Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!

Jason Lovin's mother was raped at the age of fifteen and her Christian mother (Jason’s grandmother) said abortion was not an option. Since it was rape, Jason doesn’t know his father and his earliest childhood memory was his third birthday, which was also his mom’s high school graduation. Jason’s family made it very clear to him that he doesn’t have an earthly father, but he has a heavenly Father who loves him more than he'll ever know. Jason is a very successful worship artist who shares his powerful story from the stage, but has never really told his story publicly through the press. He started playing music in college and now is the head of the Jason Lovins Band that plays forty weeks out of the year and has shared the stage with such high-profile artists as Michael W. Smith, Mercy Me, Kari Jobe, and Big Daddy Weave, as well as many others.  The Jason Lovins Band based out of Ashland, KY, stems from the Appalachian Mountains and a culture traditionally dominated by country and Southern gospel music. Jason embraces this idea and incorporates it into the contemporary sound of the band, creating a unique blend of old and new. The band includes four other members: Ryan Werner, Jose Mendoza, Rodney Mora, and Jake Dorsey. All of them come from various musical backgrounds, giving rise to a diverse sound that remains unique within the industry. Jason and the band travel all year long across the country spreading their message at numerous events including state conferences, revivals, student camps, and various other venues. They continue to build a fan base that keeps people wanting more of what they offer. Their mission is simple: take the focus off self and point it to the One they sing about.

Victoria Griffith has a story to tell, one she's wanted to share since she was eight and first knew she wanted to sing. As Victoria sang in church and local talent shows, a dream developed to share her music and a message of God's blessing. While studying at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, Victoria sang with the Campus Choir and the Praise Team, and also played trumpet in the Symphonic Band. She seriously considered a career in music. But although Victoria's parents were always supportive, they were wary of a music career and cautioned her about taking that direction. They trusted her to make good decisions and wanted her to get an education first, and Victoria respected their concerns. Victoria met her manager, Jerry Clifton, a well-known businessman, music manager, and talent scout from Rainsville, Alabama, in her teens when she sang at his church. Jerry's colorful personality, formal suit, and Mickey Mouse T-shirt made an impression. She saw him from time to time at her concerts, but he never seemed to be interested in working with her. Once, when he was telling Victoria about working with a singer he thought was promising, she spoke up and asked for his help. That was all Jerry needed. He had been a fan of Victoria's music for years but thought she didn't want to pursue music as a career because of her parents' concerns. But by this time, her parents had given their full blessing to Victoria's dream of singing. Today, Victoria has her first CD, Wellspring in the Wilderness and a powerful testimony to share about this adventure. Don’t miss this inspiring episode and be sure to check out Victoria at http://www.victoriagriffithmusic.com. 

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey interviews speaker and author RaShad Bristo. RaShad's childhood dream was to become a police officer. He decided to pursue that dream after graduating from Grambling State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Hired and deputized by DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office, RaShad was sent to the police academy.  Opposition and discrimination met RaShad head-on as having one arm seemed to become a crime in itself. After going through weeks of vigorous training, he was denied certification to become an officer. Emotionally wounded and with a dream almost shattered, he recalled the words his grandfather told him as a boy: "Son, your disability does not define you, your determination does."  After several years, RaShad became the only person in the State of Louisiana and the first person in the country with one arm to successfully graduate from a police academy and work in law enforcement as a deputy sheriff, D.A.R.E. officer, juvenile probation officer, and correctional officer. You will be encouraged as RaShad Bristo recounts his story and tells us we all have choices to be bitter or better. Discover more about him at his web site: http://www.rashadbristo.net/. If you know someone who would be a great guest on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! contact Scott@christiandevotions.us. 

Adriana Vermillion is a POTTY Trainer—Passionate Optimal Thinker Training the "Y" ("why me") Generation. She is a graduate of the International Baccalaureate Program of Mehadia, Romania with a degree in math and science and a minor in business management. As a student, Adriana had a passion for writing. She wrote her first manuscript at the age of twelve and started writing articles while working as the main editor for the literary journal in high school and college. Working as an editor, she had the opportunity to tutor students in both writing and editing. Moving to America in the nineties, along with learning a new language and culture while starting a family, took away the dream of publishing her writings. As her speaking career expanded, she began to think more and more about writing. Adriana finally became published and is now the author of over 100 articles, as well as ten blogs on various subjects. She is working on a few children's books while finishing a memoir, the novel she wrote in high school, some parenting books, and also small children's books along with her son, Nate Vermillion. Adriana is pursuing her PhD in psychology, heading more and more in the direction of working with children, parents, and teaching the "Y" Generation. She is an avid traveler, parenting teacher, life coach, and gourmet food aficionado who loves writing restaurant reviews, cutting-edge articles about culinary culture, parenting, self-healing, and self-help. If you find her at a coffee shop, she may very well be telling you why she likes her coffee black, or may entertain you with a tale about her family. In so many words, Adriana is a motivational speaker and she speaks to crowds of two or 2000.

