to the tour and new record with excitement.”

In 2009, it was announced that Furler, having toured with The Newsboys since the band's inception, had decided to step back into a support role and would continue as the band's primary songwriter and producer. Because of this, a replacement lead vocalist was required so the band could continue touring. On 9 March 2009, it was announced that Michael Tait, formerly of dc Talk, would be the new lead singer. "Michael Tait will be touring with the band as lead singer with Peter making special appearances throughout the year. Peter will continue with the band and his trademark songwriting and production will remain as he focuses his professional career toward future Newsboys recordings." On 17 March, Tait performed his first full concert as lead singer in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. During their 11 September concert in Orlando, Furler announced that this would be his final guest appearance with the band.

The Newsboys' first studio album featuring lead singer Michael Tait, Born Again, was released on 13 July 2010 and debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, their highest debut position, and sold over 45,000 copies in its first week. On 12 October 2010 they released the Christmas album, Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday featuring The Christmas Song by Tait. In 2011, the song "City to City" from GO Remixed was featured in the trailer for the Disney Pixar movie, Cars 2.

Newsboys’ most recent CD, God’s Not Dead, dropped in November 2011. This rock-driven worship album finds front man Michael Tait and his band mates who’ve played together for two decades - Jeff Frankenstein (keys), Duncan Phillips (drums), and Jody Davis (guitar) –with some of today’s most widely church-embraced modern worship anthems as well as several original and never-before-released worship songs. The title song, "God's Not Dead," topped the CHR charts for seven weeks in a row.

The Newsboys, have announced their Spring 2013 “God’s Not Dead Tour”, which includes a stop at Temple Theatre in Tacoma on Friday, March 1^st at 7 p.m. The tour also includes favorites Building 429 as well as bands All Things New and Campbell. This show will feature a more intimate venue for worship, with the full production of their normal arena setting. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

Newsboys - God's Not Dead (Official Music Video) from newsboys on GodTube.

DISCOGRAPHY

John James era

Peter Furler era

Michael Tait era

For a full breakdown of the Newsboy's journey, click here.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Dad, It's Time for Recess

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 18:27:00 GMT

Had you peeked in my living room window on that super Sunday when the “Big Game” was about to start, you would have seen me blubbering away in my recliner as the Sandy Hook Elementary Chorus sang ‘America The Beautiful’ with Jennifer Hudson. Twenty-six kids, beautifully representing their school and those we lost in that awful Newtown, CT tragedy last December.

I am hopeful that our national, state and local authorities will one day find a solution to end these kinds of senseless events.

I know that hind sight is 20/20, but I wonder if Sandy Hook Elementary had had a Watch D.O.G.S. program in place, could it have deterred that tragedy?

For those unfamiliar with the Watch D.O.G.S. program, (Dads Of Great Students) it began after the Jonesboro school shooting in 1998. The program is an initiative of the National Center for Fathering that encourages dads to be involved in their kids’ schools, providing a positive male role model for students and to enhance school safety by being an extra set of eyes and ears.

I am thankful my son’s elementary school in Mill Creek has a Watch D.O.G.S. program in place. For the past several years, I’ve joined other caring dads by volunteering at school; welcoming students, greeting parents, playing kick ball at recess and helping in their students classroom… being a dad.

Dads in the halls may not be the solution to school violence, but being there for that one child, who at that moment, needs an encouraging pat on the back, someone to practice math facts with or give a high-five to after making a good kick, may make all the difference later.

Paul Fredricks

PS: If you want know more about starting a Watch D.O.G.S. program at your child’s school, I’d love to help.