In a career that spans thirty years, Michael Card has recorded over thirty-one albums, authored or co-authored over twenty-four books, hosted a radio program, and written for a wide range of magazines. While he has penned such favorites as “El Shaddai,” “Love Crucified Arose,” and “Emmanuel,” He never imagined selling more than four million albums or writing over nineteen #1 hits. The popularity of his work seemed a stark contrast to his goal in life, to simply and quietly teach the Bible. Although music provided him the opportunity to share insight gained through extensive research, writing songs alone limited what he felt called to share. Card would frequently agonize over having to condense the vast depth and richness of scripture into a three-minute song. And so he fell, quite naturally, into the field of book writing where he has garnered numerous awards. Never one to compartmentalize his spiritual life, Card’s quest for community slowly seeped into his professional life as he began to write articles and books on topics that captured his imagination through conversations with Bible teachers, friends, and contemporaries in both Christian music and the academic community. Michael is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, where he earned his bachelors and master degrees in biblical studies. Michael has also received honorary PhDs in music and Christian education from Whitfield Seminary and Philadelphia Biblical University. Michael lives in Franklin, Tennessee where, with a group of close friends, he pursues racial reconciliation and neighborhood renewal. He and his wife, Susan, have four children.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey chats with Jenny Cote. Award-winning author Jenny L. Cote developed an early passion for God, history, and young people, and beautifully blends these passions together in her two fantasy fiction series, The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz and Epic Order of the Seven. Likened to C.S. Lewis by book reviewers and bloggers, Jenny provides creative writing workshops at schools and universities around the country and abroad. A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Jenny holds two marketing degrees from the University of Georgia and Georgia State University. Prior to writing, her career focused on strategic planning and marketing, specifically in healthcare at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She now writes and speaks full time and lives in Roswell, Georgia, with her husband Casey and son Alex. Jenny is active in the student ministry at Dunwoody Baptist Church, and enjoys reading, research, museums, music, travel, meeting people, fitness, and finding any excuse she can to get to the beach.

  Kevin Sorbo has enjoyed success on television for over twenty consecutive years, a feat rarely accomplished by an actor. Sorbo quickly rose to stardom in the title role of the hit series, Hercules, the Legendary Journeys. The immense popularity of the five initial 2-hour telefilms in 1993 resulted in the launch of a weekly series by 1994. The series not only became a breakout hit by becoming the number one first-run program in syndication, it also passed Baywatch as the most watched TV show in the world. Following the success of Hercules, Sorbo went on to star in the lead role of Captain Dylan Hunt in Gene Roddenberry’s, Andromeda. The series, based upon writings from the late Star Trek creator’s archives, debuted as the number one show in first run syndication and held that spot throughout it’s five year run from 2000-2005. In 1997, Sorbo made his feature film debut in Universal Studio's Kull, the Conqueror, a prequel to Conan, the Barbarian. Other films include, Walking Tall, The Payback, Lone Justice, Last Chance Café, Something Beneath, Clipping Adam, Never Cry Werewolf, An American Carol with David Zucker, Meet the Spartans, Lightning Strikes, Tommy and the Cool Mule, Prairie Fever, and Avenging Angel, which aired the summer of 2007 and was the third highest rated movie in the history of the Hallmark Channel. Sorbo also starred in the movie being highlighting during the program Abel's Field, which releases to DVD the day of this interview.  

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey talks art with Matt Tommey. Matt has been engaged in creative ministry for over twenty years in both the US and internationally as a worship leader, songwriter, and visual artisan. He is the author of Unlocking the Heart of the Artist, Worship Arts Leader at King of Glory Church in Asheville, NC, and founder of The Worship Studio. From his own journey of brokenness, Matt has a deep passion to see artists and creative people walk in wholeness and reveal the glory of God through their creative expression in ways that facilitate cultural transformation and revival. Through mentoring, teaching, and his own creative expression, Matt pursues a life that reflects the glory of God. Matt is also a graphic artist and Appalachian basket maker. As a professional contemporary basket artist, Matt is a leader in the basketry movement, serving on the board of directors of the National Basketry Organization and as an instructor at schools, guilds, and conventions around the country, including Arrowmont, the John C. Campbell Folk School, and the North Carolina Basketmakers Association Convention. Married to Tanya, his family lives in Asheville, North Carolina. They have one son, Cameron. Matt regularly blogs on all things creative at: http://unlockingtheheart.wordpress.com/.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey uncovers medical tips from Dr. Rita Hancock about stress management using a biblical approach. As a board-certified physician in both Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Management, Dr. Rita Hancock specializes in helping her patients achieve optimal function in spite of their arthritic, painful joints. One way she does this is by helping them lose weight. Dr. Rita has not only Ivy League training in nutrition and the psychology of obesity, she also speaks from personal experience. She personally overcame a compulsive eating disorder, lost seventy-five pounds, and has kept it off for over twenty-seven years. Dr. Rita's books include The Eden Diet (Zondervan 2008) and The Eden Diet Workbook, which are about learning to eat in response to physical rather than emotional hunger. Her latest book is called Radical Well-being: A Biblical Guide to Overcoming Pain, Illness, and Addictions (Siloam, January 8, 2013). Radical Well-being offers a road map for finding relief if you suffer with conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, neck or back pain, irritable bowels, depression, anxiety, or compulsive behaviors like overeating, consuming drugs or alcohol, over-spending, etc.—especially if you desire a biblical approach to the management of those conditions. Dr. Rita writes from the Christian perspective and lives in Oklahoma City with her husband and children.

Kim Anthony has been active in Christian ministry for over twenty years and is currently on staff with Athletes in Action. She served as Chaplain for the Miami Dolphins Wives for ten years and continues to coach and disciple the wives of NFL players, head coaches, and executives around the League. In addition, her ministry includes aiding women from all backgrounds in overcoming past pain, working through self-esteem issues, and discovering and walking in their purpose. Today, Kim Anthony travels the country using her gift of communication to speak to audiences ranging from inner-city youth and the incarcerated to corporate executives. She has also spoken at top universities such as UCLA and the University of Miami, and in churches including Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. Her message is one of hope, forgiveness, and purpose, along with practical ways of applying God’s Word to our everyday lives. Kim has been featured on several national radio and television programs. Her debut on Focus on the Family received such a positive response from listeners, that they re-aired the broadcast featuring her on December 5th as a part of their "Best of the Best" series of 2012. One way Kim is having a notable influence on others is through her book, Unfavorable Odds. In this memoir, she shares her story of not only overcoming the unfavorable odds of being a 5’7” African-American gymnast from a low-income, urban community, but also the challenges she faced being surrounded by drugs and violence. The story is eye opening, in that it candidly describes the adverse circumstances in which many urban youth find themselves. Yet it is equally uplifting, as it chronicles Kim’s journey to escape the cycle of hopelessness that pervaded her everyday life.

Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! December 26 – Best of 2012 6:00 p.m. EST Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey shares the best and most hilarious clips of 2012. You won’t want to miss the Best of 2012, as we highlight clips from world class guests that graced our air waves. You will hear folks like Aaron Shust, Jim and Jill Kelly, BeBe Winans, Twila Paris, Ray Comfort, Jimmy Needham, Ken Ham, Britt Beemer, Trot & Kathryn Nixon, Jenn Gotzon, Rich Christiano, the Taylor’s of Blimey Cow and many more. You’ll also be treated to the funniest moments of bantering between all the hosts. And, as usually is the case, much of the focus will be on family and the testimonies we’ve shared throughout the year.  Join Scott, Eddie Jones, and Cindy Sproles as they discuss the highs and lows of 2012 and what is in store for an exciting 2013. All the folks at Christian Devotions Ministries wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!     

Elias' career spanned various facets of the arts, from leading worship to musical theater, to fully embracing her call to become a recording artist. Though she's wholeheartedly committed to help listeners tap into their God-ordained purpose, she didn't arrive at her current calling overnight. In fact, her performance path looked completely different just two years ago when the Nevada native found herself in Hollywood pursuing work in film and television. "I studied musical theater in college and there's something fascinating, and downright fun about immersing yourself in a character. To participate in the preparation and rehearsal that goes into a performance is hugely enjoyable and gratifying. Making the move to Hollywood to pursue work in film and television seemed like a great way to make something I was passionate about into a career," says Elias. After making the networking rounds in Hollywood, Elias was well on her way to becoming an up-and-coming actress thanks to various extra roles on Grey's Anatomy (where she was a regular for two seasons), CSI: New York, Bones, Flash Forward, Community, Parks and Recreation, Weeds and Dexter.  A Christmas trip to her hometown in 2010 caused Elias to reexamine her career options. "It took a seemingly routine Christmas concert that year for me to realize what I've been called to do. In fact, Christmas of that year was the most clear-cut, obvious message I've ever received from God, period! It was as if He said, 'I am spelling it out for you, in bold caps: PAY ATTENTION,'" Elias says. As Elias gears up to make her mark on the modern day music scene with her engaging songwriting style and fresh pop/rock sound—influenced by Amy Grant, Natalie Merchant, Carrie Underwood, and Sheryl Crow, she's committed to spreading faith-affirming messages that are just as uplifting to believers as they are inspiring to seekers.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott chats with blogger/artist Danielle Street. As a certified teacher, freelance artist, and writer, Danielle Street has a passion for encouraging people to grow both emotionally and spiritually. She currently enjoys working for Cameron Press where she assists Fellowship Alliance Chapel writing articles and taking photographs for Connection magazine. In addition, Danielle provides art programs that highly motivate, actively engage, and positively encourage students to recognize their full creative talents.  When her two children are at school, you will find Danielle maintaining her blog, preparing lessons for the small group she leads with her husband, and building relationships with the women who participate in their adult classes. She’s excited to instruct a new course this spring that she’s written called “Mighty Women.”  Each class will include exploring the creativity of God and discovering how to allow Him to transform us into strong individuals for His kingdom.  Presently, she’s exploring her publishing options for her various non-fiction books. God Never Changes, But We Do is a devotional book which includes each of her blog posts, and Maturity: Rediscovering its Meaning is where readers can gain insight as to what it means to embark on the continuous journey towards emotional and spiritual maturity. In addition, she’s planning a family devotional book with her mother, Dr. Krilov, called Engaging the Heart, Mind, and Hands.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott interviews author Alice Wisler. Alice Wisler was born in Osaka, Japan in the sixties. Her parents were Presbyterian career missionaries. As a young child, Alice loved to walk down to the local stationer's store to buy notebooks, pencils, and scented erasers. In her room, she created stories. The desire to be a famous published author has never left her. Well, two out of three isn't bad. She's the author of Rain Song, How Sweet It Is, Hatteras Girl, and A Wedding Invitation (all published by Bethany House) and Still Life in Shadows (River North/Moody). Her new devotional is Getting Out of Bed in the Morning: Reflections of Comfort in Heartache (Leafwood Publishers). Alice went to Eastern Mennonite University after graduating from Canadian Academy, an international high school in Kobe, Japan. She majored in social work and has worked across the U.S. in that field. She taught ESL (English as a Second Language) in Japan and at a refugee camp in the Philippines. She also studied Spanish at a language institute in San Jose, Costa Rica. She has four children—Rachel, Daniel, Benjamin, and Elizabeth. Daniel died on 2/2/97 from cancer treatments at the age of four. Since then, Alice founded Daniel's House Publications in her son's memory. This organization reaches out to others who have also lost a child to death. In 2000 and 2003, Alice compiled recipes and memories of children across the world to publish two memorial cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. 

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott interviews Amazon Best Selling Author, Kimberly Rae. Kimberly Rae has been published over 200 times and in six languages. She has lived in Bangladesh, Uganda, Kosovo, and Indonesia, and now resides in North Carolina at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband and two young children. Rae's three books in her STOLEN SERIES on human trafficking all made the Amazon Bestseller list in the Kindle edition. She is currently working on a teen series, which is being considered by several major publishers, to present trafficking to young girls in an age-appropriate way. Adult readers are also excited about the series, as it takes up where the STOLEN SERIES left off! Also keep a look out in 2013 for Kimberly's new series on chronic health problems. Rae has Addison's disease, hypoglycemia, asthma, scoliosis, and a cyst on her brain. Though Rae could find deep books on chronic illness, she wanted a book that was funny and encouraging. "I want my Sick & Tired series to give empathy, encouragement, and a little practical help," says Rae. "When you've had health problems for years and years, you just want somebody to say, 'It stinks, you're not alone, and here's a funny story to help you get through your day!'"